Southern District of Florida

Two individuals, including a former employee of the U.S. Postal Service, have been sentenced for their participation in an identity theft tax refund fraud scheme. Shawn Hawes, 34, of Miami, was sentenced yesterday to 62 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  Kelly Urseles Roberts, 39, of Miami, was sentenced on May 19, 2015 to 28 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Ronald J. Verrochio, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division,  made the announcement.

Both defendants previously pled guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft.  In addition, Hawes pled guilty to one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and Roberts pled guilty to one count of theft of government property.

According to court documents, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a storage unit used by Hawes. During a search of the unit, law enforcement found, among other things, notebooks containing handwritten personal identifying information, including the social security numbers of approximately 600 individuals. In addition, law enforcement found equipment capable of creating false identification documents and credit/debit cards, and actual false identification documents and credit/debit cards.  Inside one of the notebooks was the social security number of an individual who had a tax return fraudulently filed on his behalf in 2014.  The refund associated with this return had been direct deposited into Hawes’s bank account. This individual did not authorize Hawes to possess or use his personally identifiable information.

Defendant Hawes was arrested for, among other things, possession of stolen tax refund checks issued by the United States Treasury Department.  Following Hawes’s arrest, law enforcement began focusing on who provided the treasury checks to Hawes.  Law enforcement suspected that this source was a mail carrier because Hawes had referred to the source as the “postman.”  Ultimately, Roberts, who at that time was an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, met with a source on three separate occasions and sold him a total of nine treasury checks.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of FBI, IRS-CI, USPIS, and United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John R. Byrne.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

A Guyanese national was indicted on charges stemming from his leadership and participation in an extensive mortgage fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Ravindranauth “Ravi” Roopnarine, 55, of Guyana, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341; wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h); and money  laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1956(a)(1).  This morning, Roopnarine was arraigned on the indictment before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank J. Lynch, Jr.

According to publicly filed documents and statements made in court, on December 9, 2010, a Fort Pierce federal grand jury indicted Roopnarine, Gergawattie “Kamla” Seecharan, Bhaardwaj “Deo” Seecharan and Linda Rovetto for their participation in a mortgage fraud scheme.  Kamla Seecharan, Deo Seecharan and Rovetto previously pled guilty and were sentenced.  Roopnarine recently waived extradition and returned from Trindiad and Tobago to the Southern District of Florida.

According to the court documents, Roopnarine recruited and led his co-conspirators in a widespread mortgage fraud scheme involving more than 150 residential real estate properties in Indian River, Miami-Dade, and Orlando-Orange Counties.  Roopnarine, along with Kamla Seecharan and her husband Deo Seecharan, conspired to solicit mainly Guyanese residents of Florida and other States to act as straw buyers on fraudulent mortgage loan applications.  Approximately 80 individuals served as straw buyers of properties in Vero Lake Estates (VLE), in Indian River County, and other developments.  This scheme resulted in the issuance of more than $50 million in fraudulent mortgage loans.  The co-conspirators then used the proceeds to purchase additional properties, fund pre-existing fraudulent mortgage loans, and pay kickbacks to the straw buyers.  In addition, Kamla Seecharan and Rovetto unlawfully diverted more than $3.5 million in mortgage loans from real estate closing escrow accounts to Raviworld New Homes, Inc., a company managed by Roopnarine and Deo Seecharan.

Kamla Seecharan pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy involving more than $50 million dollars in fraudulent mortgage loan funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343 and 1349.  Deo Seecharan and Rovetto each pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud involving $3.5 million dollars in diverted real estate escrow funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349 and 1344.

 U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez sentenced Kamla Seecharan and Deo Seecharan, to 121 months and 60 months, respectively, in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.  In addition, Kamla Seecharan and Deo Seecharan were ordered to pay restitution, in the amount of $2,040,343.14 and $9,041,133.46, respectively.  U.S. District Judge Martinez sentenced Rovetto to 42 months in prison.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI.  Mr. Ferrer also thanked the State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation, Bureau of Finance, West Palm Beach Regional Office for their work on this investigation, and the United States Marshals Service for their assistance with the extradition and return of Roopnarine to Florida from Trinidad & Tobago.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Cooperstein. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Four Tampa residents have been charged by indictment with conspiracy to import a synthetic cannabinoid, a/k/a “Spice,” to the United States from China.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), A.D. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Ronald J. Verrochio, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, made the announcement.

Saiful Hossain, 27, Ahmed Yehia Khalifa, 28, Ahmed Maher Elhelw, 25, and Tanjina Islam Piya, 24, all from Tampa, were charged with conspiracy to import a Schedule 1 controlled substance (XLR-11) and conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to manufacture and distribute a Schedule 1 controlled substance (XLR-11).  If convicted, each offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  The indictment also seeks forfeiture of items including, bank account funds and real property.

Following today’s detention hearing before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank J. Lynch, Jr., Hossain, Khalifa and Elhelw were detained without bond pending trial.

According to allegations contained in court records, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers in New York identified, searched and detained twelve United States Postal Service (USPS) parcels, destined for Indian River and Palm Beach Counties, in the Southern District of Florida.  Each of the parcels was shipped from China and allegedly contained three kilogram packages of a controlled substance, XLR-11 a chemical used in the manufacture of smokable synthetic cannabinoids (SSC).  The parcels were mailed to separate private mailboxes, with defined street addresses, located at mailbox service centers in Indian River and Palm Beach Counties.

The court records further allege that SSC products, commonly known as “Spice,” are a mixture of an organic “carrier” medium, such as the herb-like substance damiana leaf and/or marshmallow leaf, which is then typically sprayed or mixed with a synthetic cannabinoid chemical compound which mimics the pharmacological effect of a Schedule I or II controlled substance.  This organic “carrier” is then commonly sprayed with a tobacco flavoring such as strawberry, blueberry, or pineapple, in order to mask the harsh chemical taste upon ingestion.  Currently, there are hundreds of synthetic cannabinoid compounds.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of HSI, DEA, USPIS, CBP, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen Lineberger and Antonia Barnes.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Mohamed Hussein Said, 27, of Nairobi, Kenya, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to three designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations al-Qa’ida, al-Qa’ida in Iraq/al-Nusrah Front (“AQI/al-Nusrah Front”), and al-Shabaab, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B.  Said faces a maximum statutory sentence of fifteen years in prison.

Sentencing for Said is scheduled for August 14, 2015, before U.S. District Court Judge Ursula Ungaro.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, George Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and the members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), made the announcement.

Said was charged along with Gufran Ahmed Mohammed in a fifteen-count indictment with conspiring to provide, and attempting to provide, material support to the Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

Said pled guilty to count 1 of the indictment, filed in Case No. 20364-CR-Ungaro, charging that Said conspired with Mohammed and other individuals to provide money and recruits to al-Qa’ida, AQI/al-Nusrah Front in Syria, and al-Shabaab in Somalia.  Mohammed sent a series of wire transfers to Said for the purpose of supporting al-Shabaab, and to an individual whom they believed was a fundraiser, recruiter, and supplier for al-Qa’ida and AQI/al-Nusrah Front for the purpose of supporting al-Qa’ida and AQI/al-Nusrah Front.  Said also served as a contact and recruiter of foreign fighters from the United Kingdom and elsewhere traveling to Somalia to join al-Shabaab.  In addition, Said and Mohammed agreed to support al-Qa’ida and AQI/al-Nusrah Front by recruiting and moving experienced al-Qa’ida and al-Shabaab fighters to the conflict in Syria.  

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Frazier and Ricardo Del Toro and Trial Attorney Jolie Zimmerman from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Two individuals were charged for endorsing and cashing stolen and fraudulently obtained United States Treasury checks.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

Pete Hoggins, 32, and Hani Sobhi Alshaikh, a/k/a “Danny,” 35, of the Southern District of Florida, were each charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit forgery and theft of public money, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and theft of public money, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  Hoggins was also charged with aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A(a)(1) and 2.  The defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, and ten years in prison for each of the theft of public money charges.  Hoggins also faces a mandatory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, for the aggravated identity theft charges.

According to the indictment, Alshaikh worked at a gas station in Pompano Beach, Florida.  On multiple occasions from December 2011 to January 2014, Hoggins brought Alshaikh stolen and fraudulently obtained Treasury checks to cash at this gas station.  Hoggins and Alshaikh forged the payee’s endorsement on the Treasury checks.  Alshaikh then deposited those checks into several different business checking accounts that he opened at various banks in the name of his company, HSA Investment Group.

Hoggins is scheduled to be arraigned on May 29, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle.  Alshaikh is scheduled to be arraigned on June 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia O. Valle.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia E. Shick.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

Miami Springs Police Department (MSPD) Sergeant Andres Quintanilla arrested today on a corruption charge.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Andres Quintanilla, 33, of Miami Springs Police Department, was charged by complaint with attempting to affect commerce by extortion under color of official right, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a), punishable by up to twenty years in prison.

According to the allegations contained in the complaint, in September 2014, an FBI confidential source (CS) informed Quintanilla that he (the CS) was a drug trafficker.  Rather than arrest the CS, or open an investigation, Quintanilla offered to help the CS’s drug trafficking business.  During a series of recorded meetings, Quintanilla allegedly offered advice on how the CS should run his drug trafficking business, provided the location of an unmarked Miami Dade Police Department narcotics office, provided the names of three Miami Dade Police Department officers, and promised to provide photographs of officers in the future. In addition, Quintanilla ran the name of a purported drug dealer in a law enforcement database when asked to do so by CS.

By December 2014, Quintanilla had agreed to act as an escort during a purported 10 kilogram cocaine deal.  Under FBI direction, the CS told Quintanilla that the CS needed a safe location in Miami Springs where the CS could exchange 10 kilograms of cocaine for $250,000.  Quintanilla chose a location for the transaction to take place and, on the date of the transaction, the FBI filmed and recorded Quintanilla meeting with the CS and viewing the cocaine.   After the purported deal took place with a second undercover CS acting as a drug dealer, Quintanilla then followed the CS’s vehicle to an express package service center, where Quintanilla believed that the CS would ship the $250,000 of drug proceeds to New York.  Quintanilla participated in the transaction in uniform, while driving his MSPD marked vehicle.  In exchange for his assistance, Quintanilla accepted $3,500 in bribe payments.

The complaint further alleges that in April 2015, FBI agents approached Quintanilla at his residence to discuss his involvement in the trafficking of narcotics.  During the interview, Quintanilla admitted receiving bribes in return for assisting the CHS’s drug trafficking business.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force and the Miami Springs Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Lacosta.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Julian Martin Gaspar Vazquez (Gaspar), 52, of Mexico was sentenced on May 22, 2015, by United States District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas, to forty-one months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release for executing a $4 million dollar bank fraud scheme.  Gaspar was also ordered to pay $4,488,000 in restitution.  In addition, the Court imposed a $4 million forfeiture money judgment against Gaspar. 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael McCarthy, Deputy Inspector General, Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), and Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Washington Field Office, made the announcement.

On February 12, 2015, Gaspar pled guilty to one count of bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344.

According to court documents Gaspar was the owner of “Ecologia en Tratamientos de Agua, S.A. de C.V.” (“ETA”).  ETA was a Mexican company in the business of water treatment.  In or around March of 2006, Gaspar sought an Ex-Im Bank insured credit line from Espirito Santo Bank, a United States bank located in Miami, Florida.  Ex-Im Bank is a United States agency that issues insurance to United States lending banks for loans made to foreign buyers of United States goods.  The stated purpose for the credit line was to enable ETA to import United States goods into Mexico.

From September 2009 through February 2010, Gaspar caused Espirito Santo Bank to make four reimbursement disbursements of $1 million each to ETA.  The supporting documents included false bank records purporting to show payments by ETA to a United States company and false Mexican customs documents purporting to show that United States goods had been exported to Mexico.  From in or around March 2010, through in or around August 2010, ETA and Gaspar failed to repay the disbursements when due, and defaulted on the Ex-Im Bank insured loan. As a result, Gaspar caused $4,488,000 in losses to Ex-Im Bank which had insured the loan that Gaspar fraudulently obtained from Espirito Santo Bank.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the Ex-Im Bank OIG and the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana Maria Martinez.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Haitian man pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank J. Lynch, Jr. to alien smuggling.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), made the announcement. 

Veronel Charles, 37, of Haiti, pled guilty to two counts of transporting aliens into the United States, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a).  Sentencing is scheduled for August 28, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg in Ft. Pierce.  At sentencing, Charles faces for each of the two counts a mandatory minimum of three years, up to a maximum of ten years, in prison.

According to court documents, Charles piloted a boat from the Bahamas during the night of March 15-16, 2015, to land on the Florida coast in the early morning hours in St. Lucie County.  With Charles in the boat were 19 other passengers, all unauthorized aliens from Haiti and the Dominican Republic.  Five of the aliens aboard were aliens previously deported from the United States after criminal convictions for aggravated felonies.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of HSI, and the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore M. Cooperstein.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

Four Florida residents were charged, by indictment in the Southern District of Florida, for participating in a sweepstakes fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Ronald J. Verrochio, Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement.

Matthew Pisoni, 42, of Fort Lauderdale, Marcus Pradel, 39, of Boca Raton, John Leon, 47, of Wilton Manors, and Victor Ramirez, 35, of Aventura, were indicted for their participation in a sweepstakes fraud scheme.  The defendants are charged with conspiring to commit mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341; conspiring to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h); and money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(a)(1)(B)(i).   The maximum statutory penalty for each count in the indictment is twenty years in prison.  Ramirez is also charged with conspiring to structure deposits, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, an offense punishable by up to five years in prison.

According to the indictment, unsealed today before the United States District Court in the Southern District of Florida, the four defendants falsely notified individuals by mail that they had won a substantial prize.  The letters sent by the defendants fraudulently represented that the recipients needed to pay the defendants a fee ranging from $20 to $50 to redeem their purported winnings.  During the course of the mail fraud conspiracy, more than a hundred thousand victims in the United States and abroad were fraudulently induced to pay the fees by the defendants’ misleading claims that they had won a prize.   The fraudulent letters directed victims to pay the fees in cash, or by check or money orders made payable to fictitious companies controlled directly and indirectly by the defendants and their co-conspirators. In some instances, the defendants directed co-conspirators and associates to deposit victim checks into shell companies and laundered that money, and in other instances, the criminal proceeds were laundered through international bank accounts controlled directly and indirectly by the defendants and their co-conspirators.

According to a complaint filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in a companion case, since at least 2010, the defendants collected over $25 million from consumers through this fraudulent sweepstakes operation.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI, USPIS, FTC, the Aventura Police Department and local and international law enforcement agencies.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandro Soto, Elijah Levitt, and H. Ron Davidson.

An indictment contains mere allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Christopher Hayes, the President and owner of a Florida auction house was sentenced today in federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida, to 36 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for his role in the illegal wildlife smuggling conspiracy in which he bought, sold and smuggled rhinoceros horns and objects made from rhino horn, elephant ivory and coral that were smuggled from the United States to China.  Hayes’ corporation, Elite Estate Buyers Inc., located in Boynton Beach, Florida, was ordered to pay a $1.5 million criminal fine to the Lacey Act reward fund.  The court also banned the corporation from trading wildlife during a five year term of probation.

The sentences were announced today by U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and Director Dan Ashe for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

“Illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of many endangered species,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer.  “The Department of Justice has made it a priority to protect our natural resources.  Our enforcement efforts are in place to stop illegal trade practices that endanger the conservation of nature.”

 “Those involved in the auction business have a special responsibility to make sure that their business does not further the illegal trade in wildlife,” said Assistant Attorney General Cruden.  “Each illegally-traded horn or tusk represents not an antique object but a dead animal.  Wildlife trafficking entails poaching, bribery, smuggling and organized crime.”

 “This case highlights the part seemingly legitimate auction houses and other businesses can play in the illegal trafficking of wildlife and wildlife products – as well as the direct connection U.S. businesses and citizens have to this international crisis,” said Director Ashe.  “This conviction of Elite Estate Buyers – the first of such a company and its president – demonstrates our resolve in going after all those involved in the illegal wildlife trade and should serve as a warning to similar operations, both here in the United States and abroad, that they are on our radar screen and will be brought to justice for their role in the destruction of these animals.”

According to a factual statement filed in court at the time of their guilty plea, Hayes and Elite admitted to being part of a felony conspiracy in which the company helped smugglers traffic in endangered and protected species in interstate and foreign commerce and falsified records and shipping documents related to the wildlife purchases in order to avoid the scrutiny of the FWS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  Elite aided foreign buyers by directing them to third-party shipping stores that were willing to send the wildlife out of the country with false paperwork.  Charges were brought after Hayes purchased endangered black rhinoceros horns from an undercover special agent with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

According to records filed in court, Hayes and his company sold six endangered black rhino horns.  Two of the horns were sold for $80,500 to Ning Qiu, a Texas resident involved in smuggling the horns to China.  Qiu has pleaded guilty to being part of a broader conspiracy to smuggle rhinoceros horns and items made from rhinoceros horns to Zhifei Li, the owner or an antique business in China and the ringleader of a criminal enterprise that smuggled 30 rhinoceros horns and numerous objects made from rhinoceros horn and elephant ivory worth more than $4.5 million from the United States to China.  Qiu was sentenced to serve 25 months in prison on May 14, 2015, in Frisco, Texas, and Li was sentenced in June 2014 to a prison term of 70 months in New Jersey.

Elite and Hayes also admitted to selling items made from rhinoceros horn, elephant ivory and coral to the President of an antiques business in Canada, who they then directed to a local shipper that agreed to mail the items in Canada without required permits.  That individual, Xiao Ju Guan, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on March 25, 2015 in New York.

The prosecution of Elite and Hayes is part of Operation Crash, a continuing effort by the Special Investigations Unit for the FWS’ Office of Law Enforcement in coordination with the Department of Justice to detect, deter and prosecute those engaged in the illegal killing of rhinoceros and the unlawful trafficking of rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory.

The investigation is continuing and is being handled by the FWS Office of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section.  The prosecution of Hayes and Elite was conducted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-Fitzgerald for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Gary N. Donner of the Environmental Crimes Section.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

elite_and_hayes_sentencing_memo.pdf (240.25 KB)

elite_and_hayes_joint_factual_statement.pdf (562.32 KB)

elite_and_hayes_information.pdf (1.1 MB)

Kirk Chambers, a former Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia Altonaga to participation in a bribery scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. 

On May 20, 2015, former FHP Trooper Kirk Chambers pleaded guilty to violating Title 18, United States Code, 1951(a) by participating in a conspiracy to affect commerce through extortion under color of law.  Based upon his guilty plea, Chambers faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, followed by up to three years’ supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000.  Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, Chambers will also forfeit profits from his illegal activity.

According to the facts set forth in court documents, Chambers was employed as a sworn FHP Trooper between 2006 and 2015.  In 2013, the FBI and local law enforcement agencies opened an investigation into allegations that South Florida law enforcement personnel were being paid bribes by local wrecker operators to illegally solicit business from stranded drivers at accident scenes.  Chambers was one of the officers identified as taking bribes.

In 2014, an FBI confidential source (CHS) approached Guillermo “Tony” Sepulveda, the owner and operator of a local Miami based towing company.  Under FBI direction, the CHS told Sepulveda that he had a corrupt “chiropractor” that was interested in purchasing confidential accident information from law enforcement in order to permit the chiropractor to illegally solicit business from the accident victims.  Sepulveda agreed to participate and introduced the CHS to Trooper Chambers.

Between September and November 2014, Chambers used his position to download the personal information of approximately 100 accident victims from FHP servers.  Chambers provided that information to the CHS in return for $5,000, during a series of transactions.  For his part in the conspiracy, Sepulveda was paid $1,200. 

On January 22, 2015, Chambers was interviewed by the FBI and admitted participating in the bribery scheme.  Chambers also admitted being paid thousands of dollars in bribes by various tow truck operators for a number of years.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Public corruption erodes the bond between our public institutions and the communities that they serve.  Today’s prosecution demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to holding officials accountable for their actions and upholding their oath to serve the public interest.”

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force, Florida Division of Insurance Fraud and the Florida Highway Patrol.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Lacosta.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Certified Public Account (CPA) was arrested and charged with using her tax preparation business to facilitate an income tax refund fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

Pamella B. Watson, 60, of Davie, was charged by criminal complaint with various violations of Title 18 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), including: submitting false, factitious, or fraudulent claims (18 U.S.C. §287) punishable by up to ten years in prison; aggravated identity theft (18 U.S.C. §1028A) punishable by a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison; mail fraud (18 U.S.C. §1341) punishable by up to twenty years in prison; wire fraud (18 U.S.C. §1343) punishable by up to twenty years in prison; money laundering concealment (18 U.S.C. §1956) punishable by up to twenty years in prison; and money laundering (18 U.S.C. §1957) punishable by up to ten years in prison. 

According to the complaint, Watson operated Watson & Associates Business Services, Inc., a tax preparation business in Miami.  Watson allegedly used various methods to fraudulently file federal income tax returns and receive unauthorized tax refunds on behalf of her clients.  She allegedly prepared the tax returns and provided the respective client with a copy of the filing which showed a refund amount and/or an amount payable to the IRS.  The complaint alleges that without the client’s knowledge or authorization, the figures on the prepared return were changed and a tax return showing a higher refund amount was in fact filed with the IRS.  It is further alleged that the client’s bank account received the refund amount reflected on the copy of the filing shown by Watson and the remainder of the inflated tax refund was deposited into an account controlled by the defendant.  The complaint alleges that the client did not have any knowledge of the refund falsification and splitting.

The complaint further alleges that Watson prepared approximately 557 federal income tax returns for her clients, for tax years 2010 through 2013.  Allegedly, 395 (71%) of the filings received refunds which were split into an account controlled by Watson or the entirety of the refund was diverted into the defendant’s bank account.   It is further alleged that 5 of the 557 tax return filings showed an amount due to the IRS and 11 of the tax return filings did not claim a refund.   Allegedly, the remaining 541 (97%) tax returns claimed a refund.

The complaint further alleges that an IRS analysis of Watson’s bank accounts, for the period from approximately January 2011 through September 2014, showed more than $3,405,479.20 in tax refund deposits related to 183 client taxpayers.  Allegedly, the analysis further showed that 10 checks (totaling $222,676) that had been written by the defendant’s clients to the IRS were in fact posted as credits to Watson’s personal tax account history.

Watson was ordered held in custody following her initial appearance on the complaint.  A pre-trial detention hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Lurana S. Snow is scheduled for May 22, 2015 in Fort Lauderdale.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI.  The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Neil Karadbil.

A complaint contains mere allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

The Department of Justice today announced that United States District Judge Jose E. Martinez of the Southern District of Florida sentenced defendant Carmen Cadena, 48, a Mexican national, to serve five years in prison for her role in a brutal family-run sex trafficking organization.  The defendant shall also be ordered to pay restitution and hearing is set on August 10, 2015 to determine the amount.

The defendant pleaded guilty on Jan. 26, 2015, for her role in furthering the criminal conspiracy to lure vulnerable, undocumented Mexican women and girls—some as young as 14 years old—into the United States on false promises of legitimate jobs.  Members of the Cadena organization would then use force and violence, sexual assaults and threats to harm to the victims and their families to compel the victims to engage in prostitution in South Florida, 12 hours a day, six days a week and turn over the proceeds to the defendants in order to pay smuggling debts the defendants imposed.  When victims ran away, members of the Cadena organization searched for them and subjected them to beatings and rapes upon capture. 

Sixteen defendants were charged in a superseding indictment filed in 1998.  Mexican authorities arrested Cadena and extradited her to the U.S. in December 2014.  Five other family members have been convicted, including Cadena’s husband, Juan Luis Cadena-Sosa, who pleaded guilty in 2008 and was sentenced to 15 years; Cadena’s uncle-in-law, Rogerio Cadena, who pleaded guilty in 1999 and was sentenced to 15 years; and three of Cadena’s brothers-in-law, Abel Cadena-Sosa, who was convicted in Mexico and sentenced to 24 years, and Hugo and Rafael Cadena-Sosa, who pleaded guilty in 2002 and 2014, and were sentenced to five years and 15 years respectively.

Six other defendants previously pleaded guilty in federal court in connection with the scheme, and one was convicted in state court for a murder outside a Cadena-run brothel.

“Since 1998, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has worked tirelessly with international, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to bring to justice sixteen defendants who preyed on vulnerable women and children through documented violence and horrific sexual abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida.  “Today’s sentencing of Defendant Carmen Cadena allowed those who were exploited to bear witness to justice.”

 “Today’s sentence marks the culmination of our long fight for justice over the past 16 years on behalf of the young women and girls whose lives were torn apart by the unspeakable violations they endured at the hands of their traffickers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division.  “The relentlessness of our efforts is rivaled only by the courage the survivors demonstrated in coming forward and partnering with us for over a decade to see the perpetrators brought to justice.  We are humbled by their resilience and resolve, and we are unwavering in our commitment to combating modern-day slavery.”

“The sentencing of Carmela Cadena concludes a significant investigation of human trafficking and civil rights violations that included the investigative efforts and collaboration of several federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” said Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office.  “This investigation brought to an end a brutal family-run sex trafficking organization and helped raise awareness about human trafficking and involuntary servitude in the form of forced prostitution.”

United States Attorney Ferrer and Acting Assistant Attorney General Gupta praised the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies involved throughout the investigations and subsequent prosecutions over the years, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, West Palm Beach Police Department, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Avon Park Police Department, Boynton Beach Police Department, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam McMichael and Trial Attorney Matthew Grady of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A second Miami-Dade Police Department officer was arrested for participating in a fraud scheme arising out of the operation of a series of credit repair businesses.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and J.D. Patterson, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), made the announcement.

Miami-Dade Police Officer George Price, 42, and Fatima Ruiz, a/k/a “Fatima Cabana,” 45, both of Miami-Dade, made their initial appearances on a superseding indictment yesterday before Magistrate Judge Andrea M. Simonton.  Price and Ruiz are both charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349, offenses punishable by up to twenty years in prison. A third defendant named in the indictment, Miami-Dade Police Officer Rafael Duran, was previously arrested on April 2, 2015.

According to allegations contained in the superseding indictment, Price, Ruiz, and Duran participated in a scheme to provide false police reports to individuals operating credit repair businesses.  A co-conspirator would provide Price with identifying information of credit business customers.  Price would then create false police reports, using the customers’ identifying information.  The police reports would falsely represent that the customers had reported to the Miami-Dade Police Department facts consistent with having been victims of identity theft.  Price would cause the false police reports to become official records of the Miami-Dade Police Department.  A member of the conspiracy would cause the false police reports created by Price to be transmitted to credit reporting agencies in order to induce the removal of negative items from the credit histories of the alleged victims identified in the false police reports.  Price created the false police reports in order to promote the success of the credit businesses and in return would receive payment from his co-conspirators.

The superseding indictment further alleges that while working at the credit businesses, Ruiz would provide funds to a co-conspirator who acted as an intermediary between Price and the companies.  The intermediary in turn would pay Price for his participation in the scheme.  According to the superseding indictment, Ruiz would also allegedly transmit to the credit reporting agencies letters claiming that customers of the credit businesses had been victims of identity theft.  Ruiz would include false police reports to support the claims made in these letters.

The superseding indictment also alleges that Ruiz conducted a similar scheme while operating her own separate credit repair business.  According the superseding indictment, Ruiz would try to repair customer credit by sending letters to the credit reporting agencies claiming that her customers had been victims of identity theft.  Ruiz would include false police reports created by Price along with the letters.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “This indictment demonstrates that individuals who facilitate the sale of false police reports will be prosecuted accordingly because their fraudulent conduct undermines the public’s trust in the integrity of our law enforcement community.”

“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with a great deal of responsibility and authority and therefore must be held to a high standard,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami.  “Unfortunately, the actions of a very few corrupt officers undercuts the public’s trust and they must be rooted out.  The FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force was assembled and designed to do just that.”

“The Miami-Dade Police Department is committed to upholding the community's trust. Integrity is the hallmark of the Department, and we will continue to work in collaboration with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate that trust are held accountable,” said MDPD Director J.D. Patterson.

Mr. Ferrer thanked the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force and MDPD Professional Compliance Bureau.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davis.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Miami-Dade County resident was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release for selling personal identifying information (PII), including stolen names, dates of birth, and social security numbers belonging to real individuals (most of whom were from the State of Rhode Island), to be used in a tax refund fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

Jeff Pierre Michel, 25, previously pled guilty to one count of access device fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(2).

According to court documents, on April 8, 2013, a confidential law enforcement source arranged for Michel to sell PII to an undercover law enforcement officer.  On April 9, 2013, Michel sold 100 pieces of PII, belonging to 100 different individuals, to the undercover law enforcement officer in exchange for $500.  On April 22, 2013, Michel sold additional pieces of PII (less than the previously agreed upon amount of 150 pieces of PII) to an undercover law enforcement officer in exchange for $800.  In order to compensate for the missing PII, Michel provided the undercover law enforcement officer with a TurboTax username and password.  Michel intended that the PII would be used, along with the TurboTax username and password, to commit stolen identity income tax refund fraud over the internet.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI and IRS-CI.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank R. Maderal.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Miami Dade College student was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,712, for his participation in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme involving his student financial services account.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Erving Jaques Etienne, 21, of Hollywood, previously pled guilty to one count of theft of government property, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 641 and 2.

According to court documents, Etienne received nine fraudulently obtained U.S. Department of Treasury tax refunds into his personal Higher One, Inc. (HOI) account.  HOI provided financial services to colleges and universities throughout the United States, including Miami Dade College in the Southern District of Florida.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the FBI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John R. Byrne.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, A.D. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Office, Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), John Brooks, Chief, Sunrise Police Department (SPD), Amos Rojas Jr., United States Marshal, United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, and J.D. Patterson Jr., Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), announce the filing of federal charges against 29 defendants in 5 separate cases for their alleged participation in criminal conduct, including a violent racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, armed Hobbs Act robberies, a narcotics conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms violations by convicted felons.

The referenced indictments are, in large part, the result of initiatives which stem from the Violence Reduction Partnership, launched by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2011.  Through these Partnerships, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal and local law enforcement allies have sought to dismantle the most violent criminal networks that plague communities in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.  The Partnerships strive to combat violent crime, narcotics trafficking, gang activity and firearms offenses by prosecuting offenders and working with community leaders and non-profit entities to provide preventive services to the local populations.

The members of the Violence Reduction Partnership, and participating agencies, include the United States Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Office, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Sunrise Police Department (SPD), United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Hollywood Police Department, Homestead Police Department, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD), Miami-Dade Police Department, City of Miami Police Department, Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office, Broward County Office of the State Attorney, and Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney.

United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “The continued collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies to attack violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang activity is of paramount importance.  Today’s charges demonstrate that we are dedicated to improving public safety and the quality of life for law-abiding residents by protecting neighborhoods, adopting proactive law enforcement initiatives, and prosecuting repeat offenders, firearms violators and criminal networks.  We will continue to prosecute individuals whose violent criminal conduct infects our communities.”

“Today’s arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s relentless effort to reduce violent crime and rid our streets of criminal gangs,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Hugo J. Barrera.  “In conjunction with our Federal, State and Local partners, we continue to work together to end the gang violence that erodes the quality of life in our neighborhoods.  The arrests today sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the heinous activity perpetrated by violent felons and evidences our commitment to work together to dismantle violent street gangs.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge A.D. Wright stated, “The DEA is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to target these violent offenders.  Taking these gang members off the street makes Florida a safer place.”

U.S. Marshal Amos Rojas, Jr. stated, “This operation demonstrates the willingness of Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies to work together to combat violent criminal gangs in our communities”

“The Miami-Dade Police Department remains committed to work with fellow law enforcement agencies in arresting those who harm our communities,” said MDPD Director J.D. Patterson.

Today, U.S. Attorney Ferrer, joined by members of federal and local law enforcement agencies announce the most recent results of their investigative efforts. The cases announced today include:

1. United States v. Juan Alvarez, a/k/a “King Juanma,” et. al., Case No. 15-60094-CR-Cohn

The indictment charges 23 members and associates of the Latin Kings, an organized criminal street gang operating in the Southern District of Florida, for their alleged participation in a violent racketeering conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d).

Charged in the twenty (20) count indictment are Juan Alvarez, a/k/a “King Juanma,” 30, of Miami, Arturo Andrade, a/k/a “King Tu,” 25, of Miami, Sean Buendia, a/k/a “King Chill,” 32, of Davie, Lazaro Castellon, a/k/a “King Speedy,” a/k/a “Laz,” 36, of Hialeah, Domenic Enrique, a/k/a “King Bolo,” 28, of Pembroke Pines, Tony Estevez, a/k/a “King Kilo,” 29, of Miami, Samuel German, a/k/a “King Traffic,” 31, of Hollywood, Alberto Hernandez, Jr., a/k/a “King Gordo,” 20, of Miami, Christopher Isabel, a/k/a “King Nano,” 33, of Plantation, Barbara Lee, a/k/a “Queen Flaka,” 49, of Fort Lauderdale, Andres Lugo, a/k/a “King Ghost,” 33, of Plantation, Danielle Lucatorto, a/k/a “Cookie,” 29, of Margate, John Martins, a/k/a “King Slowdown,” 28, of Lake Worth, Alain Medero, a/k/a “King C-Low,” 31, of Miami, Fernando Moreno, a/k/a “King Boom,” 32, of West Palm Beach, Jorge Perez-Hernandez, 44, of Tampa, Luis Rivera, a/k/a “King Tato,” 32, of Miami Beach, Giovanny Rocha-Collado, a/k/a “King Joker,” 35, of Miami, Barbaro Sanchez, a/k/a “King Tata,” 28, of Miami, Bobbie Tejada, a/k/a “King Riko,”32, of Fort Lauderdale, Jerry Vazquez, 35, of West Palm Beach, Giovanny Viera, a/k/a “King Hollywood,” 35, of Miami, and Juan Marcos Vega, 22, of Homestead.

The indictment alleges that the Latin Kings are one of the largest and most well organized gangs operating in the United States.  Chapters of the Latin Kings operate in at least 39 states, including Florida.  The gang's primary source of income is generated through offenses related to the distribution of narcotics, assault, robbery, burglary, and identity theft.  Members of the gang commit these criminal acts with the intent to benefit, promote, and further the interest of their organization, and to increase their own standing or position within the Latin Kings organization.  The Latin Kings adhere to a local, regional, state, and a national hierarchical system.  The local chapter reports to the regional officers, the regional officers report to the state officers, and the state officers report to the national officers.  State and local chapters, often also referred to as tribes, are comprised of a five person leadership structure, intended to represent the five points of a king’s crown.  These positions are identified by the titles of Inca or first crown, Cacique or second crown, Enforcer or third crown, Treasurer or fourth crown, and Secretary or fifth crown. Together, the crowns ensure the Latin Kings members follow the rules and regulations set forth in the Latin King Manifesto, referred to as the “KMC.”   Members are required to pay dues, the source of which is usually generated through criminal activity, attend regular meetings and adhere to the gang’s established policies.  Failure to adhere to the rules can result in disciplinary action.  The Latin Kings colors are Black and Gold.  Gang markings consist of a 5 or 3-point "sacred crown," the letters LK (Latin Kings), ALK (Almighty Latin Kings), ALKN (Almighty Latin King Nation), ALKQN (Almighty Latin King Queen Nation), and drawings of the Lion.  Once accepted into the organization, members choose a “King” name by which they become known.

At various times, defendants Isabel, Tejada, Rivera, Alvarez, Castellon, Viera, Estevez, German, Medero, Lugo, Rocha-Collado, and Moreno held leadership positions within the state and/or local chapters of the Latin Kings.  In their respective positions, these defendants conducted meetings, collected dues, and maintained discipline among members of the Latin Kings.

The twenty-three charged defendants were allegedly employed by and associated with the Latin Kings, a criminal enterprise that affected interstate and foreign commerce, and conspired to violate the federal RICO statute through a pattern of racketeering activity that consisted of multiple acts and threats involving murder, robbery, kidnaping, narcotics trafficking, witness tampering and retaliation, and fraud.

In addition to the racketeering conspiracy charge, many of the defendants were also indicted for their alleged participation in other criminal activity.

Defendants Tejada, Lugo, and Lucatorto are charged with committing a Hobbs Act robbery in Broward County, on or about June 11 and June 12, 2014, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951(a) and 2.  The indictment alleges that the defendants attempted to forcibly rob an individual of controlled substances (narcotics).  Tejada and Lugo were also charged with possessing a firearm during the commission of the armed robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 2.

Defendants Alvarez and Vega were also charged with committing a Hobbs Act Robbery in Miami-Dade County, on or about September 28, 2014. The indictment alleges that the defendants used a firearm to forcibly rob an individual of narcotics and personal items.

Defendant Buenida is also charged with committing a Hobbs Act Robbery in Broward County, on or about June 6, 2014.  The indictment alleges that the defendant forcibly robbed an individual of narcotics.

Defendants Rocha-Collado, Medrero, Estevez, Tejada, German and Lee were also charged, with distributing a controlled substance (either cocaine or molly) in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, on dates on or about and between December 30, 2013 and October 30, 2014, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).

Isabel, Moreno, Perez-Hernandez, and Vazquez were also charged with conspiring to distribute a controlled substance (heroin), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.

Tejada, Alvarez, Viera, Enrique and Castellon were each also charged with being felons in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized 31 firearms and recovered a variety of narcotics, including cocaine, crack, heroin, and molly.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Vaglienti and Lawrence LaVecchio.

2. United States v. Jonathan Gonzalez, III, a/k/a “King Charlie,” Case. No. 15-60059-CR-Cohn

On March 26, 2015, Jonathan Gonzalez III, a/k/a “King Charlie,” 32, Plantation, was charged in a single count indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to the indictment, on February 21, 2014 in Broward County, convicted felon Gonzalez was in possession of a .38 caliber revolver that affected interstate and foreign commerce.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Dispoto.

3. United States v. Jonathan Jose Castro-Guerra and Chavon Hernandez, Case No. 15-20098-CR-Moore

On February 26, 2015, Jonathan Jose Castro-Guerra, 29, of Hollywood, and Chavon Hernandez, 33, of Hollywood, were charged in a single count indictment for being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to the indictment, on or about September 18, 2014 in Miami-Dade County, convicted felons Castro-Guerra and Hernandez possessed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and three rounds of 9mm ammunition that affected interstate and foreign commerce.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Brown.

4. United States v. Victor Martinez-Otero, Jr., a/k/a “King Bless” and Luis Almodovar-Alvarez, a/k/a “King Bolillo,” Case. No. 15-60092-CR-Dimitrouleas

On May 5, 2015, Victor Martinez-Otero, a/k/a “King Bless,” 25, and Luis Almodovar-Alvarez, a/k/a “King Boliollo,” 20, both of Kissimmee, were charged in a two count indictment for unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition.

According to this indictment, on or about August 7, 2014 in Broward County, Martinez-Otero and Almodovar-Alvarez were unlawfully receiving a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and eight rounds of 9mm ammunition that affected interstate commerce, while under a separate indictment.  At the time of possession, Martinez-Otero was allegedly a convicted felon.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Shockley.

5. United States v. Oscar Valdivia, a/k/a “King Oscar,” a/k/a “King Two Times,” Case. No. 15-60090-CR- Cohn

On May 5, 2015, Oscar Valdivia, a/k/a “King Oscar,” a/k/a “King Two Times,” 21, of Sunrise, was charged in a six count indictment for illegally possessing and selling firearms and ammunition.

According to this indictment, on four separate dates in Broward County, Valdivia did unlawfully receive firearms and ammunition that affected interested commerce, while under a separate indictment.  This indictment alleges that he received: two .40 caliber semiautomatic handguns and a .357 revolver on February 25, 2014; a .22 caliber rifle on March 18, 2014; a 12 gauge pump-action shotgun on April 15, 2014; a 5.56 mm semiautomatic rifle, a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition on May 3, 2104; a semiautomatic receiver on May 8, 2014.  The indictment further alleges that on June 20, 2014, Valdivia sold a .22 caliber handgun and ammunition to a person he believed was a convicted felon.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William Shockley.

If convicted, the defendants face the following possible statutory sentences for their charged offenses: up to twenty years in prison for the RICO conspiracy, up to twenty years in prison for the Hobbs Act robbery; a term of imprisonment not less than seven years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (if the firearm is brandished, otherwise not less than five years) consecutive to other terms of imprisonment; up to ten years in prison for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon; up to life in prison for conspiring to possess controlled substances with the intent to distribute; and up to forty years in prison for possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute.

Mr. Ferrer thanked the law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and social service providers involved in the Violence Reduction Partnership, the South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  Mr. Ferrer also commended the investigative efforts of ATF, DEA, BSO, Sunrise Police Department, United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, FBI, Hollywood Police Department, Homestead Police Department, ICE-HSI, North Miami Beach Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, City of Miami Police Department, Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office, Broward County Office of the State Attorney, and Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Brownsville resident was sentenced to 63 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm yesterday.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and J.D. Patterson, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), made the announcement.

Contrell Leo Floyd, a/k/a “Kevin Wells,” 34, was convicted in a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On October 20, 2014, in the early afternoon, two Robbery Intervention Detail MDPD Detectives in an unmarked vehicle saw Floyd in front of Brownsville middle school and began to approach Floyd to ask him questions.  Before they could speak with him, Floyd quickly stopped, turned toward the car, and pulled up his shirt to flash a handgun that was tucked in his waistband.  Immediately upon seeing the gun, one detective drew his weapon and announced “police!”  Floyd fled and threw the firearm into a public park in front of Brownsville middle school.  The police apprehended Floyd after a short pursuit and recovered the loaded handgun.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ATF and MDPD. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Abraham and Vanessa Snyder.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

Sheila Denise Kelly-Christie, 48, of Fort Pierce, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 2326.  Sentencing is scheduled for August 10, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Ft. Pierce.  At sentencing, Kelly-Christie faces up to fifteen years in prison.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and Ronald J. Verrochio, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, made the announcement.

According to court documents, Kelly-Christie was a participant in a Jamaica based scam primarily targeting persons over the age of 55.  Kelly-Christie and her co-conspirators in Jamaica, contacted individuals throughout the United States by telephone and falsely told the victims that they had won a lottery or sweepstakes prize.  The callers instructed the victims that in order to the claim the prize, the victims had to send money to the scammers in order to pay non-existent fees, registration taxes and the like.  The co-conspirators would direct the victims to send their payments to individuals and addresses located in Florida.  Kelly-Christie and individuals she would recruit to aid in the scam would receive money from the victims, by U.S. mail, wire transfer, or deposits that were uploaded to debit cards.  In turn, Kelly-Christie would keep ten percent of the fraudulently induced payments and forward the remainder of the monies to co-conspirators in Jamaica. During the course of the fraudulent scheme, Kelly-Christie is believed to have received and forwarded over $70,000 in fraudulently induced payments from victims.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of USPIS and HSI.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore M. Cooperstein.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

Jerry Sutherland, 28, of Miami-Dade County, Florida, formerly an officer with the City of Miami Police Department, was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, including 150 hours of community service, following a guilty plea to two counts of extortion.  Sutherland was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and forfeit $3,400 in illegal proceeds.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, and Rodolfo Llanes, Chief, City of Miami Police Department (MPD), made the announcement.

On March 2, 2015, Sutherland admitted to the following facts in support of his plea of guilty:

In early 2014, Sutherland, who, at the time, was an officer with MPD, managed a football team in his spare time. Sutherland requested that a vendor paint the football team’s helmets free of charge. Subsequently, Sutherland began to demand additional services from the vendor without payment. When the vendor balked at these demands, Sutherland, who erroneously believed that the vendor was involved in an illegal gambling operation that was located adjacent to the vendor’s business in Miami-Dade County, intimated that he would shut down the gambling operation if his demands were not met.

Sutherland represented to the vendor that he would provide the vendor with information about impending surveillance and other operations by MPD in the area of the gambling operation so that the vendor could pass on that information to the owners and operators of the gambling operation.

An investigation of Sutherland ensued in which several recordings were made of the defendant receiving 10 bribe payments, many which he received while he was in uniform. Of these payments, 6 were made to Sutherland in exchange for his promise to provide protection for a gambling operation located in Miami-Dade County, that communicated the bets placed there to a gambling establishment in Las Vegas, Nevada; two were made to Sutherland in exchange for his promise to arrange for the dismissal of a criminal court case against an employee of the illegal gambling operation; one was made to Sutherland in exchange for his agreement to increase the visibility of police around a rival gambling location in order to discourage its customers from patronizing that rival location; and the remaining payment was for Sutherland’s promise to provide the vendor with a “case card” with a fictitious case number and officer’s name.  Sutherland had been told that the fictitious case card would be used to falsely demonstrate that the gambling operation had been robbed so that the workers could keep for themselves the gambling proceeds that had been made that day.  Pursuant to Sutherland’s demands, he received bribe payments which totaled $3,400.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force and the City of Miami Police Department Internal Affairs Section.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry C. Wallace, Jr.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Broward County resident was charged in an identity theft fraud scheme, involving 734 unauthorized tax returns.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

Keyiona Marvette Wright, 27, of Plantation, Florida, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possessing fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3), and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.  The defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of ten years in prison for the unauthorized access charge, and a mandatory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, for the aggravated identity theft charge.

According to the criminal complaint, from March 25, 2014 to May 6, 2015, forty-six federal tax returns were filed with the IRS claiming refunds of $135,196 from an IP address in Plantation, Florida.  From September 16, 2014 to May 5, 2015, at least 688 rejected federal tax returns, claiming refunds of $733,276, were electronically transmitted to the IRS from this same IP address.  Agents confirmed that the IP address was assigned to an apartment rented by Wright.

Based on this information, agents executed a search warrant at Wright’s residence and allegedly found four notebooks containing PII, two computers (one of which had numerous social security numbers and other PII displayed on the screen), a bag and suitcase each containing thousands of PII in paper form, multiple pre-paid/value cards and gift cards, hundreds of documents containing PII (including Department of Labor applications), and papers containing PII scattered throughout the apartment.

The complaint also alleges that agents found a laptop computer outside the searched apartment, next to the bathroom window.  The complaint further alleges that the agents were able to view a video on the laptop, which showed Wright counting money.

Wright had her initial appearance on May 8, 2015 before United States Magistrate Judge Patrick M. Hunt.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Wood.

The complaint merely contains allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

After a four-day trial, yesterday a federal jury convicted Hugo Jean Joseph, 60, of Coral Springs, of eleven counts of preparing false tax returns for his clients.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

As shown at trial and in court documents, Jean Joseph and co-defendant Guencia Piard a/k/a Guencia Toussaint operated Lakay Multi Services (LMS), a tax return service with locations in Pompano Beach, Naples and Fort Myers, Florida.  Jean Joseph and Piard prepared and filed fraudulent tax returns on behalf of their customers during the 2006 to 2008 tax years by using false Schedule A deductions (such as those for medical and unreimbursed employee business expenses), false Schedule C expenses, false education expenses, and false credits for federal fuel tax without their clients’ knowledge or consent. By inflating their clients' deductions, expenses, education credits, and fuel tax credits, Jean Joseph and Piard attained higher tax refunds for their clients which attracted a greater volume of clients.  Jean Joseph and Piard kept a portion of the fraudulently inflated tax refunds as payment for their services.

Jean Joseph and Piard prepared at least 76 false tax returns for twenty-one sets of clients for tax years 2006, 2007, and 2008. Sometimes, Jean Joseph and Piard provided clients with copies of their respective tax returns which were different from the tax returns filed with the IRS.   At least 21 of the 76 tax returns filed with the IRS reported a higher tax refund than the copy of the tax return provided to the client.

The total tax loss to the IRS was $283,834.

At sentencing, which is currently set for July 22, 2015 at 1:30 pm, before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez, Jean Joseph faces a maximum term of 33 years in prison.

Co-defendant Piard was sentenced on August 7, 2014 to 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution of $283,834. Piard pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurence M. Bardfeld.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

The owner and manager of the Miami Office Center, which leases office space and manages property at a location known as the Flagler Building Downtown, was charged today with one count of bribery.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Miami Field Office, and Rodolfo Llanes, Chief, City of Miami Police Department (MPD), made the announcement.

Dvir Derhy, 46, of Miami, was charged by information with bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(2).  Derhy faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years in prison for this offense.

According to the information, the Flagler Building Downtown, located at 223 East Flagler Street, was cited for violations of the City of Miami fire code for blocking egress from the building.  Derhy owned and managed the Flagler Building Downtown.  Between July 18, 2014 and July 21, 2014, Derhy corruptly gave, offered, and agreed to give cash payments to another person, with the intent to influence and reward an agent or employee of the City of Miami Fire Department, in connection with the removal of these citations.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force and the City of Miami Police Department Internal Affairs Section.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry C. Wallace, Jr.

An information is only an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A former assistant band director was charged for his participation in an identity theft tax fraud scheme involving former Broward County students and other individuals’ personal identifying information (PII).

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Paula Reid, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Delvis Demaine Rogers, 27, of Hollywood, Florida, was charged by indictment with one count of using one or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(2), one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3), and four counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).  The defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of ten years in prison for each of the unauthorized access charges, and a mandatory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, for the aggravated identity theft charge(s).

According to the criminal complaint filed on March 11, 2015, IRS-CI investigators noticed that 419 suspicious tax returns claiming refunds totaling $754,470 were filed from Rogers’ residential address from January 25, 2014 to April 20, 2014.  Based on this information, a search warrant was executed at Rogers’ residence and agents discovered and seized papers, notes, and documents containing thousands of PII (including names, dates of birth, and social security numbers) including PII contained in records of more than a dozen Broward County School District students, some dating back to the late 1990s and others into the late 2000s. Agents also seized numerous printed 2013 tax returns.

Agents interviewed Rogers during the execution of the search warrant and he admitted to having prepared and filed hundreds of fraudulent tax returns without the permission of the people in whose names they were filed.  Rogers further admitted that he electronically submitted the filings from his apartment. Rogers advised that he was employed as the band director at a school in Opa Locka, Florida, and that he previously was the assistant band director at a high school in Plantation, Florida.

Rogers pled not guilty at his arraignment today before United States Magistrate Judge Patrick M. Hunt.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the USSS.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brooke C. Watson and Daya Nathan.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Highlands County resident pled guilty yesterday to possessing firearms and ammunition while being an alien unlawfully present in the United States. 

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, Matthew Madore, Chief Immigration Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Service – Fraud Detection National Security (USCIS-FDNS), Tampa District Office, and Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office made the announcement. 

Juan Gregorio Perez-Treviño, 26, of Lake Placid, FL, pled guilty before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank J. Lynch Jr., in Fort Pierce, Florida to the charge of possession of one or more firearms and ammunition by an alien who is illegally and unlawfully present in the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).  The offense is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

According to court records, on October 27, 2014, Perez-Treviño was interviewed by HSI agents and FDNS Officers with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Royal Palm Beach, Florida regarding pending immigration benefits.  During the interview Perez-Treviño admitted that he was born in Reynosa, Mexico and originally entered the United States, through El Paso, Texas on a B2 ‘Visitor for Pleasure’ (i.e. Tourist) visa, which permitted a maximum stay of six months.  Because he failed to exit the country, Perez-Treviño became an “overstay” and was considered an alien unlawfully present in the United States.  Perez-Treviño further admitted that he owned two firearms, a .22 caliber rifle and a 12 gauge single barrel shotgun.

On March 25, 2015, HSI agents visited Perez-Treviño at his residence.  During the visit, Perez-Treviño admitted to acquiring two additional firearms from when he was interviewed on October 27, 2014; a .308 caliber rifle and a 9mm pistol.  Perez-Treviño voluntarily retrieved the four firearms and turned them over to law enforcement.  Perez-Treviño also turned over numerous rounds of ammunition, including ammunition for each of the recovered firearms, which he had in his possession.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of HSI, USCIS-FDNS and ATF.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger.

 A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A former Florida resident was sentenced to 60 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, a special assessment in the amount of $3,000, and restitution in the amount of $476,195.51 by U.S. District Court Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, for orchestrating an international stock fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Ronald J. Verrochio, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Alysa Erichs, Special Agent in Charge U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), made the announcement.

Amy Brook Wilkerson, 22, formerly from Orlando, Florida, was charged by information with twenty-nine counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).  Wilkerson pled guilty to the 30 count information on January 12, 2015.                                                                                                              

According to court documents, Wilkerson, while living in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey and later in Tbilisi, Georgia, purchased a list containing contact information for stock market investors.  Wilkerson then referred to this list in order to recruit potential clients.  Using an alias and falsely claiming to be a high ranking officer and stock broker for a well-known international bank, Wilkerson contacted a number of individuals who were living in the United States.  Wilkerson represented to the potential clients that she had access to various initial purchase offerings (IPOS) that would be very profitable.  Based on Wilkerson’s fraudulent representations, twenty-three individuals wired a total of $805,996 to various bank accounts controlled by Wilkerson.  Following her arrest, the defendant admitted that she in fact never had access to any IPOS, that her entire operation was fraudulent, that she never purchased any stocks as represented to the victims, and that she used the monies wired by the victims to cover her personal expenses.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the USPIS, FBI, ICE-HSI and the United States Department of Justice Office of International Affairs (OIA). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Lanigan.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Three defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Joan A. Lenard for their involvement in an extensive tax refund fraud scheme.  Vory V. Copeland, of Miramar, was sentenced to 111 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay joint and several restitution in the amount of $911,539.  Marlan L. Copeland, of Miramar, was sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  Brannoc K. Rudd, of Miami Gardens, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  The three defendants were held jointly and severally liable for restitution.  Vory Copeland was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $911,539.  Marlan Copeland and Brannoc Rudd were each ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $285,834.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Paula Reid, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

After a seven-day trial, a federal jury convicted Vory Copeland of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, three counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and three counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).

After a separate ten-day trial, a federal jury convicted Marlan Copeland and Brannoc Rudd of one count of conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  Marlan Copeland was also convicted of five counts of theft of government property, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, and five counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).

Evidence presented at the trials revealed that between January 2010 and April 2010, Vory Copeland and his co-conspirators filed over 150 fraudulent tax returns, including tax returns that included stolen personal identification information.  The co-conspirators then cashed many of the fraudulently obtained tax refund checks at a Wachovia Bank in Miami Gardens, Florida.  Marlan Copeland and Rudd brought more than twenty checks into the bank, each check reflecting a tax refund issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.   At the bank, Marlan Copeland and Rudd cashed the checks and fraudulently obtained more than $100,000.00.  Although each check had been purportedly signed by the taxpayer, at trial the taxpayers identified the signatures at forgeries.

During the trials, individual victims whose personal identification information had been compromised testified that they had not authorized the defendants to file the fraudulent tax returns or cash the resulting tax refund checks.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI and the USSS.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Gonsoulin and John Byrne.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Two Miami Dade County residents were charged for their participation in a stolen identity fraud conspiracy based on information discovered while they were boarding a flight at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

Godfrey Teekah, Jr., 28, and Phillip Collins, 29, both of Miami Gardens, were each charged by indictment with conspiracy to possess fifteen or more unauthorized access devices (social security numbers issued to other persons), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2), possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).  The defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, ten years in prison for the possession of unauthorized access devices charge, and a mandatory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, for the aggravated identity theft charge.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Teekah and Collins were allegedly in possession of the stolen personal identification information of real persons with the intent to use that information in order to defraud others.  The defendants were allegedly stopped while attempting to board a flight at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in February of 2013.  The defendants were allegedly found in possession of more than 326 names, social security numbers, and dates of birth, belonging to other individuals.  In addition, the defendants allegedly possessed nine debit cards in the names of other individuals.

The defendants had their initial appearances today before United States Magistrate Judge Patrick M. Hunt.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Katz.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

Dr. Krishna Tripuraneni, 56, of Palm Beach County, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Darrin P. Gayles to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release and two hundred hours of community service, for his participation in an income tax fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office, made the announcement.

Tripuraneni had previously pleaded guilty to one count of filing false tax returns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1).

According to court documents, Tripuraneni, a physician licensed in the State of Florida who specializes in the field of Gastroenterology, filed fraudulent income tax returns.  Tripuraneni's primary place of business is Palm Beach Gastroenterology Consultants LLC (“PBGC”), Wellington, Florida.  Tripuraneni also operates two other businesses from this same address, identified as Palm Beach Surgery Center (“PBSC”) and PB Anesthesia Associates, LLC (“PBA”).  Tripuraneni is the listed owner of record of PBGC and the Manager and Registered Agent for PBSC and PBA in Florida Corporate records.

For the tax years 2004 to 2008, Tripuraneni knowingly and willfully underreported his income from the above mentioned entities.  Tripuraneni received income in the form of direct compensation, distributions, and corporate funds and used these payments to cover personal expenditures.  This resulted in the filing of false corporate and personal tax returns by Tripuraneni.

Tripuraneni utilized funds from the above companies to pay for expenses related to a new home that he built in Manalapan, Florida, payments on condominiums that he had purchased, interior design improvements to his residences, and tuition payments for his children.  Some of these payments were then fraudulently classified as professional consulting, building repairs, and miscellaneous expenses by the referenced companies.

These falsified profit and loss statements, which included the improper payments, were used by a tax preparer to file Tripuraneni’s corporate and personal income tax returns. Tripuraneni caused the preparation and filing of a false 2006 U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation, IRS Form 1120S; a U.S. Return of Partnership Income, IRS Form 1065 and a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, IRS Form 1040.  These returns were false in that the corporate returns included fraudulent business expenses which reduced the corporations’ income and failed to include the diverted corporate income and to correctly report the defendant’s share of the income generated by these companies, thereby understating the defendant’s total income and the tax due and owing on his personal return.

The false returns resulted in the following misrepresentations and outstanding taxes:

Tax Year Underreported Income Outstanding Taxes 2004 $3,256,616 $1,139,815 2005 $3,940,641 $1,369,581 2006 $4,158,162 $1,533,048 2007 $3,688,283 $1,291,940 2008 $3,084,364 $1,049,593 TOTAL $18,128,066 $6,383,977

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI, FBI and DCIS.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Clark.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Broward County resident pled guilty in federal court this afternoon to robbing the Wells Fargo Bank in Pompano Beach.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward Sheriff’s Office, made the announcement.

Craig Joseph Naughtin, 43, of Pompano Beach, pled guilty to bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).  The defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years in prison.

According to court records, on February 3, 2015, Naughtin walked into the Wells Fargo Bank in Pompano Beach, approached the bank teller and produced a note that stated, in part, “give me all the money in your drawer.”  The teller, fearing for her personal safety, gave the defendant more than $3,500 in bank funds.  The robbery was recorded on video by the bank’s surveillance cameras.  Naughtin was later arrested and found in possession of $3,561.00 in U.S. currency, as well as a demand note stating “no this is not a joke all the money in the cash draw, no GPS, no dye packs, I’ll be on my way no problems.”

Naughtin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., by United States District Judge Beth Bloom in Fort Lauderdale.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, Broward Sheriff’s Office and the South Florida Violent Crimes Task Force for their work on this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Katz.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Two Miami Dade County residents were charged for their participation in an identity theft tax fraud scheme using deceased and other individuals’ personal identifying information (PII).

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and J. Scott Dennis, Chief, North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD), made the announcement.

Joshua Chikudo, 40, and Curtis Joseph, a/k/a “CJ,” 36, both of Miami Dade, were each charged, by indictment, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. Chikudo was also charged with two counts of aggravated identity theft.

According to allegations contained in the court documents, Joseph met with an undercover IRS agent who provided the defendant with five IRS-controlled identities, consisting of fictitious personal identification information (“PII”) - names, social security numbers, and dates of birth - to be used by a tax preparer in order to file fraudulent federal tax returns.  During a separate meeting, the undercover agent gave Chikudo seven additional IRS-controlled identities that he intended to include in fraudulent tax return filings.  Chikudo asked the undercover if he could obtain a business bank account for the purpose of depositing the fraudulent tax refunds into that account to avoid detection.  The defendants, undercover agent and another undercover partner agreed to split all of the tax refunds equally amongst themselves. The undercover agent provided Chikudo with IRS-controlled bank account information to be included on the fraudulent tax returns.  The defendants caused six fraudulent federal income tax returns to be filed.  The filings designated the IRS-controlled bank account as the intended recipient of the fraudulent refunds.

Furthermore, according to the allegations, between April and August of 2013, the defendants filed thirty-two fraudulent federal income tax returns using the IRS-controlled identities, to request refunds totaling $197,688.  Twenty-one of the returns were joint returns that included the PII of deceased individuals.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum of twenty years in prison for each count of conspiracy and the wire fraud charges.  Chikudo is also facing and a mandatory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, for the aggravated identity theft charge.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, ICE-HSI and NMBPD.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia E. Shick.

An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Miami-Dade County resident was sentenced to 87 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $42,829 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), for unauthorized possession of stolen identities and participating in a tax fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Paula Reid, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Brandon K. Jenkins, 23, of Miami-Dade, previously pled guilty to one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices (the social security numbers of other individuals), and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, on March 18, 2014, IRS-CI and the USSS executed a residential search warrant and discovered over 3,000 items, including paperwork and notebooks, that contained the personal identifying information (PII) – name, date of birth, and social security number - of various individuals.  Located in the bedroom where Jenkins was sleeping was an envelope addressed to “Mr. Brandon K. Jenkins.”.  Inside the envelope, law enforcement discovered a wallet with a social security card in the defendant’s name, other documents in the defendant’s name, three debit cards in the names of other individuals, and five “Student Selection Form Cards” containing the names and social security numbers of other individuals.

A forensic analysis of the documents recovered from the target residence revealed Jenkins’ fingerprints on numerous items containing PII.  One document, a piece of paper, contained an individual’s PII that had been used to file a fraudulent income tax return from the target residence, where Jenkins’ had been residing.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the USSS.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brooke C. Watson and Gera R. Peoples.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Palm Beach County, Florida, man and company were sentenced for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as well as the terms of a denial order issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Special Agent in Charge Alysa Erichs of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and Acting Special Agent in Charge Gordon Pomeroy of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement.

Russell Henderson Marshall, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth A. Marra of the Southern District of Florida to serve 41 months in prison and will be removed from the United States upon the completion of his sentence.  In imposing the sentence, Judge Marra found that the order denying export privileges issued by the Department of Commerce constituted a national security control, which subjected Marshall to an enhanced sentence.  Universal Industries Limited Inc. was sentenced to a term of one year probation and a special assessment of $400 upon a finding that the corporation is currently listed as inactive by the Florida Division of Corporations as a result of Marshall’s arrest.

Marshall and his company Universal Industries Limited Inc. were previously convicted in a 2011 case in the Southern District of Florida for violating the Arms Export Control Act, after which the Department of Commerce issued a denial order prohibiting Universal Industries Limited Inc. and its owners, agents and employees from participating in any transaction involving the export of any item subject to the Department of Commerce‘s Export Administration Regulations (EAR).  Marshall and Universal Industries Limited Inc. violated IEEPA and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s denial order by attempting to send three temperature transmitters used on F-16 fighter jets and a saddle part for the J-69 engine used on 737 military trainer aircraft to Thailand and Pakistan, respectively.

“National security controls exist to ensure that sensitive U.S. technologies are protected,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer.  “Zero tolerance will be afforded individuals who knowingly continue to violate our export control laws and jeopardize the nation’s security.”

 “By repeatedly taking actions that violated export control laws and an order issued by the Department of Commerce, Marshall and Universal Industries Limited Inc. actively engaged in efforts that threatened our national security,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “This sentencing serves as another reminder that we will not tolerate this activity.  Protecting our national assets, including highly sensitive technologies, from falling into the hands of those who may wish to do us harm is one of our top national security priorities. The National Security Division commends the law enforcement agents, analysts, and prosecutors who took part ensuring justice was served.”

“Today's sentencing demonstrates the continued commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and partner agencies to protect sensitive U.S. defense technology from being illegally exported,” said Special Agent in Charge Khin.  “American military prowess depends on lawful, controlled exports of sensitive technology by U.S. industries, which is why DCIS will continue its present campaign to aggressively investigate and prosecute criminal violations regarding the illegal procurement or export of sensitive technology.”

“One of Homeland Security Investigation's top enforcement priorities is preventing the exportation of U.S. military products and sensitive technology, and preventing those technologies and weaponry from falling into the hands of those who might seek to harm America or its interests,” said Special Agent in Charge Erichs.  “Technology used by the United States and its allies give us a strategic military advantage, which is why HSI will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to ensure such technology doesn't fall into the hands of those opposed to U.S. national security interests.”

“The Office of Export Enforcement is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to pursue individuals who violate our nation's export control laws,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Pomeroy.  “As the sentence in this case demonstrates, we will not allow our national security to be compromised by individuals who intentionally violate these laws.”

According to court documents and information presented during the sentencing hearing, the DoD Inspector General received a hotline complaint concerning Marshall and Universal Industries Limited Inc. in November 2012.  The subsequent investigation revealed that the defendants brokered the sale of military aircraft parts which were subject to license controls by the Department of Commerce, and which the defendants knew were intended to be illegally exported to Thailand and Pakistan.

On Feb. 6, 2015, Marshall and Universal Industries Limited Inc. entered guilty pleas to an information that charged them with knowingly and willfully engaging in negotiations concerning selling, delivering or otherwise servicing a transaction involving an item to be exported from the United States to Thailand and subject to the EAR.

U.S. Attorney Ferrer joins Assistant Attorney General Carlin in commending the investigative efforts of the DoD, DCIS, ICE-HSI and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement for their outstanding efforts in investigating this matter.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Walleisa of the Southern District of Florida.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

Randy Thomas, 45, of Miami Gardens, was sentenced yesterday to life in prison after having been convicted at trial of being a convicted felon who shot and injured a local police officer.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Filed Office, and Antonio G. Brooklen, Interim Chief, Miami Gardens Police Department, made the announcement.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that on January 11, 2014, two Miami Gardens Police Officers responded to a 911 call for assistance.  On the scene, an officer separated Thomas and two women who were in a fight.  Thomas then began to walk away.  Another officer approached Thomas and asked him to stop, so that an investigation could be conducted.  Thomas responded by turning around and pointing a gun at the officer.  The officer attempted to flee to safety but was pursued by Thomas who fired at and struck the officer in the thigh.  In order to protect the community and disarm the defendant, responding officers fired at Thomas.  A 9mm pistol was recovered inches from Thomas’ hand, along with several matching spent shell casings.  Video surveillance, introduced at trial, captured the shooting.

As a result of the gunshot wound, the responding officer underwent months of medical treatment before being able to return to his job.

Thomas is pending charges in state court for the attempted first degree murder of the law enforcement officer.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Police officers put their lives on the line to protect us every single day.  Individuals who target those sworn to maintain our safety will face judgment and be prosecuted accordingly.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Hugo Barrera stated, “Our community is very fortunate to have heroes that stand ready to defend us against violent criminals who want to harm us.  ATF stands with our state and local partners to reduce violent crime and ensure that justice prevails.”

Interim Chief of Police for Miami Gardens Police Department Antonio G. Brooklen added, “The citizens of this great community have once again spoken and brought to bear a clear message that should resonate in the minds of all who would think to violate the law and that is, ‘Be it a private citizen or a law enforcement officer, criminal acts of this nature will be dealt with swiftly and without impartiality.’  The events that took place on January 11, 2014, could have resulted in a greater tragedy:  we are thankful they did not, and applaud the multi-jurisdictional efforts that resulted in the successful prosecution of this case.  We at the Miami Gardens Police Department are grateful for the continued support of U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer; Special Agent in Charge Hugo Barrera - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle.”

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigatory efforts of the ATF and Miami Gardens Police Department.  Mr. Ferrer also thanked State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and members of the Miami Dade Office of the State Attorney for their assistance with this matter.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina Moreno and Francisco Maderal.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A 2010 Congressional candidate for Florida’s 25th Congressional District, along with the campaign manager for an opposing candidate from a different party, have been charged jointly with violating federal election laws.

Benjamin G. Greenberg, First Assistant United States Attorney, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Jeffrey Garcia, 42, and Jose Rolando Arrojo, 41, of Miami, were charged, by criminal information, with conspiring to make and accept excessive contributions to the 2010 Roly Arrojo for Congress Committee, in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.

According to the information, during the 2010 election cycle, Garcia was the campaign manager for a candidate (“Candidate A”) opposing Arrojo in the general election.  The information alleges that the objective of the conspiracy was to benefit Candidate A by splitting the general election votes of his opponents, by causing and funding the existence of Arrojo’s campaign.  The information also alleges the conspirators used third party checks to conceal the contributions.  A $12,000 check signed by Garcia, and drawn from the campaign account of Candidate A, was made payable to Palm Media, LLC, a company that was also owned and operated by Garcia.  Garcia then signed two checks, made payable to cash in the amounts of $5,000 and $5,500, drawn from the Palm Media, LLC account.  These checks were deposited by Arrojo into a personal account.  Arrojo subsequently wrote a $10,500 check from the personal account made payable to “Roly Arrojo for Congress” which was deposited into the bank account for the Roly Arrojo for Congress Committee. Arrojo then caused a $10,440 check to issue from the Committee’s account to the Department of State, in order to cover his filing fee expenses.  Arrojo submitted this check, along with an Oath of Candidate form, to the Department of State in order to be placed on the ballot in 2010 for Florida’s 25th Congressional District.

In 2010, the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended, established a $2,400 per election limit on contributions from any individual to a federal candidates’ authorized campaign committee.  Therefore, because the contributions alleged in the information did not exceed the permissible amount by more than $25,000, Garcia and Arrojo face a maximum possible sentence of one year in prison.

Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Selmore.

A criminal information is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Attachment:

Information - Garcia, Jeffrey (PDF) 

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

 

A Palm Beach County couple was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp in West Palm Beach for their participation in a bankruptcy fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Husband and wife Dr. Richard S. Krugman, 61, and Tamara B. Giordano, 54, each previously pled guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152.  Krugman and Giordano were each sentenced to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $27,294.35.

According to court documents and information presented during the sentencing hearing, Krugman and Giordano were the owners of a multi-million dollar health care company that took a downturn in 2006.  On August 27, 2008, the two filed a joint personal bankruptcy petition in United States Bankruptcy Court in Palm Beach County, Florida before Judge Erik P. Kimball. Upon filing for bankruptcy, Krugman and Giordano were required, and knew that they were required, to report all assets in which they had any interest.  At the time of filing, the defendants claimed they owed almost $3 million to creditors and had available assets worth less than $13,000.

An investigation revealed that Krugman and Giordano knowingly and fraudulently concealed and caused to be concealed property belonging to their bankruptcy estate.  Specifically, Krugman and Giordano admitted concealing jewelry and other valuables, including a women’s gold and diamond Rolex watch, a gold ring with two carats of diamonds, diamond earrings, Royal Dalton china, Waterford crystal, silver, and two George Rodrigue “Blue Dog” lithographs, signed and numbered.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Criminal bankruptcy fraud can pose a threat to the economy and those who honestly abide by the bankruptcy laws.  Those who hide their assets from the bankruptcy court to enrich themselves should know they may be prosecuted and imprisoned for their misdeeds.”

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Bell.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Miami-Dade County resident pled guilty for his participation in an identity theft tax fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Steve Steinberg, Chief, Aventura Police Department, made the announcement.

Patrick Exilhome, 23, of Miami-Dade County, pled guilty to one count possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, law enforcement responded to a hotel and observed four individuals, including Exilhome, smoking marijuana.  The individuals were asked to leave the hotel.  Before departing, a female from the group asked to retrieve her purse from a hotel room.  Officers accompanied the female to the hotel room and discovered, in plain view, a computer, pieces of paper containing names, dates of birth and social security numbers or personal identification information (“PII”), and debit cards in other peoples’ names.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the hotel room and seized the computer, approximately 131 forms of PII and 16 credit/debit cards in other peoples’ names.  A forensic analysis of the computer revealed thirty “recently used” websites for tax filings and access to debit/credit cards.  PII belonging to individuals, other than the defendant, had been saved to the websites.  Latent print analysis revealed that Exilhome’s prints were on the computer and pieces of paper that contained PII.

Exilhome is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen M. Williams on July 16, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.  At sentencing, Exilhome faces a maximum of ten years in prison for the access devices charge, and a mandatory term of two years in prison, consecutive to any other term in prison, for the aggravated identity theft charge.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the Aventura Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke C. Watson.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Dennis De Jesus, 46, of Fort Lauderdale, pled guilty to traveling to Colombia in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with two persons under the age of eighteen, enticing the minors to engage in sexual activity, and knowingly possessing a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Miami Office, and Luis Sierra, Country Attaché HSI Andean Region, Colombia, made the announcement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the ICE-HSI’s Attaché Office in Colombia and the Colombian Attorney General’s Technical Investigative Corps Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit (CTI TCIU) conducted an undercover operation into a sex trafficking ring that was suspected of exploiting minors in Colombia.

In September 2014, HSI in Bogotá, Colombia received information that Dennis De Jesus intended to travel, the following month, from the United States to Colombia in order to engage in sexual activity with minors.

In an effort to further the investigation, a confidential source working with law enforcement created an undercover account on a social media internet networking site. De Jesus became a social media friend of the confidential source utilizing the account.  During the course of their internet communications, De Jesus discussed his plans to travel to Colombia in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with minors in Colombia.

On October 11, 2014, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at De Jesus’s home in North Lauderdale, Florida.  During the search, agents discovered a computer in De Jesus’s bedroom, in addition to various costumes and masks.  A forensic analysis of the computer recovered videos depicted De Jesus with minors wearing costumes and masks.  At least one of the recovered videos showed two minors engaging in sexual acts.

Law enforcement also recovered De Jesus’ cellular telephone.  The telephone contained text messages between De Jesus, the undercover officer and two minors.  In the messages, De Jesus stated that he intended to return to Colombia in order to have a private party with minor females engaged in the sex tourism trade. De Jesus also referenced his previous trip to Colombia, during which time he and a minor engaged in illicit sexual acts. Using his cellular telephone, De Jesus sent photographs of the costumes and presents he intended to give the minors in exchange for the sexual acts.

The investigation further revealed that De Jesus had traveled to Medellin, Colombia in June 2013 and engaged in illicit sexual conduct with minor females.

De Jesus is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. by U.S. District Judge James I. Cohn.  At sentencing, De Jesus faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison up to a statutory maximum term of life in prison. \

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of HSI (Miami and Bogota), United States Customs and Border Protection, Department of Justice, Judicial Attaché’s Office in Bogota, Colombia, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, CTI TCIU, Colombian Navy, Colombian Army Special Forces, and Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis Viamontes and Jodi Anton.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Two Colombian citizens pled guilty for their participation in an international money laundering conspiracy.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.

Leonardo Forero Ramirez, 59, and Ubaner Alberto Acevedo Espinosa, 32, each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to court documents, both Acevedo and Forero were Colombian citizens residing in Bogota. During 2008 and 2009, Acevedo handled customer accounts at a stock brokerage firm that offered accounts which could be used by customers to receive deposits, wire transfers, and other credit or money, and to disburse the funds through wire transfers and cash or other withdrawals. The stock brokerage firm was authorized to receive funds in U.S. dollars, provided that they were properly documented and justified as being for legitimate business transactions. Forero was one of Acevedo's customers.

During the course of his participation in this scheme, Forero received approximately $1.2 million from IRS undercover accounts which he passed on to the people designated to receive it. Acevedo was involved in the transfer of approximately $335,000 from IRS undercover accounts in the United States to the stock brokerage firm in Colombia, and the conversion of the dollars into pesos and their withdrawal by Forero. Both Acevedo and Forero knew that the money was derived from criminal activity.

Two other co-defendants indicted in this case are awaiting extradition from Columbia.

Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge Ursula Ungaro on July 17, 2015 at 1:30 pm.  At sentencing, the defendants each face a maximum of twenty years in prison.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank H. Tamen.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and A.D. Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Office, announced Jaime Nicole Lewis, 22 of Palm Beach County, was charged by criminal complaint with importing and possessing with the intent to distribute Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (“α-PVP”), aka “Flakka”.  A Pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for the defendant on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge James M. Hopkins in West Palm Beach.

More specifically, the complaint charges Lewis with importing and possessing with the intent to distribute Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (“α-PVP”), aka “Flakka” and the conspiracy to do the same, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952(a), 963, 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846, respectively.  If convicted, Lewis faces a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years in prison.

In March of 2015, as a part of an ongoing investigation regarding the illegal drug trafficking of 4-Methyl-N-Ethylcathinone, a/k/a “4-MEC,” Methylone, and powdered MDMA, a/k/a “Molly” and synthetic cathinones, specifically Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (“α-PVP”), aka “Flakka,” DEA agents received information about suspected narcotics packages being delivered to Palm Beach County.  DEA Agents in London, England received information from the British authorities on multiple packages that were intercepted from a chemical company in Hong Kong, China.  The Chinese based chemical company has been utilizing a shipping Company to transport chemicals to buyers in the United States.  The British authorities found multiple packages that contained a white crystallized substance which tested positive for the presence of α-PVP.  DEA agents delivered the package in Palm Beach County.  A co-defendant of Lewis answered the door and took possession of the package.  Additionally, one of the packages was addressed to Lewis and listed Lewis’ telephone number as the contact. 

“Synthetic drugs are illegal and present a grave danger to our community, particularly our children,” said United States Attorney Ferrer.  “Floridians can be very proud of the hard work and cooperation by federal, state and local law enforcement in identifying and investigating this important case.”

“The manufacture, sale, and abuse of synthetic drugs represents a clear and detrimental danger to our society,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge A.D. Wright.  “These substances serve no legitimate purpose other than to generate a powerful intoxication for the user while generating enormous illicit profits for the criminal organizations who sell them.  These powerful chemicals are generally manufactured and produced in a foreign laboratory environment without safety protocols nor concerns for their potential negative effects which ultimately leaves the users at great risk of death.”

“It is DEA’s global footprint pledge, with the assistance of our law enforcement partners, to remain vigilant in our pursuit of identifying, investigating, arresting, and seizing any illicit assets from those criminal organizations who continue to circumvent the law by producing, transporting, and distributing synthetic drugs. Today’s announcement represents the culmination of months of teamwork between state, local, and federal partners.  It should serve notice to any criminal organization operating with a nexus to Florida that law enforcement will not obscurely stand in the shadows, but rather will utilize all available resources to bring them to justice and hold them accountable for their actions.”

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the DEA.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lothrop Morris.

A complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, announce that Inaldo Chavez, 57, of Hialeah, Caridad Baez, 50, of Hialeah, Masiel Puron, 33, of Marathon, Elides Rodriguez Vallejo, 42, of Marathon, Claudio Catapano, 49, of Argentina, Naile Yubero Carrasco, 30, of Hialeah, Enrique Giglio, 32, of Venezuela, Duniesky Alvarez Perez, 26, of Homestead, Angela Cuellar Velandia, 29, of Colombia, Marcos Vila, 25, of Homestead, Olena Pokotiuk, 27, of Ukraine, Dayana Trigueiro, 21, of Homestead, Vladimir Popa, 28, of Moldova, Yinet Hernandez Martinez, 31, of Weston, Camilo Benavides Prieto, 30, of Colombia, Daylin Ramirez Pereira, 24, of Marathon, Igor Singereanu, 29, of Moldova, Jennifer Gutierrez, 22, of Marathon, Serghei Serdiuc, 27, of Moldova, Suset Nodarse Gonzalez, 23, of Coral Gables, Eldar Ben Atar, 28, of Israel, Kassandra Perdomo, 21, of Miami, Efrain Basaldella Landa, 24, of Venezuela, Elio Martinez Alan, 44, of Hialeah, Maria Pinto Camacho, 48, of Venezuela, Jenny Gonzalez, 24, of Miami, and Ido Sharir, 25, of Israel, have been charged by federal indictment with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and related immigration fraud charges.

According to the indictment, between May 2011 and February 2014, organizers, Chavez and Baez, and recruiters, including Puron, arranged for United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to enter into fraudulent marriages with aliens for the purpose of evading the immigration laws of the United States.  Chavez, Baez, and Puron charged the aliens a fee to arrange the fraudulent marriages, notarized the fraudulent marriage licenses, completed the necessary immigration paperwork, and prepared the co-conspirators for their interviews with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The United States citizen and lawful permanent resident co-conspirators also charged the aliens a fee to enter into the fraudulent marriages.  Aliens Catapano, Giglio, Velandia, Pokotiuk, Popa, Prieto, Singereanu, Serdiuc, Atar, Landa, Camacho, and Sharir, all paid a fee to enter into fraudulent marriages with United States citizens Gutierrez and Jenny Gonzalez, and lawful permanent residents Vallejo, Carrasco, Perez, Vila, Trigueiro, Martinez, Pereira, Suset Gonzalez, Perdomo, and Alan.  These fraudulent marriages took place in the Southern District of Florida.  In addition, during the time that they were arranging the fraudulent marriages, Chavez and Baez personally attempted to fraudulently obtain naturalization.

United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Marriage and immigration fraud is a serious crime that seeks to undermine the integrity and fairness of our immigration system.  Our Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these crimes and prosecute those individuals who seek to perpetrate fraudulent immigration schemes.”

“Today’s arrests send a clear message that we will not tolerate individuals defrauding our immigration system for their own personal or financial gain,” said Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Miami.”  HSI will continue to work to ensure that those who attempt to defraud the government will be prosecuted.”

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, who provided significant and valuable support to this investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Snyder.

An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Miami-Dade County resident was charged for threatening to destroy the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building by fire or a bomb.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Melissa Chedotal, Special Agent in Charge, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), made the announcement.

Morris R. Whitehead, 53, of Miami, was charged by complaint, with willfully making a threat through the use of a telephone concerning an attempt to be made to unlawfully damage or destroy a building by means of fire or an explosive, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e).  The charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.

According to allegations contained in the affidavit in support of a criminal complaint, Whitehead called the FBI’s Miami Field Office on April 20, 2015, and indicated that the IRS Building in Miami, Florida should be evacuated within two hours because it was going to go up in smoke.  Whitehead was arrested later that same day and allegedly admitted to law enforcement officers that he had placed the threatening call.

“Threats to federal buildings are taken extremely seriously and we will continue to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law any attempts to disrupt the proper functioning of government and endanger the community,” stated United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer.

Whitehead is scheduled to be arraigned on May 5, 2015.

Mr. Ferrer commends the outstanding investigative efforts of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force, including the FBI, TIGTA, IRS-CI, U.S. Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Protective Services, and City of Miami Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Fels.

A complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Miami-Dade County resident pled guilty for his participation in an identity theft fraud scheme involving $322,000 in cashed tax refund checks.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Paula A. Reid, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Eldridge Nichols, 41, of Miami, pled guilty to one count of theft of government money.  As part of his plea agreement, Nichols agreed to pay restitution in the amount of approximately $322,000.

According to court documents, from February 2011 to January 2012, Nichols had access to and control over a bank account in the name of Eldridge Nichols LLC in Miami, Florida.  Nichols caused fraudulent tax refund checks to be deposited into this account.  Approximately forty-three U.S. Treasury tax refund checks, totaling approximately $322,000, were cashed through this bank account. Nichols used the proceeds from the fraudulent tax refund checks for travel, clothing, entertainment, and other personal purposes.

Law enforcement contacted a sample of individuals who had a tax refund check in their name cashed in this account.  All of the individuals advised that they did not know of the defendant, that they did not authorize Nichols to have possession of a tax refund check in their name, and that they did not personally receive any of the proceeds from this unauthorized tax refund.

Nichols is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga on June 29, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.  At sentencing, Nichols faces a maximum of ten years in prison.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the USSS.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael N. Berger.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Miami-Dade County man was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $5,855 in restitution, for his participation in a stolen identity tax fraud scheme.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Paula A. Reid, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

Duniel Gongora, 28, previously pled guilty to one count of using unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, from February 24, 2014 through March 4, 2014, Gongora knowingly used two debit cards that belonged to other people with the intent to defraud.  Gongora knew that both debit cards were funded with fraudulent tax refunds.  Gongora used the debit cards at various ATMs in Miami-Dade County and withdrew funds totaling over $1,000.  Gongora knew that the debit card numbers belonged to real people and that the victims did not authorize him to possess their personal information or to use debit cards in their names.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of FBI, IRS-CI, and USSS.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Snyder.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Broward County resident used counterfeit currency to unlawfully purchase items and gamble in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Paula A. Reid, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, William R. Latchford, Chief of Police, Seminole Police Department, and Stephen J. Stepp, Chief, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, made the announcement.

Bernardo Lecaros, 35, of Pompano Beach, pled guilty to possessing and passing counterfeit currency and conspiracy to possess and pass counterfeit currency.

According to court documents, Lecaros used counterfeit money to pay for items he purchased and to gamble.  On December 10, 2014 and again on December 14, 2014, Lecaros unlawfully used $5,400 in counterfeit currency in order to gamble at the Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood, Florida.  During the course of the investigation, Lecaros was also found to have possessed an additional $37,800 in counterfeit currency.

On March 3, 2015, Lecaros used $300 in counterfeit currency to make additional unlawful purchases at a luxury department store located inside the Palm Beach Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.  Lecaros was also found to be in possession of an additional $31,500 in counterfeit currency.

Lecaros is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2015 at 9:00 a.m., by U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg, in West Palm Beach.

At sentencing, Lecaros faces up to twenty years in prison for each count of possessing and passing counterfeit currency, and up to five years in prison for the conspiracy to possess and pass counterfeit currency charge.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the USSS, the Seminole Police Department and the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Randy Katz and Lauren Jorgensen.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

A police officer, formerly assigned to the Miami-Dade Police Department Narcotics Bureau, pled guilty on April 16, 2015, to aiding and abetting a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Filed Office, and J.D. Patterson, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), made the announcement.

Roderick Silva, 45, of Miami, pled guilty to aiding and abetting a conspiracy with the intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Officer Silva aided and abetted a group of persons who were illegally growing hydroponic marijuana in numerous homes that they owned, rented, or otherwise controlled, in the south west area of Miami-Dade County. This group of persons included members of the Santiesteban family, and their friends and associates.  The Santiesteban family members, and a number of their friends and associates, were convicted in 2013 for their participation in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 1000 marijuana plants. The co-conspirators were sentenced to significant prison sentences for their participation in the narcotics conspiracy.

Officer Silva aided and abetted the Santiesteban family members, and their friends and associates, in their marijuana growing activities by providing them with confidential information about when they were being investigated by MDPD narcotics detectives, and when they might have their marijuana grow houses searched and their marijuana plants seized; and by providing advice to the Santiestebans and their friends and associates about how to avoid, deflect, frustrate, and obstruct those MDPD investigations.

Silva is scheduled to be sentenced on July 21, 2015 by U.S. District judge Robert N. Scola Jr.  At sentencing, Silva faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison up to 40 years in prison on the aiding and abetting a conspiracy charge.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and MDPD. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael P. Sullivan and Andy Camacho.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A Martin County resident pled guilty yesterday to manufacturing hash oil by using a butane hash oil laboratory in his apartment and to related weapons charges.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, A.D. Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, William D. Snyder, Sherriff, Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), and David Dyess, Chief, Stuart Police Department (SPD) made the announcement. 

Daniel Paul Vranich, 31, of Lake Park, FL, pled guilty before Chief U.S. Magistrate Frank J. Lynch Jr., in Fort Pierce, to charges of endangering human life while illegally manufacturing a controlled substance, punishable by up to ten years in prison; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, punishable by a consecutive five years in prison; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, punishable by up to ten years in prison.

According to the stipulated factual basis in support of the guilty plea, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on December 30, 2014, 911 Emergency Services received a call, regarding an explosion originating from an apartment in Stuart, Florida.  In the apartment, the Stuart Police Department, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Martin County Fire Rescue (MCFR), Stuart Fire Rescue (SFR) and State Fire Marshal’s Office discovered a smoldering fire and a large industrial vacuum drying oven with a timing device.  DEA and Hazardous Material Unit (Hazmat) determined that the chemicals, equipment and other items were consistent of a Butane Hash Oil (BHO) laboratory.  A witness identified Daniel Paul Vranich and his girlfriend, as the couple who had been living in the apartment for the past year, with their twin baby girls.  SPD detectives found large glass cylinders containing approximately 20 pounds of marijuana, numerous empty butane cans, air pumps/compressors, a 1.9 cubic foot vacuum oven, wax paper with approximately 48 grams of BHO, a food saver sealing machine, two digital scales, an electric grinder, a money counting machine, a vacuum chamber, and numerous containers and storage bags.  SPD detectives also found a loaded Sig Sauer .45 caliber pistol and numerous personal documents belonging to Vranich.

According to the stipulated factual basis in support of guilty plea, Vranich admitted that he was committing the drug trafficking crime of manufacturing and possessing with intent to distribute the controlled substances marijuana and hashish oil, and that the possession of the aforementioned Sig Sauer pistol was in furtherance of the defendant’s drug trafficking crime. Vranich also admitted in the factual basis that while manufacturing and attempting to manufacture hashish oil, he created a substantial risk of harm to human life.

Hash oil is a highly potent derivative of marijuana, obtained by extracting the resins containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active psychoactive compound, from marijuana buds and plant matter through a chemical process using materials and equipment like those found in Vranich’s apartment.  Because the butane vapor created during the process is extremely volatile, highly flammable and large amounts are required in the process of extracting the resin from the raw marijuana, explosions and fires from accidents have resulted in the destruction of property, severe injuries and even death. 

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the ATF, DEA, SPD, MCSO, MCFR, SFR and State Fire Marshal’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A South Florida Doctor was charged in a seventy-six count indictment for participating in a Medicare fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the  FBI’s Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shimon Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General’s Miami Region (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Michael D. Angelucci of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board’s Office of Inspector General (RRB) and Special Agent in Charge John Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).

Salomon E. Melgen, 60, of North Palm Beach, Florida, was chargedin an indictment, with 46 counts of health care fraud, 19 counts of making, presenting and filing false, fictitious and fraudulent claims and 11 counts of making false statements relating to health care.

According to the indictment, Melgen was an ophthalmologist and retina specialist licensed to practice medicine in the state of Florida, who owned and operated Vitreo-Retinal Consultants of the Palm Beaches (VRC), a medical clinic that was incorporated in 1990.  VRC conducted business as “Vitreo Retinal Consultants Eye Center” and “The Melgen Retina Eye Center” and had four offices located in Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties.  Melgen’s high-volume medical practice provided services to as many as 100 patients or more in a single day.  A large percentage of Melgen’s patients were Medicare beneficiaries. 

The indictment alleges that from as early as 2004 and continuing through at least Dec. 31, 2013, Melgen participated in a scheme to defraud Medicare and other health care benefit programs, by submitting false claims and creating fraudulent entries on patients’ medical charts.  Melgen is alleged to have falsely diagnosed patients with serious eye conditions, notably age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD) and retinal disorders.  Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina that is one of the leading causes of severe vision loss in persons age 65 and older.  There are two forms of ARMD, “dry” and “wet.”  In patients with dry macular degeneration, the cells of the central area of the retina (the macula) break down, causing distorted and blurred vision.  In wet macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels leak blood and fluid into the macula, causing scarring and rapid loss of vision.  Without treatment, wet ARMD can lead to permanent vision loss.  Based upon the false diagnoses, the defendant would allegedly perform and bill for medically unreasonable and unnecessary tests and procedures, which included unnecessary laser surgeries and eye injections.

The defendant is also alleged to have made exorbitant and improper profits from the purchase and administration of the drug Lucentis, which is used for the treatment of wet macular degeneration.  The defendant would purchase the drug from the manufacturer, Genentech, arrange to have the “single-use” vials split into multiple doses and administered to multiple patients, and then separately bill Medicare and other health care providers at the reimbursement rate for each full dosage.

The defendant is also alleged to have caused patient files to contain false information, including the false diagnoses as well as fictitious drawings and diagrams that misrepresented the condition of the patients’ eyes.  The indictment also alleges that the defendant prepared false and fictitious reports regarding his abnormal billing practices, in response to audit inquiries from Medicare.

Additionally, the defendant allegedly submitted claims for incomplete and non-performed diagnostic tests, such as angiographic studies on blind eyes and prosthetic eyes.

The indictment further charges that, between January 2008 and December 2013, the defendant billed the Medicare program more than $190 million, for which he, through VRC, was reimbursed and paid more than $105 million.  A substantial portion of these reimbursement payments were allegedly obtained through fraudulent billing.  

“Medicare was created to ensure adequate protection for the senior citizens against the cost of health care and to ensure that they are provided with quality medical services,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer.  “Medical professionals who violate their oath by failing to attend to the health of their patients and who submit falsified billing statements for their own personal gain, jeopardize the viability of government benefit programs.  Our office will continue to work with all involved agencies to protect our senior citizens, prosecute those individuals who perpetuate the fraudulent schemes and help preserve precious Medicare dollars for the intended beneficiaries – the poor, sick and elderly.”

“People who defraud Medicare indirectly increase the cost of health care for everyone,” said Special Agent in Charge Piro.  “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to rooting out this kind of fraud and reclaiming money that was dishonestly obtained.”

“Patients fearing blindness sought treatment from Dr. Melgen’s office,” said Special Agent in Charge Richmond.  “Instead, they allegedly received medically unreasonable and unnecessary tests and procedures for which they and taxpayers paid millions of dollars.  My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of the Medicare program.”

“The Office of Inspector General for U.S. Railroad Retirement Board will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute any individual that defrauds the Medicare system,” said Special Agent in Charge Angelucci.

"Today's indictment is part of an ongoing effort by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and its law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of federal health care programs and the quality of care our military service members receive,” said Special Agent in Charge Khin.  “DCIS will tirelessly pursue allegations of health care fraud that put the Warfighter at risk and burden the Defense Health Agency with unnecessary costs."

Melgen is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on April 15, 2015, in West Palm Beach, Florida, before U.S. Magistrate Judge James M. Hopkins of the Southern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, HHS-OIG, RRB and DCIS.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger H. Stefin, Carolyn Bell and Alexandra Chase of the Southern District of Florida.

An indictment is only an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

A federal grand jury in West Palm Beach, Florida, returned a two-count indictment charging Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputy William D. Wheeler, 46, with unlawfully assaulting a man at the Palm Beach County Detention Center on Oct. 9, 2013, and filing a false report on the incident, announced U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI.

According to the allegations contained in court documents, on or about Oct. 9, 2013, Wheeler was employed as a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and was assigned to the Corrections Division (PBSO) West Detention Center located in Belle Glade, Florida.  As part of his duties, the complaint alleges that Wheeler escorted an inmate, J.S., to the medical area of the facility where he was seated in a chair with his hands restrained behind his back with handcuffs.  The complaint alleges that J.S. did not comply with the treating nurse’s attempt to review his medical bracelet.  The complaint further alleges that as the defendant lifted the inmate’s arm to read the medical bracelet, the inmate pulled his arm away.  The complaint alleges that Wheeler then placed his hands around the inmate’s neck, struck the inmate’s head against the wall and pulled the inmate to the floor.  The complaint further alleges that the defendant then struck the inmate in the face with his knee.  The inmate sustained facial injuries as a result of the incident, which was allegedly captured on a video recording.

According to the complaint, the defendant prepared an incident report regarding the use of force.  The complaint further alleges that the defendant was later questioned regarding the incident and claimed to have been physically assaulted by the inmate.  The complaint alleges that the defendant’s version of the events is not corroborated by the video footage.

United States Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Law enforcement officers and public servants are not above the law, but are held to the highest standard.  They must protect the civil rights of the individuals they are sworn to protect and monitor.  Those individuals who violate our civil liberties and falsify documents to conceal their criminal conduct will be held accountable within the justice system.”

Wheeler is scheduled to be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge James D. Hopkins on April 15, 2015.

If convicted, Wheeler faces a maximum punishment of 30 years in prison.

The Department of Justice commends the investigative efforts of the West Palm Beach Resident Agency of the FBI, Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney Dave Aronberg of the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Rhee Osborne of the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney D.W. Tunnage of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

 

Attachment: Wheeler, William D. Indictment (PDF)

A former office manager of a Miami based physical and occupational therapy clinic was convicted, following a four day trial, for her participation in a scheme that involved the fraudulent submission of more than $3.3 million dollars in false billing to Medicare.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Shimon Richmond, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), made the announcement.

Defendant Rossana Caneiro, 41, of Miami Lakes, was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and six substantive counts of health care fraud.

Evidence presented at trial showed that Caneiro had managed and operated Flagler Rehabilitation Center, Inc., a Miami based physical and occupational therapy clinic, for five years.  The defendant was responsible for patient appointments, Medicare billing, the scheduling of therapy sessions, and was the point of contact for co-conspirator therapists who worked at the facility.  Caneiro facilitated the fraudulent conduct at Flagler Rehabilitation Center, Inc. by directing the co-conspirator therapists to write fraudulent evaluations and other falsified documents for patients that were not actually treated at the clinic.  The falsified physical and occupational therapy evaluations were prepared in an effort to conceal the Medicare fraud.

The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years in prison for each count of conviction.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of HHS-OIG.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James V. Hayes and Amanda Perwin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, in coordination with the Fraud Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the Medicare Strike Force.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.