News from May 2023
Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Possessing a Firearm and Controlled Substances
By DOJ Newswire | May 21, 2023
News Release: Orlando, FL - U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Curtis Tyrone Johnson (35, Melbourne) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with the intent to distribute various controlled substances. The court also ordered Johnson to forfeit a Glock.40 caliber pistol and ammunition traceable to the offense. A federal jury had found Johnson guilty on February 8, 2023.
Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Three Bills to Stop Exploitation of Kids Online, Six District Court Judge Nominations to the Full Senate
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
The three bills are part of the Stopping the Exploitation of Kids Online legislative package, continue the Committee’s bipartisan efforts to protect children online
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Dry Cleaner Armed Robbery and Murder Relating to Exotic Nightclub Drug Conspiracy
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Corey Small (44, St. Petersburg) to 25 years in federal prison for to interfering with commerce by robbery, using and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, conspiring to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, causing death by murder. Small had pleaded guilty on October 14, 2021.
Violent Child Predator Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Failing To Register as a Sex Offender After Moving to Southern Indiana
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
Franklin Gomar, 42, of Kentucky, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and failing to register as a sex offender.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Arson and Possession of Destructive Devices
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the unsealing of a two-count indictment returned on May 5, 2023, that charged RICKY WILSON, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, for violation of the National Firearms Act.
Rosedale Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for a Conspiracy To Smuggle Firearms and Other Military Items From the United States To Assist Separatists Fighting Against the Government of Cameroon
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Tamufor Nchumuluh St. Michael, age 42, of Rosedale, Maryland, yesterday to 30 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy and for violating the Arms Export Control Act by sending firearms, ammunition, and other military-type items from the United States to Nigeria without obtaining a license from the U.S. Department of State.
Gangster Disciple Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Firebombing and Drug Distribution
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
A member of the Gangster Disciples gang pleaded guilty today to a racketeering conspiracy involving his firebombing of a prison guard’s house and the distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Paducah Resident Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearm Charges
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
A Paducah man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for methamphetamine distribution and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Normal, Illinois, Woman Pleads Guilty to Illegally Purchasing Firearm Used to Shoot and Kill Champaign Police Officer
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
A Normal, Illinois, woman, Regina Lewis, 28, of the 1200 block of Major Street, pleaded guilty on May 16, 2023, to conspiracy to illegally purchase and transfer a firearm and conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct. Sentencing for Lewis has been scheduled on October 2, 2023, at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana, Illinois.
Federal Court Permanently Shuts Down New York Tax Preparer
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
A federal court in the Eastern District of New York has permanently enjoined a tax return preparer and her Brooklyn-based business from preparing federal tax returns for others and from owning, operating, or working for any tax return preparation business in the future.
Three Members of ‘Straw-Purchasing’ Conspiracy Sentenced in Federal Court After Duo Illegally Purchased 17 Firearms on Behalf of Violent Felon
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
Alexandria Flick, 23, of Bloomington, Indiana, has been convicted of a felony and sentenced to 3 years of federal supervised probation after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with the purchase of sixteen firearms.
Beech Grove Felon Sentenced to Over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm After Fleeing Police
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 21, 2023
John E. Lamond II, 38, of Beech Grove, Indiana, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.
Nearly 1,000 Pounds of Meth Seized in Tulare and Kings County
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 22, 2023
Armando Rosales Gonzalez, 35, of Tulare; Rogelio Ceniceros Flores, 37, of Jalisco, Mexico; and Carlos Bobadilla, 39, of Tulare, were arrested on May 17, 2023, during a coordinated law enforcement operation and have been charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark and U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Denton Physician Sentenced for Over-Prescribing Opioids
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 22, 2023
A Denton physician has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations announced Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Eduardo A. Chávez today.
Atlanta Man Sentenced to more than Six Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy Using Laundry Detergent Boxes
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 22, 2023
U.S. District Judge William F. Jung sentenced Jose Javier Galvan (55, Atlanta, GA) to six (6) years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Galvan had pleaded guilty on February 2, 2023.
Mexican National Found at Massive Merced County Marijuana Cultivation Operation Sentenced for Firearm Charge
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 22, 2023
Roberto Carlos Leon-Garcia (Leon), 49, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for being in possession of a firearm while being in the United States without lawful status, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark announced.
Federal Jury Finds Venezuelan National Guilty of Trafficking $21 Million Of Cocaine on the High Seas
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 22, 2023
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that a federal jury found Hector Caballero (70, Venezuela) guilty of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as well as possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Tallahassee Man Indicted for Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 22, 2023
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of an indictment charging Brian Keith Coleman (33, Tallahassee) with possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
St. Cloud Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 22, 2023
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Robert J. Potocnack (42, St. Cloud) has pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Perry Woman Indicted for Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Methamphetamine Distribution
By DOJ Newswire Report | May 22, 2023
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Miranda Stafford, 55, of Perry, Florida, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine, distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.