U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida
Recent News About U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida
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The Justice Department filed suit seeking revocation of Victor Manuel Rocha's U.S. citizenship after his conviction as a Cuban spy came to light this year. Officials allege he obtained citizenship through deception spanning decades while working covertly for Cuba.
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A federal jury has convicted four men in Miami on charges related to plotting and carrying out the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Prosecutors detailed how conspirators used South Florida as an operational base before orchestrating attacks involving Colombian mercenaries abroad.
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A South Florida man admitted guilt in a scheme involving over $4 million in fraudulent PPP loans during COVID-19 relief efforts. Authorities say he prepared fake tax forms that led clients to receive improper funds from pandemic aid programs.
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A Port St. Lucie man has been sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison after pleading guilty in connection with large-scale fentanyl trafficking and possessing a firearm during drug offenses. Authorities seized thousands of counterfeit pills disguised as oxycodone along with cash weapons at his residence.
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Two Americans have been sentenced to prison after aiding North Korean remote IT worker schemes targeting nearly 70 US companies with fraudulent employment practices generating over $1 million sent abroad or used under false identities according to federal authorities.
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Three Dominican nationals have pleaded guilty in connection with importing over 1,600 kilograms of cocaine into South Florida after being intercepted by authorities near Miami-Dade County's coastlines. Each faces significant prison time as part of an ongoing federal effort against large-scale drug trafficking.
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A Miami Beach man has been charged with making online death threats against President Trump and other top officials after posting messages on social media platforms earlier this year. Authorities emphasize that such actions constitute serious crimes rather than protected speech.
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A Bahamian national was convicted by a jury in Fort Lauderdale for his role in trafficking hundreds of kilograms of cocaine as well as unauthorized migrants into South Florida by boat. Authorities say this conviction demonstrates ongoing efforts against cross-border crime involving drugs and human smuggling.
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A Nicaraguan national has been sentenced for leading a multi-million dollar bank impersonation scheme targeting victims across America using advanced cyber tactics. Authorities say Ernesto Ortega Padgett's arrest involved cooperation between multiple countries.
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Five individuals have been charged by a federal grand jury in connection with an alleged Miami-based cocaine trafficking ring linked internationally from Colombia through the Dominican Republic into South Florida. Authorities seized large quantities of drugs and cash during enforcement actions tied to this case.
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A Miami jury convicted former Congressman David Rivera and lobbyist Esther Nuhfer for illegally lobbying on behalf of Venezuela's government without proper registration under FARA laws. Authorities say both individuals laundered millions connected with their secret work promoting Venezuelan interests among U.S officials.
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Four people have been sentenced for stealing over $38 million through an international business email fraud scheme targeting victims worldwide. The sentences range from three to seventeen years following investigations led by Homeland Security Investigations Fort Lauderdale.
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A Miami mother and son have been charged with defrauding an elderly woman after gaining her trust as caregivers over several years. Authorities allege they used personal information for fraudulent activities including opening credit cards without authorization.
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Jason A. Reding Quiñones was promoted to Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve after over two decades serving both militarily and legally. He continues his dual role as senior reserve legal advisor at USCENTCOM while leading one of South Florida's largest federal districts.
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Boise Cascade Company has pleaded guilty for violating laws related to timber trafficking schemes involving imported plywood products. The company faces over $6 million in fines following coordinated federal investigations into duty evasion affecting U.S markets.
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Joseph E. diGenova has been sworn in as Counselor to the Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice. DiGenova brings decades of legal experience from both government service and private practice.
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A Land O’Lakes man pleaded guilty on Apr. 20 after admitting he conspired with others in deploying BlackCat ransomware against multiple U.S. companies while working as a negotiator meant to assist attack victims. Authorities seized $10 million worth of assets linked to his crimes.
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Christian "Chris" Cruz has been sentenced to nine years for orchestrating an extensive Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary orthotic braces sent nationwide. Authorities say he submitted millions in false claims using illegal kickbacks while concealing company ownership details.
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A Titusville teenager has been indicted as an adult for murder and aggravated sexual abuse following his stepsister's death aboard a cruise ship last November, authorities announced April 13th. The case remains under investigation by FBI Miami.
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A Hallandale woman and California man received lengthy prison sentences for murdering a Miami man over missing methamphetamine linked to their trafficking operation. Authorities say both pleaded guilty after evidence revealed they confronted their victim believing he stole seized drugs worth $90,000.