A Miami man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison after being found guilty of firearms and identity theft offenses. Keith Bethel, 34, received a 104-month sentence from U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz following his conviction by a federal jury.
The investigation began after law enforcement responded to a drive-by shooting on July 18, 2023, in Lauderhill. Bethel, who was wearing an ankle monitor due to a previous felony conviction, fled the scene. A search of the residence uncovered multiple firearms, including a large-capacity Draco-style firearm and ammunition. Authorities also found evidence of identity theft activity such as folders with victims’ personal information, stolen mail, blank checks, and ledgers containing scripts for fraud.
Victims identified in the case included individuals from various backgrounds: a Florida basketball coach, a foster care specialist, a retired nurse, and an Air Force firefighter.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida commented on the outcome: “What began as a drive-by shooting investigation led to the discovery of illegal firearms, stolen identities, and a calculated fraud operation,” said Reding Quiñones. “Federal investigators uncovered a dangerous combination of violence and identity theft that harmed real people — from a foster care specialist to a young Air Force firefighter. The Southern District of Florida will continue working with our partners to dismantle criminal enterprises and protect our community.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami conducted the investigation into the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kseniya Smychkouskaya and General Crimes Chief Joseph Egozi prosecuted.
Further details about this case can be accessed through court records at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-60103.
