All USAO Press Releases

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Edward Snider, Jr., (25, Deltona) has pleaded guilty to transferring unregistered firearms. Snider faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, and sentencing is set for December 11, 2024.

On Aug. 19, Ramon Fuertes, a/k/a “Raymond Cortez,” of West Palm Beach, Fla. was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment after a federal jury convicted him of four counts of failure of a sex offender to properly register, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a).

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Hua Yao Ke (38) and Ping Ping Zheng (37), both of Jacksonville, have been charged by criminal complaint with harboring undocumented workers for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Gee Seymour (31, Opa-Locka) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing a stolen firearm. Seymour faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for each offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar today sentenced Ashley Marie Tibbs, age 34, of Hagerstown, Maryland, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexual exploitation of a child.  Judge Bredar also ordered that, upon her release from prison, Tibbs will be required to register as a sex offender in the places where she resides, where she is an employee, and where she is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”). 

Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jhon Astudillo (45, Ocala) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Astudillo faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

George Semerene Quintero (Semerene), 60, of Venezuela, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to violate the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) for his role in a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions imposed on Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), a Venezuelan state-owned oil company.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Jessie Wooden (36, Miami) on a two-count indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of contraband by a federal prisoner. If convicted, Wooden faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A federal grand jury had returned the indictment on Wooden on May 28, 2024. 

KADER GAHMAAL BIWAKI EDMOND, 24, of Miami Gardens, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release and 125 hours of community service, for his role in a scheme that defrauded individuals who use the electronic payments system Zelle.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Markee Washington (33, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Washington faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. As part of his plea, Washington has agreed to forfeit a Glock pistol, machinegun conversion device, and ammunition involved in the case.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Bradenton residents Clemente Betancourt (28), Estevan Betancourt (19), Larry Lee Woodard, Jr. (29), Adonis Bonilla (29), Omar Mejia (29), Jesse Leahy (48), and Alexander Perez (30) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.