Twelve individuals have been indicted on federal charges in the Northern District of Florida, according to an announcement by United States Attorney John P. Heekin. The indictments span three divisions: Gainesville, Panama City, and Tallahassee.
In Gainesville, Patrick Johnson faces charges of bank burglary and larceny. Stephen Jones is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, while Tyrese Jones is accused of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
The Panama City division saw indictments against Jose Alvarado-Lopez (Honduras), Maynor Esquivel-Amador (Guatemala), and Eugenio Hernandez-Vargas (Mexico) for illegal reentry after deportation or removal.
In Tallahassee, Jose Guadelupe Escobar and Abraham Flores-Tercero, both from Honduras, were indicted for illegal reentry after deportation or removal. Kelveont’a Lamar Dennis faces multiple counts including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Rashaad Huggins was indicted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Brandon Mahaffey is charged with enticement of a minor. Perry Walker II faces charges related to sexual exploitation of children, receipt of child pornography, transfer of obscene material to minors, and possession of child pornography.
Investigations involved several agencies: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Bay County Sheriff’s Office; Leon County Sheriff’s Office; Alachua County Sheriff’s Office; and Tallahassee Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner, James A. McCain, Eric K. Mountin, Harley W. Ferguson, Justin M. Keen, Meredith L. Steer, and Christie S. Utt are prosecuting these cases.
The office clarified that “an indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.” It added: “All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.”
Nine cases fall under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative focused on addressing illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
Two cases are part of Project Safe Childhood—a national effort started in 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated federal, state, and local resources. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one of 94 principal litigating offices under the Attorney General’s direction. Additional public court documents can be accessed through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Further details about the office are available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
