U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida

The Justice Department just announced the Model Cities Initiative which will grant funds to 2-4 cities with a population of 100k or more who are committed to a whole-of-government partnership to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and modernize their public safety infrastructure.

Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, our office is committed to delivering results and we encourage our public safety partners to apply before September 1st: www.justice.gov/grants

A passenger has been federally charged after allegedly attempting to open aircraft doors mid-flight and assaulting a traveler. Acts that endanger passengers, flight crews, and aircraft will not be tolerated. Our Office will continue to pursue those who threaten public safety and the security of our nation’s transportation systems.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones welcomed our summer interns as they begin their public service experience with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Throughout the summer, these future legal professionals will gain firsthand exposure to federal prosecutions, civil litigation, and the important work of protecting our communities and upholding the rule of law.

We are excited to invest in the next generation of public servants and look forward to the contributions they will make during their time with our office.

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline
www.justice.gov/StopElderFraud
National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11

Three Florida men were sentenced to federal prison for laundering more than $2.2 million in proceeds from a Medicare fraud scheme that involved submitting nearly $6.9 million in fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary orthotic braces. The defendants used shell companies to conceal and move illicit funds, resulting in prison sentences, forfeiture orders, and millions in restitution. Medicare fraud and money laundering schemes leave a trail—and those who participate can face significant prison time, financial penalties, and lasting consequences.

A Coral Gables man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distributing animal crush videos depicting the torture, mutilation, and s*xual abuse of baby monkeys. He administered private online groups dedicated to sharing the content and distributed more than 40 videos. The sentence sends a clear message: those who create, share, or facilitate extreme animal cruelty online can face federal prosecution and prison time.

A convicted felon allegedly chose to arm himself, flee from law enforcement, and shoot a police K-9—now facing serious federal charges. Attacks on law enforcement officers and K-9s will be met with aggressive prosecution. Illegal firearm possession and violent resistance only add years of consequences. Accountability follows.

Fraud in the renewable fuels market comes with real consequences. A Fort Pierce biofuel executive was sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to generate millions in fraudulent EPA fuel credits and false tax claims. Federal agencies are continuing to target those who exploit clean energy incentive programs for personal gain.

A federal jury convicted a multi-convicted felon who set a vehicle packed with fentanyl disguised as oxy pills, crack co***ne, cash, and a loaded firearm on fire while law enforcement officers stood nearby during a Palm Beach County drug investigation. The explosion could have killed officers and innocent bystanders.

The defendant now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison. Federal, state, and local law enforcement will continue targeting armed drug traffickers who endanger our communities with fentanyl, illegal fi****ms, and violence. Crime brings consequences.

A Tennessee man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after being convicted of attempting to s*x traffic a 14-year-old girl in Colombia and directing her to produce child s*xual abuse material in exchange for money. Prosecutors said he exchanged thousands of messages with the victim and even traveled internationally to exploit her in person.

Exploiting minors online, sending payments, or traveling overseas to commit these crimes will not shield offenders from U.S. law enforcement. Federal authorities and international partners are working together to identify, track, and prosecute predators wherever they operate.