Efrain Betancourt, Jr., a 36-year-old Colombian citizen, was arrested on November 14, 2024, upon entering the United States and charged in South Florida federal court for his role in orchestrating a $66 million Ponzi scheme through his company, Sky Group USA, LLC (Sky Group). Betancourt was indicted on September 12,Continue Reading
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has released preliminary details and video of an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Rayford Street in the Murray Hill neighborhood on Monday, November 11, 2024. Officer G. Robinson responded to an aggravated assault with a firearm call at a parking lot on South McDuff Avenue.Continue Reading
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Connor Putnam Lindsey, 31, of Pensacola on 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The arrest is the result of FDLE’s statewide initiative to locate and arrest criminals sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children. Agents initiated the investigationContinue Reading
Mayo Clinic has announced plans to introduce carbon ion radiation therapy at its Jacksonville campus, marking the first use of this groundbreaking cancer treatment in the United States. The facility is currently under construction, with the first treatments expected in 2028. About the Therapy Carbon ion radiation therapy delivers highlyContinue Reading
Esdras Joel Garcia De La Rosa, 28, of Los Angeles, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. De La Rosa faces a potential life sentence in federal prison, with sentencing pending. According to court records, De La RosaContinue Reading
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that 61-year-old Pooran Ramjattan of Kissimmee, FL, has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Ramjattan faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. According to court documents,Continue Reading
19-year-old James Toney of Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, committing a drive-by shooting, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Toney faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison. Drug Trafficking Operation Between OctoberContinue Reading
Kendra Evone Johnson, 37, of Lutz, has been indicted on charges of international parental kidnapping and passport fraud. If convicted, Johnson faces up to 13 years in federal prison. The indictment alleges that in June 2023, Johnson submitted fraudulent passport applications for her two minor children, falsely claiming she hadContinue Reading
U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced five Bradenton residents to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute the drug. Clemente Betancourt (29) received a sentence of 15 years and 8 months, while Estevan Betancourt (20), Adonis Bonilla (29),Continue Reading
U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced 22-year-old Leonardo Marino of Orlando to 22 years in federal prison for producing child sex abuse images. The court also ordered Marino to forfeit his smart phone that was seized on the date of his arrest. Marino entered a guilty plea on April 2, 2024. AccordingContinue Reading