TAMPA, FL – The streets of the Middle District of Florida saw a surge of federal heat in the first three months of 2024, with prosecutors slapping indictments on 64 individuals caught up in firearms, narcotics, and violent crime offenses. The crackdown, part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) strategy, yielded the seizure of approximately 97 firearms, painting a stark picture of the weapons flowing into the hands of criminals.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the results today, emphasizing a commitment to reducing violent crime across the district. Beyond arrests, the office engaged in community outreach, interacting with roughly 150 middle and high school students and community members. Re-entry programs, like the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s DISMAS initiative, reached over 250 individuals, attempting to break the cycle of recidivism. But the numbers don’t lie – the sheer volume of indictments suggests a deep-rooted problem.
One particularly brazen case involves Wendell Goney (Ocala). On July 11, 2021, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary. While searching the property using a law enforcement drone, Goney allegedly shot the drone out of the sky with a .22 caliber rifle, claiming it was “harassing” him. A subsequent check revealed a staggering 29 prior state felony convictions, making firearm possession illegal. Goney now faces federal charges for his actions.
The PSN strategy isn’t just about street-level offenses. Jose Melean Reyes (Jacksonville), 29, pleaded guilty to smuggling firearms to Venezuela and conspiracy to commit a murder-for-hire. In May 2021, Reyes attempted to ship 3 firearms and 57 rounds of ammunition concealed within a futon. Federal agents uncovered a chilling plot – a $60,000 debt led Reyes to attempt hiring a hitman for $15,000. Fortunately, agents intervened before any violence occurred. Reyes faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for each offense. Sentencing is pending.
Another case highlighted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office centers on Mar’tavouis Martel Brown (Ft. Myers), 25, of Lehigh Acres. Brown received a five-year federal prison sentence on January 26, 2024, after selling a pistol and cocaine to an undercover ATF agent in Fort Myers. This isn’t a complex conspiracy; it’s a direct transaction fueling the illegal gun trade and drug epidemic.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” Handberg stated. The PSN program, he explained, focuses on prevention, enforcement, and re-entry, aiming for a holistic approach to tackling violent crime. While the numbers represent a significant effort, the question remains: will these indictments and programs truly stem the tide of violence, or are they just a temporary bandage on a festering wound? Grimy Times will continue to monitor these cases and provide ongoing coverage of the fight against crime in Florida.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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