Today marks the final day of Markenzy Lapointe's tenure as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Reflecting on his two-year service, Lapointe highlighted significant accomplishments in areas such as national security, hate crimes, and narcotics trafficking.
The office achieved notable successes in national security by securing convictions against individuals involved in high-profile cases. These include the assassination plot against then-Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and an attempt to assassinate now President-elect Donald J. Trump before the 2024 election. The prosecution of Victor Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. diplomat acting as a Cuban agent, and other major cases underscored their efforts in this domain.
Efforts against hate crimes included successful prosecutions for anti-Semitic threats and assault based on religious attire. Collaborations with law enforcement and community leaders helped enhance awareness and reporting of hate crimes through various outreach methods.
In combating violent crimes, narcotics trafficking, and firearms offenses, the office secured convictions for kidnappers involved in torture cases and gun crime offenders. They also targeted international drug cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel and addressed fentanyl distribution by prosecuting Chinese chemical manufacturers.
The financial fraud division tackled cybercrimes, health care frauds, and pandemic-related frauds effectively. Their work disrupted ransomware operations like Blackcat's global impact on critical infrastructure networks. They prosecuted schemes involving fake nursing diplomas and fraudulent billing practices within Medicare.
Corruption cases saw prosecutions against corrupt officials from both local police departments and international figures such as Ecuador’s former comptroller general Carlos Ramon Polit Faggioni.
Human trafficking initiatives resulted in lengthy prison sentences for individuals exploiting minors through sex trafficking operations. Outreach programs aimed at preventing online sex crimes complemented these enforcement actions.
As Lapointe steps down, First Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Davis will take over as Acting United States Attorney starting January 18, 2025. Lapointe expressed confidence in Davis's leadership abilities given his extensive experience within the office.