The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida has announced significant progress in its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. The office indicted 46 individuals on federal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime charges, with law enforcement seizing over 85 firearms linked to these cases.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg stated, "My office is committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement officers to combat violent crime." He noted a substantial increase in the number of violent crime and firearms cases brought to federal court over the past three years.
In addition to legal actions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted more than 30 community outreach events focused on PSN and crime prevention. These efforts included speaking engagements with students and recently released individuals at various correctional facilities.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that involves multiple stakeholders in reducing violent crime through comprehensive solutions. It emphasizes prevention and intervention efforts via community engagement, strategic enforcement against violent offenders, and re-entry programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
Several high-profile cases were highlighted as part of this initiative:
- JD Irons Jr., from Ft. Myers, received a 15-year sentence for firearm possession as a previously convicted felon.
- Jameise Vaughn Christian was sentenced to nearly 13 years for conspiracy to commit robberies involving firearms.
- Joshua Fries pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of unregistered weapons including silencers and machinegun-conversion devices.
- Joshua Grant Cobb was sentenced to 25 years for drug trafficking and firearm possession.
- Francisco Cabrera received a 38-year sentence following a series of robberies and carjackings.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys across all five divisions within the Middle District of Florida.
For further information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0