TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit successfully seized cryptocurrency valued at $1.5 million USD in a money laundering case against a Chinese national.
“While scammers are changing their methods, I am proud of our Statewide Prosecutors’ ability to adapt and deliver justice,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I want to thank our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office for their continued dedication and for making this fraudster’s victim whole again.”
The investigation started in July 2024 after a report was filed with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, a Citrus County resident, reported he had been scammed out of $47,421 USD through an internet-based investment scheme.
As a result of the investigation, Tu Weizhi, of China, was charged with Money Laundering, Grand Theft, and Organized Scheme to Defraud. If Weizhi ever attempts to enter the U.S., he will be arrested. The seizure was conducted under the Fugitive Disentitlement Act.
A seizure warrant was filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit to recover Weizhi’s entire cryptocurrency wallet, valued at approximately $1.5 million, which contained AVAX (Avalanche), DOGE (Dogecoin), PEPE (Pepe), and SOL (Solana) cryptocurrency tokens.
Cryptocurrency-related crimes are on the rise. If you believe you have been the victim of fraudulent activity, you may file a complaint at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
FORT MYERS, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured the conviction of Ivan Gutierrez Miranda for stealing and reselling trailers meant for recovering hurricane victims who lost and were rebuilding their homes. Miranda is a Cuban national who entered the United States illegally in 2022.
“This illegal alien was allowed in by the Biden administration, and he targeted critical resources during a disaster when many Floridians needed temporary housing,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Paul Thomas and Tim Donnelly, this criminal will stay behind bars for a long time before we send him back to where he came from.”
The investigation, conducted by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol, revealed that Miranda and his codefendants operated in the early morning hours as well as late evening in an attempt to blend in during the state of emergency where RVs/Campers were being moved daily to aid displaced Floridians in need due to Hurricane Ian.
After a week-and-a-half-long trial, the Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a guilty verdict against Miranda. A key piece of evidence in the trial was a video Miranda filmed, in which he advertised the features of the stolen trailers.
The jury found the defendant guilty on the charges below:
- RICO
- Conspiracy to Commit RICO
- Organized Scheme to Defraud
- Dealing in Stolen Property – 5 counts
Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2026. Miranda faces up to 165 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, with a mandatory minimum of eight years. After serving his sentence, Miranda will be deported.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrests of Jorge Armando Nieto, 39, Martin Theodore Cassady, 61, and Joel Orellana, 25, all from the greater Orlando area, on a combined 81 felony charges of Possession of Child Pornography.
“The depraved individuals who choose to engage in and trade content showing the sexual abuse of children will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Protecting our kids is my utmost priority, and I am confident in our Statewide Prosecutors’ ability to hold these predators accountable for this abhorrent behavior.”
The investigations were launched by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Cybercrimes Task Force following tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The executed search warrants revealed graphic sexual abuse materials involving children and animals on their personal devices. Some of the children appear to be under two years old.
These cases will be prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Rodrigo Caruco.
The investigations are ongoing, and further charges may be added once the information is filed.
Dear Friend,
We are delighted to share an in-depth look into the Marion County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC) – your local Republican Party, powered by your neighbors and dedicated to upholding the principles that strengthen our community, state, and nation. The MCREC is a vibrant grassroots organization, a cornerstone of the Republican Party in Florida, committed to shaping a brighter future through principled leadership and active civic engagement.
At its heart, the MCREC is composed of everyday citizens – your friends, family, and neighbors – who are united by a common set of core beliefs and values. We firmly believe in:
Protecting Constitutional Freedoms:
- Upholding the fundamental rights endowed to every American, from the sacred right to bear arms to ensuring a limited government that respects individual liberties.
- Securing Our Elections:** Championing the integrity of our democratic process by advocating for robust measures that ensure only eligible U.S. citizens cast votes, strengthening public trust in our electoral system.
- Empowering Responsible Energy Solutions:** Promoting energy independence and economic prosperity through the strategic and responsible expansion of America’s abundant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear power.
- Defending Life and Faith-Based Values:** Standing unequivocally for the protection of the unborn and advocating for policies that reflect and honor our community’s deeply held faith-based principles.
- Upholding Lawful Immigration:** Advocating for secure borders and a just, orderly immigration system rooted in the rule of law, ensuring the safety and sovereignty of our nation.
- Championing Medical Freedom:** Protecting individual autonomy in healthcare decisions, opposing government mandates, and ensuring patients have the right to choose their treatments and vaccinations without coercionand vaccinations without coercion.
The Power of Grassroots Action: Your MCREC Members Continue reading
By Tom James
‘Leadership In Its Purest Form’
Alex Sosa, B.B. Graphics
“Flying influences everything I do in life, including how I run my business.”
CEP partner Alex Sosa draws clear parallels between how he runs B.B. Graphics and how he approaches aviation.
“Being a captain teaches you leadership in its purest form,” he says, stressing the importance of details. “When people’s lives are in your hands, your decisions carry real weight. I approach business the same way—making sure our product is top-quality, our team is well-trained, and every client’s experience is seamless.”
Away from the office, it’s up, up, and away for Alex, who has built an unshakeable bond with the friendly skies starting the moment he received his high school diploma.
“I began my flight training right out of high school and aviation has taken me places I probably never would have seen otherwise.”
Flying runs deep in Alex’s family, as multiple family members have spent time in the cockpit. Continue reading
- We have 4 digital Newspapers!
- We have five websites!
- We are a Ocala CEP partner!
- Current member and past President of the Ocala Business Leaders!
- Current president, past president and co-founders of The Select Business Associates of Ocala!
- Current member and past president of The Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce!
- Winner of over 100 state wide awards for Newspaper excellence!
- Graduate Publisher of the CPF Leadership Institute!
- Our publications are in the University of Florida Library!
- AND MORE!
This year has brought us many new friends ands associates. I want to thank them: My graphic artist, our advertisers.
Tell them you read it here.
Read us on Ocaladowntown.com and TomLPublishing.com
Contact us – Hate mail or nice mail – email me at tloury@att.net
By TomL
To The Board of County Commissioners.
I have written several letters to Board about taxes and insurance. I agree you need the money to get Marion County ready for many residents moving here. The perfect storm is to be ready before they move here but, you can see what is happening I’m sure. When you raise taxes, you raise value of the homes, The mortgage Companies raise the insurance value and the tax payers are receiving astounding Insurance increases every year. I have talked to many people that say their insurance monthly payment has gone up $200 to $400 per month in two year’s. That is not sustainable. When a person turns 65 they should not have increases like that. Retirees work many years in Marion County, pay taxes to build the current infrastructure and now they risk all the planning to live comfortably for the rest of their lives because of taxes and Insurance. Again I understand you need the money to get the County ready for the incoming, Someone said a thousand a month, but the people moving here should pay the expense not the Marion County elderly. I am sorry I have to write this letter but it’s getting worse for the mortgage holders and the banks don’t care and the Insurance Company’s LOVE IT! It is in your hands to help the elderly mortgage holders. One question. Have you looked at the fore closures lately.
A suggestion was offered by one of the Marion County residents, if the insurance company has not paid a claim that year on the said property give the insured half their money back or credit half money for the next year.
I am sending a copy to the Governor also, you are honorable people I understand maybe the Governor is acting on this.
I have been a Marion County tax payer for 56 years. I have already paid for the infrastructure!
Respectfully Tom Loury
Dunnellon Florida (the forgotten).
A great time was had at the annual Fort King Festival
Step into the 1800s at the Festival at Fort King! This two-day event will feature historic themed crafts, games, workshops, activities, living historians, vendors, food, drinks and much more. The pinnacle of the festival is a re-enactment of the event that fueled the start of the Second Seminole War.
A great time at this years Fort King Festival
Free shuttle parking is available at the Duke Energy power line field, approximately a quarter mile east of the fort. The field is located between NE 43rd Avenue and NE 44th Avenue on the north side of E Fort King Street. Free shuttles and trams will be running continuously throughout the event for pickups and drop-offs. An ADA tram will be available for handicapped or disabled guests. Click here for directions to the parking field.
Cannon Firing Notice
During the event, artillery volunteers will conduct live cannon firing.
Residents in the area may hear a series of rounds fired multiple times throughout the day during the event.
Step into the 1800s at the Festival at Fort King! This two-day event will feature historic themed crafts, games, workshops, activities, living historians, vendors, food, drinks and much more. The pinnacle of the festival is a re-enactment of the event that fueled the start of the Second Seminole War.
Fort King National Historic Landmark
3925 E Fort King St. | Ocala, FL 34470
Pictured are some of the Select Business Associates of Ocala presenting a check to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County Meghan Magamoll. I little bit about the Select Business Associates is the they are a non profit group of local business people that meet twice a month, dedicated to help each other in business with referrals and friendship. One category never two doing the same business. (NO COMPITION)! Our dues are $40 per year and we donate our annual dues to a local non profit. For more info call Tom at 352-804-1223.
More about The Public Education Foundation of Marion County is a non-profit, direct support organization focused on enhancing education in the Marion County Public School system, from pre-Kindergarten through vocational and post- secondary education scholarship opportunities. Continue reading
LADY LAKE — The Town of Lady Lake invites the community to kick off the holiday season with two cherished annual traditions: the Christmas Parade and Light Up Lady Lake — with this year’s lighting celebration taking place in a brand-new location.
Light Up Lady Lake returns Saturday, Nov. 22 from 6–8 p.m. and will debut in a new location at Snooky Park (120 W. Lady Lake Blvd.) For the first time, the event will be held prior to Thanksgiving to allow for longer enjoyment of the lights throughout the holiday season. Guests will experience a winter wonderland centered around a 34-foot Christmas tree, surrounded by thousands of sparkling lights. The event will feature live music, bounce houses, food trucks, vendors and photos with Santa after his arrival by sleigh.
“We are so excited to bring Light Up Lady Lake to Snooky Park where we can grow this tradition even bigger,” said Events Coordinator Amy Alicea. “This new location will give us a larger and safer place for the community to gather to celebrate together.”
The Town’s annual Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. along Old Dixie Highway. This year’s theme, “Santa’s Toy Workshop,” will bring to life the magic of the North Pole with festive floats, holiday characters, and cheerful Christmas music. Continue reading
