Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Federal Sentencing Guidelines: What They Mean For Your Case
The federal sentencing guidelines are a set of rules established to ensure consistent sentencing practices across federal courts. These guidelines were developed by the United States Sentencing Commission, an independent agency within the judicial branch, to create a fair and uniform sentencing system. They provide a framework for judges to determine appropriate sentences for… Read More »
Ponzi Scheme Crimes: Legal Implications And Defense Strategies
Ponzi schemes are fraudulent investment operations in which returns to earlier investors are paid using capital from newer investors rather than legitimate profits. These schemes rely on a continuous influx of new investments to sustain payouts, inevitably collapsing when new investments dry up, or too many investors demand withdrawals. Legal Implications of Ponzi Schemes… Read More »
The Fourth Amendment: Safeguarding Privacy And Liberty
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution is a crucial component of the Bill of Rights, protecting citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This amendment plays a fundamental role in maintaining the balance between individual rights and the needs of law enforcement. What is the Fourth Amendment in Simple Terms?… Read More »
Political Consultant In Florida Arrested, Charged With PPP Fraud
According to a report from the Florida Record, a political consultant from Brevard County has been arrested and charged with fraud in connection with an alleged improper PPP loan. Robert Burns—the owner of a Florida company called the Space Coast Rocket—faces charges for allegedly providing false information to the government to obtain a PPP… Read More »
Doctor In South Florida Arrested On Child Sex Crime Offense After Tip From Authorities
In April of 2024, The Palm Beach Post reported that Thomas Lipin—a licensed physician from Jupiter, Florida who has been practicing medicine for more than three decades—has been arrested and charged with a child pornography offense. Dr. Lipin was arrested as part of an investigation by the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task… Read More »
Fort Lauderdale Woman Arrested, Charged With Federal Crime For “Romance Fraud” Scheme
On May 15th, 2024, The Miami New Times reported that Cristine Petitfrere was arrested in Fort Lauderdale and charged with several serious federal felony offenses for her role in orchestrating a “romance fraud” scheme. She was taken into custody by authorities. Within this article, our Orlando white collar criminal defense lawyer discusses the charges…. Read More »
Two Doctors In Florida Sentenced In Eight Figure Medicare Fraud Case
On April 12th, 2024, Bloomberg Law News two doctors in Florida were sentenced to prison as part of an approximately $31 million dollar Medicare fraud case. Dean Zusmer and Lawrence Alexander have been sentenced to serve approximately eight years and thirty-three months in prison respectively for their role in the massive fraud scheme. Below,… Read More »
Federal Jury In Miami Convicts Former Comptroller General Of Ecuador Of Bribery/Money Laundering
On April 24th, 2024, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Carlos Ramon Polit Faggioni—the former Comptroller General of Ecuador—has been convicted by a federal jury in Miami of multiple white collar criminal offenses, including bribery and money laundering. Mr. Polit allegedly solicited and pocketed more than $10 million in bribes between… Read More »
Doctor From Miami-Dade County Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison For Prescribing Medication Without Exams
On April 29th, 2024, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Osmin Morales—a doctor who owned and operated the Miami Pain Relief Institute—has been sentenced to serve ten years in federal prison for his role in a drug distribution scheme. Dr. Morales reportedly prescribed controlled substances without even conducting examinations in many cases. Below, our… Read More »
Florida Man Sentenced In PPP Fraud And Identity Theft Case
On March 19th, 2024, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Christopher Leo Daragjati of Clay County, Florida has been sentenced to prison in a complex fraud case. Mr. Daragjati—who is accused of both PPP fraud and identity theft—pleaded guilty to five separate criminal charges last year. Here, our Orlando white collar… Read More »
A Guide To Your Rights At DUI Checkpoints In Florida
Did you pull up to a DUI checkpoint in Florida? Law enforcement agencies throughout the state periodically use roadside drunk driving checkpoints as a deterrence and enforcement tool. At The Baez Law Firm, we want to make sure that you know your rights and your responsibilities. Within this blog post, our Orlando drunk driving… Read More »
DOJ: Man In Central Florida Sentenced For Role In Nigerian Romance Scam
On April 23rd, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Niselio Barros Garcia Jr.—a 50-year-old man from Central Florida—has been sentenced to prison for his role in a so-called “Nigerian romance scam.” Mr. Garcia Jr. is set to serve 48 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to commit money… Read More »
Professional Soccer Player In Orlando Arrested After Fight With Wife At Nightclub
According to a report from Fox 35 Orlando, a professional soccer player and his wife have been arrested at an altercation at a nightclub. Mason Stajduhar—the goalkeeper for the Orlando City Soccer Club of Major League Soccer (MLS)—was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. His wife was arrested as well. In this article, our… Read More »
Woman In South Florida Arrested For Allegedly Performing Unlicensed Cosmetic Operations
According to a report from NBC 6 South Florida, a woman in South Florida has been arrested based on accusations that she performed unlicensed medical procedures. Angelina Andreoli, 29 years of age, is alleged to have provided unlicensed cosmetic operations at a clinic location in Miami. She is facing a serious criminal charge for… Read More »
Former College Prep Teacher Arrested, Charged With Sex Crime In South Florida
On March 14th, 2024, WSVN reported that a former college prep teacher in South Florida has been arrested and charged with a sex-based offense. Boris Fernando Bastidas, a 35-year-old now former teacher in Hollywood, is accused of carrying on a sexual affair with a 15-year-old student. Within this article, our Orlando sex crimes defense… Read More »
Attorney In Florida Sentenced In Seven Figure Tax Fraud Case
According to reporting from WPEC, Michael L. Meyer, an attorney from South Florida, has been sentenced to federal prison as part of a multi-million dollar tax fraud case. Mr. Meyer marketed and sold services called “Ultimate Tax Plan”—and the Department of Justice (DOJ) contends that that “plan” was used to help wealthy individuals unlawfully… Read More »
NFL Player Wanted For Domestic Violence In Florida
According to a report from Fox 2 Detroit, Cam Sutton—a cornerback who had signed with the Detroit Lions earlier this offseason—is wanted for domestic violence. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is pursuing Mr. Sutton for charges of domestic battery by strangulation—a serious felony offense in Florida. Within this blog post, our Orlando domestic violence… Read More »
Can You Get A Flawed Breath Test Thrown Out Of A DUI Case In Florida?
Are you facing a charge for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol? Breath test results—assuming you took one—are generally a key part of the prosecution’s case. You may be wondering: Can I challenge breathalyzer test results in a DUI case? The answer is “yes”—and flawed breath tests could be excluded… Read More »
What Is The Difference Between Embezzlement And Theft?
Are you or a loved one facing allegations that you improperly took funds or assets from an employer or another party with whom you were in a position of trust? If so, you could be concerned about facing an embezzlement crime. In Florida, embezzlement is not its own unique offense—instead these are theft cases…. Read More »
Dentist In North Florida Faces Investigation For Medicaid Fraud In So-Called “Tooth Fairy Heist” Scheme
According to a report from Action Jax News, a dentist in North Florida is facing an investigation for defrauding Medicaid through the so-called “Tooth Fairy Heist.” Notably, five dental clinic management in South Florida were arrested as part of that scheme in 2022. However, those charges were dropped. No person was convicted in relation… Read More »
Florida Resident Charged With In Multi-Million Bank Fraud Conspiracy
According to reporting from Bloomberg Law, a resident of Florida has been arrested and charged as part of a multi-million bank fraud conspiracy case. Manley Vanel Neptune—a 33-year-old man from Lake Worth, Florida—is facing a maximum of 30 years in prison. Within this blog post, our Orlando white collar defense lawyer discusses the allegations… Read More »
Six People Face Charges In PPP Scam In South Florida
On March 20th, 2024, The Palm Beach Post reported that six people, including a pastor from Riviera Beach, have been arrested and charged as part of an alleged $3 million Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud case. Here, our Orlando white collar defense lawyer discusses the allegations and explains what to do if you are… Read More »
Orlando Woman Sentenced To Two Years In Prison In Vehicular Homicide Case
According to a report from WPTV, Jamie Padgett, a now 22-year-old woman from Orlando, has been sentenced to two years in prison as part of a vehicular homicide case in Florida. The crash occurred in 2022. Here, our Orlando DUI manslaughter defense lawyer discusses the allegations and charges brought in this case. Deadly DUI… Read More »
Orlando City Commissioner Indicted, Faces Mortgage Fraud Charge
According to a report from WESH 2, Regina Hill, the Orlando City Commissioner, has been arrested. She stands accused of defrauding an elderly constituent. Along with the other offenses, Ms. Hill is facing a mortgage fraud charge. She is facing multiple felonies. The Orlando Sentinel confirms that Regina Hill has been suspended from her… Read More »
Can A Doctor Be Charged With A Crime For Violating The Stark Law?
There are strict rules and regulations in place regarding how physicians and other health care providers bill federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Under 42 U.S.C. § 1395nn—or as it is more commonly known the “Stark Law”—physician self-referrals are largely prohibited. What happens if a doctor violates the Stark Law? The short answer… Read More »
