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TALLAHASSEE – United States Attorney John P. Heekin highlighted a year of expanded prosecutions, civil recoveries and appellate work in a summary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida’s accomplishments during 2025.

In announcing the annual summary, Heekin said the office advanced the priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice while focusing on public safety and enforcement across northern Florida.

“This past year was momentous for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida as we capably answered the calls to action by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi while fulfilling the vital mission of the Department of Justice,” Heekin said. “Through our work, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the safety and well-being of our communities.”

Heekin credited partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and said those relationships would continue to be strengthened in 2026 “as we strive toward delivering safe streets for our residents.”

Criminal Division activity

The U.S. Attorney’s Office divides its federal casework among three divisions: Criminal, Civil and Appellate.

According to the annual summary, the Criminal Division played a central role in enforcement efforts during 2025 through Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and combating violent crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking.

During calendar year 2025, prosecutors in the Northern District of Florida reported:

  • 391 criminal defendants charged;
  • 293 guilty pleas entered;
  • 35 criminal jury trials conducted;
  • 984 direct contacts with crime victims; and
  • 9,818 written notifications issued to crime victims.

The office said those efforts focused on communities impacted by illegal drugs and criminal violence.

Civil Division recoveries

The Civil Division represents the United States in civil litigation, defends federal agencies and employees, and pursues affirmative cases to recover funds lost to fraud or improper claims. The division also enforces criminal and civil monetary judgments through its Financial Litigation Program.

In 2025, the Civil Division reported:

  • Representation of federal agencies in 53 newly filed defensive cases;
  • Recovery of $1.7 million through settlements resolving false claims against the federal government;
  • Collection of $6.4 million in criminal money judgments;
  • Nearly $4 million applied toward victim restitution through asset forfeiture restoration; and
  • More than $1 million distributed to state and local law enforcement agencies through the Equitable Sharing Program.

Appellate work

The Appellate Division represents the government in appeals before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. During 2025, the division handled:

  • 105 appeals, including 93 criminal and 12 civil appeals;
  • 113 responses to post-conviction motions; and
  • 80 appellate decisions affirming district court rulings in favor of the government.

Looking ahead

“The substantial accomplishments of 2025 are merely the foundation upon which we will build even greater achievements in 2026,” Heekin said.

He added that expectations set by the president and attorney general call for continued focus on public safety and oversight of federal programs.

“In 2026, we will remain tireless in our pursuit of justice on behalf of our citizens and committed to making the Northern District of Florida the absolute best – and safest – place in America to live, work and raise a family,” Heekin said.

More information about the Northern District of Florida’s responsibilities and divisions is available through the Department of Justice.

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Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

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