Law firm hires former top-level federal white-collar prosecutor

TAMPA — Carlton Fields has hired white-collar crime attorney Simon Gaugush in an of-counsel role at its Tampa office.

Gaugush, according to a press release, spent more than a decade as a federal prosecutor. Prior to that, while in private practice, he focused on white-collar criminal defense, opioid-related litigation, corporate internal investigations, cyber offenses, False Claims Act (qui tam) cases and complex civil litigation.

Most recently, the release states, Gaugush served as deputy chief of the criminal division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. During his tenure there, he prosecuted and oversaw investigations and prosecutions of crimes related to all types of white-collar offenses, kickback offenses, complex opioid cases, money laundering, cybercrime, export violations, obstruction of justice, environmental crimes, international and domestic drug trafficking, large-scale immigration fraud, child exploitation, public corruption and civil rights matters.

“Simon’s diverse experience makes him an ideal addition to our white collar practice, and we welcome him to the firm,” states Adam Schwartz, chairman of Carlton Fields’ white-collar crime and government investigations practice. “White-collar crime investigations are becoming more sophisticated, and the Department of Justice’s efforts to put a laser focus on these matters are intensifying. Simon’s deep knowledge in this regulated area further strengthens and expands our already solid group of former prosecutors.”