District of Columbia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Argument Gets Man 15-Year Prison Sentence for ManslaughterRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Deandre Miles, 30, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced August 1, 2025, in Superior Court, to 15 years for charges pertaining to the shooting death of 28-year-old Davon Fuller in October 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Miles pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and destruction of property (felony) on February 28, 2025. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt also ordered Miles to serve 12 months for the destruction of property charge to run concurrent to the 15-year prison term for the manslaughter charge.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early afternoon of October 16, 2023, in the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, the victim, Davon Fuller, and the defendant got into an argument inside a store at Hechinger Mall. Although they left the store without incident, when the men saw each other a few minutes later inside another business at the mall they again got into an argument. The argument persisted outside the store where Miles pulled out a gun and Mr. Fuller took out a knife. Despite Mr. Fuller telling Miles to stop following him, Miles persisted walking behind Mr. Fuller throughout the mall before fatally shooting Mr. Fuller five times. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including to his shoulder, torso, buttocks and upper extremities. After all life-saving measures were attempted, Mr. Fuller succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
Miles was arrested on December 27, 2023, where he remains in custody.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the cases at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels, Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah C. Santiago, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Road Rage Attack Results in Prison Sentence for Assault on a Senior CitizenRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ronald Hall, 56, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced in Superior Court for assaulting a senior citizen during a road rage incident, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Hall pleaded guilty on May 30, 2025, to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. On July 29, 2025, Superior Court Judge Carmen Mclean sentenced Hall to 36 months in prison, requiring Hall to serve 30 months of incarceration, and suspending the remaining six months of the sentence. Judge McLean imposed two years of supervised probation to follow his 30-month prison term, during which the Court ordered Hall to comply with substance abuse treatment and abstain from alcohol.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 1, 2025, Hall and the victim got into a car accident near the 3900 block of East Capitol Street NE. Hall chased the victim through traffic and attempted to stab him with a knife. Hall was arrested at the scene.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Revolver Discovered After Crashing into a Police CruiserRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Derrick Howard, 30, a previously convicted felon from the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison in connection with being in illegal possession of a Rohm .38 special revolver when he crashed his unlicensed motor scooter into a marked police cruiser, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Howard pleaded guilty on Apr. 11, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
In addition to the 21-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Howard to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining the announcement of the sentencing were Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
According to court documents, on Jan. 27, 2025, at 7:15 a.m., Howard was riding a motor scooter when he ran a red light and struck a marked police vehicle that was passing through the intersection of New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road NE.
The police officer called for assistance and reported that she had been involved in a traffic accident. A detective responded and observed that the motorized scooter had no tags, and that Howard was not wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the crash. The detective ran a check and learned Howard was not licensed to drive a motorized scooter and, in addition, that the motorized scooter was not registered. The detective placed Howard under arrest.
Howard was wearing a satchel bag around his neck. During a search incident to the arrest, officers recovered a Rohm .38 special caliber revolver from the satchel loaded with five rounds of ammunition.
Howard’s criminal history includes previous convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon in 2021, unauthorized use of a vehicle in 2019, and unauthorized use of a vehicle in 2017.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole.
25cr41
Justice Department Dismisses Race-Based 44-Year-Old Consent DecreeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division ended a court-imposed decree initiated by the Carter administration, which limited the hiring practices of the federal government based on flawed and outdated theories of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In Luevano v. Ezell, the Court dismissed a consent decree based on a lawsuit initially brought by interest groups representing federal employees in 1979. The decree entered in 1981 imposed draconian test review and implementation procedures on the Office of Personnel Management—and consequently all other federal agencies—requiring them to receive permission prior to using any tests for potential federal employees, in an attempt to require equal testing outcomes among all races of test-takers.
“It’s simple, competence and merit are the standards by which we should all be judged; nothing more and nothing less,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “It’s about time people are judged, not by their identity, but instead “by the content of their character.””
“For over four decades, this decree has hampered the federal government from hiring the top talent of our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “Today, the Justice Department removed that barrier and reopened federal employment opportunities based on merit—not race.”
Fatal Shooting in October 2024 Yields 19-Year Prison TermRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Andre Clark, 34, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for the October 2024 shooting of Leonard Taylor, Jr., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Clark pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025, to one count second-degree murder while armed. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced Clark to 19 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of October 20, 2024, the defendant walked out of a building in the 1500 block of 19th St., SE and towards the victim, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of a gray sedan parked on that street. Clark walked up to the driver’s side of the car, leaned down towards the driver’s side window, and used his right hand to point a firearm at the victim. As the victim started to drive away, the defendant fired his gun at him, striking the victim in the back and killing him.
Clark was located and arrested in Baltimore, Maryland on December 19, 2024, and has been in custody since.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bromwich, who prosecuted the case.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of Pistol While on Pretrial ReleaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Andre Jamar Turman, 34, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 28 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol while he was on probation and on pretrial release for multiple cases, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Turman pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2024, to the indictment charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 28-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Turman to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement were U.S. Marshal Robert Dixon of D.C. Superior Court, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
According to court documents, on May 4, 2023, Deputy U.S. Marshals and MPD detectives were searching for Turman due to numerous bench warrants out of D.C. Superior Court as well as an outstanding arrest warrant.
At about 11:30 a.m., officers spotted and arrested Turman on the 2400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, near Twining Square Park. A Deputy U.S. Marshal patted down the right front pants pocket and recovered a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol. The firearm was not registered in the District of Columbia. In addition, the firearm previously had been reported as stolen.
Turman was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had been previously convicted of carrying a pistol without a license and sentenced to more than a year in prison.
At the time of his arrest, he was on probation and pretrial release for multiple cases—including release in another firearm case in Maryland.
This case was investigated by the MPD and U.S. Marshals. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shezhad Akhtar and Chrisellen Rebecca Kolb.
23cr171
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of Pistol While on Pretrial ReleaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Andre Jamar Turman, 34, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 28 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol while he was on probation and on pretrial release for multiple cases, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Turman pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2024, to the indictment charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 28-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Turman to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement were U.S. Marshal Robert Dixon of D.C. Superior Court, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
According to court documents, on May 4, 2023, Deputy U.S. Marshals and MPD detectives were searching for Turman due to numerous bench warrants out of D.C. Superior Court as well as an outstanding arrest warrant.
At about 11:30 a.m., officers spotted and arrested Turman on the 2400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, near Twining Square Park. A Deputy U.S. Marshal patted down the right front pants pocket and recovered a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol. The firearm was not registered in the District of Columbia. In addition, the firearm previously had been reported as stolen.
Turman was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had been previously convicted of carrying a pistol without a license and sentenced to more than a year in prison.
At the time of his arrest, he was on probation and pretrial release for multiple cases—including release in another firearm case in Maryland.
This case was investigated by the ATF, MPD, and U.S. Marshals. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shezhad Akhtar and Chrisellen Rebecca Kolb.
23cr171
Man Convicted for Stabbing Metro Transit Police Sergeant in the FaceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today for actions stemming from his April 15, 2025, attack on a Metro Transit Police Sergeant, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
After a jury trial in Superior Court, Schleehauf was found guilty of one count each of assault of a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with serious bodily injury. The Honorable Robert Salerno scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2025.
“The conviction of this defendant, who violently stabbed a Metro Transit Officer for legally pursuing him after he refused to pay his Metro fare, is a perfect example of the violent behavior that will not be tolerated here in the District,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “This violent attack while people are commuting using the transit system threatens the safety of everyone in our communities, and, in this case, the brave transit officer, severely injured in this attack, who was just doing his job.”
At around 2:26 p.m., on April 15, 2025, at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant observed Schleehauf evade his fare by jumping over the glass gates on his way out of the Metro Transit System. The MTPD Sergeant followed the defendant as he tried to leave the station using the escalator. After Schleehauf refused to provide his identification and ignored the MTPD Sergeant’s efforts to stop him, the MTPD Sergeant deployed OC spray. Schleehauf pulled out a sharpened metal bolt, placed it between his knuckles and swung repeatedly at the MTPD Sergeant. Schleehauf repeatedly stabbed MTPD Sergeant in the face, causing puncture wounds in his cheek and lower jaw—just above his neck, which resulted in nerve damage that continues to this day.
Schleehauf was arrested at the scene.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.
Gunrunner Who Illegally Trafficked More than 200 Firearms to DC Area Sentenced to 84 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Pittman, 30, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison in connection with trafficking more than 200 illegal firearms from Georgia and North Carolina to the Washington D.C. area where he sold many of them to convicted felons, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Pittman pleaded guilty on April 14, 2025, to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.
“It’s bad enough we have a gun problem in D.C. but even worse when you traffic them in from other states,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Firearms traffickers present an immediate danger to the community. My office will aggressively prosecute these criminals and take them off the street for a significant amount of time.”
In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Pittman to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, from at least April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman rented cars and drove to Georgia and North Carolina where he purchased guns from illegal firearm suppliers. Pittman re-sold the firearms in the D.C. area, advertising them through different means. He took photos of the firearms displayed on his bed with prices.
Between April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman obtained, advertised, or sold 200 or more firearms.
On May 30, 2024, Virginia State Police arrested Pittman in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, as he was returning to D.C. from a buying trip. Pittman fled from a traffic stop before he crashed and ran into the nearby woods. Police recovered Pittman’s backpack which contained 16 firearms, an additional firearm he had dropped, and two firearms he had left in his vehicle.
Law enforcement subsequently obtained a warrant and searched Pittman’s residence. In Pittman’s home, law enforcement recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, firearm cleaning and repair tools, firearm magazines, and three additional firearms. Law enforcement also observed the same red-and-black patterned bed spread observed in the images from Pittman’s phone.
Pittman has one prior felony conviction for second degree assault in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison suspended as to all but 30 days.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division with valuable assistance from the Virginia State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Tepfer and Sarah Martin.
24cr296
Five Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty to Smuggling Contraband into the D.C. JailRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Darius Robertson, 31, of Washington, D.C., Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C. have all pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to provide a knife, cell phones, and fentanyl and other controlled substances to inmates in the D.C. jail as they awaited trial for murder and assault with intent to kill while armed. The pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley pleaded guilty in District Court. They were previously indicted on November 14, 2024 for providing or possessing contraband in a prison, as well as conspiring to do so. The sixth co-conspirator, Rashaad Roper, 45, of Gaithersburg, MD is set to go to trial.
As part of the plea, Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley admitted to their role in the conspiracy which included Holland and Brown admitting to packaging contraband, such as a knife, cell phones, and controlled substances to include fentanyl, into Tupperware containers which would then be brought to the Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail. Robertson, Vines, and/or Freshley, who were inmates inside the housing unit, admitted to receiving the contraband from Officer Roper or another corrections officer after they were smuggled into the jail.
Sentencings are scheduled for August 13, 2025 (Vines), September 5, 2025 (Holland), September 16, 2025 (Robertson), September 25, 2025 (Freshley), and October 21, 2025 (Brown). Each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in a prison. Judge Timothy J. Kelly will determine the appropriate sentence at each of the respective sentencings.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis and Chief Investigator Kevin L. Hammond of the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.
Previously Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevin Hopkins, 39, a resident of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty on July 25, 2025, in U.S. District Court, on a firearms charge. The plea, which comes as part of the "Make D.C. Safe Again" initiative, was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
Hopkins pleaded guilty to the indictment before U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb on count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Cobb set a sentencing hearing for November 7, 2025.
As part of his plea, Hopkins admitted to possessing a 9mm handgun, which MPD officers had recovered from the sofa cushions in an apartment during the execution of a residential search warrant. Hopkins also admitted to possessing 14 rounds of ammunition, which had been loaded in the magazine of the 9mm handgun.
Hopkins is a previously convicted felon and was on supervised release after being convicted of assault, burglary, and stalking.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case is being investigated by the DEA Washington Division, the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Levy and Kate Naseef are prosecuting this case.
Felon Indicted for Illegal Possession of a Firearm Following Arrest in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Sherwood Russell, 35, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in an indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, on a federal firearms charge as part of the “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative.
The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Russell is charged federally with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
According to court documents, on May 4, 2025, members of the MPD’s Third Police District responded to a call for a domestic disturbance on the 2000 block of 11th Street Northwest. Officers observed Russell grabbing a woman by the arms and yelling at her. Russell attempted to flee in his vehicle as officers attempted to stop him. After a struggle, officers were able to detain Russell and observed an open container of alcohol in the front passenger seat. Upon further search of the vehicle, officers discovered a Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol, containing one round of .40 caliber ammunition in the chamber and 25 additional rounds in the 29 round capacity magazine. The pistol was modified with a “giggle” switch that converted the firearm into a fully automatic weapon.
Russell is prohibited from possession of a firearm and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2011 conviction for first degree burglary while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon.
This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
25cr210
Violent 24-Hour Crime Spree Nets District Man 90-Month Term in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Christopher Light, 22, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison for his role in a 24-hour violent crime spree that included a gunpoint carjacking and armed robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Light pleaded guilty March 24, 2025, to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition to the 90-month prison term, U.S. District Court Chief Judge James E. Boasberg ordered Light to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
According to court documents, on February 4, 2024, about 6:45 p.m., Light and a co-conspirator ambushed a man in a Wharf District parking lot. Light was armed with a handgun; his co-conspirator wielded an AR-style firearm. Light and the co-conspirator threatened the man and took his iPhone 15 Pro and two gold chains with pendants. Light and his accomplice fled in a white Audi SUV.
Early the next morning, Light and three other individuals pulled into the 900 block of Thayer Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, in the same Audi SUV, and stopped behind a 2017 Mercedes E300 occupied by two individuals. Brandishing firearms, Light and the others ordered the occupants of the Mercedes to get out and turn over their possessions. Light and the others stole a Gucci handbag, a Louis Vuitton wallet, Bulgari watch, a gold necklace, a black Mark Jacobs bag, three cellphones, and various identification cards and credit cards. Two of the individuals with Light stole the Mercedes, while the others fled in the white Audi SUV.
Later on February 5, 2024, at about 3 p.m., Light and another individual attempted to rob a man who was attempting to withdraw money from an ATM in the 2000 Block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE. Light and the other individual parked and exited a white Audi SUV and approached the man from behind. At gunpoint, Light and his accomplice ordered the man: “Don’t move, give me that sh--.” The man ran away and nothing was stolen from him.
Law enforcement arrested Light on March 25, 2024. From a freezer in Light’s residence, officers recovered an AM-15, multi-caliber pistol along with a black magazine containing 50 rounds of ammunition.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the MPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer.
24cr195
More Than Eight Year Sentence Handed Down for Facebook Marketplace Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Elijah Porter, 20, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on July 25, 2025, in Superior Court, to 106 months in prison, for charges pertaining to two armed robberies he committed in 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Porter pleaded guilty on February 7, 2025, to armed robbery for an incident on December 2, 2023, and to assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to commit robbery for an incident on November 8, 2023. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel also ordered Porter to serve three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on December 2, 2023, Porter, using a false Facebook account, responded to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement for the sale of an Apple MacBook. The defendant arranged for the victim to meet him in the 1300 block of Orren Street, NE. When the victim arrived, Porter asked to inspect the MacBook, so the victim handed the MacBook to the defendant. The defendant then pulled out what appeared to be a black handgun and stole the MacBook from the victim. A search, conducted two days later at Porter’s residence, resulted in the recovery of the victim’s MacBook.
On November 8, 2023, Porter created an advertisement for the sale of Apple iPhones using a false Facebook account, and the victim responded to the advertisement, eventually agreeing to meet with the defendant to discuss the purchase of the iPhones posted for sale. Porter arranged for the victim to meet him in the 1300 block of Orren Street, NE. When the victim arrived, Porter and an accomplice got into the victim’s vehicle and struck the victim in the face with a handgun. Porter and the accomplice then stole personal property belonging to the victim.
Porter was arrested on December 4, 2023, and he has remained in custody since.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Hanley and Travis Wolf, who prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 35 Year Prison Term for Killing Man in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dennis Chase, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on July 25, 2025, to 420 months in prison for the 2020 murder of Anthony Orr in Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
In October of 2024, a jury sitting in Superior Court found the defendant guilty of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the government’s evidence, the defendant drove around the Washington Highlands neighborhood with the victim, Anthony Orr, sitting in the passenger seat. As the defendant slowly drove down Xenia St. SE, he raised a gun to Mr. Orr’s head and fired one lethal shot. The defendant pushed Mr. Orr out of the car and sped off. The defendant drove 30 miles North of the District to the woods of Severn, Maryland, where he doused the car in diesel exhaust fluid and attempted to light it on fire. The defendant then hiked through the woods until he found a random home, where he stripped down and hid his clothes and other evidence in the back shed, knocked on the back door, and asked for help. The homeowner called 911, and Anne Arundel County Police arrested the defendant on an unrelated warrant. MPD Homicide Detectives later charged defendant for the murder of Mr. Orr. The defendant testified at trial and claimed he acted in self-defense.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Anne Arundel County Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case form the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin, Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity, Litigation Technology Specialists Leif Hickling and Charlie Bruce, Victim/Witness Advocate Jenn Clark, and Victim/Witness Coordinators Maenylie Watson and Katina Adams-Washington.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Roman, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wes Faulkner and Andrea Antonelli, who prosecuted the case.
Brinks Armored Car Robbery Defendant Sentenced to Additional Time for Jail StabbingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Anthony McNair, 36, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced earlier today to 42 months in prison for a jail stabbing that occurred on October 11, 2024, at the DC Central Detention Facility, located at 1901 D Street SE in Washington, D.C., announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
On January 27, 2025, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon for the jail stabbing. The Honorable Judith Pipe, of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, ordered McNair to the prison term on July 28, 2025.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 11:00 a.m., on October 11, 2024, in the Southwest 2 housing unit of the DC jail, McNair used a sharp object to repeatedly stab another inmate, 28-year-old Tyjuan McNeal, in an apparently unprovoked attack. The attack was captured on the facility’s surveillance cameras. In the footage, McNair can be observed with a clenched fist repeatedly using a stabbing motion while holding a sharp, white object to stab McNeal all over his body, at one point pulling a shirt over McNeal’s face so that he could not see to defend himself. McNair did not stop assaulting McNeal until a correctional officer intervened. As a result of the attack, the victim sustained multiple stab wounds on his head, neck, shoulder, chest, and palm, and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
At the time of the assault, McNair was in custody pending sentencing in a matter before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In that case, a federal jury found McNair guilty of charges stemming from his involvement in a series of armed robberies of Brinks armored cars in Washington, D.C., that took place in late 2021 and early 2022, and resulted in the loss of approximately $1.2 million. For his role in the robberies, the defendant was sentenced on March 26, 2025 by U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth to 31.5 years. His co-defendants in the robbery case – William Brock and Erin Sheffey, were sentenced to 54.7 years and 18 years, respectively.
McNair’s sentence for the jail robbery will run consecutive to any other sentence he is already serving, including the sentence for the Brinks robberies.
Joining the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Lieberman, who prosecuted the case.
Three Juveniles Charged in December 2024 Capitol Hill Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rashad Ervin (17), Markell Butler (16), and Dereon Butler (17), all of Washington, D.C., were arrested and charged by complaint as adults under Title 16 with multiple counts of armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for a robbery spree in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early-morning hours of December 2, 2024, the defendants utilized a stolen gray Kia Sorento and a stolen red Lexus sedan to locate and target commuting pedestrians in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. In all, they approached ten different unsuspecting pedestrians across numerous locations, brandished a firearm (or imitation thereof) at them, and robbed them of their wallets, purses, cellphones, and other personal belongings. They then fled each scene before the police could arrive.
Rashad Ervin was arrested on May 13, 2025; Markell Butler was arrested on June 23, 2025; and Dereon Butler was arrested on July 22, 2025 in Superior Court. They are all in custody.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy.
A complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
San Diego Man Sentenced in D.C. to 108 Months in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Eduardo Alberto Zelaya Vides, 31, of San Diego, California, was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to 108 months in prison in connection with repeatedly posting child sexual abuse materials to an online chatroom, with aggressively encouraging other group members to do the same, and possessing a collection of child pornography that numbered more than 2,000 digital files, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Zelaya Vides pleaded guilty on February 7, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell, to one count of distribution of child pornography.
In addition to the 108-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered Zelaya Vides to serve 15 years of supervised release, to register as a sex offender, and to provide a total of $106,500 in restitution to the 14 children depicted in the child exploitation images that he distributed.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, which conducted the investigation.
According to court documents, Zelaya Vides joined an instant messaging group which existed as a chatroom for the purpose of discussing the sexual exploitation of children and sharing child pornography. To gain entry and remain in the group, members were required to actively post and share child sexual abuse content. Zelaya repeatedly shared child pornography videos in the group and encouraged other members to share materials they collected, repeatedly imploring the group to “post your sluts” and “post your young sluts.”
On May 10, 2024, law enforcement arrested Zelaya Vides. FBI agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home and recovered six digital devices, three of which contained more than 2,000 videos and images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
During his interview with investigators, Zelaya Vides admitted that he participated in the chatroom that began as a forum for discussion and exchange of pornography. He later admitted that he was aware that the pornographic images shared in the group depicted minors who were under 18-years-old. He further admitted that he uploaded images to the chatroom.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Shinskie.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
24cr0216
Previously Convicted Murderer in Possession of a Glock Sentenced to 32 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Wendell Smith, 60, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 32 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a loaded Glock firearm when he was stopped by police for speeding on the Suitland Parkway, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Smith pleaded guilty on April 18, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 32-month prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release
Joining in the announcement of Smith’s sentencing was Chief Jessica Taylor of the U.S. Park Police.
According to court documents, on Nov. 4, 2024, U.S. Park Police officers observed a black Mercedes speeding on the Suitland Parkway near Alabama Ave. SE, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. After the sedan came to a halt, officers saw the driver reach to his right side.
Smith presented his driver’s license. Officers asked Smith to step out of the vehicle. A K-9 unit indicated the presence of controlled dangerous substances in the car.
Officers searched the car and, from a backpack on the passenger’s seat, recovered a Glock 27, .40 caliber pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. In another bag on the floor, officers discovered more than $78,000 in cash.
Smith previously was convicted of first degree murder while armed and other offenses in D.C. Superior Court and in February 1990 was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Park Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Strong.
24cr534
Guilty Verdict in Road Rage Killing of Uber Driver Near Dupont CircleRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Rodney Baggott, 58, of the District of Columbia, was found guilty yesterday of murder and related counts in U.S. District Court in the 2024 road rage slaying of Uber Eats driver Rasheek Abdullah near the Dupont Circle Metro Station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A federal jury deliberated for a single day before finding Baggott guilty on July 24 of first degree murder while armed (premeditated), possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Judge Reggie B. Walton scheduled sentencing for Dec. 18, 2025.
Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, on Jan. 30, 2024, Baggott was driving a white Mitsubishi Outlander to his then-girlfriend’s office at a law firm in Dupont Circle.
Shortly before 4 p.m., the girlfriend left her office and joined Baggott. The two drove to the intersection of Connecticut Ave. and Q St, NW. There, as Baggott made a right-hand turn, Mr. Abdullah passed him on the left-hand side. Baggott became enraged believing that Mr. Abdullah had cut him off. Baggott drove up next to Mr. Abdullah, pulled out a gun, and shot him in the neck. Mr. Abdullah ultimately died as a result of the shooting.
Baggott fled the scene with his girlfriend sitting in the passenger seat. The girlfriend called an auto body repair shop to fix distinctive damage on the vehicle—distinctive damage that would go out on a police bulletin later that day and would ultimately be used to link Baggott to the shooting.
On March 2, 2024, a Montgomery County Police officer stopped Baggott and the girlfriend while they were in the white Mitsubishi Outlander. Baggott was arrested for illegally possessing a gun in the vehicle.
On March 3, 2024, law enforcement found the gun used in the shooting during the execution of a search warrant at Baggott’s girlfriend’s apartment. The firearm had DNA that linked it to both the girlfriend and Baggott.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Metropolitan Police Department, with valuable assistance from the Montgomery County Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron Tepfer and Daniel Seidel, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Lipes.
24cr127
Burglar Gets Prison Term for Stealing from the Same Business Twice in One DayRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Antonni Flores, 29, was sentenced to 42 months of jail time for breaking into a local business, stealing money and food, and returning the next day to break in a second time to steal a TV, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Flores was found guilty by a jury on April 28, 2025, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to two counts of second-degree burglary. As part of the sentence, Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced him on July 18, 2025, to 42 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for each count to be served concurrently.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning of July 26, 2024, the defendant broke into a local business. While inside, the defendant stole food, money, and various items before leaving the business. Surprisingly, the defendant returned less than 24 hours later with an accomplice. Once again, the defendant forced entry into the business and stole a large screen TV. Fortunately, the burglar alarm swiftly went off in the establishment and a Metropolitan Police Department officer, on the beat patrolling, stopped and arrested the defendant who was seen walking shirtless with the local business’s large screen TV.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikéla Cuffy and Michael Dal Lago, who prosecuted the case.
Arizona Woman Sentenced in $17M IT Worker Fraud Scheme That Illegally Generated Revenue for North KoreaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Christina Marie Chapman, 50, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 102 months in prison for her role in a fraudulent scheme that assisted North Korean workers—posing as U.S. citizens and residents—in obtaining and working in remote IT positions at more than 300 U.S. companies. The scheme generated more than $17 million in illicit revenue for herself and for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea), announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Chapman pleaded guilty on Feb. 11, 2025, in the District of Columbia to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. In addition to the 102-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss ordered Chapman to serve three years of supervised release, to forfeit $284,555.92 that was to be paid to the North Koreans, and to pay a judgement of $176,850.
The case involved one of the largest North Korean IT worker fraud schemes charged by the Department of Justice, with 68 U.S. person identities stolen and 309 U.S. businesses and two international businesses defrauded.
Joining in the announcement were Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI Counterintelligence Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith R. Janke of the FBI Phoenix Field Office, and Internal Revenue Service Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick for IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office.
U.S. Attorney Pirro noted her Office’s ongoing efforts to stem North Korean revenue generation.
“North Korea is not just a threat to the homeland from afar. It is an enemy within. It is perpetrating fraud on American citizens, american companies, and American banks. It is a threat to Main Street in every sense of the word,” she said. Pirro further called on corporate America to take action.
“The call is coming from inside the house. If this happened to these big banks, to these Fortune 500, brand name, quintessential American companies, it can or is happening at your company. Corporations failing to verify virtual employees pose a security risk for all. You are the first line of defense against the North Korean threat.”
Said Acting Assistant Attorney General Galeotti: “The defendant’s role as a U.S.-based facilitator was critical to North Korea’s complex scheme to defraud American companies and steal the identities of American citizens. This multi-year plot highlights the unique threat that North Korea poses to U.S. companies who hire remote workers. The Criminal Division remains steadfast in its commitment to identify and prosecute individuals who facilitate these criminal schemes against U.S. companies.”
“The North Korean regime has generated millions of dollars for its nuclear weapons program by victimizing American citizens, businesses, and financial institutions,” said FBI Assistant Director Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “However, even an adversary as sophisticated as the North Korean government can't succeed without the assistance of willing U.S. citizens like Christina Chapman, who was sentenced today for her role in an elaborate scheme to defraud more than 300 American companies by helping North Korean IT workers gain virtual employment and launder the money they earned. Today's sentencing demonstrates that the FBI will work tirelessly with our partners to defend the homeland and hold those accountable who aid our adversaries.”
According to court documents, North Korea has deployed thousands of highly skilled IT workers around the world, including the United States, to obtain remote employment using false, stolen, or borrowed identities of U.S. persons. To circumvent controls employed by U.S. companies to prevent hiring illicit overseas IT workers, the North Korean IT workers obtain assistance from persons residing in the U.S.
Chapman, an American citizen, conspired and assisted the North Korean IT workers from October 2020 to October 2023. Using stolen and purchased identities of U.S. nationals, the North Korean IT workers applied for remote IT jobs at U.S. companies and, in furtherance of the scheme, transmitted false documents to the Department of Homeland Security on at least 100 occasions.
Chapman and her coconspirators obtained jobs at 309 U.S. companies, including Fortune 500 corporations, often through temporary staffing companies or other contracting organizations. The impacted companies included a top-five major television network, a Silicon Valley technology company, an aerospace manufacturer, an American car maker, a luxury retail store, and a U.S media and entertainment company. The IT workers also attempted to obtain employment and access to information at two different U.S. government agencies, although these efforts were generally unsuccessful. Some of the companies were purposely targeted by a group of DPRK IT workers, who maintained a repository of postings for companies at which they wanted to insert IT workers.
Chapman operated a “laptop farm” where she received and hosted computers from the U.S. companies her home, so that the companies would believe the workers were in the United States. Chapman also shipped 49 laptops and other devices supplied by U.S. companies to locations overseas, including multiple shipments to a city in China on the border with North Korea. More than 90 laptops were seized from Chapman’s home following the execution of a search warrant in October 2023.
Christina Chapman organized and stored U.S. company laptops in her home, and included notes identifying the U.S. company and identity associated with each laptop.
Chapman and the North Korean IT workers netted more than $17.1 million for their work. Much of the income was falsely reported to the IRS and Social Security Administration in the names of actual U.S. individuals whose identities had been stolen or borrowed. Additionally, Chapman received and forged payroll checks in the names of the stolen identities used by the IT workers and received IT workers’ wages through direct deposit from U.S. companies in her U.S. financial accounts. Chapman further transferred the proceeds from the scheme to individuals overseas.
Said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Janke: “The sentencing today demonstrates the great lengths to which the North Korean government will go in its efforts and resources to fund its illicit activities. The FBI continues to pursue these threat actors to disrupt their network and hold those accountable wherever they may be.”
“Today’s sentencing brings justice to the victims whose identities were stolen for this international fraud scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office. “The scheme was elaborate. If this sentencing proves anything, it’s that no amount of obfuscation will prevent IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners from tracking down those that wish to steal the identities of U.S. nationals, launder money, or engage in criminality that jeopardizes national security.”
The conspiracy orchestrated a vast and sophisticated fraud scheme, at the expense of generally unknowing U.S. companies and persons — generating at least $17.1 million of revenue for North Korea. The coconspirators compromised the identities of 68 U.S. persons, creating false tax liabilities for these victims; applied for or obtained remote jobs at 309 U.S. companies and 2 international companies; and caused false information to be conveyed to DHS on more than 100 occasions.
In 2024 a United Nations Panel of Experts report estimated that the technology sector continues to be a key moneymaker for North Korea with an estimated 3,000 North Korean IT workers abroad and another 1,000 more operating inside North Korea, generating $250 million to $600 million annually.
This case was investigated by the FBI Phoenix Field Office, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office. Assistance was provided by the FBI Chicago Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen P. Seifert for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Ashley R. Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Jorge Casillas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rothstein, the Victim Witness Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, and the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section also provided assistance.
***
In a coordinated effort, FBI Phoenix also issued guidance for HR professionals on detecting North Korean IT workers, and the Department of State issued guidance[KS1] on the North Korean IT worker threat.
Prior guidance was issued by the FBI, State Department, and the Department of the Treasury on this threat in a May 2022 advisory, and by the United States and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in October 2023. The FBI issued updated guidance in May 2024 regarding the use of U.S. persons acting as facilitators by providing a U.S.-based location for U.S. companies to send devices and a U.S.-based internet connection for access to U.S. company networks and in January 2025 concerning the extortion and theft of sensitive company data by North Korean IT workers, along with recommended mitigations.
24cr0220
Additional Guidance on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Information Technology Workers
Treasury Sanctions Clandestine IT Worker Network Funding the DPRK’s Weapons Programs
Arizona Woman Sentenced for $17M Information Technology Worker Fraud Scheme that Generated Revenue for North KoreaRead the Press Release
An Arizona woman was sentenced today to 102 months in prison for her role in a fraudulent scheme that assisted North Korean Information Technology (IT) workers posing as U.S. citizens and residents with obtaining remote IT positions at more than 300 U.S. companies. The scheme generated more than $17 million in illicit revenue for Chapman and for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea).
Christina Marie Chapman, 50, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, pleaded guilty on Feb. 11 in the District of Columbia to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. In addition to the 102-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss ordered Chapman to serve three years of supervised release, to forfeit $284,555.92 that was to be paid to the North Koreans, and to pay a judgment of $176,850.
“Christina Chapman perpetrated a years’ long scheme that resulted in millions of dollars raised for the DPRK regime, exploited more than 300 American companies and government agencies, and stole dozens of identities of American citizens,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Chapman made the wrong calculation: short term personal gains that inflict harm on our citizens and support a foreign adversary will have severe long term consequences. I encourage companies to remain vigilant of these cyber threats, and warn individuals who may be tempted by similar schemes to take heed of today’s sentence.”
“North Korea is not just a threat to the homeland from afar. It is an enemy within. It is perpetrating fraud on American citizens, American companies, and American banks. It is a threat to Main Street in every sense of the word,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “The call is coming from inside the house. If this happened to these big banks, to these Fortune 500, brand name, quintessential American companies, it can or is happening at your company. Corporations failing to verify virtual employees pose a security risk for all. You are the first line of defense against the North Korean threat.”
“The North Korean regime has generated millions of dollars for its nuclear weapons program by victimizing American citizens, businesses, and financial institutions,” said Assistant Director Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “However, even an adversary as sophisticated as the North Korean government can't succeed without the assistance of willing U.S. citizens like Christina Chapman, who was sentenced today for her role in an elaborate scheme to defraud more than 300 American companies by helping North Korean IT workers gain virtual employment and launder the money they earned. Today's sentencing demonstrates that the FBI will work tirelessly with our partners to defend the homeland and hold those accountable who aid our adversaries.”
“The sentencing today demonstrates the great lengths to which the North Korean government will go in its efforts and resources to fund its illicit activities. The FBI continues to pursue these threat actors to disrupt their network and hold those accountable wherever they may be,” said Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke of the FBI Phoenix Field Office.
“Today’s sentencing brings justice to the victims whose identities were stolen for this international fraud scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office. “The scheme was elaborate. If this sentencing proves anything, it’s that no amount of obfuscation will prevent IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners from tracking down those that wish to steal the identities of U.S. nationals, launder money, or engage in criminality that jeopardizes national security.”
The case involved one of the largest North Korean IT worker fraud schemes charged by the Department of Justice, with 68 identities stolen from victims in the United States and 309 U.S. businesses and two international businesses defrauded.
According to court documents, North Korea has deployed thousands of highly skilled IT workers around the world, including to the United States, to obtain remote employment using false, stolen, or borrowed identities of U.S. persons. To circumvent controls employed by U.S. companies to prevent the hiring of illicit overseas IT workers, the North Korean IT workers obtain assistance from U.S.-based collaborators.
Chapman helped North Korean IT workers obtain jobs at 309 U.S. companies, including Fortune 500 corporations. The impacted companies included a top-five major television network, a Silicon Valley technology company, an aerospace manufacturer, an American car maker, a luxury retail store, and a U.S media and entertainment company. Some of the companies were targeted by the IT workers, who maintained a repository of postings for companies that they wanted to employ them. The IT workers also attempted to obtain employment at two different U.S. government agencies, although these efforts were generally unsuccessful.
Chapman operated a “laptop farm” where she received and hosted computers from the U.S. companies at her home, deceiving the companies into believing that the work was being performed in the United States. Chapman also shipped 49 laptops and other devices supplied by U.S. companies to locations overseas, including multiple shipments to a city in China on the border with North Korea. More than 90 laptops were seized from Chapman’s home following the execution of a search warrant in October 2023.
Christina Chapman organized and stored U.S. company laptops in her home, and included notes identifying the U.S. company and identity associated with each laptop.Much of the millions of dollars in income generated by the scheme was falsely reported to the IRS and Social Security Administration in the names of actual U.S. individuals whose identities had been stolen or borrowed. Additionally, Chapman received and forged payroll checks in the names of the stolen identities used by the IT workers and received IT workers’ wages through direct deposit from U.S. companies into her U.S. financial accounts. Chapman further transferred the proceeds from the scheme to individuals overseas.
This case was investigated by the FBI Phoenix Field Office, and the IRS-CI Phoenix Field Office. Assistance was provided by the FBI Chicago Field Office.
Trial Attorney Ashley R. Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen P. Seifert for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Jorge Casillas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rothstein for the District of Columbia, the Victim Witness Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, and the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section also provided assistance.
***
In a coordinated effort, FBI Phoenix also issued guidance for HR professionals on detecting North Korean IT workers, and the Department of State issued guidance on the North Korean IT worker threat.
Prior guidance was issued by the FBI, State Department, and the Department of the Treasury on this threat in a May 2022 advisory, and by the United States and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in October 2023. The FBI issued updated guidance in May 2024 regarding the use of U.S. persons acting as facilitators by providing a U.S.-based location for U.S. companies to send devices and a U.S.-based internet connection for access to U.S. company networks and in January 2025 concerning the extortion and theft of sensitive company data by North Korean IT workers, along with recommended mitigations.
Woman Who Tried to Impede Transfer of Alleged Gang Member to ICE Custody Charged in Assault on FBI AgentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Sydney Lori Reid, 44, of the District of Columbia, was charged by complaint today in U.S. District Court in connection with an assault on an FBI agent who was assisting with the transfer of an alleged international gang member at the DC Central Detention Facility, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Reid was charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees.
According to the complaint, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on July 22, two men -- alleged members of the violent transnational 18th Street gang -- were being released from the D.C. Jail into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Both men previously had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department, one of them on firearm related charges.
The FBI agent was assisting two ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers outside the jail when Reid walked up close to the officers and started recording video. After multiple commands to step back, Reid tried to go around the ERO officers, placing herself between FBI agents and one of the suspects being transferred into their custody.
As Reid tried to impede the transfer, one of the ERO officers pushed her against the wall and told her to stop. Reid continued to struggle and fight with the officer. The FBI agent tried to help the officer control Reid who was flailing her arms and kicking. During Reid's active resistance to being detained, the FBI agent's hand was injured from striking and scraping the cement wall causing lacerations while the FBI agent was assisting ICE ERO officers
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Washington Field Office and the FBI Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Dernbach of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
25crxxx
Smuggler of Firearms from Key West to Haiti Sentenced in D.C. to 30 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jean Wiltene Eugene, 57, of Key West, Florida, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 30 months in prison and a $20,000 fine for his role in a gunrunning operation that illegally exported firearms to Haiti, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Eugene pleaded guilty on April 11, 2025, to one count of smuggling. In addition to the prison term, Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered Eugene to serve 24 months of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement of the sentence were Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the Miami Field Office.
According to court documents, Eugene is a U.S. citizen who was born in Haiti and resides in Key West. On Sept. 23, 2021, Eugene knowingly exported more than two firearms from the United States to Haiti contrary to U.S. laws and regulations, including the prohibitions in the Export Administration Regulations and the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, knowing the firearms were intended for exportation contrary to such laws and regulations. In particular, Eugene exported the firearms without having first obtained the required license from the Bureau of Industry and Security, located in the District of Columbia. Anyone who violates the smuggling statute may be fined up to $250,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years.
Eugene arranged to ship vehicles to Haiti through a Florida-based export company. Eugene signed the company’s terms and conditions of shipments, which required the shipper to affirm that the vehicles did not contain any firearms or ammunition. In a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Eugene admitted that, in 2020 and 2021, he shipped two vehicles to Haiti with firearms hidden inside. Eugene stated that he placed food and other items around the bins holding the firearms so border authorities would not find the weapons.
In a later interview with federal agents, Eugene stated that nine firearms he purchased in Key West under his name were currently located at his gas station in Haiti and that none of those firearms remained in the United States. He admitted that he knew it was illegal to ship weapons to Haiti when confronted by the federal agents.
Eugene was arrested May 4, 2024, in Key West.
This case was investigated by the FBI Miami Field Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall and Trial Attorney Beau Barnes of the National Security Division, as well as former Assistant U.S. Attorney Pravallika Palacharla. Substantial assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
25cr78
Former Chinatown Walgreens Manager Sentenced to 147 Months in a Series of Inside-Job RobberiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Robinson, 35, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 147 months in prison, for his role in seven inside-job robberies of a Walgreens drug store in the District’s Chinatown neighborhood, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Robinson pleaded guilty on March 11, 2025, to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery) and to using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and aiding and abetting. In addition to the 147-month prison term, the Honorable Jia M. Cobb ordered Williams to serve five years of supervised release and to pay $7,245.75 in restitution.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office.
Sentencing is pending for co-defendants Kamanye Williams, Gianni Robinson, and London Teeter, the last of whom was also a former Walgreen’s store manager.
According to court documents, the four co-conspirators devised a scheme to carry out armed robberies of the Chinatown Walgreens store nearly once a month, beginning in July 2023, when either Michael Robinson or Teeter were working. As a store managers, Michael Robinson and Teeter knew the timing of cash transfers within the business. The co-conspirators would also relay information to each other on how many armed security guards were present in the Chinatown Walgreens and how much cash was in the manager’s office at any given time.
When Michael Robinson was on duty, he gave inside information to his nephew, Gianni Robinson, who then relayed it to Williams so that Williams could more easily rob the store.
The robberies occurred on July 18, 2023, Aug. 2, 2023, Sept. 2, 2023, Nov. 10, 2023, Dec. 4, 2023, Jan. 9, 2024, and Feb. 11, 2024. In their plea agreements, the co-defendants admitted that they stole and split at least $28,983.
In each robbery, Williams entered the Chinatown Walgreens wearing clothing selected to disguise his identity. Williams brandished a firearm at employees of the Walgreens, and at Special Police Officers assigned to guard the store, and then demanded business proceeds located in the Manager’s Office. Williams forced employees into the manager’s office or accessed the manager’s office using a code provided by Michael Robinson or Teeter. Williams then robbed the employees and fled through a rear exit.
Michael Robinson and Teeter took turns pretending to be the “victim” manager on duty, knowing that the robberies would be captured on internal surveillance.
Michael Robinson later admitted that he and Teeter reviewed internal surveillance footage of a robbery, and discussed how to make future robberies look more authentic. Michael Robinson asked Williams to assault him during the robberies to make it look more real.
In response to the robberies, the Chinatown Walgreens hired armed Special Police Officers to protect the business. Undeterred, the co-conspirators continued the robberies and Williams escalated to stealing the firearms from the Special Police Officers.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Martin with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Song and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Svetoslavov.
24cr96
Utah Man Pleads Guilty in Making Threats Against Palestinian Rights OrganizationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevin Brent Buchanan, 63, of Tooele, Utah, pleaded guilty yesterday in the District of Columbia in connection with threatening violence against the employees of a D.C.-based Palestinian rights organization, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Buchanan pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat to injure the person of another. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 18, 2025. Buchanan faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Joining in the announcement were Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office.
According to court documents, between Oct. 31, 2023, and Nov. 2, 2023, Buchanan used his cell phone to call and leave five voice mail messages for members of the organization. In his November 2 message, Buchanan stated in part: “Your families are going to be followed and watched;” “You don’t even belong in America;” “I hope every Muslim in the United States [expletive] croaks;” and “You are all going to [expletive] die, you pieces of [expletive] traitors.”
Buchanan admitted that he intentionally targeted the organization because its staff and members are Palestinian, and because the organization advocates on behalf of Palestinians.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by FBI Salt Lake City and the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Utah. Prosecuting the case are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Visser and Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
24cr256
United States Unseals Civil Action Filed Against Approximately $2M in Digital Currency Involved in Hamas FundraisingRead the Press Release
The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia today announced the unsealing of a civil forfeiture action against approximately $2 million dollars in digital currency connected with Buy Cash Money and Money Transfer Company (BuyCash), a Gaza-based money transfer business that was involved in financially supporting Hamas – a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) – as well as its agents and collaborators.
“Terrorist organizations like Hamas and their affiliates rely on shadowy financial networks to fund their deadly operations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “By seizing millions in cryptocurrency, the Justice Department is aggressively dismantling the financial infrastructure of terrorism and refusing to allow our digital currency platforms to become safe havens for terrorist financing.”
“It is essential to disrupt the flow of money to terrorist organizations like Hamas which enables their lethal activities,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Our message is that terrorists cannot hide behind digital currency to bankroll their operations. The FBI and our partners will continue our efforts to cut off the flow of money and - most importantly - stop the violence committed by Hamas and their affiliates.”
“The forfeiture action executed today is an example of how diligently our office works to prevent any actions from taking place that support foreign terrorist organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “Our partnership with other law enforcement agencies strengthens us to uphold the safety of the American people from entities that threaten the security of our citizens.”
“The forfeiture action unsealed today demonstrates that no matter what lengths terrorism financers take to obscure their illegal transactions, the FBI will aggressively disrupt the transmission of illicit proceeds intended to support designated terrorist organizations like Hamas,” said Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office.
BuyCash, and one of its owners, Ahmed M. M. Alaqad, have been suspected of supporting various terrorist organizations including Hamas, ISIS, Al-Qaida affiliates and others. After the October 2023 attacks on Israel, BuyCash and Alaqad were designated as having materially supported Hamas under Executive Order 13224 by the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC). Since 2017, BuyCash and Alaqad have supported several foreign terrorist organizations. In 2017, BuyCash was used for the procurement of large quantities of online infrastructure on behalf of ISIS. In September 2019, BuyCash was used to receive funds from a known Al-Qaida affiliate. In 2019, law enforcement identified various instances where BuyCash, with the direct support of Alaqad, directly aided in the transfer of fiat currency to known individuals and entities in support of Hamas. In June 2021, Israel’s National Bureau for Counter Terrorist Financing seized various digital currency accounts connected to Hamas and the Izz-al-Din Qassam Brigades, including one involving BuyCash.
The complaint describes a detailed scheme whereby users utilized BuyCash to fund accounts at Binance and to fund unhosted wallet addresses containing USDT (or Tether) to obfuscate their financial support of international terrorist organizations, including Hamas. Before and after the October 2023 attacks, one account was reported to have received at least $4 million to support Hamas.
The government’s forfeiture action targets funds previously seized via Tether and Binance connected to BuyCash and removed approximately $2 million dollars from streams of funds supporting international terrorism.
A civil forfeiture complaint contains mere allegations. The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.
The FBI Washington D.C. Field Office is investigating the case. The Department of Justice would like to acknowledge Tether for its assistance in effectuating the transfer of these assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rajbir S. Datta and Thomas Saunders for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Allison Ickovic of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and Deputy Chief Alicia Cook of the National Security Division. Critical assistance was provided by Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers, Gina Torres, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
U.S. Files Forfeiture Action Against $2 Million in Digital Currency Involved in Hamas FundraisingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia today announced the unsealing of a civil forfeiture action against approximately $2 million in digital currency connected to Buy Cash Money and Money Transfer Company, a Gaza-based money transfer business that was involved in financially supporting Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO), as well as its agents and collaborators.
The forfeiture action was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office.
“The forfeiture actions executed today is an example of how diligently our office works to prevent any actions from taking place that support foreign terrorist organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Our partnership with other law enforcement agencies strengthens us to uphold the safety of the American people from entities that threaten the security of our citizens.”
“Terrorist organizations like Hamas and their affiliates rely on shadowy financial networks to fund their deadly operations,” said Attorney General Bondi. “By seizing millions in cryptocurrency, the Justice Department is aggressively dismantling the financial infrastructure of terrorism and refusing to allow our digital currency platforms to become safe havens for terrorist financing.”
“It is essential to disrupt the flow of money to terrorist organizations like Hamas which enables their lethal activities,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Our message is that terrorists cannot hide behind digital currency to bankroll their operations. The FBI and our partners will continue our efforts to cut off the flow of money and - most importantly - stop the violence committed by Hamas and their affiliates.”
“This forfeiture action demonstrates that no matter what lengths terrorism financers take to obscure their illegal transactions, the FBI will aggressively disrupt the transmission of illicit proceeds intended to support designated terrorist organizations like Hamas," said the FBI’s Jensen.
BuyCash, and one of its owners, Ahmed M. M. Alaqad, have been suspected of supporting various terrorist organizations including Hamas, ISIS, Al-Qaida affiliates and others. After the October 7, 2023, attacks, BuyCash and Alaqad were designated as having materially supported Hamas, by the Office of Foreign Asset Control under Executive Order 13224.
Since 2017, BuyCash and Alaqad have supported various foreign terrorist organizations. In 2017, BuyCash was used for the procurement of large quantities of online infrastructure on behalf of ISIS. In September 2019, BuyCash was used to receive funds from a known Al-Qaida affiliate. In 2019, law enforcement identified various instances where BuyCash, with the direct support of Alaqad, directly aided in the transfer of fiat currency to known individuals and entities in support of Hamas. In June 2021, Israel’s National Bureau for Counter Terrorist Financing seized various digital currency accounts connected to Hamas and the Izz-al-Din Qassam Brigades including one involving BuyCash.
The complaint describes a scheme in which various users across the world used BuyCash to fund accounts at Binance and to fund unhosted wallet addresses containing USDT (or Tether) to obfuscate their financial support of various international terrorist organizations including Hamas. Before and after the October 2023 attacks, one account was reported to have received at least $4 million to support Hamas.
The government’s forfeiture action targets funds previously seized via Tether and Binance connected to BuyCash and removed approximately $2 million dollars from streams of funds supporting international terrorism.
The civil forfeiture complaint is merely a set of allegations. It is the government’s burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding.
The FBI Washington D.C. Field Office is investigating the case. The Department of Justice would like to acknowledge Tether for its assistance in effectuating the transfer of these assets.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rajbir S. Datta and Thomas N. Saunders with assistance from Trial Attorney Allison Ickovic of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Deputy Chief Alicia Cook of the National Security Division. Critical assistance was provided by Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers, Gina Torres, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
24cv1251
Special Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Violating an Arrestee’s RightsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Brigette O. Robertson of Washington, D.C. pled guilty today to violating the constitutional rights of a detained citizen by stomping on her face in June 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office.
U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich took Robertson’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for Oct. 21, 2025. For the offense to which she pled guilty – a misdemeanor count of violating constitutional rights – the defendant faces a potential penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
According to court documents, on June 24, 2023, Robertson was employed by Specific Protection Services, LLC., as a Special Police Officer (SPO). She was licensed in the District of Columbia to act and to carry out law enforcement actions as a SPO. That day, while in full uniform and vested with police powers, Robertson was assigned to and providing security services at a McDonald’s restaurant on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.
At about 3:30 p.m., Robertson got into a verbal altercation with a patron at the restaurant. The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation. Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the scene. After the patron was under the control of an MPD officer, the patron remained prone on the ground. Robertson stepped over the patron and, while doing so, stomped on the patron’s face. The stomp to the face caused the patron to experience pain and bleeding. The stomp was without legal justification and in violation of the individual’s constitutional rights.
Use-of-force investigations generally
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews police-involved use of force to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. To prove civil rights violations, prosecutors must typically be able to prove that the involved officers willfully used more force than was reasonably necessary. Proving “willfulness” is a heavy burden. Prosecutors must not only prove that the force used was excessive, but must also prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely.
The FBI Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs Division investigated the case. Prosecuting the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Truscott for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section.
25cr167
Owner of Local Business ‘All American Papers’ Arrested on Tax Evasion ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A criminal indictment was unsealed today in the District of Columbia charging two owners of a local chain of retail stores operating under the banner “All American Papers” with tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Ramon Roque, 73, of the District of Columbia, was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh in the U.S. District for the District of Columbia. Roque was released pending a further hearing in this matter on July 25 before U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell.
Joining in the announcement was Kareem Carter, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office, which is leading the investigation.
According to the indictment, Roque and a co-defendant owned and controlled multiple retail businesses in the District under different registrations, trade names, and taxpayer identification numbers. The business names included All American Papers, All American Bakery & Café, All American D.C., American Legends, and All American Sole (collectively All American Papers). The business had retail stores at multiple locations in the District, but effectively operated as a single enterprise with common payroll accounts and common bank accounts with commingled funds. The indictment alleges that between 2018 and 2020, All American Papers generated at least $14 million in revenue from the sale of their merchandise.
Notwithstanding the success of the business, Roque and his co-defendant never filed federal income tax returns for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. The indictment further alleges that the defendants impeded and obstructed the Internal Revenue Service in the collection of taxes from All American Papers by using multiple business names and trade names for their company; obtaining multiple Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) for their company; providing false information to banks concerning the ownership of the company; and using false identity information with payroll companies so their income would not be reported to the IRS. The indictment also alleges that the defendants structured cash deposits at financial institutions to prevent banks from notifying the U.S. Treasury about their business’ income.
The indictment charges Roque with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States government in the assessment and collection of taxes, and three counts of failure to file income tax returns for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020.
The charges in an indictment are merely allegations and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to defraud the United States is five years’ incarceration, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The maximum statutory sentence for failing to file an income tax return is imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $25,000, or both for each count of conviction. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert.
24cr270
Felon Indicted for Illegal Possession of a Firearm Following Arrest in Northwest D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – David Oday Smith, 39, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in an indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, on a federal firearms charge as part of the “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative.
The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Smith is charged federally with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
According to court documents, on July 14, 2025, members of the MPD’s Fourth District Crime Suppression Team were on patrol on the 5700 block of Georgia Avenue Northwest, when they noticed Smith hiding behind a bus stop with a black satchel.
As officers approached, Smith immediately fled and eventually discarded his black satchel. Officers searched the satchel and discovered a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol, containing one .40 caliber round loaded in the chamber and 14 additional rounds in the magazine.
Smith is prohibited from possession of a firearm and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2009 second degree murder conviction in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
The case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
25cr207
Woman Indicted for Robbing a Parking Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Maylin Carranza Garcia, 29, of Annandale, Virginia, was indicted in Superior Court on felony charges of robbery and retaliating against a government official on June 25, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Carranza Garcia was indicted by the grand jury on July 16, 2025. An arraignment is scheduled for July 29, 2025.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 3:07 p.m. on June 25, 2025, at 2526 L Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., a Parking Enforcement Officer just finished issuing a parking ticket for a driver who refused to move their car from a no parking zone. The driver’s sister, Carranza Garcia, then engaged in a verbal altercation with the parking enforcement officer before snatching her parking enforcement device and fleeing the scene. Carranza Garcia discarded the parking enforcement device on the side of the road.
Carranza Garcia was located and arrested on June 26, 2025. The stolen parking enforcement device was recovered the same day.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kadian Carter.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Utah Man Convicted for Threatening a Palestinian Rights OrganizationRead the Press Release
A Utah man pleaded guilty to transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat to injure the person of another. Specifically, the defendant, Kevin Brent Buchanan, threatened violence against the employees of a D.C.-based Palestinian rights organization. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a sentencing hearing for Nov. 18.
According to publicly filed court documents, between Oct. 31, 2023, and Nov. 2, 2023, Buchanan used his cellular phone to call and leave five messages for members of the organization. In his Nov. 2 voice message, Buchanan stated in part: “Your families are going to be followed and watched.”; “You don’t even belong in America.”; “I hope every Muslim in the United States [expletive] croaks.”; “You are all going to [expletive] die, you pieces of [expletive] traitors.” Buchanan admitted that he intentionally targeted the organization because its staff and members are Palestinian, and because the organization advocates on behalf of Palestinians.
Buchanan faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine not to exceed $250,000.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Visser and Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
District Man Sentenced to 11.5 Years in Scheme to Steal Residential Real Estate Using Fraudulent DeedsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Jeffrey M. Young-Bey, 68, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 138 months in prison for his role a scheme that stole residential real estate property in order to generate more than $850,000 in fraudulent loans, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Young-Bey was found guilty by a jury on Feb.12, 2024, on 12 federal charges: one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, two counts of mail fraud, two counts of money laundering, and five counts of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the term of incarceration, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered five years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, which led the investigation.
According to the government’s evidence, beginning in November 2019, Young-Bey conspired to steal a residential townhome located in LeDroit Park in order to obtain mortgage financing against the stolen property.
Young-Bey identified a target property owned free and clear by an elderly homeowner. He then prepared a fraudulent property deed, including forged signatures of the true owners and used a fake notary stamp to make the deed appear legitimate.
Young-Bey filed the deed with the District of Columbia Recorder of Deeds, transferring the title from the true owners to a corporate entity. Young-Bey passed a check to the D.C. Recorder of Deeds to pay for the transfer taxes but put a stop payment order on the check before the D.C. government could cash the check. After causing the fake deed to be recorded with the D.C. Recorder of Deeds, he falsely told a mortgage services business that another individual had inherited the property and wanted to take a large loan against the value of the home.
Young-Bey created a fake rental lease and deceived the mortgage company into loaning one of his associates approximately $360,000 against the value of the home they did not own, which was split evenly between the two. Young-Bey used his half of the proceeds to buy a BMW 3-Series valued at approximately $23,000.
After succeeding on the first scam, Young-Bey executed a second fraudulent scheme on a Shephard Park property in the District, forging the names of the two owners, using the fake notary stamp, and recording the deed at the D.C. Recorder of Deeds Office. Young-Bey again put a stop payment order on the transfer tax check before it could be cashed. Young-Bey used the recorded deed to obtain a construction loan of more than $500,000 against the value of the house. Young-Bey took a portion of the loan and purchased a BMW 7-Series worth approximately $120,000. He promptly sold the home to a legitimate real estate company for an additional $42,000 in profit. The fraud was discovered when the real estate company began performing renovations on the home and the rightful owners were alerted to the construction and demolition by their neighbors.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher R. Howland and Kevin L. Rosenberg of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Gina Torres. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein, who investigated and indicted the case, as well as former Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Cheatham, former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Viviana Vasiu, and Paralegal Specialist Lisa Abbe, each of whom assisted in investigating the case. The prosecution team was also assisted by Tonya Jones from the Victim Witness Assistance Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Lenerz from the Appellate Section.
21cr661
Spree of Violent Robberies Nets Previously Convicted Killer an Additional 42 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Glenn Dolford, 32, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 42 months in federal prison for his role in a spree of Hobbs Act offenses that included the violent robberies in June 2020 of a Maryland pharmacy and a Maryland phone store, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Dolford pleaded guilty on February 28, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson to two counts of interference with interstate commerce by threat or violence. In addition to the prison term, Judge Berman Jackson ordered three years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office.
Dolford was previously convicted in 2023 of second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and assault with a deadly weapon for killing one man and shooting two others on Super Bowl Sunday in February 2020. For those crimes he was arrested in June 2020 and sentenced in June 2023 to more than 22 years in prison.
According to court documents, on June 8, 2020, Dolford and three co-conspirators traveled from the District to a CVS Pharmacy in Nottingham, Maryland. As one subject stayed in their car, Dolford and two others entered the store. As a store employee was attempting to run away from the subjects, Dolford threw him to the floor, punched him in the head, and held him down with his foot on the employee’s back.
Dolford’s two co-conspirators demanded narcotics and ordered another employee to empty the safe and hand over his phone and wallet. Dolford and the co-conspirators fled in a silver VW Jetta with $1,000 worth of hydrocodone and the one employee’s personal items.
On June 9, 2020, Dolford and two co-conspirators traveled from the District to a T-Mobile store in College Park. Dolford forced the store employees to the back of the store as another conspirator said “give me all the phones or I’ll kill you.” Dolford and his co-conspirators fled the store in a silver VW Jetta with phones valued at about $20,000.
Investigators determined Dolford rented the silver Jetta on May 28, 2020, from Enterprise Rent-a-Car. In June 2023, Dolford was indicted in U.S. District Court on Conspiracy and Hobbs Act robbery charges for his involvement in the June 8 and 9 robberies.
Co-defendant Floyd Neal, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on July 17, 2024, to more than 157 months in prison for his role in a rash of 2021 gunpoint robberies of pharmacies in Maryland and Virginia.
Co-defendant Ashawntea Henderson, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Feb. 18, 2025, to 52 months in federal prison for participating in an early morning robbery of a drug store at the Jersey Shore. During the May 2020 robbery, he and his co-conspirators jumped the counter, overpowered the night pharmacist, stole thousands of prescription narcotics, and then – as they attempted to flee to the District – crashed into a responding police cruiser.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron Tepfer, Kyle McWaters, Sarah Martin, and Josh Gold.
23cr190
Narcotics Trafficker Who Brought Fentanyl from California to the DMV Sentenced to 108 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ronte Ricardo Greene, 29, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 108 months in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy which distributed hundreds of thousands of lethal fentanyl-laced pills from Southern California to destinations throughout the United States, including Washington D.C. Greene was one of 24 co-defendants arrested over the course of 2023 in D.C., Virginia, Maryland, San Diego, and Los Angeles and charged in the conspiracy. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Greene, aka “Cardiddy,” pleaded guilty on Feb. 27, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams of fentanyl. In addition to the 108-month prison term, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Greene to serve five years of supervised release.
Joining in the announcement of Greene’s sentencing today were Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, Greene entered into the conspiracy in 2022 after he was introduced to a Los Angeles-based drug trafficker who was a wholesale distributor of the counterfeit pills. Greene’s role was to travel to Southern California, purchase the fentanyl-laced pills, and return with them to the DMV where he would sell the pills to others.
Greene regularly boasted of the money generated from his drug trafficking, and posted photos of himself on social media holding stacks of cash.
When Greene was arrested on Nov. 15, 2023, he was in possession of about 100 fentanyl-laced pills.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the DEA Washington Division and the USPIS Washington Division in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation had valuable support from the DEA Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Field Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office, and the Charles County, Maryland Sheriff’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Maryland.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Kinskey, Solomon Eppel, and Iris McCranie of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Trafficking Division.
DEFENDANT
AGE
LOCATION
CHARGES/SENTENCE
Hector David Valdez,
aka “Curl”
27
Santa Fe Springs, CaliforniaConspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl;
conspiracy to commit international money laundering.
Craig Eastman
21
Washington, D.C.Sentenced Feb. 6, 2025, to 165 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.Charles Jeffrey Taylor21
Washington, D.C.Pleaded guilty Feb. 28, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Raymond Nava, Jr.21
Bell Gardens,
California
Sentenced Sept. 17, 2024, to 14 years for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Ulises Aldaz28
Bell Gardens,
California
Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 95 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Max Alexander Carias Torres27
Bell Gardens,
California
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; conspiracy to commit international money laundering.Teron Deandre McNeil, aka “Wild Boy”35
Washington, D.C.Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Conspiracy to commit wire fraud.Marvin Anthony Bussie,
aka “Money Marr”
22
Washington, D.C.Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Marcus Orlando Brown29
Washington, D.C.Sentenced Oct. 3, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Columbian Thomas, aka "Cruddy Murda”27
Washington, D.C.Sentenced Oct. 22, 2024, to 160 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Wayne Rodell Carr-Maiden35
Washington, D.C.Sentenced April 29, 2024, to 45 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Andre Malik Edmond,
aka “Draco”
24
Temple Hills, MarylandSentenced July 22, 2024, to 130 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Treyveon James Johnson,
aka “Treyski”
21
Alexandria, VirginiaSentenced Sept. 5, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Karon Olufemi Blalock,
aka “Fat Bags”
30
Alexandria, VirginiaConspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; conspiracy to commit wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering.Ronte Ricardo Greene,
aka “Cardiddy”
29
Washington, D.C.Sentenced July 18, 2025, to 108 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Melvin Edward Allen, Jr., aka “21”39
Washington, D.C.Sentenced June 20, 2025, to 75 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.Darius Quincy Hodges,
aka “Brick”
34
Glen Allen, VirginiaConspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Lamin Sesay,
aka “Rock Star”
28
Alexandria, VirginiaSentenced May 30, 2025, to 110 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Paul Alejandro Felix26
Glendale,
California
Sentenced Nov. 12, 2024, to 164 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Omar Arana,
aka “Frogs”
27
Cudahy,
California
Sentenced May 2, 2025, to 93 months, for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Edgar Balderas, Jr., aka “Nano”27
San Diego,
California
Sentenced May 8, 2025, to 148 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Raul Pacheco Ramirez31
Long Beach,
California
Sentenced Nov. 26, 2024, to 95 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Giovani Alejandro Briones31
Victorville, CaliforniaSentenced Feb. 20, 2025, to 90 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.Alfredo Rodriguez Gonzalez27
Rosarito, MexicoConspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl;
conspiracy to commit international money laundering.
23cr73
Jury Finds Georgetown Law Professor Guilty of Assaulting His Wife and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Shon Hopwood, 50, of the District of Columbia, was found guilty today by a Superior Court jury on charges of assault, contempt, and obstruction of justice, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Hopwood was found guilty of three counts of simple assault, five counts of contempt, and two counts of obstructing justice. Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur scheduled sentencing for September 18, 2025.
“A D.C. jury is demanding accountability from the batterer who not only beat his wife but was on the faculty of Georgetown Law teaching criminal law,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “This D.C. jury wasn’t afraid to demand accountability no matter who the defendant is.”
On September 21, 2023, the defendant, a Georgetown Law Professor and convicted felon, got into an ongoing verbal argument with his wife, the victim, in front of their children. The defendant then assaulted the victim when she attempted to retrieve her phone and purse from their shared bedroom by repeatedly pushing and physically throwing her out into the kitchen. The victim suffered multiple injuries, including several bruises on her body. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) only learned of the incident and injuries when, following a welfare check conducted at the home on September 24, 2023, it was discovered that the defendant had ordered the victim to remain in the basement and coached their children to lie about her whereabouts. Hopwood ran away from the house when he heard on an MPD officer’s radio that law enforcement had found the victim. Through additional investigation, MPD and USAO discovered a history of the defendant’s chronic emotional and physical domestic abuse to his wife stretching back several years. The defendant was also charged with, and found guilty of, assaulting the victim in April 2023 in addition to the September 2023 incident.
A trial date in this case was initially scheduled for June 3, 2024, and the victim and the victim’s daughter failed to appear for that trial despite being subpoenaed by the government. An investigation involving law enforcement in multiple jurisdictions revealed that Hopwood had been contacting the victim in violation of the court’s pre-trial stay away order for several months and had been pressuring her not to cooperate with the government. This culminated in a scheme the defendant initiated, and worked with the victim to implement, that would keep the victim and their children out of the jurisdiction on the trial date in an attempt to get the case dismissed. The victim went along with the defendant’s instructions, fled the jurisdiction, and did not show up for trial (and kept her daughter away from trial). As a result of his actions, Hopwood was subsequently indicted on five counts of contempt and two counts of obstruction of justice in addition to the initial counts of misdemeanor assault.
Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the United States Marshal Service, and the criminal investigators and investigative analysts from the United States Attorney’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monisha Rao and Katherine Ballou.
Previously Convicted Felon Found Guilty by Jury for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Guy Cummings, 29, of the District of Columbia, was found guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court of being a felon in illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Following a three-day trial, a federal jury found Cummings guilty on the one-count indictment charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm by an individual previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year. Chief Judge James E. Boasberg scheduled sentencing for Nov. 3, 2025.
This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
According to court documents, on Jan. 18, 2025, about 1:30 a.m., Metropolitan Police Department Officers were patrolling the 300 block of 50th Street NE, in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood.
As officers approached a group gathered on the sidewalk, Cummings immediately turned away and ran. One of the officers pursued Cummings on foot through the snow, never losing sight of him. The officer saw Cummings make a tossing motion with his right hand over a brick wall. Shortly after, the officer apprehended Cummings and recognized him as someone who had been ordered to stay away from the neighborhood. Cummings had also been issued a barring notice from the DC Housing Authority Police Department for five years after being arrested for carrying a pistol without a license.
Retracing Cummings flight path, officers found a loaded Glock 26 9mm pistol where it had landed in the snow after the officer had earlier watched Cummings make a tossing motion. The firearm had previously been reported stolen.
In 2017, Cummings had been convicted and sentenced to 36 months in prison for robbery and for carrying a dangerous weapon, and therefore was prohibited from possessing any firearm.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, with assistance from the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Martin, Benjamin Helfand, and Jared English.
25cr44
Former Voice of America Employee Indicted for Threatening Rep. Marjorie Taylor GreeneRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment unsealed today in the District of Columbia charges a Maryland resident with influencing a federal official by threatening a family member, influencing a federal official by threat, interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, and anonymous telecommunications harassment.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Michael G. Sullivan of the United States Capitol Police.
Seth Jason, of Edgewater, Maryland, was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police and the Anne Arundel Police Department early this morning, July 17, 2025. Jason will make his initial appearance this afternoon before a magistrate judge in U.S. District Court
According to the indictment, between Oct. 11, 2023, and Jan. 21, 2025, Jason made threatening calls to the Dalton and Rome District Offices for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R, Ga.).
The U.S. Capitol Police investigation revealed that the phone calls were made from various phone lines connected to studios and control rooms at Voice of America headquarters, where Jason had worked as a longtime employee. In eight calls made over fifteen months, Jason threatened the use of firearms to kill Rep. Greene, her staff, and their families.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The maximum penalty for influencing a federal official by threatening a family member and influencing a federal official by threat is ten years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure is five years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for anonymous telecommunications harassment is two years imprisonment. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by the U.S. Capitol Police and State Department Office of Inspector General, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Anne Arundel Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Wolf and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Horan of the Federal Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
25-xx
Two District Men Ordered to Be Held Without Bond in Violent Armed Kidnapping and CarjackingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Damon Middleton, 32, and Michael Alston, 27, both of the District of Columbia, were ordered to be held without bond today following their arrests for armed kidnapping and carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, on May 9, 2025, a male victim was parking his Dodge Caravan at his home in the District when he was approached by two men who hit him on the head and demanded money. One of the subjects allegedly took the victim’s keys, entered his apartment, and ransacked it.
The two men then drove the victim in the victim’s Dodge Caravan to various Maryland ATMs to withdraw funds from the victim’s CashApp and bank accounts. The men eventually left the victim zip-tied in Hyattsville, Maryland, and drove off in his vehicle. Law enforcement later located the torched remains of the victim’s Dodge Caravan within the District.
Middleton and Alston were charged in an indictment, which was unsealed on July 11, 2025, on charges of federal kidnapping and transportation of a stolen vehicle, as well as District of Columbia charges of armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabena Auyeung and Mark Levy.
25cr190
Three MS-13 Members Charged with Racketeering Conspiracy Involving MurderRead the Press Release
Three alleged members of the notorious gang La Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, made their initial appearance in the District of Maryland yesterday for their role in a racketeering conspiracy, including murder and drug trafficking.
“As alleged, the defendants are MS-13 members who carried out a brutal and senseless murder in exchange for promotions within the gang and drugs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their actions furthered MS-13’s reign of terror across communities in Maryland. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue charges against MS-13 members and associates and will not relent until this dangerous gang is eradicated from our streets.”
“The brutal retaliatory murder of this victim is a chilling reminder of the MS-13 gang’s callous disregard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Those who assault and kill others must be brought to justice and ultimately held accountable for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland will continue to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations that terrorize our communities.”
“The FBI and our partners are committed to using every tool available to prevent violent criminals from terrorizing the communities they live in,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “We will not let up. We will relentlessly pursue those who engage in violent activity like murder and drug trafficking until they are held accountable.”
According to court documents, on July 4, 2024, Maxwell Ariel Quijano-Casco, 24, of El Salvador; Daniel Isaias Villanueva-Bautista, 19, of El Salvador; and Josue Mauricio Lainez, 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland, allegedly killed a homeless man as part of their involvement with MS-13. On July 5, 2024, a passerby called 911 after seeing the victim sitting in a blue 2008 Dodge Caravan that was parked in a used car lot in Hyattsville, Maryland. When the police arrived, they found the deceased victim, who appeared to have been stabbed in the neck. Investigators obtained video surveillance from a nearby business that captured the incident.
The surveillance video shows that at approximately 11:35 p.m Quijano-Casco and another person approach the victim. The video shows the victim wielding what looks like a metal pole at Quijano-Casco, at which point Quijano-Casco and the other person flee on foot and the victim returns to the Dodge Caravan. About 15 minutes later, Quijano-Casco returns with co-defendants Villanueva-Bautista, Lainez, and another person. At approximately 11:48 p.m., the video surveillance shows all four of them approaching the blue Dodge Caravan.
The surveillance video then shows Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, Lainez, and the unnamed person opening the van’s rear sliding driver’s side door, reaching inside, and moving as if striking someone.
The victim does not exit the blue Dodge Caravan after the attack.
On Aug. 23, 2024, Prince George’s County Police arrested Quijano-Casco and Villanueva-Bautista. Quijano-Casco was in possession of a black Ruger P95DC semi-automatic handgun and about eight grams of cocaine at the time of his arrest. Quijano-Casco and Villanueva both admitted that they were present for the altercation where the victim was murdered. Quijano-Casco allegedly admitted to Prince George’s County Police to stabbing the individual.
Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, and Lainez are each charged with racketeering conspiracy, including the July 4, 2024, murder. If convicted, Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, and Lainez face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.
This operation is part of Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, we are aggressively restoring safety in our communities across the country.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Co-Conspirators Charged with Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms from VirginiaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Columbia charging two Virginia residents and one Maryland resident with conspiracy to traffic firearms purchased from licensed firearm retailers in Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Moniqua Jefferson, 31 and Valentino Hall, 28, both of Richmond, and Derrick Boyd Jr., 32, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, were arrested at their homes this morning. They made their initial appearances today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh who ordered them to be held pending a detention hearing on July 17. This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe Again initiative.
According to the indictment, from as early as September 2022, and continuing until September 2024, Jefferson and Hall determined what firearms were available from federally licensed firearm retailers in the Richmond area, and then allegedly sought customers who were prohibited from possessing the guns by law. Jefferson and Hall then purchased the firearms, and resold or transfered them to individuals, including Boyd, for a fee.
The indictment details how on May 31, 2024, and June 1, 2024, Hall and Jefferson allegedly communicated with a co-conspirator to purchase a firearm in Richmond for the co-conspirator. Thirty days later, the co-conspirator, who was prohibited by law from possessing firearms, allegedly was found in possession of the firearm purchased by Jefferson and Hall.
On June 6, 2024, Jefferson allegedly bought another firearm at a licensed retailer in Richmond. Just 17 days later, that firearm was recovered from an individual who could not lawfully possess a firearm in the District because that individual was under 21-years-old.
Subsequently, between August 14, 2024, and August 15, 2024, Boyd communicated with Hall and Jefferson to purchase a Ruger firearm. The next day, Boyd and Jefferson entered a licensed retailer in Richmond together and Jefferson purchased the gun. Boyd and Jefferson left the retailer together. Hall and Jefferson communicated about charging individuals $100 to purchase firearms, and on Aug. 16, 2024, Boyd sent a payment to Jefferson for an amount of $103.01 more than the price of the firearm purchased by Jefferson.
Finally, on Sept. 11, 2024, Jefferson, Hall, and another co-conspirator who was prohibited by law from possessing firearms traveled again to Richmond. The next day, Jefferson, Hall and the co-conspirator returned to the retailer, where Jefferson bought two identical firearms. Hall sent a payment to Jefferson for approximately the price of the firearms.
Ultimately, Hall and Jefferson allegedly purchased over 22 firearms between August 2022 and May 2025. Five of those firearms were recovered by law enforcement in Maryland and the District of Columbia from individuals who were not permitted by law to carry or possess those firearms.
Make D.C. Safe Again, under which this case is being prosecuted, is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. The initiative aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The maximum penalty for conspiracy is 15 years. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The ATF’s Washington Field Division is leading this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Federal Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
25cr195
Former Maryland Police Officer Sentenced to 74 Months for Excessive Use of Force in the DistrictRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Philip Dupree, 40, a former police officer with the Fairmount Heights, Maryland Police Department, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 74 months in prison following his conviction at trial on June 17, 2024, in connection with violating a man’s civil rights by using unreasonable force, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A federal jury found Dupree guilty on June 17, 2024, of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In addition to the 74-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Dupree to serve threeyears of supervised release.
“When the defendant used unnecessary and excessive force on a man in handcuffs, he violated his duty and betrayed his oath to serve and protect,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The Court’s sentence serves as a stark reminder that members of law enforcement must not break the faith with the communities we all serve.”
According to court documents, Dupree was on duty as a Fairmont Heights Police officer during the early morning hours of Aug. 4, 2019, when he conducted a traffic stop on Eastern Avenue NE, in the District of Columbia. After detaining the driver and the driver’s sister, Officer Dupree pepper-sprayed the driver in the face while the driver was handcuffed and seated in Dupree’s police car. The jury found that Dupree’s use of force constituted excessive force by a law enforcement officer.
“Our government requires police officers to abide by the laws they enforce and to protect the constitutional rights of all persons in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “Dupree abused his authority as a police officer, and today Dupree was held accountable for his actions.”
"Law enforcement officers have a duty to enforce the laws while protecting the rights of those they serve," said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. "Today's sentence underscores this responsibility and demonstrates the FBI's resolve to pursue public servants who abuse their positions of power and trust."
The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
22cr275
Healthcare Worker Pleads Guilty to Double Billing District of Columbia Medicaid ProgramsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Amstrong Chapajong, 38, of Cheverly, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of health care fraud after billing the District of Columbia’s Medicaid program for services never provided.
The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas of the D.C. Office of the Inspector General (DC-OIG).
According to court documents, from March 2020 to January 2022, Chapajong worked as a personal care aide (PCA) and a community support worker (CSW) within the District of Columbia. PCA services are intended to assist Medicaid beneficiaries in performing activities of daily living, and CSW services include support for mental-health consumers’ recovery and wellness in community settings. Chapajong admitted to repeatedly submitting false timesheets to his employers, claiming to have provided in-person care as a PCA and telephonic behavioral health services as a CSW to multiple District beneficiaries simultaneously while at different locations. Through this scheme, he caused the District’s Medicaid Program to pay $113,243 for duplicative services he did not render.
The Honorable Randolph D. Moss accepted the plea, and scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2026. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Chapajong faces a possible sentence of up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $40,000. As part of his plea agreement, Chapajong agreed to pay $113,243 in restitution and is subject to forfeiture of his assets.
This case was jointly investigated by the FBI, the HHS-OIG, and the DC-OIG’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The District Department of Health Care Finance’s Division of Program Integrity initially referred this matter and provided assistance during the investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Facci, who is on detail from the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.
25cr180
Father Charged with First-Degree Murder in the Alleged Drowning of His 5-Year-Old SonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Deandre Pettus, 34, of the District of Columbia, has been charged with first-degree murder in the alleged drowning of his son, Deandre Pettus, Jr., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to court documents, on October 6, 2024, at 9:44 a.m., MPD officers responded to the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, for a report of an unconscious child inside an apartment.
U.S. Secret Service officers had been the first to arrive on the scene and started CPR on the 5-year-old boy. DC Fire and EMS arrived soon after and took over CPR. After all lifesaving efforts failed the child was pronounced dead.
Officers at the scene arrested Pettus, who was charged with first degree cruelty to children. The boy was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where the death was ruled undetermined.
On July 11, 2025, Pettus was arraigned in DC Superior Court on charges of First Degree-Felony Murder and cruelty to children before Judge Todd Edelman. A jury trial is scheduled for March 1, 2027.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur.
2024 CF1 010074
Suspect in Shooting Death of Toddler Arrested and ChargedRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Charles Rucker, 24, of the District of Columbia, was arrested and charged Saturday with first-degree murder while armed for the July 5 shooting death of a three-year-old girl in Southeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Rucker made his initial appearance July 12 before Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt. Judge Brandt found probable cause that Rucker committed the offense and ordered him to be held without bond pending trial. This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative.
Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department joined in the announcement.
According to court documents, Rucker fired several shots in the direction of a parked car that H.C. and several other individuals occupied. After the shooting, Rucker attempted to collect and remove evidence from the scene. H.C. was transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head and succumbed to her injuries on July 7, 2025.
This case is being investigated by the Homicide Major Case Section of the Metropolitan Police Department. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Possession of a Glock and 17 Rounds of Ammunition Nets Convicted Felon 37 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dominique Davis, 26, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 37 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a handgun when he was stopped by a Metropolitan Police officer for smoking marijuana in public, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Davis pleaded guilty March 4, 2025, to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the 37-month prison term, Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered Davis to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on Sept. 26, 2024, MPD officers were on patrol in a marked cruiser on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE, when they smelled the odor of burning marijuana. The officers exited the cruiser and walked toward a group of four men who were smoking. One of the men, later identified as Davis, attempted to gather his belongings as he held a large, lit marijuana cigarette in his hand. Davis extinguished the cigarette at the officers’ request, then provided ID. Officers ran his name and learned that Davis had a warrant for his arrest out of Prince George’s County, Maryland, for first degree assault.
Police searched Davis and recovered a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun loaded with one round in the chamber and 16 additional rounds in a large-capacity magazine.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Emily Reeder-Ricchetti
24cr470
Two Wellington Park Gang Members Sentenced in the Murder of 10-Year-Old Makiyah WilsonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mark Price, 30 and Antonio Murchison, 31, both members of the violent Wellington Park crew, were sentenced today for the murder of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Mark Price received 50 years in prison. Antonio Murchison received 72 years.
On Sept. 3, 2024, Price and Murchison were each found guilty of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, obstruction of justice, and multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and related firearms offenses.
The jury also found Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, guilty of obstruction of justice in connection with the investigation into the murder of Makiyah Wilson.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 16, 2018, Mark Price, Antonio Murchison, and three other individuals, drove to the Clay Terrace neighborhood armed with guns. Price, who was driving, briefly stopped to allow the other defendants to exit the vehicle. They opened fire on the Clay Terrace courtyard, indiscriminately firing more than 50 rounds. An innocent bystander, Makiyah was killed by random gunfire while she was sitting on the front stoop of her home. Several other people were wounded.
Joining the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also commended Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin, Supervisory Victim/Witness Program Specialist Jennifer Clark, Victim/Witness Program Specialist Jennifer Allen, Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Maenylie Watson, Witness Security Specialist Ashli Tolbert, USAO Criminal Investigator Neil D’Cunha, USAO Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera, Lead Paralegal Sharon Newman, and Lead Paralegal Meridith McGarrity. A specific thank you to former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rich Barker, John Timmer and Melissa Jackson, Lindsey Merikas. Lastly, thank you to Chrisellen Kolb (Chief of the Appellate Section) and Nick Coleman (Deputy Chief of the Appellate Section) for their pre-trial assistance and support throughout the trial. Finally, they commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Bach and Natalie Hynum who prosecuted and tried the case.
Killer of 16-Year-Old Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Bernard Eddy, 24, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today by the Honorable Michael Ryan to 25 years in prison for the 2019 fatal shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A Superior Court jury found Eddy guilty on April 22, 2025, of second-degree murder while armed and related weapons offenses. The government had requested a sentence of 31 years.
According to the government’s evidence, shortly after midnight on Sept.10, 2019, Eddy approached Steffen on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE, as Steffen was walking alone through the neighborhood. Eddy, who was armed with a 9 mm handgun, fired multiple gunshots at Steffen. Steffen fell to the ground and Eddy fled on foot.
The evidence against Eddy included a 15-second video found on Eddy’s cell phone, which was recovered eight days after the slaying. In the recording, which was made about three hours after the shooting, Eddy is shown celebrating Steffen’s murder.
Eddy was arrested on Jan. 6, 2023, and has been held without bail since then.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Liebman and Mark Levy.