District of Columbia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Final Defendant Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Paula Paulette Harlow, 75, of Kingston, Massachusetts, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 24 months incarceration for her role in a conspiracy that created a blockade at a Washington, D.C. reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
Harlow is the 10th member of the conspiracy to be sentenced on charges of civil rights conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act violations. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sentenced eight other members of the conspiracy.
Another of the defendants, the only one to plead guilty, Jay Smith, 34, of Freeport, New York, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release in March 2023.
As the evidence at trial showed, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. As part of the conspiracy, many of the defendants traveled to Washington, D.C. from various northeast and midwestern states, to meet with Lauren Handy and participate in a clinic blockade that was directed by Handy and was broadcast on Facebook.
According to the evidence, on October 22, 2020, Handy – along with her co-conspirators Jonathan Darnel, John Hinshaw, William Goodman, Jean Marshall, Joan Bell, Herb Geraghty, Heather Idoni, and Paula Harlow, among others – forcefully entered the clinic and set about blockading two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes. Once the blockade was established, they live-streamed their activities. The evidence also showed that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using a physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient, because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services.
DEFENDANTS
NAME
AGE
GUILTY OF
SENTENCE
Lauren Handy
Alexandria, VA
30
Found Guilty on August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act
Sentenced
May 14, 2024, to 57 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseJohn Hinshaw
Levittown, NY
69
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 14, 2024, to 21 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseWilliam Goodman Bronx, NY
54
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 14, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseJay Smith
Freeport, NY
34
Pleaded Guilty March 1, 2023, to Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
Aug. 17, 2023, to 10 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseJonathan Darnel Arlington, VA
42
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 34 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Jean Marshall Kingston, MA
74
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 24 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Joan Bell
Montague, NJ
76
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Herb Geraghty Pittsburgh, PA
27
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Heather Idoni Linden, MI
59
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 22, 2024 to 24 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleasePaula Harlow
Kingston, MA
75
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 31, 2024 to 24 Months IncarcerationThis case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Field Offices in Newark, New York City, Boston, Pittsburgh and Detroit provided valuable assistance. It was prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York, and Southern District of New York; and FBI Field Offices in Newark, New York City, Boston, and Detroit provided valuable assistance.
22cr96
South Dakota Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol BreachRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A South Dakota man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including for allegedly assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
William George Knight, 37, of Rapid City, South Dakota, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, both felony offenses.
In addition to the felonies, Knight is charged with five misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings.
The FBI arrested Knight on May 26, 2024, in Rapid City. He is expected to make his initial appearance today in the District of South Dakota.
According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Knight attended the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C., and witnessed the United States Park Police (USPP) take an individual into custody. A crowd of others, including Knight, allegedly pursued the USPP to a screening facility, a glass structure, and Knight aggressively approached the glass wall four times over approximately seven minutes, each time pushing himself off the wall and gesturing toward police. Knight then put his middle fingers up to the glass and pointed menacingly at the police inside the Screening Center.
Knight later made his way toward the Capitol and entered the Capitol grounds via the Maryland Avenue walkway. Knight and others were allegedly among the first rioters to breach the restricted perimeter and arrive at the West Plaza at approximately 12:57 p.m. A short while later, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officers arrived to reinforce Capitol Police and set up a barrier using bike racks on the West Plaza. It is alleged that Knight grabbed one of the bike rack barriers and fell backward because he had pulled on the barrier so forcefully.
At about 1:14 p.m., Knight allegedly attempted to pull a second bike rack barrier away from a different nearby police line. After initially grabbing the second bike rack, Knight retreated before charging toward the police line and diving to grab the barrier. Court documents say that MPD officers had to deploy chemical spray to stop Knight. Knight then jeered at the police line for several minutes, pointed at them aggressively multiple times, and yelled at the police, “We ain’t leaving! We ain’t going nowhere!” and “Here are the b—. Here are the b—.”
Court documents allege that at about 1:40 p.m., Knight and a large group of other rioters pushed a giant metal-framed sign toward the police line. After ramming the sign at police, Knight allegedly shoved an MPD officer and again grabbed a bike rack barrier and pulled it into the crowd, depriving the police of its use. Knight remained at the vanguard of rioters confronting officers, chanting, “Stop the steal! Stop the steal!” with other rioters.
Later, at approximately 2:08 p.m., Knight is alleged to have been part of a group of rioters that pushed together against the police line on the Lower West Plaza. The police line collapsed at approximately 2:30 p.m., and Knight and other rioters made their way up one level to the Lower West Terrace. Knight remained on the Lower West Terrace for at least two hours.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Minneapolis Division, Rapid City Resident Agency, and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 40 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,424 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 500 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
First Degree Murder Charges Filed in 2023 Killing Near Catholic UniversityRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jaleil Jones, 19, of Washington, D.C., was charged by indictment, filed yesterday, for killing Robert Lavender, the manager of the BGR “Burgers Grilled Right” restaurant on July 17, 2023, near Catholic University in Northeast D.C.
Jones was indicted by a grand jury in the District of Columbia on charges of conspiracy, first degree murder while armed (felony murder), robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 17, 2023, Jaleil Jones and another person came across Mr. Lavender on a bench on the 600 block of Monroe Street, Northeast, D.C. Mr. Lavender was waiting for a ride home after work. Jones and the other person agreed together to rob Mr. Lavender. In the course of that robbery, Jones shot Mr. Lavender in the head.
The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alec Levy.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Threatening a Congressional Staff Member and Making 12,000 Harassing Telephone Calls to Members of CongressRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Ade Salim Lilly, 35, of Queens, NY, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in threatening to kill a Congressional staff member and for making repeated harassing phone calls to members of Congress, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the U.S. Capitol Police.
Lilly pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly to two federal charges: interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure and repeated telephone calls. The threat charge carries a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine; the count of repeated phone calls carries a maximum of two years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. A federal judge will determine Lilly’s sentence based on the federal guidelines determined by Congress. Judge Kelly scheduled sentencing for August 28, 2024.
“Threatening another person’s safety or life is a crime, not protected speech,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “This case should send a clear message that while people are secure in their rights to express themselves, they are not allowed to threaten people and those who do will be held accountable.”
According to court documents, beginning about February 1, 2022, and continuing until his arrest in this case in Puerto Rico on November 8, 2023, Lilly made over 12,000 telephone calls to approximately 54 offices of Members of Congress across the country, both in district offices located in various U.S. States and to offices located in Washington, D.C.
Of the calls to congressional offices, more than 6,526 were made by Lilly to offices within the District of Columbia. Lilly placed the calls while he was in Maryland or Puerto Rico.
Most of these phone calls were answered by congressional staff members or interns. In some of these telephone calls, Lilly became angry and use vulgar and harassing language towards the individual who answered the phone. Congressional staff repeatedly asked Lilly to refrain from calling. U.S. Capitol Police informed Lilly on multiple occasions that his phone calls were unwanted, and due to a harassing nature, were prohibited by law.
To avoid detection and to trick congressional staff to answer his phone calls, Lilly masked his phone number. Lilly made at least one phone call during which he threatened to kill or injure the person who answered. On October 21, 2022, Lilly called into a congressional office in Washington D.C., threatening a staff member. “I will kill you, I am going to run you over, I will kill you with a bomb or grenade,” Lilly told the employee. In addition to the threatening phone calls, Lilly repeatedly called Congressional offices. For example, during two-days in February 2023, Lilly called one congressional representative more than 500 times.
In response, Lilly was indicted, and the U.S. Capitol Police deployed agents to arrest Lilly on November 14, 2023, in Puerto Rico.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police with valuable assistance from the United States Marshal’s Service. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander R. Schneider.
23cr0384
Violent No Rats Allowed Member Sentenced for Possessing a Machine Gun and Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Bartwone Copeland, a previously convicted felon and member of the “No Rats Allowed” crew, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison in connection with his possession of firearms, including a machinegun, and distribution of fentanyl. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division; and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Copeland, 28, of Southwest Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia on December 4, 2023, to unlawful possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. In addition to the 144-month prison term, the Honorable Dabney L. Friedrich today ordered Copeland to serve five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Copeland was a member of “NRA” or “No Rats Allowed,” a street crew that trafficked drugs out of townhouses on the 200 block of K Street SW. NRA also used the homes as stash locations or “trap houses” for narcotics and firearms. Copeland sold controlled substances, including crack-cocaine and marijuana, but primarily focused his business on pills laced with fentanyl that he had arranged to be shipped to the District from California.
At the time of each of Copeland’s two arrests, he was in possession of Glock 23 .40 caliber handguns with obliterated serial numbers and extended magazines.
On November 3, 2021, MPD officers and FBI agents executed a search warrant at “the Dope Hole,” a trap house Copeland operated on the 200 block of K Street SW. Inside the townhome, officers encountered Copeland, aka “Bart” aka “Shmoney,” and four other people. Copeland was the only person in the kitchen. In the kitchen officers recovered about 37 grams of crack cocaine, 457 blue pills containing fentanyl (approximately 48.6 grams), about 980 grams of suspected marijuana, $1,686 on his person, and another $7,010 in a Prada bag. Police found three firearms in a kitchen drawer. One of the guns was a Glock 23 pistol that had been modified with a “switch” converting it into a fully automatic machine gun that could fire 20 shots with the single pull of a trigger. At the time of that arrest, Copeland was on escape status, as he had absconded from a halfway house.
On November 7, 2022, a week after his initial indictment, FBI agents stopped Copeland driving an Infiniti sedan after following him from the District to the Camden Potomac Yard Apartments in Arlington, Va. In Copeland’s lap was a bag which included $3,500 in cash, and a baggie containing 957 blue pills containing fentanyl. From Copeland’s waistband, FBI agents recovered a Glock 23, 40mm pistol loaded with a 22-round magazine. The firearm had an obliterated serial number. Copeland admitted that he had possessed the firearm, which had traveled in interstate commerce. After obtaining a search warrant, agents searched Copeland’s Alexandria apartment and recovered 57.8 grams of suspected crack-cocaine inside a pair of Dior shoes and about $5,000 in cash.
Across these two arrests Mr. Copeland possessed more than 1,400 pills with a total weight of more than 150 grams. However, text messages on Copeland’s digital devices indicated that he was trafficking in much larger amounts. Text messages suggest that over two weeks in August 2022, Mr. Copeland purchased 20,000 pills—an amount that would likely weigh well over a kilogram. Furthermore, although the pills looked like legitimate Oxycodone pills, Copeland knew they contained fentanyl, as he shared a news article about a drug bust involving “[his] folks” that identified the blue pills as containing fentanyl.
Copeland has an extensive criminal history that includes a conviction in D.C. Superior Court for assault with a dangerous weapon, a conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm, a guilty plea for attempt to commit robbery, and numerous violations of the terms of his supervised release.
This case was investigated by the MPD and the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Song and Joshua Gold.
22cr0378
Judge Hands Down 20 Year Sentence for Defendant Who Pleaded Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Travon Diggs, 30, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for the May 2, 2022, fatal shooting of Junior Lee Johnson on Benning Road, Northeast, near 17th Street, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Diggs pleaded guilty on March 19, 2024, to second degree murder while armed.
According to the government’s evidence, the victim was walking away from Diggs when Diggs pulled out a handgun and shot Mr. Johnson multiple times without provocation. Mr. Johnson ran away from Diggs. Diggs got into a rental car and drove away at a high rate of speed to the residence he shared with his mother in Southeast Washington, D.C. Mr. Johnson died of his injuries that day.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alec Levy.
Convicted Felon Indicted on Murder and Other Charges for July 2023 Killing of Two Men in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jeremiah Jordan, 33, of Washington, D.C., was indicted on May 22, 2024, on murder and other charges for the killings of 29-year-old Luke Whitaker and 19-year-old Zion Hollingsworth-Hayes on July 22, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Jordan was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court on two counts of first-degree murder while armed (premeditated), two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction).
According to the charges, at about 9:49 p.m. on July 22, 2023, Jordan met with Mr. Whitaker in the 1400 block of Girard Street, NW, where they were observed arguing with each other. Shortly thereafter, several shots rang out and the defendant was seen running from the scene before turning the corner at 14th Street NW. Numerous people were outside at the time, in and around the busy neighborhood.
An arraignment is scheduled for June 14, 2024.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Seidel and Shauna Payyappilly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Child Predator Found Guilty of First-Degree and Second-Degree Child Sexual Abuse with Aggravating CircumstancesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gary Bellinger, 61, of Maryland, was convicted today of one count of first-degree child sexual abuse and one count of second-degree child sexual abuse. The verdict, announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Pamela A. Smith, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), follows a four-day trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Maribeth Raffinan scheduled sentencing for August 30, 2024.
According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, in 2015, Bellinger sexually abused a female relative who was 15 years old at the time.
Bellinger faces the potential of life imprisonment without the opportunity of release. If he were to be released, Bellinger would be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marco Crocetti and Kathleen Houck.
96-Month Sentence for Maryland Man Who Distributed Thousands of Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Edward Steven Monge, 23, of Beltsville, Maryland, was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for participating in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy in which he sold at least 4,500 pills.
The sentence was announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, Chief Marcus G. Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Monge pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia on January 30, 2024, to an information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes ordered Monge to serve four years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, between February and August 2023 Monge sold more than 4,500 pills containing fentanyl to Jennifer Echeverria Flores, 26, of Silver Spring, MD. Echeverria Flores then sold the pills to a DEA undercover agent on five separate occasions between February 17 and July 19, 2023, in the District and Maryland. The pills were blue, marked “M” on one side, and “30” on the other. The total approximate weight of the pills was 479 grams. These pills were designed to look like authentic oxycodone “M30” pills, but instead contained fentanyl. In addition to the pills Monge distributed with Flores, he distributed thousands more fentanyl pills to other re-distributors and clients during this period.
On August 3, 2023, law enforcement arrested Monge in Hyattsville, MD, and found him carrying about 1,102 identical fentanyl pills. As part of the plea agreement, Monge also admitted that he possessed a firearm in connection with his unlawful distribution of fentanyl. Echeverria Flores pleaded guilty in December to the drug conspiracy charge. Monge’s co-conspirator Mynor Josue Fernandez Alfaro was indicted in March for his role in this conspiracy, and his case is ongoing.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.
This investigation additionally was an effort of Montgomery County Police under the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN). MCIN was launched in 2017 and provides grant funding and strategic support through the Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services to MCIN member sites to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations through inter-agency collaboration and data sharing to make Maryland safer. The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services funded this project.
This matter was investigated by the DEA – Washington Division. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Henek, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section. Valuable assistance was provided by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Leiter and Javier Urbina.
24cr0052
Cincinnati Man Sentenced in Washington D.C. to 13 Years for Distributing Child Pornography, Seeking an 8-Year-Old to AbuseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – John Albertson, 33, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was sentenced on Friday, May 24, 2024, in U.S. District Court to 13 years in prison for sending an undercover FBI agent videos of adults sexually abusing prepubescent girls with the aim of making his own sexually exploitive videos so that he could “have fun and make xxx money.” The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Albertson entered a guilty plea on November 7, 2023, to one count of Distribution of Child Pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Albertson to serve 15 years of supervised release and to pay $18,000 in restitution to the victims depicted in the child pornography.
According to court documents, on August 9, 2023, Albertson joined an encrypted private messaging group on social media where members traded images of child sexual abuse. Albertson shared images of an adult man abusing a prepubescent girl, sending them to an undercover FBI agent working with Metropolitan Police Department-Federal Bureau of Investigation (MPD-FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force. On August 10, 2023, Albertson initiated a text conversation during which he invited the undercover agent to join another social media group focused on child pornography. Albertson and the undercover then exchanged messages in which Albertson sought a meeting with the undercover and his purported 8-year-old daughter for the purpose of sexually abusing the child and filming the abuse for the purpose of later selling it.
Following Albertson’s arrest in the Cincinnati suburb of Hebron, Kentucky, on August 23, 2023, he was transported to the Washington D.C. area where he was indicted by a Grand Jury.
In seeking a 13-year sentence, the prosecution argued that Albertson had engaged in progressively more violent, disturbing, and dangerous conduct over the past decade including a violent interaction with police in 2017 and masturbating in front of a child in 2021, prior to engaging in the conduct in this case.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department-Federal Bureau of Investigation (MPD-FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Jocelyn Bond.
23-cr-0324
Man Who Set Ex-Girlfriend’s Apartment on Fire Found Guilty of Arson, Burglary, and ContemptRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –A Superior Court jury, today, found Quenton Jones, 64, of Washington, D.C., guilty of arson, first degree burglary, felony threats, felony destruction of property, and multiple counts of felony contempt, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The Honorable Erik Christian scheduled sentencing for September 11, 2024. Jones faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
According to the government’s evidence, on December 28, 2023, Jones threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend, the victim, after he accused her of cheating on him. On February 2, 2024, he incessantly called her multiple times, leaving demeaning voicemails on her phone in violation of a Stay Away No Contact Order. On February 3, 2024, at approximately 3:00 am, Jones went to the victim’s apartment and wrote on her front door, with a black marker, her name, personal phone number, and a list of sex acts. He left, but at approximately 6:00am, he returned and set a piece of paper on fire and shoved it under her front door, causing her front door to catch fire. All the residents of the apartment building were forced to evacuate the building.
Jones was arrested later that morning and has been in custody since. He persisted in contacting the victim from the DC Jail, including making a number of phone calls to her and writing her a handwritten letter right before trial.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Smith and Monisha Rao from the Domestic Violence Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
District Woman Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft Following Theft from CVS Store in NortheastRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Bianca Jackson, 40, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of felony second-degree theft stemming from events occurring on April 18, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
A grand jury indicted Jackson on May 22, 2024. Arraignment is not yet scheduled.
According to the government’s evidence, on April 18, 2024, Jackson went into a CVS located in Northeast Washington, D.C., loaded a wagon with store merchandise, and left without paying. Jackson was located and arrested shortly after Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a call for service at that location.
Jackson has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for her alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for the count of theft for which she is indicted.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Limb.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Stealing from a Northwest CVS and Threatening a Store EmployeeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Sahid Sesay, 36, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of felony second-degree theft and one count of misdemeanor threats stemming from events occurring on January 16, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
A grand jury indicted Sesay on May 22, 2024. Arraignment is scheduled for May 29th.
According to the government’s evidence, on January 16, 2024, Sesay took several pieces of merchandise without paying from the CVS store located in Northwest Washington, D.C. Just before stealing these items, Sesay, chased a CVS employee around the store, jumped on the cashier counter, and threatened the CVS employee. Sesay was quickly located and arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Sesay has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for each count of theft for which he is indicted.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Couce.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
D.C. Woman and Maryland Man Indicted for Conspiring to Launder Stolen Government FundsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A three-count indictment was unsealed yesterday in U.S. District Court charging a District woman and a Maryland man with conspiring to launder proceeds from a scheme to steal government benefit funds provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other government funds.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration (SSA) - Office of Inspector General (OIG) Philadelphia Field Division, and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the U.S. Capitol Police.
Roliat Abosede Owosho, aka “Rolash,” 48, was arrested yesterday and Afeez Olamide Lawal, aka “Fizzy,” 43, was arrested May 22, 2024, and were released following their initial appearances in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
According to the indictment, Owosho and Lawal conspired to launder both stolen government SSA benefit funds intended for social security recipients as well as additional stolen government funds derived from a scheme in which conspirators caused the money to be directed to accounts controlled by the co-conspirators. As alleged, Lawal and Owosho laundered proceeds from the scheme to defraud from at least January 1, 2018, through about January 31, 2021. Lawal and Owosho received the stolen funds into their personal accounts. They either used the stolen funds for their personal use or further transferred the stolen funds to others without authority from the intended recipients. The two received more than $148,667 in SSA, unemployment payments, and tax refunds that did not belong to them.
The indictment further charged Owosho with using her bank accounts to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business in the District and conducting money transmissions without a license. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Owosho transferred funds on behalf of others through her accounts without registering as a money transmitting business with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), did not obtain a money transmitting license in the District of Columbia, and/or was otherwise involved in transmitting funds known to have been derived from a criminal offense or were intended to be used to promote or support unlawful activity.
This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration (SSA) - Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the U.S. Capital Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with valuable assistance provided by Paralegal Specialist Lisa Abbe.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Convicted Murderer Gets 23 Years in Prison for Memorial Day Killing in 2022 Near Dupont CircleRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – James Jackson, 30, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was sentenced today in Superior Court to 23 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Christian Monje, 29, of Fairfax, Virginia, in D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Jackson pleaded guilty, in February 2024, to one count of second-degree murder while armed.
According to the government’s evidence, on May 30, 2022, at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Second District responded to the 1700 block of Rhode Island Ave NW in response to the sounds of gunshots. Officers located Mr. Monje on the steps of St. Matthew’s Cathedral suffering a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to the hospital and died from his injuries a few weeks later.
Detectives recovered surveillance footage from nearby cameras which showed an individual approaching Mr. Monje while he sat on the steps of the church. Cameras also captured the individual fleeing down a nearby alley and ducking behind a dumpster. Detectives searched the area around the dumpster and located a 9mm Polymer80 “ghost gun” that was later determined to be the murder weapon.
The case remained unsolved, without a suspect, for months until detectives received a CODIS hit from a DNA profile obtained from the 9mm Polymer 80’s magazine. The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a national DNA database run by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that contains DNA profiles from various sources. The CODIS hit in this case was a match with a profile that was submitted by the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division in reference to a prior arrest of the defendant. Using that investigative lead, detectives were able to confirm the defendant’s identity as the murderer using DNA and cell site evidence.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Mabry Johnson and Supervisory Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Miles Janssen, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Illegal Firearms and Multiple Machine Gun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jean-Robert Jean-Baptiste, Jr., 33, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for illegally possession of a total of four firearms, nine machine gun conversion devices, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and multiple large capacity magazines—followed by, only weeks later, illegally carrying a loaded Glock 9mm firearm that was equipped with a machine gun conversion device and a large-capacity magazine in his Benning Terrace neighborhood in Southeast Washington D.C.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Baptiste pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia on January 3, 2024, to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and two counts of possession of a machine gun. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Baptiste to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on October 19, 2022, MPD officers executed a search warrant at Baptist’s residence and recovered numerous firearms and ammunition from his bedroom. MPD officers seized a Micro Draco semiautomatic pistol with drum magazine and four rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition; a 30-round 7.62 caliber magazine; a 60-round 7.62 caliber magazine; a Glock box with .40 caliber Glock 23 pistol loaded with 14 rounds; a Glock box with 10mm Glock 20 pistol loaded with 16 rounds; a 10mm Glock 29 pistol with an obliterated serial number with 14 rounds in a 15-round magazine; hundreds of rounds of ammunition; nine Glock switch machine gun conversion devices; and 16 assorted 9mm, 10mm, .40 caliber, and 7.62 caliber magazines.
Baptiste was arrested on November 26, 2022, after MPD officers patrolling near the 4400 block of F Street SE observed him toss a firearm to the ground. The firearm was a Glock Model 19X 9mm, that was loaded with one round in the chamber and 30 additional rounds of ammunition in a 31-round capacity magazine. In addition, the firearm was equipped with a machine gun conversion device.
During a subsequent search of Baptist’s cell phone recovered at his arrest, the FBI found photographs of numerous firearms and pricing information, firearms with machine gun conversion devices, and screenshots of conversations about Glock switch machine gun conversion devices.
Baptiste previously was convicted of conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon in D.C. Superior Court for which he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment in May 2013.
This case was investigated by the MPD as part of Project Safe Neighborhood and the ATF Washington Field Division.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Long, Allison McGuire, and Thomas Strong.
U.S. Attorney, Federal and Local Laws Enforcement Partners Announce Multiple Arrests of Alleged Fentanyl Traffickers in Ongoing D.C. Violence Reduction EffortsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Multi-agency law enforcement actions, targeting armed drug trafficking networks in the District, resulted in 23 arrests in the past nine days, plus an additional person already in custody. This morning, law enforcement arrested nine defendants in connection with a Trinidad-based drug trafficking investigation. Three of the arrestees are alleged crew members who were charged in a 13-count indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, and heroin, and firearms offenses. Two additional defendants were arrested this morning in connection with a separate 13-count indictment on fentanyl distribution and firearms charges. These arrests follow another law enforcement action, a week ago, in which 15 people were arrested, 10 of whom are named in a 17-count indictment as alleged members of a drug trafficking crew operating near 21st Street and Maryland Avenue, NE, and who are charged with participation in a fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy and additional firearms counts. Today’s action follows a surge in additional law enforcement tools and resources announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to fight violent crime in Washington, D.C.
The indictments were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Troy Springer of the National Capital Region of the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
“In January, the Justice Department surged law enforcement resources to the District of Columbia to further our efforts to target the individuals and organizations driving violent crime in the nation’s capital,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Over the past nine days, as a result of a multi-agency investigation, we have arrested 24 individuals we allege have fueled drug trafficking and community violence in Washington, D.C. The Department will continue to leverage our partnerships, our resources, and our investigative and prosecutorial tools to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe.”
“The data tells us that a relatively small group of people in our community are the primary drivers of gun violence and that the bulk of the gun violence is clustered in a relatively few blocks of our city,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “For years, we and our law enforcement partners have been focused on developing effective strategies for how we can best build cases against these relatively few people driving violence because we know that proactively removing these people from our streets is the most significant thing we can do as prosecutors to impact violent crime trends.”
Today’s arrests grew out of an investigation into an open-air drug market around the 1100 block of Raum Street, NE, in the Trinidad neighborhood that was commenced in summer 2023 in response to 59 violent crime incidents and 119 bursts of gunfire occurring in the area from January to July 2023. Agents conducted numerous controlled buys of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, cocaine base, and firearms in connection with this investigation.
Law enforcement executed 14 residential search warrants today in connection with the Trinidad investigation in the District and Maryland and seized approximately 15 firearms, approximately $126,000 in cash currency, and significant quantities of drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and xylazine. At least three of the defendants arrested today have been indicted on firearms charges.
“Many Washingtonians have raised concerns about local drug trafficking crews that have been taking over their neighborhoods through violence and the distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Forget. “Drug trafficking and violence are undeniably connected, and we are addressing this issue directly by taking a strong stance and implementing strict measures to combat the illegal manufacture and distribution of drugs, as well as removing firearms from the streets. Whether it's through increased law enforcement efforts, educational programs, or providing support for those struggling with substance misuse, we are confronting this problem head-on to restore the communities to the residents.”
“Through relentless collaboration, the FBI and our federal and local partners dismantled two violent drug trafficking organizations that were based less than a mile from each other,” Scott said. “We vow to continue to work together to protect communities from crews who peddle drugs and wield illegal firearms.”
“The success of these operations would not have been possible without the collaboration, dedication, and support of the officers, investigators, and detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department, our federal partners at the FBI and DEA, and the United States Attorney's Office. The unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting our communities is truly commendable,” said MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll. “To those who continue to engage in violent crimes, drug sales and the illegal possession and use of firearms: let this serve as a clear message. Your actions bring tremendous harm to our communities, and they will not be tolerated. Operations like these will continue, our investigations are ongoing, and our resolve is steadfast.”
Last week’s arrests of crew members whose drug operations were based near 21st Street and Maryland Avenue NE in the Carver Langston area included search warrants for 21 residences, nine vehicles, and 14 individuals in the District and Maryland. In the course of executing the arrests, law enforcement seized approximately 20 firearms, additional ammunition feeding devices, more than 150 cartridges of ammunition, over $23,000, and significant quantities of suspected fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and liquid PCP.
During the course of these investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal and local law enforcement, identified the members of these networks, developed evidence of the illegal conduct, and obtained indictments charging the defendants. The investigations remain ongoing.
In January, the Attorney General directed additional resources to the District of Columbia to help combat violent crime. As part of that direction, the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice joined the Trinidad drug trafficking investigation. Their participation helped to complete this investigation faster, and they will be full partners on these now-charged cases.
While the U.S. Attorney’s Office has conducted a number of investigations targeting corners or blocks that crime data showed to be magnets for gun violence (including Lincoln-Westmoreland, MLK- Mellon, 7th & O Sts., and Kennedy St.), these indictments represent the first time that the Office has simultaneously targeted multiple alleged crews in this fashion. Crews in these two areas, which are separated by less than a mile, have historically feuded with one another. This year, alone, we have seen mass shootings and homicides in the areas in which crews from these neighborhoods have historically operated.
Both cases mentioned today are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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 Trinidad fentanyl trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, the Narcotics Enforcement Unit of the Violent Crime Suppression Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section, and Trial Attorney Gerald Collins of the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Valuable assistance was provided by Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Christina Taylor and Gaelin Bernstein.
The Carver-Langston fentanyl trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Violent Crime Investigations Team of the Violent Crime Suppression Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross-Border Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Duvall and Solomon Eppel of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Multiple Drug and Firearms ArrestsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced a multi-agency law enforcement action, targeting armed drug trafficking networks in Washington, D.C., which resulted in 24 arrests in the past nine days. This action follows a surge in additional law enforcement tools and resources announced in January by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland to fight violent crime in Washington, D.C.
“In January, the Justice Department surged law enforcement resources to the District of Columbia to further our efforts to target the individuals and organizations driving violent crime in the nation’s capital,” said Attorney General Garland. “Over the past nine days, as a result of a multi-agency investigation, we have arrested 24 individuals we allege have fueled drug trafficking and community violence in Washington, D.C. The Department will continue to leverage our partnerships, our resources, and our investigative and prosecutorial tools to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe.”
“The FBI will remain relentless in the pursuit of those who attempt to make money by selling fentanyl and other deadly drugs in our communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We are firmly committed to working with all of our partners and using all tools available to curb the violence impacting the American people – here in Washington, D.C., and across the country.”
Nine defendants were arrested today in connection with a Trinidad-based drug trafficking investigation. Three of the defendants arrested today are charged in a 13-count indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, crack cocaine, and heroin and several firearms offenses. Two additional defendants arrested today are charged in a separate multiple-count indictment on fentanyl and fentanyl analogue distribution and firearms charges. These arrests follow another law enforcement action last week, in which 15 people were arrested, 10 of whom are named in a 17-count indictment as alleged members of a drug trafficking crew operating near 21st Street and Maryland Avenue, NE, and who are charged with participation in a fentanyl and cocaine distribution conspiracy and additional firearms counts.
Today’s arrests grew out of an investigation into an open-air drug market around the 1100 block of Raum Street, NE, in the Trinidad neighborhood that was commenced in summer 2023 in response to 59 violent crime incidents and 119 bursts of gunfire occurring in the area from January to July 2023. Agents conducted numerous controlled buys of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, cocaine base, and firearms in connection with this investigation.
During the investigation, multiple search warrants were executed at several locations. Law enforcement executed 14 residential search warrants today in connection with the Trinidad investigation in the District and Maryland and seized 15 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, and alleged drug proceeds as part of the operation. At least three of the five defendants arrested today have been indicted on firearms charges, including possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
“As alleged in the indictments, the defendants sold fentanyl and other dangerous drugs on the streets of Washington, D.C. Some of them also carried guns,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When armed drug dealers sell deadly drugs like fentanyl, they make our communities more dangerous places to live and work. Today’s arrests reflect the Criminal Division’s commitment to working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and our law enforcement partners to protect our neighborhoods from armed drug dealers and other dangerous offenders.”
“The data tells us that a relatively small group of people in our community are the primary drivers of gun violence and that the bulk of the gun violence is clustered in a relatively few blocks of our city,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “For years, we and our law enforcement partners have been focused on developing effective strategies for how we can best build cases against these relatively few people driving violence because we know that proactively removing these people from our streets is the most significant thing we can do as prosecutors to impact violent crime trends.”
“Street-level drug traffickers are directly responsible for extreme violence and devastating drug poisonings in communities across the country,” said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The individuals charged today are alleged members of one of the most violent criminal groups in Washington, D.C., perpetrating countless acts of violence and selling deadly fentanyl. The excellent investigative work by the DEA’s Washington Field Division, and our partners, has made this community safer. These arrests are a warning to all criminals peddling poison on American streets that the DEA will use every available resource to save lives.”
“Today's arrests show that the partnerships among federal and local law enforcement agencies are stronger than the illicit ties among members of drug trafficking organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. "The FBI vows to continue to work with our partners to protect communities from violent crews who peddle drugs and wield illegal firearms.”
“Many Washingtonians have raised concerns about local drug trafficking crews that have been taking over their neighborhoods through violence and the distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the DEA Washington Division. “Drug trafficking and violence are undeniably connected, and we are addressing this issue directly by taking a strong stance and implementing strict measures to combat the illegal manufacture and distribution of drugs, as well as removing firearms from the streets. Whether it's through increased law enforcement efforts, educational programs, or providing support for those struggling with substance misuse, we are confronting this problem head-on to restore the communities to the residents.”
“The success of these operations would not have been possible without the collaboration, dedication, and support of the officers, investigators, and detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department, our federal partners at the FBI and DEA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting our communities is truly commendable,” said Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. “To those who continue to engage in violent crimes, drug sales and the illegal possession and use of firearms: let this serve as a clear message. Your actions bring tremendous harm to our communities, and they will not be tolerated. Operations like these will continue, our investigations are ongoing, and our resolve is steadfast.”
The Trinidad fentanyl trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the DEA’s Washington Division, Metropolitan Police Department, and FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. Trial Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance was provided by VCRS Trial Attorneys Christina Taylor and Gaelin Bernstein.
The Carver-Langston fentanyl trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Metropolitan Police Department, FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross-Border Task Force, DEA’s Washington Division, and Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Duvall and Solomon Eppel for the District of Columbia are 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.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Armed Robbery and Burglary in 2020 Northeast Barbershop RobberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Elliot Jacobs, 32, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty after trial of multiple charges arising from a mid-day robbery at a Northeast barbershop, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The Superior Court jury found Jacobs guilty of two counts of armed robbery, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, second degree burglary while armed, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. The jury returned the verdict on May 22, 2024. The Honorable Heidi Pasichow scheduled sentencing for August 16, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, on August 8, 2020, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Jacobs went to the Benning Road Barbershop and asked for a trim. Because of the pandemic, the barbershop did not take walk-in customers, so Jacobs exchanged phone numbers with one of the barbers, who told him to call back in about fifteen minutes. Jacobs called the barber using a three-way call to disguise his number, and the barber told Jacobs that he was ready for him.
Jacobs returned, sat in the barber chair, and spoke with the barber for several minutes. During their conversation, a second man appeared at the shop, and both Jacobs and that accomplice pulled handguns and pointed them at the two barbers. Jacobs then robbed both barbers before fleeing with his accomplice.
MPD detectives subsequently used Jacobs’ cellphone number to develop him as a suspect. Jacobs was arrested on August 26, 2020, and he has been held in custody since.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabena Auyeung and William Lawrence.
Guilty Verdict for District Man on First-Degree Murder Charges for 2021 StabbingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A jury sitting in Superior Court yesterday found Aaron Jackson, 30, of Washington, D.C., guilty of first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon in the June 2021 stabbing death of Damohn Gill. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, at 7:50 p.m. in the evening of Thursday, June 24, 2021, the victim, Damohn Gill, 27, of Washington, D.C., pulled into the parking lot of the Orchard Park Apartments with his pregnant girlfriend. Around the same time, the defendant, Aaron Jackson, parked on the street near the parking lot. Both men got out of their cars and hugged on the sidewalk. The men spoke briefly before Jackson pulled out a knife and aggressively approached Mr. Gill. Mr. Gill raised his hands in the air at which point the defendant grabbed the victim by the throat. Mr. Gill pulled away and attempted to run, but Jackson held onto the victim and proceeded to stab him nine times in the back, face, arm, and abdomen leaving him disemboweled. The defendant then fled the scene. A few days after the murder, Jackson posted to Instagram to brag and sing about killing the victim.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Peter Roman. It is being prosecuted and tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Wes Faulkner and Marybeth Manfreda.
Five Defendants in Custody in Multi-Agency Investigation Focused on Trinidad Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Law enforcement have five defendants in custody this morning who have been indicted in U.S. District Court in connection with a multi-agency fentanyl trafficking investigation. Three of the defendants, alleged members of a District drug trafficking crew, were charged in a 13-count indictment with participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, and heroin. Two of the five in custody, who were arrested this morning, are charged in connection with a separate 13-count indictment on fentanyl distribution and firearms counts.
The indictments were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Law enforcement also executed search warrants at 14 residences in the District and in Maryland and seized 15 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, $126,000 in alleged drug proceeds as part of the operation, and significant quantities of drugs, including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and xylazine. At least three of the defendants in custody have been indicted on firearms charges.
The arrests grew out of a joint investigation into a Trinidad Street crew operating an open-air drug market around 1100 block of Raum Street, NE. From January to July 2023, there have been 59 violent crime incidents and 119 bursts of gunfire in the area. Agents conducted numerous buys of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, cocaine base, and firearms.
The defendants, who reside in Washington D.C. and Maryland, include:
NAME
AGE
AKA
CHARGES
Davon Cunningham
34
“Tank”
“Kevin”
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl; 10 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl Analogue; a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base; and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Heroin; Unlawful Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl x 2; Unlawful Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Aiding and Abetting; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Levancie Carr
41
“Locs”
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl; 10 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl Analogue; a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base; and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Heroin
Roosevelt Richardson
48
“Rose”
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl; 10 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl Analogue; a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base; and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Heroin
Antonio Lucas
46
-
Distribution of Fentanyl x 7; Distribution of 10 Grams or More of Fentanyl Analogue x 2; Distribution of N-Propylbutylone; Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by a Felon; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Rex Pelote Jr
39
-
Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by a Felon; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.
This investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, the Narcotics Enforcement Unit of the Violent Crime Suppression Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section and Trial Attorney Gerald Collins of the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Christina Taylor and Gaelin Bernstein also provided valuable assistance.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Theft from Nordstrom Rack Retail Store in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Karim Clayton, 46, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of felony second-degree theft stemming from events occurring on April 26, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Clayton was indicted on May 22, 2024, and will be arraigned on May 29, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on April 26, 2024, Clayton took merchandise without paying from the Nordstrom Rack store located in Northwest, Washington, D.C. Clayton was located and arrested after investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Clayton has two or more prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and therefore is subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in jail for each count of theft for which he is indicted.
Since September 1, 2023, including the aforementioned case, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has indicted 45 cases involving a felony second-degree theft charge based on a defendant’s two or more prior theft convictions, not from the same occasion.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Granzotto.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Two ‘La Dank DMV’ Members Sentenced for Roles in Sophisticated Marijuana Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Avery Bost, 29, of Brandywine, MD, was sentenced today to 37 months and Joe Blyther, 29, of Bowie, MD, was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in prison for participating in the “LA Dank DMV Crew,” a sophisticated conspiracy responsible for bringing hundreds of pounds of marijuana from California to the metropolitan area, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
Bost pleaded guilty on October 27, 2023, to Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. Blyther pleaded guilty on November 8, 2023, to Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Using, Carrying, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense; Possession of a Machine Gun; and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon. In addition to Bost and Blyther’s prison sentences, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ordered both to serve three years of supervised release.
Eight LA Dank co-defendants have pleaded guilty to various drug trafficking and/or firearms counts. The co-defendants include Abubakr Banire, Kavon Duncan, Joe Blyther, Christopher Akinduro, Isaac Akinduro, Avery Bost, Omar Butler, and Randall Lance, who all entered their pleas in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Christopher Akindkuro was sentenced to 74 months, Isaac Akinduro was sentenced to 41 months, Duncan was sentenced to 71 months, Butler was sentenced to 18 months, and Lance was sentenced 63 months. Banire, the leader of the LA Dank crew, is awaiting sentencing on June 24, 2024.
The guilty pleas and sentences follow a lengthy investigation led by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Between May 2021 and December 2021, crew members operated a sophisticated conspiracy to traffic large amounts of high-grade marijuana from California to the DMV area for distribution to customers.
As part of their distribution scheme, members of the crew relied heavily on mass marketing through three dedicated LA Dank websites, as well as social media platforms like Instagram where individual crew members would advertise the LA Dank brand and LA Dank branded marijuana for sale. Crew members also used rental properties to set up stash houses or points of sale that were used to conduct drug distribution operations for a short period of time before moving on to different locations.
The crew is known, and was found to possess numerous firearms, including semi-automatic and fully automatic machine guns, and devices used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns. Certain members of the crew also plead guilty to the possession of firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking operations. In total, approximately 122 pounds of marijuana, 19 firearms, and 10 machine gun conversion devices were recovered. Three of these nineteen firearms were discovered to be operational machine guns that had been modified with machinegun conversion devices. Seven of these machine gun conversion devices were found in an “LA Dank” branded bag. Two of these firearms were privately made AR-pistol style machine guns, sometimes referred to as “ghost guns.”
Ledgers and receipts show that the crew trafficked well over 100 kilograms of marijuana into the DMV area for distribution.
Blyther specifically plead guilty to one of the pistols equipped with a machine gun conversion device.
The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the FBI Washington Field Office, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin F. Song, Meredith E. Mayer-Dempsey, and Thomas Strong.
Ninth Defendant Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Heather Idoni, 59, of Linden, Michigan, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 24 months incarceration for her role in a conspiracy that created a blockade at a Washington, D.C. reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
“Using force and intimidation to deprive others of their civil rights is a crime, and rightly so,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “This office will continue to defend and protect the right of every citizen to access health care.”
“Federal law is clear: using force, threatening to use force or physically obstructing access to reproductive health care is unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “People have a First Amendment right to communicate their views but they do not have the right to use chains, locks and obstruction to prevent access to reproductive health care facilities. The Justice Department will continue to protect both patients seeking reproductive health services and providers of those services.”
Idoni is the ninth member of the conspiracy to be sentenced on charges of civil rights conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act violations. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sentenced seven other members of the conspiracy.
Another of the defendants, the only one to plead guilty, Jay Smith, 34, of Freeport, New York, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release in March 2023.
As the evidence at trial showed, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. As part of the conspiracy, Handy, Hinshaw, and Goodman, traveled to Washington, D.C. from various northeast and midwestern states, to meet with Handy and participate in a clinic blockade that was directed by Handy and was broadcast on Facebook.
According to the evidence, Handy, Hinshaw, and Goodman – along with their co-conspirators – forcefully entered the clinic and set about blockading two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes. Once the blockade was established, their activities were live-streamed. The evidence also showed that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using a physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient, because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services.
DEFENDANTS
NAME
AGE
GUILTY OF
SENTENCE
Lauren Handy
Alexandria, VA
30
Found Guilty on August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act
Sentenced
May 14, 2024, to 57 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseJohn Hinshaw
Levittown, NY
69
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 14, 2024, to 21 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseWilliam Goodman Bronx, NY
54
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 14, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseJay Smith
Freeport, NY
34
Pleaded Guilty March 1, 2023, to Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
Aug. 17, 2023, to 10 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseJonathan Darnel Arlington, Va.
42
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 34 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Jean Marshall Kingston, Mass.
74
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 24 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Joan Bell
Montague, NJ
76
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Herb Geraghty Pittsburgh, Pa
27
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Heather Idoni Linden, Mich.
59
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 22, 2024 to 24 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised ReleaseThis case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. It was prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York, and Southern District of New York; and FBI Field Offices in Newark, New York City, Boston, and Detroit provided valuable assistance.
District Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Firing 14 Rounds at MPD OfficerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Saeve Edward Evans, 38, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for firing 14 rounds at a Metropolitan Police Department officer. The officer was not injured. The shooting, in the early morning of August 1, 2023, occurred at 1711 Benning Road, a three-story apartment building in Northeast Washington D.C.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In addition to the 10-year prison term, U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered Evans to serve five years of supervised release.
Evans pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on January 29, 2024, to assault on a police officer while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of over one year.
According to court documents, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, Evans was walking a dog at about 5:25 a.m. around the interior courtyard of the apartment building at 1711 Benning Road, Northeast. An unknown individual walked in front of the building and, unprovoked, Evans pulled out a gun, pointed the gun towards the sky, and fired three times in the air. The unknown individual ran away.
Three minutes later, at 5:28 a.m., an MPD officer arrived at the scene to investigate the gunfire. The officer, who was wearing a full police uniform and driving a marked MPD cruiser, stood on Gales Place, Northeast, and spotted Evans within the courtyard. Evans yelled at the officer to “come and get it” and then aimed at the officer, fired the gun three times, then moved towards the apartment entrance. Moving up a ramp, Evans pointed his gun at the officer again and fired nine more rounds. The officer returned fire before taking cover behind his police cruiser. Inside the building, Evans climbed the stairs to the third-floor landing and fired two more shots at the officer through large windows. In total, Evans fired 14 rounds at the officer.
Additional MPD officers from the Fifth District responded to assist and entered the building on Benning Road. Officers located Evans on the third-floor landing of the apartment building. Before officers placed Evans under arrest, Evans said, “Ain’t no gun, I took it off me.” Officers recovered the firearm on the third-floor landing. DNA evidence further linked the firearm -- a black Springfield XD 9x19 pistol with an empty 16 round magazine -- to Evans. DNA evidence linked Evans to the gun, which was stolen on March 9, 2023, from the state of Texas.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Song and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Cloherty.
Additional Defendant Sentenced for Federal Conspiracy Against Rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Convictions Related to 2020 D.C. Clinic Invasion and BlockadeRead the Press Release
Heather Idoni was sentenced today to 24 months in prison following her convictions for federal conspiracy against rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offenses following three separate trials in connection with the blockade of a Washington, D.C., area reproductive health clinic on Oct. 22, 2020.
Previously, Lauren Handy was sentenced to 57 months in prison, John Hinshaw was sentenced to 21 months in prison, William Goodman was sentenced to 27 months in prison, Jonathan Darnel was sentenced to 34 months in prison, Herb Geraghty was sentenced to 27 months in prison, Jean Marshall was sentenced to 24 months in prison and Joan Bell was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
“Federal law is clear: using force, threatening to use force or physically obstructing access to reproductive health care is unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “People have a First Amendment right to communicate their views but they do not have the right to use chains, locks and obstruction to prevent access to reproductive health care facilities. The Justice Department will continue to protect both patients seeking reproductive health services and providers of those services.”
“Using force and intimidation to deprive others of their civil rights is a crime, and rightly so,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “This office will continue to defend and protect the right of every citizen to access health care.”
These defendants, and one, were convicted following three separate trials in 2023. Paulette Harlow is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. Idoni is scheduled to be sentenced in a separate matter on July 30, following conspiracy and FACE Act convictions in an unrelated clinic blockade from Tennessee. A tenth defendant, Jay Smith, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to a felony FACE Act offense on March 1, 2023.
Evidence presented at trial established that the defendants used force and physical obstruction to execute a clinic blockade that was organized by the group’s leaders, Handy and Darnel. The defendants planned and organized the clinic invasion using social media, text messages and telephone calls, and several co-conspirators, including Hinshaw, Goodman, Geraghty, Marshall, Bell, Harlow, Idoni and Smith traveled from northeast and midwestern states to participate in the blockade. Prior to the clinic incursion, the defendants met with other co-conspirators to plan their crime, which included making a fake patient appointment to ensure the group’s entry into the clinic, using chains and locks to barricade the facility and passively resisting their anticipated arrests to prolong the blockade.
The clinic invasion was advertised on social media as a “historic” event that was live-streamed on Facebook. The defendants’ forced entry into the clinic at the outset of the invasion resulted in injury to a clinic nurse. During the blockade, one patient had to climb through a receptionist window to access the clinic, while another laid in the hallway outside of the clinic in physical distress, unable to gain access to the clinic.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Prosecutors from the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.
Jury Finds Woman Guilty of Kidnapping Her RoommateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Antoinette Gilmore, 28, of Washington, DC was convicted yesterday of kidnapping, after a three-day jury trial before the Honorable Errol Arthur in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2024.
On October 12, 2023, the victim got into an argument on the phone, with his roommate, defendant Gilmore. During the argument, the defendant told the victim she wanted him to move out of her apartment. They agreed that the defendant would pick up the victim from downtown and bring him back to her apartment so that he could remove his belongings. Defendant Gilmore and her cousin went to pick up the victim.
Once inside the car, the defendant instructed her cousin to punch and beat the victim and take his belongings as the defendant drove. The victim tried to get out of the car, but they locked the doors and trapped him from within. At one point, he was able to get the back door open and escape. At the defendant’s direction, her cousin jumped out and chased the victim down, eventually catching him and dragging him by the collar of his shirt back into the defendant’s car. Once they reached their destination, the victim was pulled out of the car where he managed to break free and ran straight to the Sixth District Police substation where he reported the assault to police.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted and tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Hanson and Lauren Miller of the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Former Program Director at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and Nephew Arrested in Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kirk Perry, 59, of Lorain, Ohio, and his nephew Jamarea Grant, 30, of Cleveland, Ohio, were arrested this morning on wire fraud and conspiracy charges filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
Both defendants are expected to make their initial appearance in the Northern District of Ohio today.
According to the indictment, from August 2015 through November 2022, Perry, a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Program Director, arranged for Grant to be hired by two companies under contract with the USDA Office for Civil Rights. Court documents allege that Grant reported directly to Perry, and the two of them conspired to bill the government for work that Grant did not actually perform. Grant is alleged to have received nearly $400,000 for work he did not do, and, in return, kicked back approximately $125,000 to Perry as part of the criminal scheme.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison for the charged offenses of Money, Property, and Honest Services Wire Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Money, Property, and Honest Services Wire Fraud. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided for informational purposes. If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Sensitive Investigations Office (SIO). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Kelly and Joshua Rothstein of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. Aids Justice Department’s Creation of Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves commends the announcement of the Department of Justice’s new resource for prosecutors, “Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen Our National Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims,”
The announcement was made today in Dallas, TX at the Conference on Crimes Against Women by Rosemarie Hidalgo, Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The guide, written by prosecutors for prosecutors, sets out five principles that, if implemented, will lead to better outcomes for victims, safer communities, and greater accountability for perpetrators of sexual assault and domestic violence.
“The framework announced today reaffirms our commitment to expanding access to justice for all survivors, who deserve respect and the right to be heard,” said the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Director Rosie Hidalgo. “Enhancing the prosecution response to sexual assault and domestic violence in a trauma-informed manner is a key piece in ending gender-based violence, as part of a broader coordinated community response that includes services and support for survivors, and can have a real, immediate impact on the safety of survivors and entire communities.”
“This Office sees daily the impact of domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “It is why we have so many dedicated and highly trained prosecutors, victim advocates, and staff members working in the space to support survivors, and why we have implemented innovative and effective programs such as the Sexual Assault Cold Case Initiative and the Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Initiative created and staffed by members of the Office’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Section. We were proud to participate in this effort and to help draft a framework that will be implemented across the country.”
Declinations of meritorious allegations may result from misconceptions about how crimes involving sexual assault and domestic violence are committed and reported, how victims give their accounts, and the evidence required to prove their accounts. This guide equips prosecutors to build provable cases by: (1) relying on the evidentiary value of the victim’s account to frame the investigation; (2) meeting with victims and working with investigators and victim specialists to do so; (3) using the law and evidentiary rules effectively; (4) being thoughtful about what justice and accountability look like; and (5) sustaining a productive, healthy, and committed workforce by redefining success– all of which are rooted in a prosecutor’s primary obligation to seek the truth and uphold the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law.
Staff from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. joined more than 120 state, Tribal, military, and federal prosecutors, as well as advocates, academics, and investigators from an array of jurisdictions to aid the developers of this guide. This guide is designed to encourage prosecutors with all levels of experience to implement its principles when evaluating, investigating, and prosecuting allegations involving sexual assault and domestic violence. In conjunction with this guide, OVW launched a new webpage with resources designed to assist prosecutors in implementing the guide and its principles. This guide further serves as a complement to the Justice Department’s 2022 updated guidance on Improving Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias.
Previously Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Victor Armando Simms, 54, a previously convicted sex offender who most recently lived in Southeast Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today to sexually abusing multiple young girls, recording many of the incidents, and amassing a library of 3,300 still images and over 250 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. The plea agreement was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Chief David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Simms, aka “Stacey Patrick Simms,” pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan in Washington D.C. to First Degree Child Sexual Abuse with Aggravating Circumstances, two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse with Children, three counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children, and Possession of Child Pornography.
Judge Chutkan scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2024. Simms faces a sentencing range of 37 years up to lifetime in prison on the seven counts to which he plead guilty. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to court documents, law enforcement was called on January 15, 2023, when a young girl discovered explicit images of child sexual abuse on an iPad belonging to Simms. The same day, Simms was formally placed under arrest and charged by complaint with one count of first-degree child sexual abuse in D.C. Superior Court.
On January 17, 2023, the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force executed a search warrant at Simms’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices including an iPad and a one-terabyte external hard drive. In addition, law enforcement agents seized numerous pills and pill bottles, which were believed to be used to sedate the young victims. Many of the videos produced by Simms showed the young victims asleep during the sexual assaults.
The forensic examination of the external hard drive revealed 3300 still images and 250 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, many of which included metadata indicating the date, time, and location where the file was initially produced. The metadata indicated that the minor female victims were sexually exploited and abused by Simms in Washington D.C., and at hotels in Maryland and Virginia.
According to court documents, Simms is a previously adjudicated sex offender. He was convicted in North Carolina in 2005 of indecent liberties with a six-year-old child and a felony child sex act.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents and detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Bond, Sarah Folse, and Caroline Burrell.
Three Juveniles Charged as Adults with Armed Carjacking, Armed Robbery, and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Keiphone Bennett, 17, Kevin Edwards, 16, and Asia Clark, 17, of Washington, D.C., were presented in Superior Court on May 16, 2024, and charged as adults for their participation in a series of armed carjackings and robberies, which took place between April 29 and May 6, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
According to the government’s evidence, over the course of seven days, Bennett, Edwards, and Clark, together or separately, committed a series of four armed carjackings and robberies in the District of Columbia. The defendants were arrested on May 7, 2024, after police saw a car used in one of the offenses and attempted to stop it. Rather than stop, the defendants attempted to evade police for approximately thirty minutes. Police pursued the car through the District, Virginia, and Maryland, before police ultimately succeeded in stopping it in the area of Chesapeake Street and Overlook Avenue Southeast.
Bennett, Edwards, and Clark were charged and presented in D.C. Superior Court. Bennett was charged by complaint with four counts of armed carjacking, one count of armed robbery, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Edwards was charged by complaint with two counts of armed carjacking, one count of armed robbery, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Clark was charged by complaint with one count of armed carjacking, one count of armed robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The Court ordered the defendants held without bond pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 7, 2024.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Cocuzza and John Parron.
An arrest on a complaint is merely a formally charged allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Shooting Two Men, Killing One and Severely Wounding the OtherRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – DeJuan Bell, 47, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a total of 24 years in prison for the December 2021 murder of Davon Childs and the shooting of another individual. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Bell pleaded guilty on March 1, 2024. On May 17, 2024, Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo sentenced Bell to 24 years in prison, with five years of supervised release for second degree murder while armed to run concurrently with the sentence of 12 years in prison for aggravated assault while armed and five years of supervised release for that charge.
According to the government’s evidence, with which Bell agreed, on the evening of December 10, 2021, at approximately 10:00 p.m., in the second floor hallway of an apartment building located in the 2300 block of 4th Street NE, Bell intentionally fired a 9mm semi-automatic handgun at least seven times in the direction of two unarmed people, striking both and killing one of them.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Lauren Douglas and former Paralegal Debra Forte. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin DeRiso and Sarah Santiago, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Shooting Teenager in the FaceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Delmar Whitley, also known as Damar Whitley, 47, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to a total period of 13 years in prison for shooting a 17-year-old teen in the face and back, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The Honorable Marisa J. Demeo of D.C. Superior Court sentenced Whitley on May 17, 2024, to 13 years for assault with intent to kill while armed and five years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Whitley entered his guilty plea on March 15, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, with which Whitley agreed, on the morning of August 31, 2022, Whitley returned home to his apartment building in the 4700 block of Alabama Avenue SE. While walking through the common area of the building, Whitley exchanged words with the first victim, a 17-year-old who was visiting the building before he and his classmates were to go to school. After that exchange, Whitley went inside his apartment briefly, came back out armed with a firearm, and shot the teenaged victim in the face. Whitley then chased that victim outside and shot him a second time, hitting him in the back.
Video footage showed that Whitley also pointed the gun at another teen who had been with the victim and was also trying to get away. Whitley fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Police arrested him on September 22, 2022, and Whitley has been detained since that date.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Prins and Michael Roberts, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
FBI Arrest District of Columbia Man Following Indictment on Charges of Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gustav Donald Seestedt, 37, of Northwest Washington D.C., was taken into custody on Thursday, May 16, 2024, following an indictment charging him with distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The government alleges that on May 7, 2024, Seestedt exchanged messages with an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) assigned to the FBI’s Washington Field Office (WFO) through an encrypted messaging application. During the chat, Seestedt expressed a sexual interest in children and sent the UC four videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including one video depicting the anal rape of a toddler who was crying and resisting her assailant.
Distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a statutory maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment. The statutory sentences for federal offenses are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes. Any sentence will be determined by the Court based on the advisory Sentencing Guideline and other statutory factors.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and MPD’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Shinskie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing a 9mm Pistol He Attempted to Hide from Police in a Liquor Store RefrigeratorRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kenneth Hart, 25, a previously convicted felon from Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for possessing a loaded 9 mm Springfield Armory XDS-9 pistol that he tried to hide from police inside a liquor store refrigerator, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Hart pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon on January 30, 2024. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered Hart to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court papers, on November 1, 2023, members of the MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division Robbery Suppression Unit were conducting firearm interdiction activities on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Junior Ave., SE. About 5:30 p.m., officers observed Hart along with several other individuals leave a nearby restaurant. An investigator who wearing a tactical vest with clearly visible, “POLICE” insignia began to walk behind the Hart, who spotted the investigator, turned away, and started heading towards Malcolm X Avenue, SE. Hart entered a liquor store and stood beside a beverage refrigerator at the back. The investigator, now inside the store, noticed that both of Hart’s hands were inside the refrigerator.
The investigator saw Hart place a black firearm inside the refrigerator. The investigator arrested Hart. Additional MPD investigators arrived and assisted in the arrest. In the refrigerator, police recovered a 9 mm Springfield Armory XDS-9, with one round in the chamber and six in the magazine. The pistol, which had been reported stolen out of Pittsylvania, Virginia, subsequently was swabbed and determined to have a DNA match with the defendant.
Hart has a significant criminal history including two prior convictions that include attempted robbery with an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crime Suppression Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar.
Teen Indicted on Armed Carjacking and Other Violent Crimes Arising from a Crime Spree in August 2023Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Montello Washington, 17, of Washington, D.C., was indicted today and charged as an adult with armed carjacking, armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon and related charges stemming from a spree of offenses occurring between August 15, 2023 and August 16, 2023, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Washington was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of armed carjacking, two counts of armed robbery, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle in order to commit crimes of violence, and possession of a firearm during crimes of violence. Washington is scheduled to be arraigned on May 20, 2024, before the Honorable Lynn Leibovitz.
According to the government’s evidence, late in the evening of August 15, 2023, Washington and several accomplices robbed a man at gunpoint while the victim was on his way to work. During the next several hours, into the early morning on August 16, 2023, Washington and his accomplices committed a series of armed robberies, armed assaults, in which they fired gunshots at two victims, and an armed carjacking. Later in the evening on August 16, 2023, after MPD officers saw the stolen car used to commit these offenses in Southeast DC, they attempted to stop it. The driver led MPD on a pursuit through the District, into Maryland, and back into the District before three people eventually bailed out of the car. Police apprehended Washington and another person after they fled from the vehicle.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case is being prosecuted by AUSAs Stephanie Dinan and Sabena Auyeung of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking in NortheastRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Antwan Mitchell, 19, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking arising from a February 2024 offense committed in Northeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On May 14, 2024, Mitchell pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to carjacking before the Honorable Jason Park. Judge Park scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2024.
During that plea hearing, Mitchell admitted that he and two co-conspirators, who have never been identified, carjacked a rideshare driver on February 6, 2024. The victim had just dropped off his rideshare passengers in the 200 block of Kenilworth Avenue NE when Mitchell and his accomplices surrounded the victim’s SUV. One of Mitchell’s accomplices held the victim at rifle-point while Mitchell and another accomplice demanded the victim’s car keys and wallet. After the victim got out of his SUV and handed over his car key, Mitchell and his accomplices drove off in the victim’s SUV. MPD Officers responded immediately, canvassed the area, and located the victim’s stolen SUV. While inspecting that vehicle, police also located a second vehicle that Mitchell and his accomplices had used to commit this carjacking. Officers pursued that vehicle and ultimately apprehended Mitchell after he ran from it. Police recovered a firearm in the vehicle, but Mitchell’s accomplices escaped.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sabena Auyeung.
District Man Indicted for House Party ShootingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darrious Johnson, 23, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in a 10-count indictment for unleashing gunfire into a crowded living room during a house party in the Hillbrook neighborhood in Northeast, D.C., in May 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
A Superior Court grand jury returned the indictment that was filed on May 16, 2024, which charges Johnson with two counts of assault with intent to kill (adults) while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill a minor while armed, aggravated assault while armed, second degree cruelty to children, and related firearm offenses. According to the Government’s evidence, after an argument at the party, Defendant Johnson walked upstairs, retrieved a firearm, walked halfway down the stairs, and fired numerous shots into the crowded living room with adults and children present. One of the bullets hit the arm of an adult victim who was holding an infant, causing serious injuries.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Cocuzza, Megan McFadden, and Sabena Auyeung.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
10 District Men Arrested in Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Law enforcement arrested 10 members of a District-area drug trafficking crew charged in a 17-count indictment with participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, as well as multiple firearms counts.
The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Washington Division, Special Agent in Charge Troy Springer of the National Capital Region of the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Law enforcement executed search warrants, yesterday, for 21 residences, nine vehicles, and 14 individuals in the District and Maryland and seized nearly two dozen firearms as part of the operation.
Each defendant is charged in a conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a protected location, specifically Phelps ACE High School and AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School in Northeast Washington D.C. Two of the defendants, Charles Manson and Damien Jenkins, were also charged in connection with a shooting that occurred on March 7, 2024, near 19th and I Streets NE. For that incident, Manson was additionally charged with possession of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The defendants, who all reside in Washington D.C., include:
NAME
AGE
AKA
CHARGES
Jamiek Bassil
31
“Onion”
Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location; Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl x 5
Damien Jenkins
34
“Woe”
Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location;
Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl x 3; Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Trevon Palmer
29
“Rocky”
Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location; Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl x 3; Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine
Charles Manson
33
“Cheese”
Conspiracy to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location; Possession of Ammunition by a Felon; Assault with a Deadly Weapon; Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence or Dangerous Offense
Van Robinson
32
“Boogie”
Conspiracy to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location
Nathaniel Russell
20
“Thump”
Conspiracy to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location x 4;
Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl x 3
Briyon Shuford
29
“Breezy”
Conspiracy to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location
Lydell Douglas
40
“L”
Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location
Jerome Powell
26
“J Rock”
Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location
Jason Green
47
--
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.
This investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Violent Crime Investigations Team of the Violent Crime Suppression Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross-Border Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Duvall and Solomon Eppel of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Seven Defendants Sentenced for Federal Conspiracy Against Rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Convictions Related to 2020 D.C. Clinic Invasion and BlockadeRead the Press Release
Seven defendants were sentenced yesterday and today following their convictions for federal conspiracy against rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offenses following three separate trials in connection with the use of force and physical obstruction to blockade a Washington, D.C., area reproductive health clinic on Oct. 22, 2020.
Yesterday, Lauren Handy was sentenced to 57 months in prison, John Hinshaw was sentenced to 21 months in prison, and William Goodman was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Today, Jonathan Darnel was sentenced to 34 months in prison, Herb Geraghty was sentenced to 27 months in prison, Jean Marshall was sentenced to 24 months in prison, and Joan Bell was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
“Violence has no place in our national discourse on reproductive health. Using force, threatening to use force or physically obstructing access to reproductive health care is unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we mark the 30th anniversary of the FACE Act, it’s important that we not lose sight of the history of violence against reproductive health care providers including the murder of Dr. David Gunn in Florida — tragic and horrific events that led to passage of the law. The Justice Department will continue to protect both patients seeking reproductive health services and providers of those services. We will hold accountable those who seek to interfere with access to reproductive health services in our country.”
“These defendants conspired to use force to prevent fellow citizens from exercising rights protected by law,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. “People cannot resort to using force and intimidation to prevent others from engaging in lawful activity simply because they disagree with the law. The department was founded to protect the civil rights of our citizens and remains steadfast in this mission.”
“The seven defendants executed an extensive blockade of a reproductive care clinic, including faking a patient appointment to enter the facility,” said Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “FACE Act violations are distressing to anyone attempting to safely access reproductive healthcare, and, in this case, unfortunately resulted in the physical injury of a nurse. The FBI continues our work to ensure everyone has unimpeded access to reproductive health care facilities.”
“As evidenced by today's sentencings, the FBI and our judicial system will not tolerate the obstruction of civil rights,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “The FBI will continue to investigate FACE Act violations in all jurisdictions, so patients and providers can exercise their right to receive or provide lawful reproductive health care without the threat of violence or intimidation.”
These defendants, and two others, were convicted following three separate trials in 2023. Paulette Harlow and Heather Idoni are scheduled to be sentenced later this month. Idoni is scheduled to be sentenced in a separate matter on July 30, following conspiracy and FACE Act convictions in an unrelated clinic blockade from Tennessee. A tenth defendant, Jay Smith, was sentenced to prison following his guilty plea to a felony FACE Act offense on March 1, 2023.
Evidence presented at trial established that the defendants used force and physical obstruction to execute a clinic blockade that was organized by the group’s leaders, Handy and Darnel. The defendants planned and organized the clinic invasion using social media, text messages and telephone calls, and several co-conspirators, including defendants Hinshaw, Goodman, Geraghty, Marshall, Bell, Harlow, Idoni and Smith traveled from northeast and midwestern states to participate in the blockade. Prior to the clinic incursion, the defendants met with other co-conspirators to plan their crime, which included making a fake patient appointment to ensure the group’s entry into the clinic, using chains and locks to barricade the facility and passively resisting their anticipated arrests to prolong the blockade. The clinic invasion was advertised on social media as a “historic” event that was live-streamed on Facebook. The defendants’ forced entry into the clinic at the outset of the invasion resulted in injury to a clinic nurse. During the blockade, one patient had to climb through a receptionist window to access the clinic, while another laid in the hallway outside of the clinic in physical distress, unable to gain access to the clinic.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Prosecutors from the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.
Jury Finds Maryland Man Guilty of Aggravated Assault While ArmedRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mercedes Edmonds, aka Marcedes Edmunds, 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, has been found guilty by a jury of aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and additional firearms charges arising from a 2019 shooting in the 4000 block of Hayes Street NE, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The verdict was returned on May 14, 2024, following a three-day jury trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Edmonds was also found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a shotgun, and related firearms offenses. Following the verdict, the Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld ordered that Edmonds be detained pending sentencing, which she scheduled for July 16, 2024. At sentencing, Edmonds faces a mandatory minimum term of five years of incarceration.
According to the government’s trial evidence, on May 1, 2019, Edmonds was standing with a group in the 4000 block of Hayes Street NE, and the victim was dropping items off at a nearby apartment. Apparently perceiving disrespect by the victim toward a member of the group, Edmonds retrieved a shotgun from his car and ordered the victim to leave the area. As he tried to leave, the defendant shot the victim twice, striking him in the leg. The victim suffered substantial blood loss and had to undergo emergency surgery to save his leg.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. Invaluable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Bartz and Lauren Winer of the Major Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Four More Defendants Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A U.S. District Court judge today sentenced four more of 10 the defendants who conspired to create a blockade at a Washington, D.C. reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly today sentenced Herb Geraghty, 27, of Pittsburgh to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Joan Bell, 76, of Montague, NY, received 27 months incarceration and three years of supervised release. Jonathan Darnel, 42, of Arlington, Va., was sentenced to 34 months and three years of supervised release. Jean Marshall, 74, of Kingston, Mass., was sentenced to 24 months and three months of supervised release. All four were convicted by a jury of civil rights conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act violations.
Three defendants were sentenced yesterday, May 14. Lauren Handy, 30, of Alexandria, Virginia was sentenced to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. John Hinshaw, 69, of Levittown, New York, received 21 months incarceration and three years of supervised release. William Goodman, 54, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 27 months and three years of supervised release. All three were of civil rights conspiracy and FACE Act violations.
Two additional defendants–Paulette Harlow, 75, Kingston, Mass., and Heather Idoni, of Linden, Mich., 59 – will be sentenced in the coming weeks. Another of the defendants, the only one to plead guilty, Jay Smith, 34, of Freeport, New York, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release in March 2023.
As the evidence at trial showed, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. As part of the conspiracy, Handy, Hinshaw, and Goodman, traveled to Washington, D.C. from various northeast and midwestern states, to meet with Handy and participate in a clinic blockade that was directed by Handy and was broadcast on Facebook.
According to the evidence, Handy, Hinshaw, and Goodman – along with their co-conspirators – forcefully entered the clinic and set about blockading two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes. Once the blockade was established, their activities were live-streamed. The evidence also showed that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using a physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient, because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services.
DEFENDANTS
NAME
AGE
GUILTY OF
SENTENCE
Lauren Handy
Alexandria, VA
30
Found Guilty on August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act
Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 57 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
John Hinshaw
Levittown, NY
69
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 21 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
William Goodman Bronx, NY
54
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Jay Smith
Freeport, NY
34
Pleaded Guilty March 1, 2023, to Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced Aug. 17, 2023, to 10 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Jonathan Darnel Arlington, Va.
42
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 34 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Jean Marshall Kingston, Mass.
74
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 24 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Joan Bell
Montague, NJ
76
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Herb Geraghty Pittsburgh, Pa
27
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced
May 15, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Paula ‘Paulette’ Harlow
Kingston, MA
75
Found Guilty Nov. 16, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentencing Scheduled for
May 31, 2024
Heather Idoni Linden, Mich.
59
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentencing Scheduled for
May 21, 2024
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. It was prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York, and Southern District of New York; and FBI Field Offices in Newark, New York City, Boston, and Detroit provided valuable assistance.
District Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for 2023 Armed Robbery and Shooting in Northwest D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Lomax, 58, of Washington D.C., was sentenced to 10 years in prison today for offenses committed against two victims, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Lomax pleaded guilty on January 30, 2024, to one count of armed robbery and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the crimes committed against two separate victims. Today, Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced Lomax to serve five years’ imprisonment for each offense, for a total of 10 years, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, with which Lomax agreed, on November 9, 2023, at around 5:15 a.m., Lomax went to the first victim’s apartment unit in the Adams Morgan area with a woman who knew the victim. After the victim let his acquaintance and Lomax inside, Lomax pointed a firearm at the victim, robbed him, and fled the area. Approximately nine and a half hours later that same day, at around 2:50 p.m., Lomax was in the 300 block of Delafield Place NW when he got into an argument with the second victim. During that argument, Lomax fired one shot at that second victim, hitting him in the leg, before fleeing that scene.
Police subsequently arrested Lomax on December 2, 2023, after eyewitnesses from the robbery recognized him and notified police.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Carlton.
Convicted Felon from D.C. Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tarell Shoemaker, 21, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Shoemaker, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty on January 10, 2024, in U.S. District Court to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon and possession of a machine gun. In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Richard J. Leon ordered Shoemaker to serve three years of supervised release on completion of his prison sentence.
According to court documents, on September 8, 2023, agents from the FBI and investigators from the MPD executed a federal search warrant at an apartment on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. The residence consisted of four bedrooms, and nine individuals were found inside, including Shoemaker.
In Shoemaker’s bedroom, FBI agents discovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol inside of a Louis Vuitton bag stashed behind the bed; one box of 20-count “Fort Scott Munitions,” 40 S&W TUI ammunition on a shelf inside the bedroom closet; and a 9mm ammunition drum in the bedroom closet. The Glock pistol had an obliterated serial number and was equipped with an extended magazine containing 24 rounds of ammunition with one round in the chamber. The Glock also was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, also known as a “giggle switch” or a “Glock switch,” designed to convert the pistol into a weapon which shoots automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
Shoemaker subsequently acknowledged that the recovered firearm was his, and that he owned the Louis Vuitton bag in which it was found. In addition, at the time Shoemaker possessed the firearm, he was aware that he previously was convicted of an offense carrying a term of imprisonment in excess of one year. That conviction was also firearm related. At the time of the arrest for the current offenses, Shoemaker was still on probation for the Maryland conviction.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Cross Border Safe Streets Task Force and the MPD. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Coley, with valuable assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin, of the Violence Reduction & Trafficking Offenses Section.
Three Defendants Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A U.S. District Court judge today sentenced three of 10 defendants who conspired to create a blockade at a Washington, D.C. reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sentenced Lauren Handy, 30, of Alexandria, Virginia, to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. John Hinshaw, 69, of Levittown, New York, received 21 months incarceration and three years of supervised release. William Goodman, 54, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 27 months and three years of supervised release. All three were convicted by a jury of civil rights conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act violations. Four additional defendants will be sentenced tomorrow and two more in the coming weeks. Another of the defendants, the only one to plead guilty, Jay Smith, 34, of Freeport, New York, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release in March 2023.
“These defendants conspired to use force to prevent fellow citizens from exercising rights protected by law,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves. “People cannot resort to using force and intimidation to prevent others from engaging in lawful activity simply because they disagree with the law. The Department was founded to protect the civil rights of our citizens and remains steadfast in this mission.”
“Violence has no place in our national discourse on reproductive health. Using force, threatening to use force or physically obstructing access to reproductive health care is unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we mark the 30th anniversary of the FACE Act, it’s important that we not lose sight of the history of violence against reproductive health care providers including the murder of Dr. David Gunn in Florida – tragic and horrific events that led to passage of the law. The Justice Department will continue to protect both patients seeking reproductive health services and providers of those services. We will hold accountable those who seek to interfere with access to reproductive health services in our country.”
“As evidenced by today’s sentencings, the FBI and our judicial system will not tolerate the obstruction of civil rights,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg. “The FBI will continue to investigate FACE Act violations in all jurisdictions, so patients and providers can exercise their right to receive or provide lawful reproductive health care without the threat of violence or intimidation.”
As the evidence at trial showed, the defendants, engaged in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health care clinic to prevent the clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services. As part of the conspiracy, Handy, Hinshaw, and Goodman, traveled to Washington, D.C. from various northeast and midwestern states, to meet with Handy and participate in a clinic blockade that was directed by Handy and was broadcast on Facebook.
According to the evidence, Handy, Hinshaw, and Goodman – along with their co-conspirators – forcefully entered the clinic and set about blockading two clinic doors using their bodies, furniture, chains, and ropes. Once the blockade was established, their activities were live-streamed. The evidence also showed that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using a physical obstruction to injure, intimidate and interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient, because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services.
DEFENDANTS
NAME
AGE
GUILTY OF
SENTENCE
Lauren Handy
Alexandria, VA
30Found Guilty on August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act
Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 57 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
John Hinshaw
Levittown, NY
69
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 21 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
William Goodman Bronx, NY
54
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced May 14, 2024, to 27 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Jay Smith
Freeport, NY
34
Pleaded Guilty March 1, 2023, to Violating the FACE Act
Sentenced Aug. 17, 2023, to 10 Months Incarceration and Three Years of Supervised Release
Jonathan Darnel Arlington, Va.
42
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentencing Scheduled for
May 15, 2024
Jean Marshall Kingston, Mass.
74
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentencing Scheduled for
May 15, 2024
Joan Bell
Montague, NJ
76
Found Guilty September 15, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentencing Scheduled for
May 15, 2024
Herb Geraghty Pittsburgh, Pa
27
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentencing Scheduled for
May 15, 2024
Paula ‘Paulette’ Harlow
Kingston, MA
75
Found Guilty Nov. 16, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentencing Scheduled for
May 31, 2024
Heather Idoni Linden, Mich.
59
Found Guilty August 29, 2023, of Felony Conspiracy Against Civil Rights and Violating the FACE Act
Sentencing Scheduled for
May 21, 2024
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. It was prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Fraud, Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Jersey, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York, and Southern District of New York; and FBI Field Offices in Newark, New York City, Boston, and Detroit provided valuable assistance.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Setting Fire to U.S. Supreme Court Police Cars on Capitol HillRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Cody Michael Tarner, 26, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for pouring gasoline over several U.S. Supreme Court Police cars on Capitol Hill and setting one ablaze, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Tarner pleaded guilty on January 9, 2024, in federal court to a charge of arson before U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth. In addition to the prison term, Judge Lamberth ordered Tarner to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution in the amount of $32,371.42.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 15, 2020, Tarner drove onto the United States Supreme Court’s property located on First Street Northeast, Washington D.C., and parked his vehicle in an employee-only parking spot. Tarner got out of his car and walked around the Supreme Court property. Tarner then returned to his car and pulled out a red gas can. At 1:48 p.m., Tarner was observed on security camera footage pouring gasoline onto three unmarked Supreme Court Police vehicles parked in Supreme Court employee-only parking spaces. The unmarked vehicles had emergency police lights visible from the outside of the vehicles, and one of the vehicles had emergency police lights on the roof of the vehicle.
While pouring the gasoline on the vehicles, some of it splashed onto Tarner’s clothing. Tarner lit one of the vehicles on fire. The result was a violent ignition of the gasoline. Tarner was engulfed in flames resulting in severe burns and injuries to himself. The fire seriously damaged two of the police vehicles, one of which was a total loss.
Tarner admitted to starting the fire with unleaded gas he had bought in Pennsylvania for that purpose. The investigation revealed that Tarner had several prior encounters with law enforcement in which he expressed anti-government and militia extremist ideologies. Tarner also claimed to be the leader of an identified militia group.
This case was investigated by FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Supreme Court of the United States Police – Protective Intelligence Unit, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole and Attorney James Peterson.
Indictment Charges Former D.C. Department of Human Services Official and Co-Conspirator with ExtortionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ruth Nivar, 56, and Yessica Moya, 35, both of Washington, D.C., were arrested this morning on charges related to extortion and conspiracy. The charges, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., were announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General of the District of Columbia.
According to the indictment, unsealed yesterday, Nivar, a former employee at the District of Columbia Department of Human Services, was charged with extorting payments from individuals applying for health care coverage from the D.C. government to process those benefits. Starting at least as early as November 2022, Nivar introduced Moya as a co-conspirator into her extortion scheme in an apparent attempt to disguise Nivar’s receipt of payment and information from law enforcement.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison for committing Hobbs Act extortion and five years in prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Office of the Inspector General of the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Madhu Chugh, of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
24-cr-222_nivar_moya_indictment.pdfSix Members of Violent Transnational Gang Convicted in Connection with Two Killings and Racketeering ActivityRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Six members of “18th Street,” a violent international street gang, were found guilty in U.S. District Court on an array of charges that included racketeering, kidnapping, and murder.
The convictions were announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, ICE Deputy Director Russ Hott of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
A federal jury in Washington D.C. deliberated for three days before delivering the verdicts to U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden. The Court published the verdicts on Friday and today. Judge McFadden scheduled sentencings for September 20; September 27; October 4; and October 11, 2024.
The 18th Street organization engages in a variety of criminal activities throughout the United States, including in the District, Virginia, and Maryland Its activities have included acts of murder, kidnapping, assault, robbery, witness intimidation, and firearms and narcotics trafficking to fuel the gang’s violent operations. The gang is active throughout Central and South America -- particularly in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras -- and has established a presence in Europe. It uses violence to maintain control over specific geographical areas.
This investigation began in 2019 and looked into the full breadth of criminal activity 18th Street was involved in within the greater D.C. metropolitan area. As the investigation into 18th Street’s racketeering activities progressed, it began to center on a series of murders, attempted murders, and kidnappings of suspected rivals and members suspected of disloyalty.
One such act was the attempted murder of C.H. on May 21, 2021. With respect to that offense, the evidence at trial showed that Jexon Madrid-Flores and another 18th Street member brandished a firearm at C.H. as the latter stopped at a convenience store in Columbia Heights that afternoon during the middle of an afternoon bike ride. Defendant Madrid-Flores and the other gang member then followed C.H. and pulled up their vehicle alongside the victim, who was riding his bike in the bike lane. From their vehicle, the other 18th Street member discharged multiple rounds at C.H. in broad daylight, striking C.H. in the leg. The evidence showed that Madrid-Flores believed the victim to be a member of a rival gang and had hoped for a promotion within 18th Street for attempting to murder a potential rival.
The investigation also entailed the July 14, 2021, murder of Carlos Ramos Martinez in a wooded area near Elkton, MD. Martinez, aka “FIRE,” was a member of a rival faction of 18th Street called the Revolucionarios and was believed to be recruiting members away from the LCB clique. According to the seven-count superseding indictment, Jose Santos Alvarado-Velasquez and Gerlin Neptali Diaz-Lopez killed Ramos Martinez. Carlos Rolando Martinez-Mora and Jose Anselmo Ibarra-Cristales participated in planning and facilitating the slaying, respectively. Alvarado-Velasquez, Diaz-Lopez, and Ibarra-Cristales were in the U.S. illegally at the time.
The investigation also involved a second murder committed in Rockville, MD, on December 19, 2021. According to the superseding indictment, Rolando Martinez-Mora planned and ordered the killing of a suspected member of MS13, Danis Alcides Salgado Mata. As a result, Mata was shot and killed on the heels of his mother’s wedding celebration. Mata’s mother and stepfather were also shot but survived their injuries.
A dozen members of 18th Street were arrested and charged in the conspiracy. The first trial against six of the defendants commenced on April 10, 2024, and concluded last week. A second group of 18th Street gang members will be tried in July 2024.
According to the indictment, members of 18th Street are required to commit acts of violence to further the interests of the gang. These violent acts are often directed against rival gang members, 18th Street members who violate gang rules or otherwise disrespect the gang, and persons who are suspected of cooperating with law enforcement. Additionally, 18th Street members sell and transport narcotics, weapons, and other contraband to generate money to support the gang and its criminal activities. Some of the proceeds of this criminal activity are wired to members of the gang’s leadership in other countries. 18th Street members control geographical areas and use violence to maintain their control.
18th Street – a gang founded in Los Angeles that now includes up to 50,000 members – is organized into “cliques,” or smaller groups operating within specific cities or regions that all operate under the umbrella rules of 18th Street to include the following: the Tiny Locos Sureños (TLS), Los Crazy Brothers (LCB), and the Revolucionarios.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement Removal Operations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department. The District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences and the Montgomery County, Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack Korba, Will Hart, and Sitara Witanachchi. Valuable assistance was provided by former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gilead Light and Christopher Marin.
18th STREET DEFENDANTS
NAME
AGE
AKA
CLIQUE
CONVICTED OF
Jose Santos Alvarado-Velasquez,
Takoma Park, MD
22
“Vago”
Los Crazy Brothers
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) -Conspiracy; Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR)- Murder;
Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death; Kidnapping Resulting in Death; Discharge of a Firearm – Crime of Violence; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Illegal AlienGerlin Neptali Diaz-Lopez
Washington, D.C.
22
“Sicario”
Tiny Locos Sureños
RICO-Conspiracy; VICAR-Murder; Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death; Kidnapping Resulting in Death; Discharge of Firearm – Crime of Violence; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Illegal Alien
Jose Anselmo Ibarra-Cristales
Beltsville, MD
23
“Chemo”
Los Crazy Brothers
RICO-Conspiracy, VICAR-Murder; Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death;
Carlos Rolando Martinez-Mora
Hyattsville, MD
24
“Crosty”
Los Crazy Brothers
RICO-Conspiracy; VICAR-Murder x2; Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death; Kidnapping Resulting in Death
Bradley Andree Martinez-Mora
Hyattsville, MD
21
“Joker”
Los Crazy Brothers
RICO-Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death
Jexon Madrid-Flores
Boston, MA
22
“Spooky”
Tiny Locos Sureños
RICO-Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Resulting in Death
VICAR-Attempted Murder;
VICAR-ADW; Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence; Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence; Aggravated Assault while Armed
Missouri Resident Pleads Guilty to Attempted Attack on the White House with a Rented TruckRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Sai Varshith Kandula, 20, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty today in an attempted attack on the White House, on May 22, 2023, that included driving a U-Haul truck into the fence surrounding the building. Kandula pleaded guilty to a charge of willful injury or depredation of property of the United States.
The plea agreement was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stohler of the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, Chief Jessica M. Taylor of the U.S. Park Police, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich scheduled sentencing for August 23, 2024.. Kandula is an Indian national who was born in Chandanagar, India. At the time of the incident, he was a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. with a green card.
According to court documents, Kandula flew on a commercial flight from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington D.C. in the afternoon of May 22, 2023, connecting through another airport on a one-way airline ticket. Kandula arrived at Dulles International Airport about 5:20 p.m., and rented a truck at 6:30 p.m. He stopped for food and gas, and then drove to Washington, D.C., where he crashed into the barriers protecting White House and President’s Park at 9:35 p.m. at the intersection of H Street, Northwest and 16th Street, Northwest. Kandula drove onto the sidewalk, sending pedestrians running from the scene. After striking the barriers, the truck backed up in reverse, then lurched forward, striking the metal barriers a second time. The second impact disabled the truck which began smoking from the engine compartment and leaking fluids.
Kandula next exited the vehicle and went to the back of the truck. From a backpack he removed a flag, a three-by-five foot red-and-white banner with a Nazi Swastika in the center, and brandished it. U.S. Park Police and the U.S. Secret Service officers arrested Kandula at the scene and took him into custody.
According to the plea agreement, at the time Kandula crashed the truck into the White House perimeter, he was attempting to gain access to the White House to seize political power. Kandula’s intent was to replace the democratically elected government with a dictatorship fueled by ideology of Nazi Germany and for himself to be put in charge of the United States. Kandula admitted to investigators that he would have arranged for the killing of the U.S. President and others if necessary to achieve his objective. His actions were calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion.
Kandula’s actions caused $4,322 in damage to the National Park Service and over $50,000 in damage to U-Haul International. This amount included costs for repairing the metal bollard barriers to their original condition and ensuring structural soundness, oil and chemical removal, spill cleanup, and disposal of fluids from the crashed U-Haul, and the cost of the destroyed U-Haul truck.
Kandula planned the attack for several weeks. Prior to renting the truck and crashing it on White House grounds, he made several attempts to gain access to vehicles or armed security guards. For example, on April 22, 2023, Kandula requested 25 armed guards and an armored convoy from a security company located in Virginia. On May 4, 2023, Kandula attempted to contact several other companies in an attempt to rent a large commercial tractor-trailer truck, a dump truck, or another large truck. Kandula was unsuccessful in arraigning for security guards or a tractor-trailer truck or dump truck. Kandula had attempted to arrange for the services of these security guards and the use of large vehicles in order to carry out his offense against the U.S. Government.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, the U.S. Park Police, and the MPD. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Schneider.
South Dakota Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol BreachRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A South Dakota man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges, including for assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
Darrell Goins, 42, of Newell, South Dakota, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with six felony offenses, including civil disorder; assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon; assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; and entering and remaining, disorderly or disruptive conduct, and act of physical violence in a restricted building or grounds using a dangerous weapon.
In addition to the felonies, Goins is charged with two misdemeanor offenses of disorderly or disruptive conduct and act of physical violence in a Capitol building or grounds and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.
The FBI arrested Goins on May 9, 2024, in South Dakota, and he made his initial appearance in the District of South Dakota today.
According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Goins was part of the crowd gathered on the Capitol’s West Plaza, standing directly in front of a line of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers that had formed to protect the building. While there, open-source video footage depicts Goins raising his fist in the air and cheering to the crowd of rioters. At approximately 1:50 p.m., rioters began to breach the police line protecting a staircase located at the north end of the West Plaza. Goins proceeded to join the crowd in pushing forward up the stairs and, before entering the stairway, Goins allegedly threw what appears to be a full, approximately 20-ounce plastic soft-drink bottle in the direction of a USCP officer.
After throwing the bottle, Goins moved with the crowd up the northwest stairs before again confronting a police line attempting to halt the crowd’s movement. Here, Goins physically engaged with several USCP officers while attempting to break through their lines. During this confrontation with police, Goins made it to the top landing of the stairway that police were protecting. Eventually, however, USCP officers were able to wrestle Goins to the ground and bring him to a seated position on the stairs.
Court documents say that the rest of the mob advanced to the top landing of the stairs, and Goins returned to his feet and remained directly in front of the police line. At some point in the subsequent minutes, Goins obtained a USCP officer’s riot shield and passed it off to another rioter. Eventually, other rioters succeeded in breaking through the police line and began surging up the remaining stairs at approximately 2:09 p.m. Less than a minute later, Goins joined the crowd and advanced up the stairs and to the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace.
From the Upper West Terrace, Goins allegedly entered the Capitol building via the Senate Wing Door at 2:14 p.m.— one minute after the initial breach of the Capitol building at this entrance. Once inside, Goins moved further into the building and arrived at the foyer just inside the Senate Carriage Door. At that time, USCP officers were working to clear the building by moving rioters out through the Senate Carriage Door. Despite efforts by the police to move the crowd out through the Senate Carriage Door, Goins remained inside the Capitol building. He positioned himself just to the side of the door’s interior while other rioters outside the door attempted to gain entry.
Goins later returned to the area inside the Senate Wing Door and exited the building at approximately 2:30 p.m.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Birmingham, Minneapolis, and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 40 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,424 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 500 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law