District of Columbia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
DC Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a ‘Ghost Gun’ While Trafficking Cocaine and FentanylRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ahmad Robertson, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for possession of an illegal “ghost gun” in furtherance of drug trafficking. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon, of Homeland Security Investigations -Washington Field Office (HSI-DC), Acting Inspector in Charge Ajay Lall of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division (USPIS), and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Robertson pleaded guilty on November 7, 2023, to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In addition to the 66 month prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered Robertson to serve 48 months of supervised release. Robertson has been in custody since June 1, 2023.
According to court documents, on June 1, 2023, officers from the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), HSI, USPIS, MPD, and other law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant on Robertson’s home and vehicle on the 100 block of Xenia Street, SE. Officers ordered the occupants to come out of the residence. After 15 minutes, Robertson exited the premises and police took him into custody. Officers searched Robertson and discovered two baggies of white powder in his pants pockets, which was later determined to be cocaine. Officers then searched Robertson’s vehicle and discovered a digital scale and a “ghost gun,” a privately manufactured AR-style pistol with no serial number, loaded with 28 rounds of 5.56 caliber ammunition.
When officers searched Robertson’s home, they recovered two additional firearms, extended magazines, assorted rounds of ammunition of various calibers, drug paraphernalia including additional digital scales, a blender with fentanyl residue, and fentanyl.
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 case was investigated by HSI, USPIS, and MPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Hart of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section and Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Valuable assistance was provided by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Leiter.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two D.C. Residents with Kidnapping and Carjacking ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Brian Allison, 54, and Angel Hall, 23, both of Washington, D.C., were charged today by indictment, filed in U.S. District Court, with kidnapping, carjacking, and transportation of a stolen vehicle, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
According to the indictment, on February 1, 2024, the pair carjacked the victim, kidnapped the victim, and transported the victim across the state line in the victim’s 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. According to documents filed in D.C. Superior Court, just after midnight on February 2, 2024, the victim reported the incident telling police that just over an hour earlier, the defendants approached as the victim was walking through the parking lot of the Subway food store at 4518 Benning Road, SE. Defendant Allison had a gun and demanded the victim’s keys. After the victim complied, Allison demanded the victim’s wallet and phone, and then ordered the victim into the car. The defendants drove the victim to a tobacco store in Capitol Heights, Maryland where they used the victim’s bank card to withdraw $500. The defendants drove around for approximately 10 minutes before parking the car in the 5700 block of Southern Avenue Southeast. Before exiting the vehicle, defendant Allison wiped down the interior of the car and the keys, then left the victim in the car and walked away. The defendants are in custody.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office's Violent Crimes Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emory Cole and David Lawrence.
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 Sentenced to Nine Years in Connection with 2023 Armed Carjacking in Northeast and Armed Robbery in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Honorable Errol Arthur sentenced Eric Vaughn, 21, of Washington, D.C., to nine years in prison in connection with an armed robbery in Northwest Washington, D.C., an armed carjacking in Northeast Washington, D.C., and a robbery that occurred in Southeast Washington, D.C. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
In February of 2024, Vaughn pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to robbery, carjacking, and attempted robbery. According to the government’s evidence, on November 13, 2023, at approximately 3:57 p.m., Vaughn and three other suspects followed the victim from the Shaw Metro station to the 1700 block of 7th Street, Northwest. Vaughn, and the three other suspects, all of whom were wearing masks, approached the victim and demanded the victim’s shoes, while one or more of the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim. After the victim complied and his shoes were taken, Vaughn and the other three suspects ran down a nearby alleyway.
The government’s evidence also established that at approximately 7:00 p.m. on November 13, 2023, Vaughn and the three other suspects emerged from a dark, wooded area and approached the victim, who was standing at the back of their car in the parking lot of the Costco located at 2441 Market Street, Northeast. When Vaughn and the three other suspects approached the victim and demanded the keys to the victim’s car, one or more of the suspects Vaughn was with, pointed a firearm at the victim. When the victim complied, Vaughn took the victim’s car keys and entered the driver’s seat, while the other three suspects also got into the car. Vaughn then drove the victim’s vehicle out of the Costco parking lot. When police attempted to stop the carjacked vehicle near the intersection of 17th Street, NE and C Street, NE, Vaughn refused to pull over and fled from police. An MPD helicopter followed the vehicle as the vehicle fled from police until the vehicle came to a stop in the 100 block of Chesapeake Street SW. At that point, Vaughn and the other three suspects fled from the scene. Vaughn was apprehended nearby and placed under arrest.
Additionally, on June 28, 2023, in the 2500 block of Alabama Avenue SE, Vaughn, acting alone, attempted to rob the victim of their cellphone. Specifically, the victim was seated aboard a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Bus when Vaughn approached the victim and snatched the victim’s cell phone out of their hands. Vaughn then ran off of the Metrobus with the victim’s cell phone.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Rashmika Nedungadi, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
District Man Guilty of Multiple Counts of First-Degree Sexual Abuse, Kidnapping, and AssaultRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Bryant Phillips, 53, of Washington DC, was convicted today of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, kidnapping, and multiple assault counts. 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 Anthony Epstein scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2024.
According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, between June 5-8, 2022, Phillips held his intimate partner hostage at his apartment in Northeast Washington DC. While there he physically and sexually assaulted her multiple times causing extensive injuries.
Phillips faces the potential of life imprisonment without the opportunity of release. If he were to be released, Phillips 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. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Niki Holmes and Dana Joseph with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Bryan Han.
Former D.C. Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting a Handcuffed InmateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former District of Columbia Department of Corrections Officer, Marcus Bias, 27, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office, and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
“Corrections officers, like any other member of law enforcement, are sworn to protect the people in their custody,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “Officer Bias violated this oath and the Constitution when he pushed the head of a handcuffed inmate in his care into a metal doorframe, causing substantial injuries to the inmate. Such abuses of power will not be tolerated and this Office, along with our federal partners, will investigate and charge any member of law enforcement who deprives a citizen of their civil rights.”
“When corrections officers carry out acts of violence against those who are entrusted to their care, they will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “The Justice Department will continue to prosecute those who abuse their authority, while standing up for the civil rights of the victims of these crimes.”
“One of the FBI’s core missions is to protect the civil rights of every person within the United States,” said Assistant Director in Charge Sundberg. “Law enforcement officers are given authority and responsibility, but if they abuse that power, they will be held accountable for those actions. Today’s plea is an example of the FBI and our partners at the D.C. Department of Corrections working together to ensure that no one is above the law and that justice is served.”
According to court documents, Bias pushed a handcuffed detainee’s head into a metal doorframe while escorting him within the Department of Corrections on June 12, 2019, resulting in injury to the detainee, J.W. Specifically, intentionally and without provocation, Bias, who was holding J.W., pushed J.W.’s head into the doorframe while J.W. was handcuffed behind his back, suffering from the effects of O.C. spray, surrounded by five other officers and compliant with transport. J.W. sustained significant injuries, which required outside emergency medical attention.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 28, 2024. Bias faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, Rebekah J. Bailey, formerly a Trial Attorney with the Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Truscott for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
Former D.C. Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Violation for Assaulting a Handcuffed InmateRead the Press Release
A former District of Columbia Department of Corrections Officer, Marcus Bias, 27, pleaded guilty today to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
“People held inside our jails and prisons should never be subject to the kind of violent and unjustified assault that was carried out by this corrections officer,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant violently rammed an inmate’s head into a metal doorframe while he was handcuffed and posed no threat. When jail officials violate their oath and betray the trust placed in them by abusing people in their custody, the Justice Department will investigate and prosecute these offenses and will stand up for the civil rights of the victims of these crimes.”
“Corrections officers, like any other member of law enforcement, are sworn to protect the people in their custody,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Officer Bias violated this oath and the Constitution when he pushed the head of a handcuffed inmate in his care into a metal doorframe, causing substantial injuries to the inmate. Such abuses of power will not be tolerated and this office, along with our federal partners, will investigate and charge any member of law enforcement who deprives a citizen of their civil rights.”
“The defendant, a former corrections officer, pushed a handcuffed inmate’s head into a metal doorframe, causing significant physical and emotional distress,” said Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s guilty plea is another example of prison officials who have been held accountable for civil rights violations, and the FBI remains committed to protecting the dignity and civil rights of individuals in custody. We will continue to investigate violations under color of law and work with our partners to hold responsible anyone who commits these crimes.”
“One of the FBI’s core missions is to protect the civil rights of every person within the United States,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Law enforcement officers are given authority and responsibility, but if they abuse that power, they will be held accountable for those actions. Today’s plea is an example of the FBI and our partners at the D.C. Department of Corrections working together to ensure that no one is above the law and that justice is served.”
According to court documents, Bias, intentionally and without provocation, pushed a detainee’s head into a metal doorframe while escorting him within the Department of Corrections on June 12, 2019, causing serious injuries. At the time, the detainee, J.W., had his hands handcuffed behind his back, was suffering from the effects of O.C. spray, was surrounded by five other officers and was not resisting. J.W.’s injuries required outside emergency medical attention.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 28. Bias faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, Rebekah J. Bailey, formerly a Trial Attorney with the Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Truscott for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
District Man Sentenced for First-Degree Murder While Armed in Shooting Death of 17-Year-OldRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mussay Rezene, 31, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 45 years in prison, yesterday, by the Honorable Robert D. Okun, for first-degree murder while armed in the shooting death of 17-year-old Brayan Villatoro, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. The murder took place in an alley in Northwest Washington.
Rezene was found guilty in January, following a jury trial. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 9 p.m. on September 18, 2021, Brayan Villatoro was riding in a vehicle with a group of friends heading to a family party. On the way, the victim asked the driver to make a stop so he could meet with someone at the 1300 block of Nicholson Street Northwest. Once they arrived at the location, the victim got out of the vehicle and waited in front of an apartment building. The defendant arrived a short time later in a vehicle that, later, proved to be stolen. Rezene led the victim into a nearby alley. Moments later, shots rang out and the 17-year old victim was hit with eight bullets. Rezene fled the area as did the victim’s friends. Officers arrived at the scene a short time after the shooting and discovered that Brayan Villatoro had succumbed to his injuries.
Rezene was identified in surveillance video as wearing distinct shoes and clothing. These same shoes were later seen in a photograph of Rezene along with two other individuals, which was posted on social media after Mr. Villatoro’s murder. Cell-site data also showed Rezene was present both at the scene of the murder and along the path of the stolen vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, along with members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives who assisted with evidence recovery and cell site data analysis and testimony. U.S. Attorney Graves also thanked others who worked the case, including: Paralegal Specialist Mabry Johnson, Lead Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman, Victim Witness Advocate Karina Hernandez, Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling, Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Maenylie Watson, and Intelligence Analyst Zachary McMenamin. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Clark and Colleen Kukowski, who prosecuted the case.
Fifth Member of Alleged Gun Trafficking Group Arrested on Indictment Charging the Burglary of a Pawn Shop for GunsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A fifth defendant was arrested this morning as part of an 11-count indictment, filed in U.S. District Court, connected to the December 13, 2023, robbery of nearly three dozen firearms – which included handguns, rifles, and shotguns – from a pawn shop in Glen Burnie, Maryland that is a Federal Firearms Licensee. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Earlier today, agents with the ATF and officers from MPD arrested defendant Tyjuan McNeal, 27, of Washington, D.C. Charged in the conspiracy with McNeal are: Vincent Lee Alston, aka “Vedo,” 22, Juwon Markel Anderson aka “Peezy,” 21, and Niquan Odumn, aka “Stickz” and “Debo,” 22, all of Washington, D.C., and Cy’Juan Hemsley, aka “Juan,” 18, of District Heights, Maryland. Alston and Anderson were arrested December 15, 2023. Hemsley and Odumn are also in custody. The charges include conspiracy to commit firearm trafficking, conspiracy to commit theft from a federal firearms licensee, unlawful possession of stolen firearms, unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle.
“These defendants allegedly conspired to steal dozens of firearms from a licensed dealer and to illegally flood our community with them,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “The spread of illegal firearms is like the spread of a virus; when there are more illegal guns in the community, more people will get hurt. We appreciate the efforts of our partners at ATF and MPD to stop these firearms from hitting our streets.”
“This group of individuals was looking to make a quick profit by filling the streets of D.C. with firearms and arming the sort of people who aim to destroy our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Kailimai. “But, today, we derailed that plan by arresting a fifth member involved in this scheme, all while seizing more of the stolen firearms. We will continue protecting the public from the proliferation of illegal guns.”
According to the indictment, one of the goals of the conspiracy was to transport stolen firearms from the Maryland pawn shop into the District, and then sell or transfer the stolen firearms to other individuals. The indictment further alleges that on December 13, 2023, the five men broke into the pawn shop with a portable saw and a crowbar. They collected 34 firearms and traveled back to Washington D.C. in a stolen red sedan. Later that day, a co-conspirator attempted to sell some of the stolen guns. Hemsley reached out to an associate stating that “I got u a gift” and “I got u a missile” while sending a video of two firearms. On December 14, 2023, one of the co-conspirators transferred four of the firearms – which included two Smith & Wesson M&Ps; a Glock 47, 9mm; and an FN, FNX 45 – to an unknown third party.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the ATF Baltimore Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shehzad Akhtar and Ryan Lipes.
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 Sentenced to 17 Year Prison Term for Daytime Shooting in Apartment BuildingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Raekwon Sutton, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Thursday, March 21, 2024, to 17 years in prison for a shooting that took place in Southeast Washington on March 19, 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Sutton was found guilty of multiple assault and firearms-related offenses following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia before the Honorable Lynn Leibovitz. Sutton was found guilty following a jury trial on October 3, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, Sutton went to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment armed with a handgun. In a fit of rage, he fired ten rounds at the front door of the apartment while two family members were inside. A few hours before the shooting, Sutton sent multiple text messages and voice messages threatening to shoot at the apartment. Shortly after the shooting, Sutton sent additional messages threatening to return to the apartment and fire additional shots.
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 also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Platt, Paralegal Specialists Nancy Murillo and Tiffany Fogle, and Victim/Witness Advocate Lu Lan.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yasmin Emrani and Brian Yang, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for the 2019 Shooting of a Man in Northwest D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dominic Copeland, 33, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 132 months in prison for assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
A jury found him guilty on September 21, 2023. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered Copeland to serve five years of supervised release.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on April 26, 2019, the victim drove to a local fast-food restaurant after work to meet Copeland. After he was directed to follow Copeland’s car to the area of N Street and First Street NW and park, the victim entered the back seat of the car Copeland occupied and handed him money. Copeland took the victim’s money and, afterwards, a dispute occurred between them. The victim exited and returned to his own car and got in the driver’s seat. Copeland then exited the car he was in, pulled out a handgun, and shot at the victim multiple times. The victim began to drive away but was hit twice in the upper back and crashed into multiple parked cars before finally coming to rest on the side of the street. MPD officers immediately responded to the scene and found that the victim was unable to physically move because he was temporarily paralyzed by one of the bullets. The victim promptly identified his shooter to police as “Dominic,” whom he knew from work and, up to that point, had considered a friend. Police recovered six fired cartridge casings from the scene. Two bullets entered the victim’s upper back, with one puncturing his lung causing a severe medical emergency. The treating physician declared that bullet would have resulted in the victim’s death had he not received prompt medical care. Doctors left the bullets inside the victim’s body after determining that it would cause even more injury to attempt to remove them.
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 also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and acknowledged the efforts of all of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Forman, Seth Gilmore, Gregory Kimak, and Paul Courtney, Paralegal Specialist Debra McPherson, and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Renee Prather.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saman Danai and Richard Carlton, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder for a May 2023 Fatal Shooting in Southeast D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Antoine Lynch, 37, of Washington, DC, pleaded guilty today to second degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of Devonte Maxwell, 30, of Southeast Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 7, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, around 7:54 p.m. on May 11, 2023, Lynch and two other individuals approached the victim, on foot, as he was walking down the sidewalk on Prout Street, Southeast, Washington, D.C. When they were about to pass each other, the defendant pulled out a gun and shot Mr. Maxwell several times. Mr. Maxwell was treated at the scene but died from his injuries a short time later. Mr. Maxwell and Lynch had previously gotten into a verbal dispute when Mr. Maxwell was walking by Lynch’s residence earlier that same day. Surveillance video captured the prior dispute and the murder.
This case was investigated by the Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Ganjei.
Repeat Felon Pleads to Illegal Possession of Firearms and Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Donnie Wise, 27, a repeat felon from Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing two illegal firearms and distribution quantities of cocaine base and cocaine at his Southeast apartment, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives - Washington Division; and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Wise pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. Judge Moss scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2024.
According to court documents, on January 18, 2023, at about 6 a.m., members of the MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division executed a search warrant at Wise’s apartment on the 1900 block of 18th Street, SE. Law enforcement found Wise sitting inside his bedroom. Once handcuffed, Wise told police he was the only one who resided in the apartment. The kitchen was filled with drug making equipment that included digital scales, baking soda, empty zip lock bags.
Officers searched Wise’s bedroom and, next to his bed, recovered a Zastava Arms ZPAP92 7.62 x 39mm firearms with 30 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. Officers also located a Glock 17, 9 mm pistol in the same room with 26 rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber.
Police additionally recovered a 50-round magazine containing 15 rounds, a Zigana gun box containing two magazines, 39 rounds of .40 caliber ammo, a baggie containing empty yellow pill capsules, 21 grams of cocaine base, and 85 grams of cocaine on a shelf over a television. DNA linked Wise to the Glock 17.
Wise faces a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment on the felon in possession charge and up to 20 years for distributing cocaine base. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was conducted under the auspices of Project Safe Neighborhoods and investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crime Suppression Division in concert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar.
Jury Finds District Woman Guilty of Two Counts of First-Degree Child Sexual Abuse with Aggravating CircumstancesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Griselda Martinez-Moz, 42, of Maryland, was convicted today of two counts of first-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. The verdict, announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), follows a seven-day trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe scheduled sentencing for June 14, 2024.
According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, on two occasions in 2015 and 2016, Martinez-Moz sexually abused a child who was eight years old at the time. A close friend of the child’s family, Martinez-Moz, on multiple occasions, subjected the child to sexual acts.
Martinez-Moz faces the potential of life imprisonment without the opportunity of release. If she were to be released, Martinez-Moz would be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of her life.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Houck, Niki Holmes, and Dana Joseph, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Felice Roggen and Bryan Han.
District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Theft from Target in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Shawn Hunter, 28, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of second-degree theft (felony) with offense committed during release enhancement, stemming from events occurring on February 27, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Hunter is to be arraigned on March 20, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 27, 2024, Hunter took a range of merchandise without paying from the Target store located at 3505 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. Hunter was quickly located and arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Hunter 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 36 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 Michael Campbell.
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 Theft from CVS in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Michael Smith, 26, 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 October 6, 2023, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Smith is to be arraigned on April 8, 2024, before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on October 6, 2023, Smith stole several items from a CVS store on Georgia Avenue in Northwest, Washington, DC, by putting store merchandise into a bag in the store before walking out.
Smith 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 36 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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erika Norman.
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 CVS Theft in Adams MorganRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 20, Travon Carter, 31, 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 February 27, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Carter is to be arraigned on April 4, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 27, 2024, Carter entered the CVS located at 1781 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC; took numerous items for sale; and left the store without paying. Carter was later located and arrested after investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Carter has more than two 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 36 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 and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Wessel.
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.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 72 Months for Firearms Possession in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tyron Hines, a repeat felon with a long history of weapons offenses, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for illegal possession of a Smith and Wesson M&P polymer pistol while also in possession of a significant quantity of deadly narcotics.
The sentencing was announced today U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Hines, 32, pled guilty on October 16, 2023, to carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In addition to the 72-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered Hines to serve 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Hines was most recently arrested the evening of June 4, 2023. Two MPD officers were on patrol in a marked cruiser in Southeast when they observed a large group singing and dancing on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE. As the officers approached the group, Hines quietly peeled off from the crowd with his head down. The officers followed and tried to gain Hines’ attention. Hines ignored them, turned behind a black SUV, and placed a metallic object under the vehicle. Then Hines began to run. The two officers gave chase. One paused to look under the SUV where he recovered a black Smith and Wesson MP9 M 2.0 with 11 rounds of ammunition in a magazine that could hold 17 rounds. Later tests determined the pistol had been stolen from Prince George’s County in March 2020.
Officers stopped Hines on the 2100 block of Savannah Terrace SE and searched him. Hines was carrying 20 suspected fentanyl pills and a bag of a white rock-like substance that weighed 26 grams, nearly an ounce. The substance field-tested tested positive for crack cocaine. Officers also recovered $920 in cash. Based on the quantity of narcotics, the lack of drug paraphernalia, and the wad of cash, it appeared that Hines possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute rather than for personal use. The arrest marked the fifth time Hines had been charged in connection with unlawful possession of a firearm in fewer than 15 years.
About two weeks before, on May 13, 2023, following an early morning shootout at a Dupont parking garage, Hines drove a wounded friend in his black BMW sedan and parked at a hospital. When officers arrived, they found Hines’ BMW and spotted a black Glock 35 .40 caliber handgun with a 29-round magazine on the floor. A subsequent search of the car turned up a second firearm underneath the driver’s seat: a tan Glock 19 mm handgun with one bullet in the chamber and 15 rounds loaded in the 17-round magazine. Additionally, the Smith and Wesson was found to have been outfitted with a “giggle switch,” a device that converts a semi-automatic into a fully automatic machinegun. The Government does not believe that either firearm recovered from Hines’ BMW belonged to Hines that evening.
On June 28, 2023, in a search of Hines’ apartment on Kenilworth Terrace NE, MPD officers recovered a loaded Del-Ton Inc. AR-15 style 5.56 rifle, a ballistic vest, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Hines has previously been convicted of offenses carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of greater than one year. On February 5, 2010, Hines was sentenced to 24 months on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of assault with significant bodily injury after shooting into a crowd of 50 people and seriously wounding three of them. On April 13, 2018, Hines was sentenced in D.C. Superior Court to 24 months’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction). And on January 11, 2021, Hines was sentenced in D.C. Superior Court to 18 months on a similar charge. Hines was on supervised release for that case at the time of his arrest for his most current offense.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer.
Guilty Plea in Va. and Md. Spree of Gunpoint Pharmacy RobberiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Floyd Neal, 32, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a rash of 2021 gunpoint robberies of pharmacies in Maryland and Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office.
Neal pleaded guilty on March 18, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting (also known as Hobbs Act robbery). He also pleaded guilty to using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Judge Berman Jackson scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2024.
According to court documents, on February 14, 2021, Neal and two co-conspirators traveled from the District to a pharmacy in Henrico, Virginia. Neal approached the pharmacy counter, brandished a firearm, and ordered the pharmacist to hand over codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Neal held one employee at gunpoint while a co-conspirator demanded the pharmacist open the prescription safe. After grabbing prescription narcotics and amphetamines, they fled in a red SUV driven by another co-conspirator.
On March 25, 2021, Neal and a co-conspirator traveled from the District to a pharmacy in Alexandria, Virginia. They entered the store wearing yellow construction vests and posed as customers by grabbing beer. Then the co-conspirator shouted “Give me all the money. Oh, you think I’m playing,” as he reached toward his waistband to indicate that he had a firearm. The men ordered two employees into the store’s office before taking between $7,000 to $10,000 from the safe. The men fled in a 2005 silver sedan.
On March 31, 2021, Neal and his co-conspirators drove to a pharmacy in Beltsville, Md. Neal’s co-conspirator went behind the store counter, grabbed a store employee, and demanded the code to the store’s safe. While the robbery was in progress, the store’s manager entered the store. Neal’s co-conspirator forced the store’s manager into the back office where Neal was watching the other employee. Neal’s co-conspirator forced the manager to open the safe and then stole the contents. Neal remained at the front of the store where he emptied the contents of the cash registers. The trio then fled in a dark sedan with silver trim.
On April 1, 2021, Neal and a co-conspirator traveled to a pharmacy in Manassas, Virginia. One employee locked herself in the back office. Another employee ran to the front where the co-conspirator grabbed them by the neck. Threatening the employees, Neal ordered one to give him “percocets and oxys” or else he would hurt them. Neal also demanded the employee open the cash registers. Police arrested Neal and the co-conspirator after fleeing the pharmacy. A search revealed Neal had been in possession of a loaded 9mm Hipoint C9 firearm. Each of the pharmacies robbed by Neal is part of a national chain of retailers and the robberies affected interstate commerce.
Neal faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each Hobbs Act robbery count and a maximum of life in prison for using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force with valuable assistance from local law enforcement in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Cameron Tepfer.
District Felon, a Member of ‘No Rats Allowed,’ Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession of an Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Keith Jones, 27, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today for participating in a long-running drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl throughout the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI Washington Field Office.
Jones, a member of the violent No Rats Allowed crew, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Judge Nichols scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2024, where he will face a five-year mandatory minimum sentence. At the time of the trafficking offenses, he was on supervised probation for a robbery conviction out of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
The plea follows a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU), FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The law enforcement partnership identified a crew of young men operating within on the 200 block of K Street, Southwest, with firearms, large amounts of U.S. currency, and illegal narcotics. The members of the group wore matching insignia on clothing printed with “NO RATS ALLOWED” or “N.R.A.” Jones, aka “Chief,” and other members of the N.R.A. crew used several townhouses on the block as stash locations or “trap houses” for narcotics and firearms. Many of Jones’ N.R.A. associates have been arrested and successfully prosecuted for firearms offenses and the possession and distribution of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
The government’s investigation showed from October 2021 to October 2023, Jones relied heavily on social media to both make connections with other drug dealers to conduct sales of illegal substances to individual customers and N.R.A. crew members. On his Instagram account and cell phone, investigators found evidence showing Jones’ trafficking of crack cocaine, promethazine, and wholesale quantities of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and marijuana. Furthermore, the digital evidence showed that Jones was aware that at least some of the counterfeit pills he sold contained fentanyl, was warned by another drug dealer that certain pills he was selling might contain lethal amounts of fentanyl, and knowingly distributed the pills with full knowledge they might harm or kill customers.
Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested Jones on October 28, 2023, following a foot chase, during which he discarded a firearm in the lobby of the Capitol Park Plaza Apartments in Washington D.C. That firearm discharged as he tossed it and the bullet struck a glass window in the lobby of the apartment building, narrowly missing two security guards that were feet away from him.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin F. Song.
Three District Men Indicted on Murder and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Friday, March 15, 2024, Steven Metts, 18, Keondre Carroll, 21, and Jovontae Wallace, 19, all of Washington, D.C., were indicted by a Superior Court grand jury for first-degree murder while armed for the shooting death of Raymond Ballard on January 23, 2024 and the armed kidnapping and robbery on a Metrobus related to a January 24, 2024 offense in Southeast Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), and Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division.
The sixteen-count indictment charges Metts, Carroll, and Wallace with one count of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of kidnapping while armed, one count of armed robbery, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Both Metts and Carroll are each additionally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and other related firearms charges. The defendants were presented before the Honorable Heidi Hermann who ordered that all three defendants be held without bond pending trial.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on January 23, 2024, the defendants drove their vehicle into the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and fired approximately 29 shots, striking Raymond Ballard, an innocent bystander at the E-Z Mart. On January 24, 2024, the defendants drove that same vehicle into the 4600 block of Livingston Road SE and attempted to rob an individual of a Moose Knuckle jacket. When that individual fled onto a Metrobus, the defendants followed the Metrobus, boxing in the Metrobus at the intersection thereby restraining its movement. Two of the three defendants then exited the vehicle with firearms, boarded the bus, and took the victim’s Moose Knuckle coat. The defendants then exited the bus, got back into the vehicle, and began driving away while shooting at the bus.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, Metro Transit Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur 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.
Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 120 Months for Possessing 10,000 Images of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Morez King, 34, of Washington D.C, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for amassing an enormous collection of child pornography on 10 different devices that held 10,000 images depicting the sexual exploitation of very young children, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.
King pleaded guilty on February 13, 2023, to one count of possession of child pornography, his second conviction for this offense in less than a decade. In addition to the 10 year prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered King to serve 10 years of supervised release and to pay $88,000 in restitution to many of his child victims.
According to court documents, King first made contact with an undercover agent with Homeland Security Investigations in January 2020. King, aka “pervboi3” and “xmarcoboi,” chatted with an undercover agent over a social media app, then sent the agent graphic videos of child sexual abuse from a New Zealand-based website.
On December 15, 2021, HSI Special Agents and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC) served a search warrant and subsequently searched King’s residence in Northeast Washington D.C. In the home, agents recovered two SD memory cards, four cellular telephones, two tablets, one laptop, and a MicroSD card reader belonging to King. Taken together, the defendant’s devices contained well over 10,000 images of child sexual abuse materials. Specifically, a Samsung Galaxy S20 held approximately 1,000 videos depicting the sexual abuse. King’s Samsung Galaxy S20 phone also had the Telegram application downloaded onto it. King used that application, which allows individuals to use encryption to send messages, to trade photographs and videos depicting the abuse of children. Further, King’s Galaxy S9 cell phone stored approximately 8,700 images depicting child sexual abuse, while an HP laptop recovered from the residence held about 1,800 videos depicting child sexual abuse. At the time that King possessed and distributed the images described above, he already had been convicted in 2015 in Fairfax County, VA, for possession of obscene material with a minor.
More than 20 victims have filed Victim Impact Statements in this case, and 14 of the victims submitted requests for restitution with the court.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Washington, DC. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Bond and Janani Iyengar, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department.
‘La Dank DMV’ Crew Member Sentenced to 41 Months for Role in Sophisticated Marijuana Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Isaac Akinduro, 27, of Washington D.C, was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for his role in a sophisticated conspiracy that was 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 FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
Isaac Akinduro, a member of the “LA Dank DMV Crew” who was also known as “Benji” or “Black,” pleaded guilty on October 11, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered Akinduro to serve three years of supervised release.
All LA Dank crew members have pleaded guilty to marijuana conspiracy and related firearms charges.
- Abubakr Banire, aka “Swave,” is set to be sentenced on June 24, 2024, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
- Kavon Duncan, aka “Babyk,” was sentenced to 71 months on February 6, 2024, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
- Joe Blyther, aka “Hawk,” is scheduled for sentencing on April 22, 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 9, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, unlawful possession of a machine gun, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
- Christopher Akinduro, aka “Oshay,” was sentenced to 74 months in prison on January 17, 2024, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
- Avery Bost, aka “Avenue,” “Ave,” and “Left,” is scheduled to be sentenced March 22, 2024. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
- Omar Butler, aka “O,” was sentenced on March 1, 2024, to 18 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
- Randall Lance, aka “Mike Lambo,” was sentenced October 10, 2023, to 63 months for conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana.
These sentences and guilty pleas 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 of 2021 to on or about December of 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 was found to possess numerous firearms, including semi-automatic and fully automatic machineguns, and devices used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. In total, approximately 122 pounds of marijuana, 19 firearms, and 10 machinegun conversion devices were recovered. Three of these 19 firearms were discovered to be operational machineguns that had been modified with machinegun conversion devices. Seven of these machinegun conversion devices were found in an “LA Dank” branded bag. Two of these firearms were privately made AR-pistol style machineguns, 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.
Isaac Akinduro, who has four previous gun and firearms convictions, was arrested on August 12, 2022, in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the FBI Washington Field Office's Cross-Border Task Force in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin F. Song, Meredith E. Mayer-Dempsey, and Thomas Strong.
Last Defendant Sentenced to More than 10 Years for Robbery of a Pharmaceutical Van Driver and Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON D.C. – Juwuan Edward Francis Champion, 24, of Bowie, Md., was sentenced to 121 months in prison today for his role in the felony armed robbery of a pharmaceutical van driver and possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Champion, aka “Big Money,” pleaded guilty on December 19, 2023, to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (known as conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act robbery) and unlawful possession of a machine gun. In addition to the 10-years plus one-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ordered Champion to serve three years of supervised release.
Court documents alleged that Champion was among four crew members participating in a drug trafficking operation in the Potomac Gardens neighborhood of Southeast Washington. The three other members included Fitzgerald Hunt, 24, of Washington, D.C., also known as “GMoney,” Joshua Johnson, 18, of Capitol Heights, Md., also known as “Lil Josh,” and Keyshawn Lavender, 20, of Washington, D.C., also known as “Key.” From January to October 2021, the crew members allegedly trafficked in Oxycodone, Alprazolam, and a variety of illegal narcotics.
In pleading guilty, Champion, Hunt, and Johnson admitted that on March 30, 2021, they conspired to rob a pharmaceutical delivery van driver outside a pharmacy in Waldorf, Md. The driver was placed in handcuffs and hit on the head with a firearm. Then the defendants drove the van back to Washington, D.C., with pharmaceuticals valued at over $95,000.
At 2:46 p.m. on March 30, 2021, MPD located the stolen van on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE. At about 6 p.m. Prince George’s County police found discarded contents from the van, including numerous emptied bottles of oxycodone, in Bowie, Maryland. Fingerprints found on the contents matched Champion and his co-defendants, and other items recovered had Champion’s DNA. That same afternoon, Champion posted a photo on Instagram depicting an assortment of oxycodone pills on a plate. He also sent a flurry of direct-messages to a number of Instagram accounts touting that the pills were for sale in Potomac Gardens.
On October 6, 2021, at the residence where Champion was staying, police recovered a Ruger Five Seven 5.7x28mm caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number, loaded with 13 rounds of 5.7 caliber ammunition; a Glock 48, 9mm pistol loaded with 11 rounds; five Glock magazines; assorted ammunition inside a shoebox; approximately $37,280 in cash; and a “Big Money” jewelry pendant.
Law enforcement arrested Champion and his co-defendants on October 7, 2021.
Hunt was sentenced on September 29, 2023, to 108 months in prison. Johnson was sentenced as part of a global resolution to 60 months in prison in Charles County, Maryland, for the armed carjacking, running concurrently to a 12-month sentence in this jurisdiction for drug conspiracy. The final defendant, Lavender, was not alleged to have had a role in the robbery and was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in the drug conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Critical support was provided by the Charles County Md. Sheriff’s Office and Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, and additional assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Department, and Anne Arundel County, Md. Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Candice Wong and Solomon Eppel of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistance was provided by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison McGuire.
District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Theft from CVS in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Troy Thompson, 44, 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 February 22, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Thompson is on bench warrant status and will be arraigned when he returns to court at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 22, 2024, Thompson took a range of merchandise without paying from the CVS store at 2009 8th Street NW, Washington, D.C. Thompson was quickly located and arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Thompson 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 33 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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sidrah Miraaj-Raza.
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 Theft from CVS in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Andre Seay, 38, 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 February 21, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Seay is to be arraigned on March 18, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on February 21, 2024, Seay took a range of merchandise without paying from the CVS store at 1781 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. Seay was quickly located and arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Seay 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 33 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 and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sidrah Miraaj-Raza.
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 Convicted of Assaulting His ParamourRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Barrington Hart, 36, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today in Superior Court of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (Firearm), two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of obstruction, one count of threats, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction), one count of simple assault, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The defendant and the victim had been in a previous romantic relationship, broken up, and then reunited for four days when, on July 27, 2023, they got into an argument over the victim’s phone. Hart was accusing the victim of cheating on him and wanted to look through her phone. When she refused, he became angry, retrieved a black and yellow gun, and hit the victim on the head with it causing a laceration. Rather than taking her to the hospital, Hart made the victim come with him to a job interview while her head was still bleeding. She later went to the hospital alone and had the wound treated with nine staples to the top of the head. She reported the assault to the Metropolitan Police Department on July 30 2023. Less than a week later, on August 4, 2023, the victim called the police again and reported that the night before, Hart started an argument about her seeing other people, slapped her, and pointed the same black and yellow firearm at her. The victim snuck out the next morning to call for help. Hart was arrested on August 4, 2023.
After arrest, Hart continued to attempt to control the victim. He instructed her, twice, over Department of Corrections Video Visits, to refrain from testifying in the grand jury. Also, while incarcerated, Hart threatened the victim via numerous text messages.
Superior Court Judge Jason Park scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2024.
Court Sentences District Man to Seven Years in Connection with 2023 Armed Carjacking in Northeast Washington, D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marcus Thompson, 28, of Washington D.C., was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison in connection with an early morning armed carjacking in Northeast Washington D.C. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
In November 2023, Thompson pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. During that plea hearing, Thompson admitted that at approximately 6:00 a.m. on July 17, 2023, and armed with a handgun, he approached the victim as the victim was taking property out of his car in the 2300 block of R Street Northeast. Thompson put the weapon in the victim’s back and demanded his car keys. The victim, who had a lawful concealed carry permit, and fearing for his life, turned, and shot Thompson once in self-defense. The victim immediately called 911 and, while waiting for law enforcement to arrive, administered first aid to Thompson’s non-fatal wound. The victim remained cooperative with law enforcement. Metropolitan Police officers recovered a firearm from Thompson on scene.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Chief Smith commended the work of the investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sabena Auyeung, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
Q1 2024 Local Papering Rates and the Impact of Mandatory Arrest on Local ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney's Office For the District of Columbia, today, released Q1 24 papering rates.
Grand Jury Indicts District Teen for Armed Carjacking and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alvin Halmon-Daniels, now 18, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a Superior Court grand jury for armed carjacking and other charges related to a June 16, 2023 offense in Northeast Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On March 13, the grand jury returned an indictment charging the defendant, who was 17-years-old at the time of the carjacking, as an adult under Title 16.
In addition to armed carjacking, Halmon-Daniels is charged with robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. According to documents filed in court, at approximately 11:20 am on June 16, an unidentified co-conspirator drove his car in front of the complainant’s sedan in the 200 block of 13th Street NE. Halmon-Daniels got out of the co-conspirator’s car, armed with a handgun, and ordered the complainant to leave her property and get out of her car. Halmon-Daniels then drove off with the complainant’s vehicle and property, with his co-conspirator following in the suspect vehicle. MPD officers responded immediately, and tracked the carjacked vehicle to Southeast D.C., where it had crashed, and apprehended Halmon-Daniels nearby. The victim subsequently identified Halmon-Daniels as the gunman. At the time of his arrest on June 16th, Halmon-Daniels still had some of the victim’s property in his pockets.
The Court released the defendant after the preliminary hearing.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parron 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.
Jury Finds Russian-Swedish Operator of ‘Bitcoin Fog’ Guilty of Running the Darknet Cryptocurrency MixerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Roman Sterlingov, a citizen of Russia and Sweden, was found guilty today of operating among the longest-running and most prolific bitcoin money laundering services on the darknet.
The jury verdict, in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, Chief Jim Lee of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-Criminal Investigation, and FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the Washington Field Office.
Sterlingov, 35, was found guilty of money laundering conspiracy, sting money laundering, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and violations of the D.C. Money Transmitters Act. The jury also granted forfeiture to the government of several specific assets that law enforcement had previously seized, including over about 1,354 Bitcoin held in a Bitcoin Fog wallet, as well as $349,625 and various cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, and Stellar) held in seized Kraken cryptocurrency exchange accounts. U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2024, and will also consider a further forfeiture money judgment. Money laundering conspiracy and money laundering sting each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; unlicensed money services business and DC Code money transmission without a license each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to the government’s evidence, Sterlingov operated Bitcoin Fog from October 2011 to April 2021. Bitcoin Fog was a cryptocurrency “mixer,” or “tumbler,” and had gained notoriety as a money laundering service for criminals seeking to hide their illicit proceeds from law enforcement. Over the course of its decade-long operation, stopped only when Sterlingov was arrested and detained, Bitcoin Fog moved well over 1.2 million bitcoin (BTC) – valued at approximately nearly $400 million at the time of the transactions. The bulk of that cryptocurrency came from darknet marketplaces and was tied to illegal narcotics, computer fraud and abuse activities, and identity theft. His service also served purveyors of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through the notorious site Welcome to Video.
“Darknet criminals should know by now that operations like Bitcoin Fog cannot provide the anonymity for cryptocurrency transactions that they claim they can,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves of the District of Columbia. “This conviction demonstrates that the United States can and will combat the use of technology to carry out crimes in cyberspace.”
“Roman Sterlingov thought he could use the shadows of the internet to launder hundreds of millions of dollars in bitcoin without getting caught. But he was wrong,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “Our team of agents, analysts, and prosecutors were relentless in their pursuit of justice, painstakingly tracing bitcoin through the blockchain to hold Sterlingov and his Bitcoin Fog enterprise to account. Today, a jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts — showing that no matter where you operate, if your cryptocurrency service reaches the United States, you must abide by U.S. law.”
“Evidence presented at trial clearly showed that the defendant laundered hundreds of millions of illicit funds from the dark web through Bitcoin Fog in an attempt to conceal the origin of those funds,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Jim Lee. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are specially equipped to follow the complex financial trail left by criminals, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable for crimes committed.”
“For a decade, Sterlingov managed a cryptocurrency mixer that criminals used to launder millions of dollars linked to cybercrimes, narcotics sales, and child exploitation,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg. “His conviction demonstrates the FBI's commitment to working with our partners to disrupt the cybercriminal ecosystem by targeting its most technical and proficient enablers.”
“Roman Sterlingov operated Bitcoin Fog, a cryptocurrency ‘mixing’ service that allowed criminals to launder hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit funds from darknet marketplaces. The defendant and his customers believed they could use Bitcoin Fog to conceal these illicit transactions,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As the jury’s guilty verdict shows, that belief was mistaken. The Criminal Division is committed to unmasking and prosecuting those who use technology to hide their crimes, no matter how sophisticated the scheme may be.”
At launch, Sterlingov publicized Bitcoin Fog as a tool for anonymizing bitcoin transactions and evading law enforcement. His site charged customers a fee for the service. Historically, the largest users of Bitcoin Fog were darknet markets such as Agora, Silk Road, Silk Road 2.0, Evolution, and AlphaBay. As the jury found, Sterlingov’s mixing and tumbling activity was an illegal money transmitting and money laundering service under federal law.
While the identity of a BTC address owner is generally anonymous (unless the owner opts to make the information publicly available), the evidence at trial demonstrated that law enforcement can identify the owner of a particular bitcoin address by analyzing the blockchain. The analysis can also reveal additional addresses controlled by the same individual or entity. IRS-CI’s analysis determined Bitcoin Fog received approximately 486,861.69 BTC, valued at about $54,897,316 at the time of the transactions, directly from darknet markets. Bitcoin Fog sent approximately 164,931.13 BTC (about $23,690,956 at the time of the transactions) directly to darknet markets. In sum, the anonymizer sent or received more than $78 million in transactions involving known darknet markets, counting only direct transactions.
Based on Bitcoin Fog’s transaction activity over time, Sterlingov made millions in commissions from Bitcoin Fog transactions. Investigators obtained records of Sterlingov’s true-name accounts at several cryptocurrency exchanges. Analysis of those accounts revealed the vast majority of cryptocurrency deposited into Sterlingov’s accounts was originally sourced and traced back to bitcoin clusters associated with Bitcoin Fog.
Under U.S. law, it is a crime to conspire to commit money laundering, that is, to conduct financial transactions with proceeds from unlawful activity designed to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of such proceeds. It is also a crime to conduct or attempt to conduct a financial transaction involving property represented to be the proceeds of specified unlawful activity, with the intent to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of such property. It is also a crime to operate a money transmitting businesses without obtaining an appropriate money transmitting license in the state in which the service operates, or with FinCEN. The D.C. also criminalizes similar unlicensed activity.
Sterlingov was arrested April 27, 2021, at Los Angeles International Airport and has remained detained since that time.
The IRS-CI District of Columbia Cyber Crime Unit and FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit provided invaluable assistance. Additional assistance was provided by Europol; the Swedish Economic Crime Authority (Ekobrottsmyndigheten), the Swedish Prosecution Authority, and the Swedish Police; and the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police, Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime, and the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism.
Trial Attorneys Jeff Pearlman and C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Brown for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Pelker and Brown are members of CCIPS’ National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET). Paralegal Specialists Angela De Falco and Divya Ramjee provided valuable assistance.
District Man Admits Defrauding Covid-19 Tenant Assistance ProgramRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ronald Allen, Jr., 54, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today in Superior Court to one count of first-degree theft and one count of false statements for fraudulently obtaining and keeping $31,044 from a Covid-19 tenant assistance program, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Daniel W. Lucas Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
At today’s plea hearing, Allen admitted that in July and September of 2021, he submitted false information on two separate applications to the Stronger Together by Assisting You (STAY DC) program, a DC government program established in 2021 to help cover rent and utilities for renters suffering hardship from the Covid-19 pandemic. Allen falsely stated that he had earned no income in 2020 or 2021, and falsely stated that his work had stopped because of the pandemic when, in fact, he maintained steady income during both years from several sources. Based on Allen’s false statements, the DC government sent Allen two checks, totaling $31,044, that Allen had promised to use to pay back rent and utilities. Allen admitted that he did not use any of that money to pay his outstanding rent obligations, or utilities, as required by the terms of the program, and instead spent all of the STAY DC money on luxury goods, travel, dining, and other personal expenses. As part of the plea agreement, Allen agreed to pay full restitution, in the amount of $31,044.
The Honorable Jason Park accepted Allen’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for May 3, 2024.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Inspector General Lucas commended the work of those who investigated the case from the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Bluming, on detail from the DC Office of the Attorney General to prosecute matters involving fraud and public corruption.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Firearms Dealing and Trafficking in the DMVRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Demarco Diggs, 26, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for dealing firearms without a license and trafficking firearms into the District of Columbia. Diggs used various methods to advertise his weapons for sale, most often through Instagram, and intentionally sold them to convicted felons who were prohibited from buying weapons. Law enforcement has now recovered multiple firearms that Diggs trafficked, including six within the D.C. Metropolitan Area, which include guns that have been involved in multiple shootings or discharges in the DMV area.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai, of the Washington Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Acting U.S. Marshal Ronald Carter of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Diggs pleaded guilty on November 14, 2023, in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of illegal transport of a firearm. In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Royce C. Lamberth ordered Diggs to serve three of supervised release on completion of his prison sentence. Diggs has agreed to forfeit 25 firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns, as well as an assortment of ammunition. In court documents, Diggs agreed that his firearms dealing involved up to 24 firearms.
Between September 2021 and September 2023, law enforcement recovered six firearms in the D.C. Metropolitan Area which were traced back to being purchased and subsequently re-sold by Diggs. The firearms were linked to shootings or discharges and theft incidents, and one firearm was recovered from a November 2022 search warrant at the residence of Quinton McLean. McLean was indicted as a result of that search warrant and, in March 2023, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Judge Lamberth sentenced McLean to 34 months’ imprisonment and 36 months of supervised release.
Investigators determined that each of the recovered firearms had been purchased by Diggs in Georgia in April and June 2021, where Diggs resided at the time. In June and July 2021, Diggs traveled from Georgia to Washington, D.C., to sell firearms to prohibited persons. To date, law enforcement has identified nearly two dozen firearms that Diggs purchased from federal firearm licensees (FFLs) and at gun shows between 2020 and 2023, which were then re-sold by Diggs for profit.
Over the course of his illegal firearms trafficking, Diggs often employed Instagram to identify prospective customers to whom he would re-sell firearms that he purchased. According to court documents, Diggs used direct messages to display inventories of weapons for sale to prospective customers. In one such Instagram direct message exchange, Diggs explained to a prospective customer that he was selling his firearms “for people that [can’t] get them on [their] own.”
On March 24, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at two separate residences associated with Diggs in Aurora, Colorado. From those searches, law enforcement recovered more than a half-dozen firearms, assorted ammunition and magazines, and two gun cases bearing serial numbers that matched to firearms recovered in the D.C. Metropolitan Area.
This investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Marshals Service (USMS), with assistance from the ATF Denver Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAVEN).
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew W. Kinskey of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section and Trial Attorney Ethan Cantor of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Valuable assistance was provided by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam L.D. Stempel and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy T. Wang.
Bitcoin Fog Operator Convicted of Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Washington, D.C., convicted a dual Russian-Swedish national today for his operation of the longest-running bitcoin money laundering service on the darknet.
“Roman Sterlingov thought he could use the shadows of the internet to launder hundreds of millions of dollars in bitcoin without getting caught. But he was wrong,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Our team of agents, analysts, and prosecutors were relentless in their pursuit of justice, painstakingly tracing bitcoin through the blockchain to hold Sterlingov and his Bitcoin Fog enterprise to account. Today, a jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts — showing that no matter where you operate, if your cryptocurrency service reaches the United States, you must abide by U.S. law.”
“The FBI’s cyber workforce remains relentless in the pursuit of criminals who leverage technology to conduct and facilitate illegal activity,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Today’s conviction is the result of close collaboration between the FBI and our federal and international partners to impose consequences on Bitcoin Fog and its operator for their money laundering activities. The FBI will continue to use all available tools and resources to impose costs on cybercriminals, no matter where they operate.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Roman Sterlingov, 35, was involved in operating Bitcoin Fog from 2011 through 2021. Bitcoin Fog was the longest-running cryptocurrency “mixer,” gaining notoriety as a go-to money laundering service for criminals seeking to hide their illicit proceeds from law enforcement. Over the course of its decade-long operation, Bitcoin Fog moved over 1.2 million bitcoin, which was valued at approximately $400 million at the time of the transactions. The bulk of this cryptocurrency came from darknet marketplaces and was tied to illegal narcotics, computer crimes, identity theft, and child sexual abuse material.
“Roman Sterlingov operated Bitcoin Fog, a cryptocurrency ‘mixing’ service that allowed criminals to launder hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit funds from darknet marketplaces. The defendant and his customers believed they could use Bitcoin Fog to conceal these illicit transactions,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As the jury’s guilty verdict shows, that belief was mistaken. The Criminal Division is committed to unmasking and prosecuting those who use technology to hide their crimes, no matter how sophisticated the scheme may be.”
“Darknet criminals should know by now that operations like Bitcoin Fog cannot provide the anonymity for cryptocurrency transactions that they claim they can,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “This conviction demonstrates that the United States can and will combat the use of technology to carry out crimes in cyberspace.”
“Evidence presented at trial clearly showed that the defendant laundered hundreds of millions of illicit funds from the dark web through Bitcoin Fog in an attempt to conceal the origin of those funds,” said Chief Jim Lee of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are specially equipped to follow the complex financial trail left by criminals, and we are dedicated to holding those accountable for crimes committed.”
The jury convicted Sterlingov of money laundering conspiracy and sting money laundering, which each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and money transmission without a license in the District of Columbia, which each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The IRS-CI District of Columbia Cyber Crime Unit and FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit provided invaluable assistance. Additional assistance was provided by Europol; the Swedish Economic Crime Authority, Swedish Prosecution Authority, and Swedish Police Authority; and the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police, Directorate for Combatting Organized Crime, and Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism.
Trial Attorneys Jeff Pearlman and C. Alden Pelker of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher B. Brown for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Pelker and Brown are members of CCIPS’ National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET). CCIPS Paralegal Specialist Divya Ramjee and Paralegal Specialist Angela De Falco for the District of Columbia provided valuable assistance.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation into Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against an officer from the United States Park Police for a fatal shooting that occurred on November 22, 2023, and fatally injured a 30-year-old District resident in the 1100 block of M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, crime-camera footage, BWC footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, the autopsy report, and reports from MPD.
According to the evidence, at about 2:30 p.m. an individual was observed in the 1100 block of 12th Street, N.W. by officers with the United States Park Police. The officers believed that the individual was engaged in drug trafficking. When the officers approached, the individual ran onto the 1100 block of M Street. One officer was able to catch up to the individual. The officer reached out to grab the individual and the two men briefly struggled. The individual retrieved a gun from his pocket and shot the officer. Simultaneously, the officer was able to draw his service weapon and fire. Both men were struck with gunfire. The individual ran several more feet and collapsed on the scene. Other officers initiated life-savings measures. However, the individual was declared dead at the scene. The officer was taken to the hospital and survived his wounds.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Park Police officer willfully violated the civilian’s rights.
Use-of-force investigations generally
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.
Readout of U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Meeting with Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy KostinRead the Press Release
On March 7, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland welcomed to the Justice Department Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin (PG Kostin), Ambassador Oksana Markarova of Ukraine to the United States, and Director Yurii Belousov of the Prosecutor General’s Department for Countering Crimes Committed in Conditions of Armed Conflict. On March 6 and 7, PG Kostin and Director Belousov also met with numerous Justice Department officials in Washington, D.C.
AG Garland expressed the Department’s continued support and commitment to working with Ukraine on all fronts and across numerous areas. He highlighted the Department’s work holding Russia accountable for war crimes, through the work of the Justice Department’s War Crimes Accountability Team (WarCAT) as well as the Department’s participation in the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression in The Hague (ICPA). He also noted the Department’s ongoing work to seize illicit Russian assets for the benefit of the people of Ukraine, to prosecute those who facilitate the evasion of sanctions imposed on Russia, and to fight back against the export of sensitive technologies through Task Force KleptoCapture (TFKC) and the Disruptive Technology Strike Force (DTSF).
During the meeting, AG Garland reiterated the Department’s commitment to working closely with Ukraine to secure their democratic future through the prosecution of high-level corruption and highlighted recent successes including the December war crimes indictment charging four Russia-affiliated military personnel and recent cases brought by TFKC and the DTSF. AG Garland and PG Kostin also discussed the impact of relationships developed across the Department including with the Environment and Natural Resources Division, the FBI’s Art Crime Team, and the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ).
On March 6, PG Kostin met with Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen to discuss cooperation in identifying and prosecuting illicit actors and how to build upon the relationship between the Ukrainian government and the DTSF, including opportunities for engaging with partners in Europe and the United Kingdom on preventing the export of sensitive dual-use technologies to Russia and to other foreign adversaries for malign purposes.
On March 7, PG Kostin also met with Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Counselor for International Affairs Bruce C. Swartz, WarCat, TFKC, the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), Resident Legal Advisor at U.S. Embassy Kyiv Jared Kimball, the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, ATJ, and the Office of International Affairs (OIA). In addition, PG Kostin met with victim witness support experts of the Office of Victims of Crime, Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The meetings were a follow-up to the meetings in September 2023 to discuss progress made and priorities moving forward including investigating and prosecuting war crimes of torture and sexual violence and providing support and resources to victims and witnesses of these horrific crimes. They discussed increased efforts to provide guidance, case-based mentoring, expertise, and capacity building to Ukrainian prosecutors and investigators on investigating war-related cyber-attacks to critical infrastructure and environmental crimes, as well as the theft and smuggling of cultural property and protecting cultural heritage.
It also was an opportunity to demonstrate the United States’ unwavering support and confidence in the Prosecutor General’s Office’s critical work and understand the current challenges they are facing and how the Department can help.
The Justice Department is proud to stand by our Ukrainian law enforcement partners in their courageous and crucial work and looks forward to continued collaboration and partnership.
D.C. Felon Sentenced to 115 Months for Firearms Offenses and Distribution of PCP and ‘Boot’Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – James Fitzgerald Honesty, 35, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 115 months in prison for a May 2022 incident that involved a police foot chase resulting in the recovery of a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, and large quantities of drugs that included PCP and two varieties of “boot,” a designer synthetic stimulant, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Honesty pleaded guilty on September 2, 2023, in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. He also pleaded to unlawful possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Phencyclidine (PCP). In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered Honesty to serve five years of supervised release following his incarceration.
This conviction, Honesty’s fifth involving a gun and his third for possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, involved a flight from officers and abandonment of a loaded gun and dangerous controlled substances on a public sidewalk in a residential neighborhood in Southeast -- less than 1,000 feet from an elementary school. Two separate 911 callers alerted police to his possession of a gun, one of which said that he used it in a fight.
According to court documents, on May 23, 2022, MPD received a call at 6:25 p.m. reporting an altercation on the 2500 block of Ainger Place SE, and that “one of the guys pulled out a gun.” Another caller reported a man with a weapon, saying, “[h]e right here. He pulled out a gun on my boyfriend, threatened to kill him.” Several MPD squad cars responded. Officers in separate patrol cars spotted Honesty. After making eye contact with one of the officers, Honesty took off running.
With three officers in pursuit, Honesty reached for his waistband, produced a firearm and dropped it to the ground. The foot chase continued as he rounded a corner. Honesty dropped a black satchel to the ground shortly before police caught him. An officer recovered the gun -- a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic loaded with 21 rounds in an extended magazine and one round in the chamber -- in the path of the Honesty’s flight. Another officer found the satchel bag which contained nearly 24 grams of liquid Phencyclidine aka PCP, 32 grams of a white powder, determined to be N, N-Dimethylpentylone, and brown rock-like substance later determined to be N-Propylbutylone. Both substances are considered to be varieties of “boot,” which is a designer synthetic stimulant that is typically sold as a cheaper alternative to Ecstasy or MDMA (sometimes referred to as “Molly”).
Honesty has been detained since his arrest on March 23, 2022.
This case was investigated by the MPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin F. Song, Meredith Mayer-Dempsey, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Cloherty and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Kristina Cervi.
District Man Sentenced to 32 Months in Prison for Felony Second-Degree Theft for Stealing Multiple Packages after Multiple Prior Theft ConvictionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Daniel Greene, 42, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 32 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for two counts of felony second degree theft. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On January 5, 2024, Greene pleaded guilty to both counts. At today’s sentencing, Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced Greene to 16 months in prison for each count, to run consecutively.
According to the government’s evidence, on September 16, 2023, the defendant went up to residences in Northeast Washington, D.C. and stole packages that been delivered to residents’ front doors. Greene was indicted on October 12, 2023, on two counts of felony second degree theft. Greene had nine prior theft convictions, in the District of Columbia, and was therefore subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison.
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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Skopicki, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Multiples Thefts from CVSRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Quinton Thomas, 40, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on nine counts of felony second-degree theft and two counts of unlawful entry stemming from events occurring between October 2023 and November 2023, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Thomas is to be arraigned on April 22, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, between October 2023 and January 2024, Thomas repeatedly stole from two CVS stores located in Northwest Washington D.C., returning on multiple occasions to steal thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. Thomas was later located and arrested after investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Thomas 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 31 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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Kurland.
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 Theft from Lidl in NorthwestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Dwayne Bingham, 63, 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 December 30, 2023, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Bingham is to be arraigned on March 21, 2024, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the government’s evidence, on December 30, 2023, Bingham took a range of merchandise without paying from the Lidl store at 3100 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. Bingham was quickly located and arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Bingham 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 31 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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Jones.
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.
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District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second-Degree Theft for Stealing Multiple PackagesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Demetrius Hamm, 55, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on three counts of felony second-degree theft stemming from events occurring on January 30, 2024, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced.
Hamm has been arraigned and has another hearing before a Superior Court judge on March 19, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, on January 30, 2024, Hamm took packages off of a porch in Northwest Washington, DC. Hamm was quickly located and arrested by members of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Hamm 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 31 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 and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Yee Yee Myint.
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.
Founder of LGBTQ+ Non-Profit Arrested, Ordered Held on Fraud and Money Laundering CountsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ruby Corado, 53, the founder of Casa Ruby, Inc., a Washington D.C.-based non-profit that provided services to the LGBTQ+ community, had her first appearance in U.S. District Court today to face charges of defrauding Paycheck Protection and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs, and money laundering. Corado allegedly diverted at least $150,000 of $1.3 million in taxpayer-backed emergency relief funds, intended for Casa Ruby, to private bank accounts off-shore for her personal use.
Corado is charged by complaint with bank fraud, wire fraud, laundering of monetary instruments, monetary transactions in criminally derived proceeds, and failure to file a report of foreign bank account.
According to court documents, Corado received more than $1.3 million from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Instead of using the funds as she promised, Corado stole at least $150,000 by transferring the money to bank accounts in El Salvador, which she hid from the IRS. During 2022, when financial irregularities at Casa Ruby became public, Corado sold her home in Prince Georges County and fled to El Salvador. FBI agents arrested Corado on March 5, 2024, at a hotel in Laurel, Maryland, after her unexpected return to the United States. Corado is being held pending a detention hearing on Friday.
Casa Ruby effectively ceased operations in July 2022 when it shuttered its transitional housing, failed to pay its employees, and faced eviction from multiple properties for failure to pay rent.
Bank fraud carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The money laundering charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the D.C. Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Borchert, Madhu Chugh, and Kathryn Rakoczy.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Driver Who Crashed During a Police Chase Gets 12 Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Shaquille Taylor, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 12 years in prison, yesterday, for causing near-fatal injuries to another motorist in May 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Michael Buck of the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division (USSS), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
A Superior Court jury convicted Taylor, in November 2023, of aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and destruction of property. According to the government’s evidence, a USSS officer had initiated a traffic stop of Taylor, near 17th Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW, at approximately 2:00 AM on May 6, 2022. Taylor had initially complied with the stop and started to get out of his car, but then got back in the car and drove off at a high rate of speed. As he did so, Taylor ran a red light at 12th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW, travelling just under 100 MPH, and crashed into the victim’s car. As a result of the crash, the victim sustained near-fatal injuries and spent weeks on a ventilator. As a result, the victim will suffer chronic pain for the rest of his life. Taylor sustained a broken arm and leg. Police officers later recovered a firearm from Taylor’s car.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Buck, and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Antoinette Sakamsa, Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Renee Prather, Victim Witness Service Coordinator Maenylie Watson, Victim Witness Program Specialist Lakeisha McFall, Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Houck and Jamie Carter who assisted with the investigation of the matter.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Bartz and Benjamin Helfand, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Christopher Norece Mitchell, 25, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to federal firearms and drug trafficking offenses stemming from his possession of three loaded firearms and distributable quantities of narcotics on April 20, 2023, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; 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).
Mitchell pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and one count of possession with intent to distribute N,N-Dimethylpentylone, a Schedule I controlled substance. The Honorable Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2024.
According to plea documents, in the early afternoon hours of April 20, 2023, members of the Metropolitan Police Department approached a group of men who were loitering on private property in the District’s Chinatown neighborhood. As the men left the area, one took a black plastic bag off a fence post and threw it into a public trash can. The officers recovered the bag, which contained a distributable quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, empty plastic bags consistent drug distribution, and a key for a nearby SUV. Minutes later, Mitchell arrived on scene and claimed the SUV belonged to his mother. Mitchell consented to a search of his person, which yielded almost $4,000 in U.S. currency and distributable quantities of drugs that were later determined to include fentanyl and the synthetic stimulant N,N-Dimethylpentylone. Officers also searched the SUV and recovered additional N,N-Dimethylpentylone among other drugs, along with additional scales. Officers also recovered three loaded Glock firearms and additional ammunition. Subsequent DNA testing and analysis tied Mitchell to the firearms.
On May 18, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Mitchell on firearms and drug trafficking offenses. Mitchell was arrested on May 19, 2023, and has remained in custody since.
Federal law prohibits Mitchell from possessing a firearm because he previously was convicted in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
Mitchell faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the firearms count and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and up to a $2,000,000 fine on the drug trafficking count. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence imposed in this case will be determined by the Court after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.
The case was indicted by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Kelley and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney.
District Man Found Guilty in the Kidnapping and Multiple Rapes of a Maryland Woman, a Total StrangerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mark A. Blue, 34, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today in the December 2018 kidnapping, robbery, and multiple rapes of a total stranger. The jury verdict in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia 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, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The jury found Blue guilty of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping while armed, robbery while armed, and two counts of first degree sexual abuse while armed. The Honorable Carl J. Nichols, who presided over the case, scheduled sentencing for June 14, 2024. This conviction carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
According to court documents, Blue, along with a co-conspirator, targeted the victim, who was walking home from a bus stop in Prince Georges County, MD. Blue stripped her naked, robbed her, forced her into a car, threatened to kill her, covered her eyes with her shirt so she would not be able to see, and sexually assaulted her in Maryland. Then Blue drove her to Southeast Washington, D.C., where he forced her to disclose her ATM information. His co-conspirator drained her bank account of nearly everything as Blue assaulted her again. Blue drove the victim to an alley where both men sexually assaulted her yet again. They left her naked in an alley, with her shirt covering her head.
At the time of the attack, Blue was under supervised release for a 2013 armed robbery conviction. Elements of the crime were captured by surveillance footage and ATM cameras. Two days after the offenses, on December 5, 2018, Blue quit his job and fled to North Carolina. A tipster, who recognized Blue’s mugshot on a television news show, called law enforcement. The tipster stated that Blue had said he was wanted by police for robbing and kidnapping a girl.
Blue was arrested on January 29, 2019, in North Carolina and has remained in custody since his arrest.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office's Violent Crimes Task Force, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Prince Georges County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Burrell, Rachel Forman, and Paralegal Specialist Alexis Spencer-Anderson of the District of Columbia. The prosecution team received valuable assistance from Veronica Vaughn of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart Allen, Nicholas Miranda, and Jessica Wash.
District Man Charged with First-Degree Murder for Killing a Teenager on the MetroRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON- Keith Williams, 23, of the District of Columbia, was indicted today on the charge of first-degree murder while armed for the shooting death of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori, on board a green line Metro rail car, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. The Honorable Michael O’Keefe ordered that Williams be held without bond pending trial.
According to the indictment, on May 28, 2023, Williams and the victim were both traveling on the Metro rail system separately. Surveillance video captured the victim get on a southbound Green Line train at the West Hyattsville Metro Station. The defendant was captured entering the Stadium Armory Metro Station and transferring to a Green Line train at L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station. At approximately 11:40 a.m., while both were on the same train traveling to the Waterfront station, Williams shot the victim multiple times following an altercation between the two. The victim was found to be unresponsive by emergency personnel and pronounced dead a short time later.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Interrante.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Virginia Man Indicted in D.C. on Charges of Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Andrey Chun Sarmiento, 24, of Hallwood, Virginia, is charged by indictment, unsealed today, 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’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Special agents with the FBI arrested Sarmiento in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Friday, March 1.
According to the indictment, on February 13, 2024, Chun Sarmiento distributed numerous video files depicting adult males engaging in sexually explicit conduct with minors via an encrypted instant messaging application.
On February 13, 2024, a member of the MPD-FBI Child Exploitation Task Force was monitoring an online application in an undercover capacity. Law enforcement has come to learn that the application is used by some individuals who have a sexual interest in children. The undercover agent encountered Chun Sarmiento, who sent a message believing he was communicating with a pedophile. Chun Sarmiento expressed his sexual interest in children and sent the undercover agent a link to an online folder containing hundreds of videos, many of which depict adult males sexually abusing prepubescent boys. At the time of the offense, Chun Sarmiento was enrolled in law school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
On February 29, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment charging Chun Sarmiento with one count of distribution of child pornography. The case is assigned to the Honorable Loren L. AliKhan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
On Friday, March 1, the FBI arrested Chun Sarmiento in Pennsylvania and executed a search warrant at his residence there. Chun Sarmiento will remain in custody pending a detention hearing to be held in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
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’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office’s Harrisburg Resident Agency and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation into Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against two officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for their role in an October 19, 2023, fatal shooting involving a 33-year old District resident that occurred in the 2800 block of Naylor Road, S.E., Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, crime-camera footage, BWC footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, the autopsy report, and reports from MPD.
According to the evidence, at about 5:00 p.m. MPD officers were summoned to the 2800 block of Gainesville Street, S.E., for a report of a man with a gun made by a 911 caller. The officers observed a man matching the description given by the 911 caller and attempted to make contact with the individual. The individual ran from the police and a foot chased ensued. As the individual entered the backyard of a house in the 2800 block of Naylor Road, he turned and fired a handgun at the police. The officers, including MPD Officer Dallas Bennett, responded. Officer Bennett returned fire and another officer was struck during the exchange. As this was occurring, MPD Officer Jonathan Hasstedt approached the scene by running towards the front of the house. The individual emerged from the side area of the same house and pointed a gun at Officer Hasstedt, who then drew his weapon and shot the individual. The individual collapsed after running a few more feet. The police immediately initiated life-savings measures. However, the individual was declared dead at the scene. Officer Bennett was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive his wounds.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors have found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the MPD Officers Bennett and Hasstedt, both involved in the incident, are criminally liable for the death of the decedent.
Use-of-force investigations generally
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.
Statement from U.S. Attorney’s Office on Passage of Secure DCRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia applauds the Council’s passage of the Secure DC legislative package. The provisions in this bill will provide crucial tools to police and to prosecutors as we collectively work together to hold those who commit crimes in our community accountable. And we are particularly grateful that the Council listened to our arguments related to DNA collection and developed a compromise position that allows for the earlier collection of DNA. This provision will both help solve violent crimes and prevent future crimes by removing these dangerous people from our community.
Maryland Man Charged in Shooting of a DCHA Police OfficerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Victor Scott Terrill, 40, of Landover, Maryland, had an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court on a criminal complaint charging federal firearms offenses – in addition to Superior Court charges of felony assault on a law enforcement officer – for the February 29, 2024, shooting of a District Housing Authority Police officer in Southeast Washington’s Navy Yard neighborhood. The injured officer was seriously wounded and is still recovering from his injuries.
According to court documents, two police officers from the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) were dispatched to a Southeast apartment building for a report of a disturbance early on the morning of February 29, 2024. During his interactions with the responding DCHA officers, Terrill pulled out a handgun and fired a shot, striking one DCHA officer in the abdomen. Terrill fled through the hallway and down a westside staircase. The officers chased Terrill while calling for backup and split up. As the uninjured officer exited the building, he observed two flashes of muzzle fire and heard two additional gunshots, appearing to be exchanged between Terrill and the injured DCHA officer. The uninjured officer then rendered aide to the injured DCHA officer, who had been shot. When help arrived, the DCHA officer was rushed by ambulance to a hospital.
Additional officers responded to the scene and began canvassing for Terrill. Citizens reported seeing Terrill enter 1331 4th Street, SE. Law enforcement barricaded the building. Surveillance cameras inside the building captured Terrill placing a handgun into a trashcan in the building’s parking garage. Minutes later, Terrill is seen via video surveillance seen pulling a fire alarm. Terrill eventually was detained by the Emergency Response Team without incident. Investigators found a Smith & Wesson 40 Caliber handgun in the trashcan.
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, prosecutors asked Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather to order Terrill detained pending trial. A hearing is scheduled for Friday, March 8, where the court will determine whether to release Terrill or detain him.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the MPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Mayer-Dempsey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Guilty Plea in May 2023 Shootout Near Nightclub in Northwest Washington D.CRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dirk Easton, 27, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with a May 13, 2023, shootout near a DuPont nightclub, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Easton pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John D. Bates to assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprison for a term exceeding one year. Judge Bates scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2024.
According to court documents, on May 13, 2023, at around 3 a.m., Easton and a group of men were outside the Abigail nightclub at 1730 M Street, NW. A physical altercation broke out between some of those men and others inside the parking garage. Two of the individuals entered a silver Kia and began to leave the parking garage. Easton, who had not been involved with the earlier altercation, ran into the garage and towards the Kia. Easton pulled out a black Polymer 80 firearm with an extended magazine. The Kia attempted to reverse, leaving the garage. Easton opened fire on the Kia as it reversed out of the garage, striking the vehicle and surrounding area multiple times. Easton was hit with a bullet that ricocheted from his own gun. Easton had previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison.
Three other men were arrested and charged in relation to the May 2023 parking garage shootout. On November 13, 2023, Adrian Vinson pled guilty to carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and, on February 20, 2024, was sentenced to 66 months in prison. On October 16, 2023, Tyron Hines pled guilty to carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2024. Garrick Richardson was also charged in relation to his possession of a firearm in the parking garage. A status hearing is scheduled in his matter for March 18, 2024.
Easton faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $37,500 for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He also faces a mandatory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer.