District of Columbia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Investment Banker Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Defendant Concealed over $5.1 Million in Offshore Accounts
WASHINGTON – A U.S. citizen residing in the Principality of Monaco pleaded guilty today to tax evasion for concealing from the IRS over $5,130,000 in income derived from a real estate transaction and securities investments in offshore bank accounts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stephen L. Schechter was a licensed U.S. investment banker, U.K. corporate finance advisor and owner and operator of a U.S.-based financial investment advisory firm.
In 2002, Schechter formed an entity called Charles Penn Longview (CPL) in the British Virgin Islands. In June 2004, Schechter opened a Swiss bank account in the name of CPL at what ultimately became known as Piguet Galland & Cie SA. In doing so, he and his bank relationship manager concealed Schechter's U.S.-citizenship status in bank documents. Until it was closed around January 2013, the account generated interest and dividends that Schechter never reported to the IRS as income.
In June 2011, Schechter sold a Monaco apartment for approximately €14,000,000, which he deposited into his CPL account at Piguet. He subsequently used the sale proceeds to purchase $8,856,691 in various securities, on which he earned interest, dividends, and capital gains. Schechter never disclosed the income from the sale of the Monaco apartment or the securities bought from sale proceeds to his tax return preparer. Schechter knew that, as a U.S. citizen, he was obligated to report and pay taxes on his income, even if he earned it abroad and lived outside the United States.
Schechter later opened another CPL bank account at UBS Monaco SA, closed his account at Piguet, and transferred the balance of approximately $10.2 million into the new UBS Monaco account, further earning undisclosed interest and dividends until 2017.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required annually to file a FinCEN Form 114 – Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) – if the combined balance of all foreign accounts they own, have a financial interest in or signature authority over is more than $10,000 at any point during that calendar year. However, Schechter did not file FBARs reporting his Piguet or UBS Monaco accounts.
Schechter is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis and Trial Attorney George Meggali of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Goemaat for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
Investment Banker Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A U.S. citizen residing in the Principality of Monaco pleaded guilty today to tax evasion for concealing from the IRS over $5,130,000 in income derived from a real estate transaction and securities investments in offshore bank accounts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stephen L. Schechter was a licensed U.S. investment banker, U.K. corporate finance advisor and owner and operator of a U.S.-based financial investment advisory firm.
In 2002, Schechter formed an entity called Charles Penn Longview (CPL) in the British Virgin Islands. In June 2004, Schechter opened a Swiss bank account in the name of CPL at what ultimately became known as Piguet Galland & Cie SA. In doing so, he and his bank relationship manager concealed Schechter's U.S.-citizenship status in bank documents. Until it was closed around January 2013, the account generated interest and dividends that Schechter never reported to the IRS as income.
In June 2011, Schechter sold a Monaco apartment for approximately €14,000,000, which he deposited into his CPL account at Piguet. He subsequently used the sale proceeds to purchase $8,856,691 in various securities, on which he earned interest, dividends and capital gains. Schechter never disclosed the income from the sale of the Monaco apartment or the securities bought from sale proceeds to his tax return preparer. Schechter knew that, as a U.S. citizen, he was obligated to report and pay taxes on his income, even if he earned it abroad and lived outside the United States.
Schechter later opened another CPL bank account at UBS Monaco SA, closed his account at Piguet, and transferred the balance of approximately $10.2 million into the new UBS Monaco account, further earning undisclosed interest and dividends until 2017.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required annually to file a FinCEN Form 114 – Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) – if the combined balance of all foreign accounts they own, have a financial interest in or signature authority over is more than $10,000 at any point during that calendar year. However, Schechter did not file FBARs reporting his Piguet or UBS Monaco accounts.
Schechter is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis and Trial Attorney George Meggali of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Goemaat for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
Indictment Charges Maryland Man in a 2022 Pre-Meditated Double Murder and Assault in SE WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Amarii Fontanelle, 20, of Bowie, Md, was charged by indictment yesterday in the October 2022 killings of Reginald Cooper, Jr. and Davonte Berkley, and the non-fatal shooting of Christian Murray that occurred in Southeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The indictment charges Fontanelle with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, one count of assault with the intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and other firearms-related charges.
On Oct. 17, 2022, Cooper and Berkley, both 19 and residents of Maryland, drove to 1307 Congress St., SE. Fontanelle greeted them with handshakes, then led them into the house where Fontanelle’s associates were waiting in a stairwell. About two minutes after entering the building, video surveillance footage captured images of muzzle fire coming from Fontanelle.
Seconds after the shooting, Fontanelle ran from the building followed by his associates.
Cooper—who sustained eight gunshot wounds to his head, back and torso—was pronounced dead at the scene. Berkley suffered four gunshot wounds to his back, torso, arm, and buttocks and was taken to Medstar Washington Medical Center where he was pronounced dead three hours later. Murray, a resident of the District who was also at the scene of the slayings, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg that shattered the bone. Murray underwent surgery at Medstar and was hospitalized for a week.
Fontanelle was identified using still photos from video surveillance footage. He was arrested on Jan. 12, 2023.
Trial is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2024, before the Honorable Maribeth Raffinan in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Fontanelle is being held without bond pending trial.
This case is being investigated by members of the Major Case Squad of the Homicide Division of the MPD. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marybeth Manfreda.
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 Seven-Year Prison Term for Metro StabbingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Christopher Wade, 40, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, to 84 months in prison for stabbing a woman as she descended into the Potomac Avenue Metro Station and for robbing another woman at knifepoint in the Eastern Market Metro Station, announced U.S. Matthew M. Graves. Mr. Wade pleaded guilty, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, in August of 2023, to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of robbery.
According to the government’s evidence, just after 10 p.m. on June 25, 2023, Wade saw a woman descending, alone, into the Eastern Market Metro Station. Wade waited for her at the bottom of the escalator, pushed her into a wall, and demanded her property while wielding a knife. Wade fled the Metro after stealing her phone and other property. Five days later, on June 30, 2023, Wade walked into the Potomac Avenue Metro Station just before noon. A woman stood on the escalator, alone, and Wade approached her from behind, grabbed her by the neck, and demanded her property. He then pushed her down to the stairs of the escalator and stabbed her in the arm before fleeing up the escalator and out of the Metro. After review of the surveillance footage from both incidents, Metro Transit Police Department officers were able to locate Wade and confirm he was the suspect from both incidents.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Transit Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine Yaske, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Ongoing Acts of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Tyrone Wiggins, 66, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to second-degree child sexual abuse, admitting that over an eight-year period, he regularly engaged in sexual acts with a minor. The plea was announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Wiggins pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He is to be sentenced on January 5, 2024, by the Honorable Rainey Brandt.
According to the facts agreed to by both parties, between May 11, 1999 and October 20, 1999, when the victim was 13-years old and Wiggins was 42, Wiggins engaged in penetrative sexual acts with the victim on multiple, regular occasions. Wiggins also admitted that he had abused the victim when the victim was 10-years old; and that he continued doing so until she was 18-years old. All of the sexual abuse took place in the District of Columbia.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Taylor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Zubrensky, who assisted on complex legal issues and in negotiating the plea agreement.
Judge Sentences Defendant to Five Years for Role in Drug Trafficking Around 7th & O Streets, NWRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Harold Augostus Stone, 48, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Stone is one of 20 defendants charged in connection with a wide-ranging drug trafficking investigation centered on the area of 7th and O Streets, in Northwest Washington, D.C. He pleaded guilty on June 23, 2022. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered an additional five years of supervised release.
Stone has a prior conviction for first degree murder while armed for a 1992 slaying in the District of Columbia. His sentence was reduced under D.C.’s Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act, and he was released from custody in July 2020. He also has a previous conviction for assault with a deadly weapon in Virginia.
According to court documents, in mid-2021 members of the MPD, working with the FBI, began investigating violent crime and drug trafficking activities connected to an open-air drug market at the corner of 7th and O Streets. The investigation revealed that the individuals charged gathered in this area on a regular basis to sell controlled substances that included cocaine base and fentanyl. Law enforcement identified several neighborhood residences the group used as stash houses for storing, processing, and packaging drugs for resale.
On May 11, 2022, Stone – aka “Bankroll” – was arrested by four U.S. Park Police on the 1200 block of M Street, NW. At the time, Stone was wearing a satchel and a large puffy jacket. Inside the satchel, officers recovered six knotted bags weighing 98 grams total and $3,242 in cash. The substance in the bags tested positive for cocaine base and weighed more than 28 grams.
This case stems from a collaborative investigation by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) of MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division, the FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross Border Safe Streets Task Force, the Washington Division of the DEA, and the U.S. Park Police. The Cross Border Safe Streets Task Force targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia.
The investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rosenberg and Solomon Eppel of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with valuable assistance provided by Assistant United States Attorney Steven Wasserman and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Shaunik Panse.
Indictment Charges Las Vegas Couple with Drug and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rushan Lavar Reed, 46, and Celeste Nicole Reed, 26, both of Las Vegas, Nevada, were arrested on charges, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., related to the alleged sale of illegal drugs and the laundering of the drug proceeds. The charges were announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
According to the indictment, unsealed yesterday, starting in March of 2017, the Reeds knowingly conspired with others – known and unknown to the Grand Jury – to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics that included a detectable amount of oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine. The indictment also alleges that the defendants conducted and attempted to conduct financial transactions involving the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking activity.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute the illegal drugs and 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and Office of the Inspector General of the District of Columbia, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Crosby and Andy Wang, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
District Man Sentenced to Five-Year Prison Term for Assault with Intent to Kill RoommateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jose Avelino Felipe, 45, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for stabbing his female roommate in 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill in August 2023 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
According to the government’s evidence, on Dec. 4, 2021, Avelino Felipe and his wife were living in the same apartment as the victim and her husband. That evening, Avelino Felipet and the victim’s husband got into a physical altercation in the home. Both men left the home after the altercation. Shortly thereafter, Avelino Felipe returned to the home, where the victim remained. Avelino Felipe went to her bedroom and asked whether she would call the police. She stated she would not. Nevertheless, Avelino Felipe then stabbed the victim twice with a knife, once in the chest, and once in her left shoulder. He fled the apartment before police arrived. The victim required emergency surgery for her injuries. In the immediate aftermath of the assault, the victim’s left lung filled with blood, and her right lung collapsed, requiring the insertion of chest tubes.
The MPD's Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended Avelino Felipe on May 23, 2023.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the MPD. They also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Covert, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second Degree Theft for October Theft from a CVSRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kinshasa Reddock, 40, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury this week in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on one count of second-degree theft stemming from the Oct. 1, 2023, theft from a CVS store located at 14th and W Streets NW, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Reddock is to be arraigned on Friday, Oct.13, 2023, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge.
According to the indictment, at about 5:35 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2023, Reddock entered the CVS store, took various items from the shelves and placed them into a bag. Reddock then promptly left the store bypassing all points of sale without paying for any of the items. He was arrested minutes later, in possession of many of the items, by members of the MPD.
Reddock has more than two prior theft convictions, though not from the same occasion, and is therefore subject to enhanced penalties for his alleged theft, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Lieberman.
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.
Tennessee Man Found Guilty of Felony Charges Related to Jan. 6 Capitol BreachRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Tennessee man was found guilty in the District of Columbia today of five felony charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.
Ronald Colton McAbee, 29, of Unionville, Tennessee, was found guilty of all charges against him following a jury trial in U.S. District Court. McAbee was convicted of five felonies, including assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; civil disorder; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon.
On Sept. 25, 2023, McAbee pleaded guilty to a separate felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding an officer and a misdemeanor charge for an act of physical violence on the Capitol grounds before U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras in the District of Columbia.
Judge Contreras will sentence McAbee on Feb. 29, 2024.
According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 6, 2021, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the U.S. Capitol building to assist the U.S. Capitol Police in maintaining the security of the Capitol from ongoing riots. At approximately 4:20 p.m., MPD officers made their way to an interior tunnel of the Capitol building. Here, they assumed a post in an Archway that provided access to the building’s Lower West Terrace.
As the officers arrived, hundreds of individuals gathered outside the Archway, some throwing and/or swinging various makeshift weapons at the group of officers. At about 4:27 p.m., an MPD officer positioned toward the opening of the Archway was knocked to the ground, kicked, and stripped of his baton. During this incident, McAbee was positioned on the south side of the Archway and was able to observe the assault.
After the officer was knocked to the ground, McAbee stepped into the Archway, grabbed the officer’s leg, and pulled him further towards the crowd. When a second MPD officer stepped off the police line to assist the downed officer, McAbee stood up, yelled at the officer who had stepped out to assist, and then swung his arms and hands towards the officer’s head and torso. McAbee made contact with the officer and was wearing reinforced knuckle gloves at the time of the assault.
McAbee then returned his attention to the downed officer and lifted him by the torso and shoulders. As a result, McAbee and the officer slid down a set of steps, with McAbee falling on top of the officer. The two landed in the crowd, where McAbee lay on top of the officer while other rioters assailed the officer for over 20 seconds before the officer was finally able to get up and work his way back to the Archway. The officer sustained physical injuries, including a head laceration, concussion, elbow injury, bruising, and bodily abrasions. The officer was transported to the hospital and treated for his injuries.
McAbee was arrested on Aug. 17, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington, Memphis, and Knoxville Field Offices, which identified McAbee as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #134 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.
In the 33 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,100 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 400 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
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District Man Indicted on Enhanced Second Degree Theft for September Package Thefts Near H Street CorridorRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Daniel Greene, 41, of Washington, D.C., was indicted today by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on two counts of second-degree theft stemming from the Sept. 16, 2023, package thefts from the 600 block of G Street NE, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Greene is to be arraigned on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at a hearing before a Superior Court judge. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
According to the government’s evidence, on Sept. 16, 2023, at about 2:45 p.m., Greene approached homes in the 600 block of G Street NE and stole packages from the porches of two of them. He walked away and was stopped by members of the MPD while he was in possession of the stolen packages.
Greene 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.
This case is being investigated by the MPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Skopicki.
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation into Overdose Death of Individual in Police CustodyRead 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 a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and a Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). On Feb. 2, 2023, a 44-year-old District resident, M.P., died of an overdose after ingesting narcotics. The detective and special agent were the last persons to see the decedent, who died at the MPD Second District Police Station while in the custody of law enforcement.
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, cell block security camera footage, body-worn camera footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, the autopsy report, and reports from MPD.
According to the evidence, at about 6:44 a.m. on Feb. 2, M.P. was arrested pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court warrant. M.P. was cooperative during the arrest and transported to the Second District Police Station for processing on the warrant. M.P. was coherent and cooperative and did not appear to be in distress during processing. After being placed in a cell, M.P. covered the cell block camera. After using the toilet, M.P. fell to the floor. The detective and special agent, unaware of the fall, attempted to interview him minutes later but M.P. appeared to be either sleeping or unwilling to speak with them. Later, M.P. was discovered unconscious in his cell. Emergency efforts to save his life were unsuccessful. An autopsy performed on Feb. 3, 2023, and a subsequent toxicology review, determined that M.P. died as result of the combined effects of ingesting cocaine, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and heroin.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the detective and special agent demonstrated deliberate indifference to M.P.’s condition or otherwise willfully violated M.P.’s rights.
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.
District Nightclub Owner Guilty of Bribing Tax OfficialsRead the Press Release
Jury Finds Zeba Bar Owner Paid Off Officials for Five Years
WASHINGTON – Davoud Jafari, 72, a Washington D.C. nightclub owner, was found guilty today of bribery, conspiracy, and wire-fraud. The offenses arise from a multi-year-scheme in which he bribed former D.C. Tax Official Vincent Slater in order to avoid paying several hundred thousand dollars in business-related taxes. U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton will sentence Jafari on January 25, 2024.
The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, with the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, D.C. Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas, and the D.C.Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee.
According to the evidence at trial, Jafari owned a company called Gevani, Inc., which in turn owned and operated Zeba Bar and Grill, located in Columbia Heights. Between October 2012 and December 2017, Jafari collected sales and use taxes from Zeba Bar and Grill customers consisting of 10 percent of the cost of food and drinks purchased. Although Jafari was supposed to turn those tax dollars over to the district on a monthly basis, he instead wrote a check to middleman and co-defendant Anthony Merritt for approximately half the amount of taxes due. Merritt cashed the check and shared the proceeds with Slater, the then-manager of the District of Columbia’s Office of Tax Revenue’s (OTR) Adjustment Unit. In exchange, Slater took actions to falsify records for Jafari and to help Jafari’s company evade collection efforts by other OTR officials.
Merritt pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment on the first day of trial. On June 7, 2023, a separate jury also convicted Merritt of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud for playing a similar role in a different scheme on behalf of businessman Andre De Moya (who was also convicted at trial). Merritt is scheduled to be sentenced in both cases on January 19, 2024. Slater previously pleaded guilty for his role in the Jafari scheme and the De Moya scheme and is awaiting a sentencing date.
“Today’s verdict, and the investigation that preceded it, demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s unwavering commitment to prosecuting and holding accountable individuals who seek to corrupt our local government agencies by bribing the public officials who work within them,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves. “The defendants in these cases entered multiyear conspiracies to defraud the District of Columbia and its citizens. We will continue our tireless efforts to confront and eradicate such acts of corruption.”
“Today’s guilty verdict is a positive step toward bringing Mr. Jafari and his co-conspirators to justice for their scheme to defraud the government and taxpayers of the District of Columbia,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacobs. “The FBI will continue to work aggressively with our partners to enforce public corruption laws.”
The statutory maximum sentence for conspiracy is five years in prison; for bribery, is 15 years in prison; and for wire fraud, is 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton will determine the appropriate sentence based on the guideline range and other factors.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of the agencies who investigated the case, including the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General, with substantial assistance by the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Integrity and Oversight. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Liliana Villamizar Michon Tart, Amanda Rhode, and Mariela Andrade, and former paralegal specialist Aisha Keys.
Finally, he acknowledged the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Miller and Timothy Visser, who prosecuted the case at trial, and Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Miller and Molly Gaston, who investigated the case.
WMATA Employee Charged with Extortion and Bribery Connected to Surplus Property SalesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) employee Tyrone Hunter, 52, of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, with two counts of extortion under color of official right and two counts of bribery concerning federal programs. Hunter, whose job duties included responsibility for the disposal of WMATA surplus property, allegedly demanded and accepted cash payments from a WMATA surplus customer in exchange for giving that customer favorable treatment in two surplus property sales.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and WMATA Inspector General Rene Febles. Hunter made an initial appearance today in the District of Columbia before U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxilla A. Upadhyaya.
According to the indictment, WMATA permits customers to conduct vehicle inspections free of charge but does not allow test drives. All WMATA surplus property sales are “as is” with no refunds. Hunter, an Investment Recovery Administrator for WMATA’s Office of Property Reutilization and Disposition Services, demanded that a WMATA customer pay him in exchange for the opportunity to fully inspect and test drive WMATA paratransit vans - which were offered for sale as surplus property - before bidding on them.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Washington Field Office and the WMATA Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Two Gang Members Sentenced in Connection with the Murder of 10-year-old Makiyah WilsonRead the Press Release
Opened Fire on Innocent Bystanders
WASHINGTON – Two members of the Wellington Park Crew were sentenced today in connection with the murder of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson, an innocent bystander gunned down on July 16, 2018, in the courtyard of a Washington, D.C., apartment complex that also left multiple people wounded.
The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Isaiah Murchison, 23, was sentenced to 60 years in prison today by D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun after being found guilty on June 13 of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, participation in a criminal street gang, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses.
Marquell Cobbs, 21, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release today after being found guilty on June 13 of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence. Previously, the jury found Cobbs not guilty of the charges related to the murder of Makiyah Wilson. However, it did find him guilty of his membership in the Wellington Park Crew.
According to the government's evidence, on July 16, 2018, Murchison, Gregory Taylor, Qujuan Thomas, and two others drove to the Clay Terrace neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C., armed with guns. The four men stepped out of the car and opened fire on the Clay Terrace courtyard, indiscriminately firing more than 50 shots.
Makiyah Wilson, sitting on the front stoop of her home, was killed. Several other people were wounded. Fellow gang members Quentin Michals and Darrise Jeffers assisted the shooters by obtaining the weapons and vehicle used in the shooting. Despite having watched the defendants preparing for the shooting, no witnesses were willing to provide information regarding the gunmen's identity. The government presented forensic evidence, statements the defendants made over social media, and motive evidence in presenting its case.
Judge Okun will sentence the four other defendants on October 20.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of the detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department who investigated the case as well as members of the prosecution team. The team included paralegal specialists Sharon Newman and Grazy Rivera and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Barker and Melissa Jackson, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Timmer, who investigated the case. Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Bach and Lindsey Merikas, who prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts District Man in Shooting That Endangered ResidentsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Raekwon Sutton, 26, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty, on October 3, 2023, of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted person, and three counts of felony threats, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The charges stem from a March 19, 2022 shooting in Southeast Washington. The verdict was returned by a jury sitting in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 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 verdict, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department, 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. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yasmin Emrani and Brian Yang, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Over One Million Rounds of Ammunition Seized En Route from Iran to Yemen Transferred to Ukrainian Armed ForcesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Oct. 2, the United States transferred approximately 1.1 million 7.62mm rounds of ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces. This ammunition had been seized by U.S. Central Command naval forces from a flagless vessel in the Arabian Sea enroute from Iran and destined for Yemen, where sanctioned groups including Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directly support the Houthi movement. The Department of Justice then filed a civil forfeiture action against the seized munitions, resulting in a July 20, 2023, order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia transferring title to the United States.
“With this weapons transfer, the Justice Department's forfeiture actions against one authoritarian regime are now directly supporting the Ukrainian people's fight against another authoritarian regime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to use every legal authority at our disposal to support Ukraine in their fight for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.”
“Our office will continue to use all the tools in our arsenal to disrupt the IRGC’s efforts to sow discord,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “The transfer of these assets to the Ukrainian armed forces will now aid an important partner in its fight against unwarranted aggression.”
“The forfeiture and transfer of a major ammunition cache, once destined to serve the Iranian regime’s destabilizing efforts abroad, represents the Justice Department’s commitment to countering authoritarian aggression around the world,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Together, with partner agencies and departments, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the nation’s security by vigorously enforcing U.S. sanctions and imposing costs on hostile regimes in accordance with the rule of law.”
According to court documents in the civil forfeiture action, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command seized the ammunition and other munitions on or about Dec. 1, 2022.
The documents alleged a sophisticated scheme by the IRGC to clandestinely ship weapons and munitions to entities contrary to U.S. interests.
The government’s forfeiture action was part of a larger investigation of an Iranian weapons-smuggling network. The network was involved in the illicit trafficking of advanced conventional weapons systems and components by sanctioned Iranian entities that directly support military action by the Houthi movement in Yemen and the Iranian regime’s campaign of terrorist activities throughout the region.
The HSI Washington Field Office and the DCIS Mid-Atlantic Field Office are leading the larger investigation of the Iranian weapons-smuggling network, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in conducting the seizure.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart D. Allen, Brian P. Hudak, Rajbir S. Datta, and Anna D. Walker for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section litigated the case, with support from Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers and Angela De Falco.
Over One Million Rounds of Ammunition Seized En Route from Iran to Yemen Transferred to Ukrainian Armed ForcesRead the Press Release
On Oct. 2, the United States transferred approximately 1.1 million 7.62mm rounds of ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces. This ammunition had been seized by U.S. Central Command naval forces from a flagless vessel in the Arabian Sea enroute from Iran and destined for Yemen, where sanctioned groups including Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directly support the Houthi movement. The Justice Department then filed a civil forfeiture action against the seized munitions, resulting in a July 20 order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia transferring title to the United States.
“With this weapons transfer, the Justice Department's forfeiture actions against one authoritarian regime are now directly supporting the Ukrainian people's fight against another authoritarian regime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to use every legal authority at our disposal to support Ukraine in their fight for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.”
“The forfeiture and transfer of a major ammunition cache, once destined to serve the Iranian regime’s destabilizing efforts abroad, represents the Justice Department’s commitment to countering authoritarian aggression around the world,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Together, with partner agencies and departments, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the nation’s security by vigorously enforcing U.S. sanctions and imposing costs on hostile regimes in accordance with the rule of law.”
“Our office will continue to use all the tools in our arsenal to disrupt the IRGC’s efforts to sow discord,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “The transfer of these assets to the Ukrainian armed forces will now aid an important partner in its fight against unwarranted aggression.”
According to court documents in the civil forfeiture action, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command seized the ammunition and other munitions on or about Dec. 1, 2022.
The documents alleged a sophisticated scheme by the IRGC to clandestinely ship weapons and munitions to entities contrary to U.S. interests.
The government’s forfeiture action was part of a larger investigation of an Iranian weapons-smuggling network. The network was involved in the illicit trafficking of advanced conventional weapons systems and components by sanctioned Iranian entities that directly support military action by the Houthi movement in Yemen and the Iranian regime’s campaign of terrorist activities throughout the region.
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington Field Office and Defense Criminal Investigation Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office are leading the larger investigation of the Iranian weapons-smuggling network, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in conducting the seizure.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart D. Allen, Brian P. Hudak, Rajbir S. Datta, and Anna D. Walker for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section litigated the case, with support from Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers and Angela De Falco.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Robbery, Assault with Intent to Rob, and Two Counts of Felony ThreatsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Kevin Diaz, 18, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury today of robbery, assault with intent to rob, and other charges in an early morning hold-up that took place in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood on Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The verdict was returned following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for Dec. 15, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, on Apr. 25, 2023, at approximately 8 a.m., a construction worker and a roofer arrived near the 1600 block of Lamont Street, NW to begin remodeling and repair work on a local business. As the construction worker waited in the alley near Lamont Street, Diaz, wearing chin-length hair, a distinctive outfit, bright red shoes, and brandishing an ice pick, approached him. Diaz demanded money, claimed membership in the 18th Street gang, and threatened to kill the worker if he did not comply with his demands. That worker did not give Diaz any money, so Diaz turned his attention to the roofer, who had arrived in his truck minutes after the construction worker. Diaz again brandished the ice pick, demanded money, claimed membership in a gang, and threatened to kill the roofer. The roofer, who was scared for his life, went to his truck, pulled out $20, and gave it to Diaz. Diaz took the money and left.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene and collected surveillance footage that showed Diaz wearing the distinctive haircut and outfit as described by the two victims and an eyewitness. They then began to canvas the area.
About an hour later, officers found Diaz about 10 blocks away, wearing his chin-length hair and the same outfit. After Diaz was identified by the construction worker and roofer as the assailant, he was taken into custody. He has remained held since the incident.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the MPD. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel White and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline Yarbro and William Lawrence who prosecuted the case.
Indictment Charges Registered Sex Offender with Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Aaron Christopher Davis, 32, of Suitland, Maryland, a registered sex offender, was indicted in U.S. District Court, on October 3, 2023, on charges of distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On August 25, 2023, an FBI Washington Field Office (WFO) Task Force Officer (TFO) was acting in an undercover (UC) capacity as part of the Metropolitan Police Department – Federal Bureau of Investigation (MPD-FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force. The UC was monitoring a dating application that law enforcement has come to learn is used by some individuals who have a sexual interest in children. The UC encountered the defendant who sent a message believing he was communicating with a pedophile. The defendant expressed a desire to sexually assault the UC’s purported child. He then sent the UC a video showing an adult male anally raping a little boy whose mouth is taped closed and his hands are restrained with handcuffs. As the conversation continued, the defendant expressed a desire to meet up with the UC to watch videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, while they assaulted the UC’s purported son.
On September 19, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home. During a post-Miranda interview with law enforcement, Davis admitted that he exchanged messages with the UC, and that he distributed child pornography. The defendant told law enforcement that he used other encrypted messaging applications to communicate with individuals who have a sexual interest in children, and to exchange child sexual abuse material. These communications, and a collection of child pornography, have been discovered on mobile devices belonging to Davis.
Davis was convicted of possession of child pornography, on October 16, 2017, in Prince George’s County. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment, but was only required to serve 18 months of that sentence. As a result of this conviction, Davis is required to register as a sex offender.
Davis was arrested on September 19, 2023, and he will be detained pending trial.
Because of Davis’s prior conviction, the distribution of child pornography carries a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years, in prison, with a statutory maximum of 40 years. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Larson, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Alexis Spencer-Anderson, 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.
Former Couple Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charge for Trafficking over 80 FirearmsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gregory Bournes Jr., 31, of Lancaster, Va., and Dream Jackson, 30, of Riverdale, Ga., pleaded guilty today to a federal conspiracy charge for trafficking over 80 firearms into the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai, of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Bournes and Jackson pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the defendants detained pending their sentencing hearing, which he scheduled for Dec. 8, 2023.
According to court papers, from February 2021 through February 2022, Bournes and Jackson—who were in a romantic relationship at the time—conspired to purchase firearms from licensed dealers in the States of Georgia and Texas and to transport and transfer the firearms to the District of Columbia and elsewhere, for the purpose of unlawfully reselling the firearms for profit. In total, Bournes and Jackson purchased over 80 firearms, which they then sold to others. As part of their guilty pleas, Bournes and Jackson each admitted that they knew or had to reason to believe that their conduct would result in prohibited persons receiving firearms.
In March 2023, following their indictment by a federal grand jury, Bournes and Jackson were arrested in Georgia—where they both resided at the time—pursuant to warrants issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The defendants were released on their personal recognizance pending trial. Following their guilty plea today, the government moved for their detention pending sentencing. Judge Lamberth granted the government’s motion, and both defendants are now in custody.
Bournes and Jackson face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The maximum potential sentence in this case is 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.
Most of the firearms trafficked by Bournes and Jackson remain unaccounted for, and law enforcement in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area continue to recover the trafficked firearms in connection with criminal activity. One firearm, which Bournes purchased in Georgia in November 2021 and then resold for profit, was recently used in the commission of an attempted murder in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
In announcing the guilty pleas, U.S. Attorney Graves and Special Assistant in Charge Kailimai commended the work of those who investigated the case from the ATF’s Washington Field Division. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Strong.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul V. Courtney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Pattison, who indicted and are prosecuting the matter.
District Man Charged in the Murder of a 24-Year Old in a Northeast Apartment BuildingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Christopher Tyler, 46, of Washington, D.C., was presented in Superior Court today on charges of first-degree felony murder while armed stemming from the homicide of 24-year-old Nolan Edwards, on July 7, 2023, in the Benning neighborhood, in Northeast, Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Tyler was arraigned before Magistrate Judge Judith Pipe in Courtroom C-10, in D.C. Superior Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty. The court heard arguments and found probable cause to believe that the defendant committed first degree felony murder while armed. The court held the defendant without bond pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 30, 2023, before Judge Michael O’Keefe.
An arrest on a complaint is merely a formally charged allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
In announcing the charge, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Third Defendant Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder While Armed in 2020 Shooting on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Niko Hall, 31, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday, in Superior Court, to second degree murder while armed in the September 2020 shooting death of Anthony Lee, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Hall is the third and final defendant in the case. Co-defendant Kyrie Wells, 21, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 3, 2023, and was sentenced, on April 13, 2023, to 14 years in prison. On July 6, 2023, a second co-defendant, Darquise Montgomery, 20, of Washington, D.C., also pleaded guilty to second degree murder while armed. Montgomery and Hall will be sentenced on November 27, 2023.
According to the government’s evidence, just before 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, Anthony Lee, 25, of Washington, D.C., was walking south on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. with a companion. The three defendants lined up across the sidewalk behind him. As Mr. Lee crossed Malcolm X Avenue, Hall, Wells, and Montgomery drew their handguns and opened fire, hitting Mr. Lee once in the back, and killing him.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter V. Roman and Jessica Keefer and Deputy Chief Laura Bach, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Second-Degree Murder in 2020 Shooting in Southeast D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ravel Mills, 29, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury yesterday of second-degree murder while armed and other charges in the April 2020 fatal shooting of 28-year-old Toussaunt Tarquann Strong in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Mills was also found guilty of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Michael K. O’Keefe will sentence Mills on January 12, 2024. Mills faces a statutory maximum penalty of up to 55 years in prison for both crimes. Under the Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, however, his sentencing range for the second-degree murder while armed is 12 to 24 years in prison.
According to the evidence presented at trial, shortly before 7:00 pm on April 18, 2020, Toussaunt Strong was outside his father’s home in the Shipley Terrace neighborhood. Mills encountered Mr. Strong after Mills exited a nearby home and then pointed a weapon at Mr. Strong. In response, Mr. Strong fled. Mills then chased Mr. Strong up the 3400 block of 24th Street SE. As Mills got closer to Mr. Strong, Mills pulled his jacket hood over his head, pointed his gun, and shot Mr. Strong multiple times. Video cameras captured the chase, however, the shooting itself was not captured on camera nor were there any eyewitnesses to the murder. The Government presented video surveillance, circumstantial, and motive evidence in securing the conviction.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including: Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharon Donovan; Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Korba who investigated and indicted the case; and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miles Janssen and Andrea Antonelli who prosecuted the case.
Four Men Arraigned on Alleged Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Arraignments were held today for four alleged members of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Jorge Cruz Maldonado, Francisco Alexander Rosales Diaz, Erik Rivera Garcia, and Vladimir Roque Ceron are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Field Division.
Cruz Maldonado also is charged with unlawful distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine; Cruz Maldonado, Rosales Diaz, and Rivera Garcia are charged with unlawful possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; Rivera Garcia also is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Rosales Diaz additionally is charged with unlawful possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.
According to court documents, on or about Aug. 18, 2023, Cruz Maldonado, Rivera Garcia, and Rosales Diaz arrived in a vehicle at the parking lot of a shopping center in Northeast Washington, DC to conduct a drug deal. Shortly after, DEA agents approached all three individuals in their car and detained them. Inside the vehicle, DEA agents discovered and seized a loaded .38 caliber revolver, a loaded 9mm handgun, numerous rounds of ammunition for each firearm, an extended magazine, and approximately 3.6 kilograms of cocaine powder.
It is further alleged that between March and June 2023, through five transactions in Hyattsville, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., Roque Ceron sold a total of approximately 111 pills containing fentanyl and 197 grams of cocaine powder for $8,250; and, through two transactions between June and August 2023 in Washington, DC, Cruz Maldonado sold a total of approximately 581 grams of cocaine powder for $16,000. It is further alleged that Cruz Maldonado is Roque Ceron’s supplier of fentanyl and cocaine, and that together with Rosales Diaz and Rivera Garcia, they are engaged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
Cruz Maldonado, Rosales Diaz, and Rivera Garcia were arrested on Aug. 18, 2023, and remain detained; Roque Ceron was arrested on August 20, 2023, and remains detained.
The maximum statutory sentence for the drug conspiracy charge is 40 years; the maximum statutory sentence for distributing or possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine is 40 years; the maximum statutory sentence for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense is life imprisonment; and the maximum statutory sentence for possessing a firearm and/or ammunition by a prohibited person is 15 years. All statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are 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 was investigated by the DEA’s Washington Field Division with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Washington Enforcement and Removal Operations) and the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Javier Urbina and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin with the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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 Officer-Involved Shooting in Southeast D.C.Read 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 Deputy U.S. Marshals involved in the fatal shooting, in February 2023, of Alaunte Scott outside of an apartment building in Southeast Washington.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted a comprehensive review of the incident. This included a review of witness accounts, physical evidence, surveillance video, and reports from the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the evidence, on February 28, 2023, a team of Deputy U.S. Marshals (DUSM) from that agency’s Enforcement Branch attempted to execute an arrest warrant on Scott outside of the Atlantic Gardens apartment complex in the 4300 block of 3rd Street SE. After being approached by several deputies, Scott fled into a courtyard and attempted to scale a fence that ran across the courtyard. As Scott stood on a horizontal rail, the deputies tried to pull him off the fence to arrest him. Scott was reaching into his waistband, and the deputies directed him to stop reaching. However, Scott pulled out a gun. Two deputies, DUSM Agents, then fired their service weapons at Scott. After the shooting, deputies provided medical aid to Scott until DCFEMS arrived to transport him to Washington Hospital Center (WHC). He was pronounced deceased by a WHC doctor during the transport.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors have found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that DUSM Agents used excessive force under the circumstances.
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. To prove civil rights violations, prosecutors must typically be able to prove that the involved officers willfully used more force than was reasonably necessary. Proving “willfulness” is a heavy burden. Prosecutors must not only prove that the force used was excessive, but must also prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids. Similarly, for District of Columbia offenses such as second degree murder or voluntary manslaughter, mitigating circumstance can exist, establishing a defense where a person actually believes and reasonably believes both that he is or others are in danger of serious bodily injury, and that the use of force is necessary to defend against that danger.
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.
Indiana Woman Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Killing Her Love InterestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Nijinsky Dix, 40, of South Bend, Indiana., was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for fatally shooting a man she was casually dating. In addition to the prison term, Superior Court Judge Marisa J. Demeo ordered five years of supervised release. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Dix pleaded guilty, on February 13, 2023, to second degree murder while armed. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 5:26 p.m. on November 14, 2020, officers with the MPD responded to the report of a woman with a gun and the sound of gunshots in a residential building in the 1000 block of 4th Street, S.W. Dix, a PhD student and an employee of the University of Notre Dame, was found holding a .9 mm handgun and kneeling at the feet of 44-year old Terry Hickman, who was lying face down on the floor. Hickman had been shot multiple times in the head and body and died.
An MPD Investigation determined that in late February 2020, Dix met Mr. Hickman in a bar near South Bend and the two began a casual pandemic relationship that lasted for several months. Mr. Hickman, who was recently divorced, did not want a long-term relationship with Dix. The defendant could not accept the boundaries. She insinuated herself into Mr. Hickman’s life, reaching out to members of his family for support and advice, offering money, trips, and jewelry to the victim and the victim’s daughter. Mr. Hickman tried to end the relationship in August of 2020, blocking Dix’s number on his phone and asking her not to contact him. Dix ‘s obsession with Mr. Hickman continued into the fall of 2020 and she became jealous of other women she believed had his interest. At one point, Dix told a family member that she had purchased a gun in Florida. On September 6, 2020, Dix flew to D.C. from Indiana and arrived unannounced at Mr. Hickman’s apartment. In the days leading up to Mr. Hickman’s death in November of 2020, there were text messages between the victim and a woman with whom he was trying to establish a business relationship. On November 12, 2020, Ms. Dix texted a friend and expressed anger that Mr. Hickman might be using her to have a relationship with the other woman, writing: “I will f**k him up if he tries to connect me with a broad he’s trying to f**k or has f**ked. I will kill him. Literally.” Two days later, on November 14, 2020, Dix departed South Bend, Indiana, carrying a passport. She checked an unloaded firearm and a box of .9 mm ammunition in her luggage. She landed in Washington, D.C., rented a car, drove to Mr. Hickman’s apartment, confronted him, and fatally shot him.
This case was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistance was provided by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Interrante, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Former District of Columbia Fire/EMS Employee Sentenced in Bribery Scheme Involving Undelivered GoodsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—Charity Keys, 45, of Bowie, Maryland, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for engaging in a scheme – with a co-worker - to defraud the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS). Keys accepted more than $42,500 in kickbacks from a contractor in exchange for directing purchase agreements and orders to the contractor and then falsely certifying that goods that FEMS had paid for had been delivered when, in fact, they had not.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
Keys, who was a supply management specialist for FEMS, pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge on July 18, 2022, in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta ordered 36 months of supervised release with the first six months on home confinement, restitution in the amount of $257,680, a $42,500 forfeiture money judgment, and 100 hours of community service. Her co-defendant, Louis “Joey” Mitchell, III, was sentenced on September 16, 2022, to 34 months in prison.
Keys’ responsibilities included procuring office supplies and other goods for the department. According to the court documents, between 2016 and 2020, Keys and Mitchell, 51, who was an FEMS warehouse supply technician, engaged in a bribery scheme with a contractor whose company was an approved vendor for various supplies. Keys and Mitchell solicited and received bribes from the contractor on at least seven occasions. In exchange, Keys and Mitchell directed purchase orders to the contractor’s company and confirmed delivery and payment for goods that the company did not provide. As a result of the bribery scheme, FEMS paid the company approximately $250,000 for goods that never were delivered. Keys personally collected at least $42,500 in bribes from the contractor.
Law enforcement opened an investigation after FEMS officials discovered procurement anomalies and referred the matter to the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. Mitchell and Keys were arrested on February 10, 2022.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Washington Field Office and D.C. Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Aloi and Christopher R. Howland in the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights section.
District Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Kidnapping and Attempted Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Larry Richardson, 71, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to seven years in prison for the March 2022 kidnapping and sexual abuse of an acquaintance in Northwest Washington, DC. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On February 7, 2023, Richardson pleaded guilty to one count of attempted first degree sexual abuse and one count of kidnapping in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the seven-year prison term, the Honorable Maribeth Raffinan ordered five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
According to court documents, on March 30, 2022, the victim and Richardson were walking together in the 1800 block of Columbia Road NW, when the defendant became violent. Video surveillance captured the defendant dragging the victim into an alley, striking her multiple times in the face, and pulling her pants and underwear down to her thighs. As the victim struggled, the defendant alternatively climbed on top of her, struck her in the face with his fist repeatedly, and dragged her deeper into the alley by her arm and legs. When the victim tried to escape, the defendant again struck her in the side of the face.
When the defendant had pulled the victim to the end of the alley, he pinned her to the ground with his body and repeatedly attempted to penetrate the victim’s vulva with his fingers as the victim tried to resist. Passersby heard the victim screaming and flagged down nearby police officers, who arrested the defendant on scene.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Sourbeer.
District Man Sentenced to 36 Years for 2017 Murder Stemming from Criminal Street Gang ActivityRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Quincy Garvin, 23, Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 36 years in prison for his role in a brazen shooting into a courtyard that took place in September 2017 in the Potomac Gardens area of Southeast Washington. Garvin was found guilty, in July 2022, of conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, participation in a criminal street gang, and other charges. The sentence was announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
“Violence between crews fuels a number of the homicides we see in the District,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “Those thinking of turning petty disputes into deadly shootings need to know that we will hold them accountable for their conduct and face sentences like this one.”
According to the government’s evidence, between May 2017 and October 2017, the defendant and others were members of a criminal street gang operating in the area of Wellington Park, within Washington, D.C. Garvin, and others, were involved in a number of “beefs” with individuals from other areas of the city, many of which started as the result of petty feuds among local rival rap groups.
At approximately 6 p.m. 0n September 10, 2017, the victim, Carl Hardy, was standing outside in the Potomac Gardens neighborhood as Garvin and three others circled the neighborhood three times looking for individuals to target. On the fourth trip around the block, the vehicle stopped and the driver paused to allow Garvin and two other men to exit the vehicle armed with multiple weapons, including an assault rifle. Garvin and the two other shooters opened fire on the crowded courtyard, firing over 30 rounds and striking Mr. Hardy. The group then fled the scene.
Mr. Hardy, 24, was transported to the hospital where doctors operated multiple times in their efforts to save him. Ultimately, on Oct. 1, 2017, Mr. Hardy succumbed to his injuries. Shortly after Mr. Hardy’s death, an arrest warrant was obtained for Garvin charging him with the murder. A second shooter, Saquan Williams, was also charged and convicted at trial and was sentenced, on September 14, 2023, to 35 years in prison.
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, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Chrisellen Kolb, Chief of the Appellate Division; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Sellinger, Daniel Lenerz, and Sharon Donovan; Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris; Lead Paralegal Specialists Sharon Newman and Meridith McGarrity; Former Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Siegerist; Supervisory Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark; Witness Security Specialist Ashli Tolbert; Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Litigation Technology Specialist Claudia Gutierrez; Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington; Victim/Witness Services Coordinators LaJune Thames and Maenylie Watson; and Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Jackson and former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Timmer, who investigated and indicted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Bach and Lindsey Merikas who prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Stranger Rape of a Child at Gunpoint in 2005Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Marquette E. Johnson, 42, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 27 years in prison and five years of supervised release for first degree sexual abuse while armed and first degree child sexual abuse while armed. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Johnson pleaded guilty on July 11, 2023. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 8:30 a.m. on November 28, 2005, Johnson approached a 12-year-old female child as she was walking to school, drove up to the victim, pointed a semiautomatic pistol or imitation pistol at her, and told her to get in his minivan or he would kill her. The child followed Johnson’s orders and the defendant drove her to an alley behind the 1300 block of Morris Road, SE, where he forced her to get in the back seat and he sexually assaulted her. When the defendant finished raping her, he drove the victim back to the location where he had picked her up and told her something to the effect of, “See, I told you, you wouldn’t miss school.” The child promptly reported what had occurred to a teacher and an MPD officer stationed at the school.
DNA obtained from the physical evidence in the investigation matched the DNA profile of the defendant, who is a convicted offender. Additional DNA testing determined it was at least 87 quadrillion times more likely if the evidence originated from the defendant and the victim, than if from the victim and an unknown, unrelated individual. The defendant was a stranger to the victim and her family.
Following his release from prison, Johnson will be mandated to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
This case was investigated by detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit and Cold Case Sexual Assault Unit, Youth Investigations Division, and detectives and officers from the Seventh District. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Zubrensky and Robert Platt.
It is another case brought as part of the Cold Case Initiative, an initiative launched in February 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia to reinvestigate previously unsolved cases of sexual assault as well as sexual assault-related homicides. The U.S. Attorney’s Office works in partnership with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, and local law enforcement partners in the DMV area to achieve its mission.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder in Shooting of Ex-Girlfriend in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Carson Posey, 24, of Washington, DC, pleaded guilty today to one count of second degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of Shantal Hill, 28, on April 15, 2020, near the Tyler House Apartments on the south side of 1200 North Capitol Street, Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police (MPD).
The plea was entered before Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe who scheduled sentencing for January 19, 2024.
According to court documents, around 10:48 p.m. on April 15, 2020, Posey shot Hill, his ex-girlfriend, nine times in the legs, buttocks, and chest. Hill identified her assailant to responding police officers while aid was being provided on the scene. Hill also stated, “I [am] a single mother and I can’t die.” She died shortly after midnight on April 16, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Interrante.
Maryland Man Convicted of Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Artie Byrd, 31, of Hyattsville, Maryland, was found guilty, today, of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The verdict, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, was announced by Matthew M. Graves, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2024.
According to evidence presented at trial, on September 2, 2022, Byrd was driving southbound on Connecticut Avenue, while somewhat intoxicated, in a car bearing counterfeit Delaware tags. Two MPD officers observed Byrd’s driving and noticed the fake tags. When the officers attempted a traffic stop, Byrd fled, turning down a dead-end cul-de-sac and crashing his car into a bench in front of a house. Byrd bailed out of the car and ran between two houses into a back yard. After realizing he was trapped in by a series of fences and a retaining wall, Byrd eventually surrendered. Officers canvassed his flight path and found a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with 14 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. No one observed Byrd with the gun in his hand and no one saw him toss the gun, but DNA analysis tied him to the gun.
Byrd faces a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, plus a period of supervised release. The court will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the guideline sentencing range and other relevant factors.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Connor Mullin, and Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Josh Gold, Colin Cloherty, and Cameron Tepfer, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Armed Carjacking and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Defendant Attacked Victim When She Stopped for Gas
WASHINGTON – Andrew Patrick, 38, of Washington, D.C., was convicted by a Superior Court jury of all charges including: armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, felon in possession, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The Honorable Judge Lynn Leibovitz scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2023, at 9:30am.
According to the government’s evidence, on September 22, 2022, the victim took her 2005 blue Chevy Suburban to the Good Hope Road gas station in Washington, DC. The defendant, dressed in a black jacket with white stripes and a hoodie, a red bandana, blue jeans, and grey New Balance sneakers, approached the victim and demanded her car keys while holding her at gunpoint. The victim begged Patrick not to hurt her. Patrick pushed her up against her own vehicle, took her keys, and drove away in the victim’s car. The victim called 911 and gave officers a description of her assailant and his black and grey firearm. Later that day, a license plate reader detected the tags of the blue Chevy Suburban on North Capitol NE and Benning Road NE. Officers located and apprehended the vehicle, which was being driven by the defendant. The defendant told officers that he received the vehicle from a man with a black hoodie. Upon arresting Patrick, officers discovered a black and grey Glock 37 in a red floral satchel on the front passenger floorboard.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office including: Paralegal Specialist Renee Prather, Victim/Witness Advocate Christie Bloodworth, and Litigation Technology Specialist Charlie Bruce.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory J. Evans and Omeed A. Assefi, who investigated, prosecuted, and tried the case.
Former IT Contractor Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Stolen Property from the U.S. Small Business AdministrationRead the Press Release
Defendant Brazenly Used Victim’s WiFi to Post Stolen Equipment
WASHINGTON – Ashley Robinson, 31, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty today, in Superior Court, to one count of trafficking in stolen property in connection with stealing and reselling at least at least $110,233 worth of laptop computers from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, of the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), and Acting Investigations Branch Chief Brendt Johnson, of the Federal Protective Service (FPS).
Superior Court Judge Erik Christian accepted Robinson’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2023. As part of the plea agreement, Robinson agrees to pay restitution to the victim.
Robinson was employed as a contractor who was assigned to work at the SBA Information Technology Service Center service desk at SBA headquarters in Washington, D.C. According to the government’s evidence, between November 20, 2017, and August 22, 2018, Robinson stole and then resold at least 57 laptop computers from the SBA. In September and October 2017, the SBA received 100 Microsoft Surface Pro laptop computers, each of which was purchased for at least $1,933.92. Robinson had direct access to these computers as part of her job responsibilities, which included issuing computers to SBA headquarters staff. A few months later, the SBA's Office of the Chief Information Officer determined that 72 of the laptop computers were unaccounted for and had never issued to SBA headquarters staff.
The SBA's Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG) launched an investigation which revealed that Robinson had taken possession of, posted, and sold, multiple SBA laptop computers on OfferUp, an online customer-to-customer marketplace used to buy and sell products and services and did so while was using the SBA headquarters' guest wireless network. In total, the Defendant had sold 57 Microsoft Surface Pro computers on OfferUp to seven different individuals during the relevant period, for an approximate loss to the SBA of at least $110,233.44.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge McCall-Brathwaite, and Acting Investigations Branch Chief Johnson commended the work of those who investigated the case from SBA OIG. They also acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin D. Bleiberg, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gaston.
Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Assault with Intent to Kill and Other Charges Stemming from 2019 ShootingRead the Press Release
Defendant Shot Victim as Victim was Leaving the Scene
WASHINGTON – Dominic Copeland, 33, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty on September 21, 2023, of 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 charges are in connection with a shooting that occurred on April 26, 2019, in the Truxton Circle area of Washington, D.C.
The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 29, 2023.
According to evidence presented at trial, the victim drove to a local fast-food restaurant after work to meet Copeland. He was then directed to follow Copeland’s car to the area of N Street and First Street NW. Once parked, the victim entered the back seat of the car Copeland was in and handed Copeland money. Copeland took the victim’s money and, after a dispute, told the victim to “take the loss like a champ.” 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 a rest on the side of the street. MPD officers promptly responded to the scene and found that the victim was unable to physically move because one of the gunshot wounds temporarily paralyzed him. 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. Evidence showed that two bullets entered the victim’s upper back, one of which punctured his lung causing a severe medical emergency that the treating physician declared would have resulted in the victim’s death had he not received 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.
U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the MPD. 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 Sam Danai and Richard Carlton, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
While on Pretrial Release to Obtain Medical Treatment, Defendant Absconded and Was Arrested Later with Second Gun
WASHINGTON – Shahid K. Randolph, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to serve 51 months in prison on two federal firearms charges stemming from his possession of loaded handguns on October 21, 2020, and May 1, 2022, in the Anacostia and Washington Highlands neighborhoods of Southeast Washington.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Randolph pleaded guilty on August 4, 2022, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Randolph subsequently attempted to withdraw his guilty plea but was not permitted to do so. He was sentenced by the Honorable Timothy J. Kelly. Following his prison term, Randolph will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to court papers, on October 21, 2020, while on routine patrol in the 1900 block of 19th Street Southeast, MPD officers observed Randolph smoking marijuana in the passenger seat of an idling vehicle with heavily tinted windows. When officers approached the vehicle, Randolph leaned forward in an apparent effort to conceal something in his lap. Officers opened the vehicle’s passenger door and recovered a loaded .40 caliber pistol from Randolph’s lap. The firearm had been reported stolen. Randolph was arrested, charged in federal court, and held without bond. In July 2021, while the case was still pending, Randolph was released to home confinement to receive medical treatment in the community. Randolph subsequently cut off his GPS monitor in late December 2021, failed to appear at a January 2022 court hearing, and was a loss of contact. Then, on May 1, 2022, MPD officers were on routine patrol in the 800 block of Yuma Street Southeast when they observed Randolph attempt to obstruct their view of his waistband. Officers approached Randolph, who grabbed his waistband and fled on foot. Officers ultimately apprehended Randolph and recovered a loaded 9mm handgun in his flightpath. That firearm had also been reported stolen. Subsequent DNA analysis linked Randolph to the recovered gun.
Randolph has remained in custody since his May 1, 2022, arrest.
Federal law prohibits Randolph from possessing a firearm because, in 2012, he was convicted of carjacking in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and sentenced to a term of seven years’ imprisonment. In 2020, Randolph was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced in that case by the Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan and was on supervised release at the time of the offenses for which he was sentenced today. Judge Chutkan has scheduled a hearing to revoke Randolph’s supervised release for Monday, October 2, 2023. The sentence imposed today will run consecutive to any sentence imposed by Judge Chutkan.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the cases from the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul V. Courtney and Madhu Chugh.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Defendant Possessed Firearms and Fentanyl with Child in Backseat of Vehicle
WASHINGTON – John Michael Wilcox, 36, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a federal firearms charge stemming from his possession of a loaded firearm on July 12, 2022, while driving a vehicle near Nationals Park, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Jessica M.E. Taylor, of the United States Park Police.
Wilcox pleaded guilty in the United States 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. Judge Dabney L. Friedrich scheduled a sentencing hearing for January 9, 2024.
According to court papers, on July 12, 2022, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Wilcox was driving a black SUV with an obstructed Florida dealer tag in violation of District of Columbia law. United States Park Police officers initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle at South Capitol Street and O Street SW, near Nationals Park. As officers approached the vehicle, Wilcox held a military identification card out of the driver’s side window that was determined not to belong to him. While interacting with Wilcox, an officer observed a clear plastic bag containing suspected narcotics protruding from Wilcox’s front shorts pocket. Officers recovered the plastic bag from Wilcox’s pocket, which contained numerous smaller bags, all containing a tan powder that was determined to be fentanyl. Officers also recovered a clear plastic bag, which contained a white, rock-like substance that was determined to be cocaine base. Officers searched the vehicle after removing an adult female from the front passenger seat and a child from the backseat. From the glove compartment, officers recovered a loaded .32 caliber pistol and plastic bags, which contained a pink powder substance determined to be additional fentanyl. Officers also recovered miscellaneous firearms parts from the vehicle, including a .32 caliber firearm slide, barrel, and spring, as well as an assault-style rifle with an obliterated serial number. During the search of the vehicle, Wilcox stated multiple times that everything in the car belonged to him.
On May 17, 2023, following his indictment by a federal grand jury, Wilcox was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He has remained in custody ever since.
Federal law prohibits Wilcox from possessing a firearm because he has multiple convictions from the Commonwealth of Virginia for which he was sentenced to terms of imprisonment exceeding one year.
Wilcox faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The maximum potential sentence in this case is 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.
This case was investigated by the United States Park Police. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Richard Kelley and Assistant United States Attorney Paul V. Courtney.
Two Arrested for Allegedly Delivering Cocaine Using Rental Cars and Rideshare ServicesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A criminal complaint, unsealed today, charges Raul Rivero, a/k/a Guillermo Raul DeRivero, 54, of Arlington, Virginia, and Dusan Dimic, 40, of Reston, Virginia, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
When DEA Agents arrested Rivero and Dimic last night, they also confiscated a total of 573 grams of cocaine, 90 grams of methamphetamine pills, and more than $4,400 in cash. Search warrants that were subsequently executed at residences affiliated with the defendants resulted in the seizure of approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine and more than $100,000 cash.
According to court documents, between August 18, 2022, and August 10, 2023, through undercover controlled purchases, DEA agents made 14 controlled buys totaling approximately 367 grams of cocaine from Rivero in Washington, D.C. The drugs were allegedly delivered as part of a delivery service in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., using various cars, including rental cars and rideshare services.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years, each, for conspiracy and distribution of cocaine. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. 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 DEA’s Washington Division and the MPD. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Marin and David Henek, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses section 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.
Retired FBI Special Agent in Charge Pleads Guilty to Concealing Information from the Federal Bureau of InvestigationRead the Press Release
Charles F. McGonigal Admits Receiving $225,000 Cash Payment
WASHINGTON - Charles F. McGonigal, 55, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, pleaded guilty today to concealment of material facts for his undisclosed receipt of $225,000 in cash from an individual who had business interests in Europe while McGonigal was supervising counterintelligence efforts. The plea was accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who scheduled sentencing for February 16, 2024.
The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office Donald Alway, and Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office David Sundberg.
According to papers filed with the Court, from August 2017, and continuing through his retirement from the FBI in September 2018, McGonigal concealed from the FBI the nature of his relationship with a former foreign security officer and businessperson who had ongoing business interests in foreign countries and before foreign governments. Specifically, McGonigal received at least $225,000 in cash from the individual and traveled abroad with the individual and met with foreign nationals. The individual later served as an FBI source in a criminal investigation involving foreign political lobbying over which McGonigal had official supervisory responsibility.
The charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The court will determine the actual sentence based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Los Angeles and Washington Field Offices.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Aloi and Stuart D. Allen, and former Assistant United States Attorney Michael Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from Deputy Chief Evan N. Turgeon of the DOJ’s National Security Division Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.
Retired FBI Special Agent in Charge Pleads Guilty to Concealing Information from the FBIRead the Press Release
Charles F. McGonigal, 54, a former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, pleaded guilty today to concealment of material facts for his undisclosed receipt of $225,000 in cash from an individual who had business interests in Europe while McGonigal was supervising counterintelligence efforts. The plea was accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 16, 2024.
According to papers filed with the court, from August 2017, and continuing through his retirement from the FBI in September 2018, McGonigal concealed from the FBI the nature of his relationship with a former foreign security officer and businessperson who had ongoing business interests in foreign countries and before foreign governments. Specifically, McGonigal received at least $225,000 in cash from the individual and traveled abroad with the individual and met with foreign nationals. The individual later served as an FBI source in a criminal investigation involving foreign political lobbying over which McGonigal had official supervisory responsibility.
The charge carries a statutory 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.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director in Charge Donald Alway of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Los Angeles and Washington Field Offices are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Aloi and Stuart D. Allen, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Friedman for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Deputy Chief Evan N. Turgeon of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance.
Former Postal Worker Charged with Stealing Checks from the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Hachikosela Muchimba, 43, of Washington, D.C., was charged by criminal complaint with mail theft and bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Imari Niles, of the U.S. Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General Trevor R. Nelson, of the Department of Treasury-Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon, of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.
According to the criminal complaint, between October 2021 and March 2023, Muchimba, an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, executed a scheme to steal checks from the U.S. mail and direct those funds into a bank account under his control. Muchimba would remove the name of the proper payee and replace it with his own name. Many of these misappropriated checks were U.S. Treasury checks. He is seen on bank surveillance removing the proceeds from ATM machines. The total amount of the checks that were fraudulently deposited into Muchimba’s accounts was $1,697,909.52. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Muchimba’s personal residence on March 29, 2023. In the course of that search, law enforcement recovered an ATM receipt that reflected a deposit of a U.S. Treasury Check in the amount of $415,173.53.
The maximum penalty for bank fraud is 30 years in prison; and for mail theft is five years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted, the defendant’s sentence would be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney John Borchert, 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.
District Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Anthony Glenmore, 39, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 37 months in prison and 36 months’ supervised release for possession of a loaded firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Glenmore pleaded guilty in April 2023. According to court documents, on December 17, 2022, in the 2000 block of Georgia Avenue, Northwest, MPD officers, patrolling in a marked police vehicle, saw Glenmore walking south toward U Street, carrying a camouflaged backpack. The officers pulled alongside the defendant, rolled down the car window and asked the defendant if he had a gun in the backpack. The defendant denied that he had a gun and, when asked a second time, started walking away at a fast pace. One of the police officers then called out to the defendant, exited the vehicle, and started chasing the defendant who began running away. As the officer was chasing the defendant, he yelled for the defendant to drop the gun. The defendant then dropped the backpack which the officer picked up as the defendant tried to scale a building. When the officer unzipped the backpack he saw a firearm and wallet which contained the defendant’s identification.
The recovered firearm (Black, Intrac Arms, HS2000) contained 9-millimeter ammunition and had 14 rounds in a magazine that had the capacity to hold 16 rounds.
The defendant has been detained since December 17, 2022.
This case was investigated by the MPD and ATF as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar.
U.S. Government Contractor Arrested on Espionage ChargesRead the Press Release
A U.S. government contractor was arrested on Aug. 24 based on espionage charges in a complaint unsealed today. Abraham Teklu Lemma, 50, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Ethiopian descent, of Silver Spring, Maryland, is charged with delivering national defense information to aid a foreign government, conspiracy to deliver national defense information to aid a foreign government, and the willful retention of national defense information.
According to the criminal complaint, between on or about Dec. 19, 2022, and Aug. 7, 2023, Lemma copied classified information from intelligence reports and deleted the classification markings from them. Lemma then removed the information, which was classified as SECRET and TOP SECRET, from secure facilities at the Department of State. This material related to a specific country and/or geographic region. Lemma accessed, copied, removed, and retained this information without authorization.
According to the charging documents, Lemma used an encrypted application to transmit classified national defense information to a foreign government official associated with a foreign country’s intelligence service. In these communications, Lemma expressed an interest and willingness to assist the foreign government official by providing information. In one communication, the foreign official stated, “[i]t’s time to continue ur support.” Lemma responded, “Roger that!” In other chats, the foreign official tasked Lemma to focus on information related to particular subjects, and Lemma responded “[a]bsolutely, I have been focusing on that all this week . . . .” As alleged in the criminal complaint, the classified national defense information Lemma transferred to the foreign official included satellite imagery and other information regarding military activities in the foreign country and region.
The two espionage charges carry a potential penalty of death or any term of years up to life in prison, and the willful retention charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal Chawla and Alexandra Hughes for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Heather Schmidt and Kathryn DeMarco of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lemma complaint Lemma affidavitMaryland Man Working for the Government Charged with EspionageRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A government contractor is charged by criminal complaint, unsealed today, with espionage. Abraham Teklu Lemma, 50, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Ethiopian descent living in Silver Spring, Maryland, is charged with gathering or delivering national defense information to aid a foreign government; conspiracy to gather or deliver national defense information to aid a foreign government; and having unauthorized possession of national defense information and willfully retaining it.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Lemma worked as an IT administrator for the Department of State, and as a Management Analyst for the Department of Justice. In those positions, Lemma was granted a TOP SECRET security clearance and granted access to classified systems.
According to the criminal complaint, between December 19, 2022, and August 7, 2023, Lemma copied classified information from Intelligence Reports and deleted the classification markings from them. Lemma then removed the information, which was classified as SECRET and TOP SECRET, from secure facilities at the Department of State against protocol. The materials related to a specific country and/or geographic region. Lemma accessed, copied, removed, and retained this information without authorization.
It is further alleged that Lemma used an encrypted application to transmit classified national defense information to a foreign official associated with the specific country’s intelligence service. In these communications, Lemma expressed an interest and willingness to assist the foreign official in providing information. In one communication, the foreign official stated stated, “[i]t’s time to continue ur support.” Lemma responded, “Roger that!" In another chat, the foreign official praised Lemma’s efforts, stating “[a]lways this beautiful country have [sic] some special people who scarify [sic] their life to protect our proud history. You always remembered. It doesn’t matter the results.”
The two espionage charges carry a potential sentence of death or any term of years up to life, and the retention charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, and the Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal Chawla and Alexandra Hughes for the District of Columbia, Trial Attorneys Heather Schmidt and Kathryn DeMarco of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Statement Regarding Proposed Changes to Crime MeasuresRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves released the following statement on the package of bills and initiatives—known as the “Secure DC Plan”—proposed by D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto. The plan includes the Addressing Crime through Targeted Interventions and Violence Enforcement (ACTIVE) Amendment Act of 2023.
“I am glad Councilmember Pinto introduced these bills, and I support her plan to improve public safety in the District. These provisions will better enable our office to prosecute cases that are harming our communities and fill legal gaps that will make our residents safer.”
U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves provides the following additional statement:
This legislation includes a number of common-sense fixes, such as making clear that being shot is a severe assault that should be treated as the serious bodily injury that it is, and making clear that whether an armed gunman takes your car from you, or forcefully takes your keys from you to steal your car, it is all carjacking.
As the community begins to consider this important package, I have noted that the provisions addressing how we better protect our community from gun offenders and those charged with gun offenses who remain in the community have already garnered much attention. Before discussing those provisions, I want to explain how our system currently operates. In the District, people charged with illegally possessing a firearm are typically released pending trial—even when they have previously been convicted of a felony. While there is a presumption in the D.C. Code that these individuals will be detained pending trial due to the inherent dangerousness of firearms offenses, most are released.
Moreover, a majority of the people convicted of carrying a pistol without a license in the District are sentenced to a period of probation, which is permitted under the D.C. Sentencing Guidelines. Put simply, the typical result of a prosecution for illegally carrying a firearm is that the person charged will be in the community pending the resolution of his or her case and, if convicted of carrying a pistol without a license, will be sentenced to a period of probation. Our criminal justice system needs to reflect the reality that many individuals found with guns are being released back into our community after having served little to no time in jail.
This legislation, if enacted, will be narrowly tailored to work to stop people who are given the opportunity to remain in the community despite having been convicted of gun offenses, or people given the opportunity to be released pending trial—notwithstanding a presumption of pretrial detention—from re-arming themselves while they are under supervision.
This will allow law enforcement to search a limited category of people for—among other things—guns that they are carrying in public places in violation of their conditions of release. This provision recognizes that swift and certain apprehension is an effective deterrent to criminal activity, and draws from research from the U.S. Sentencing Commission showing that people convicted of gun offenses have higher rates of recidivism.
We have reviewed similar legislation from California and other states, and the court decisions affirming their constitutionality, including decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court. Based on judicial precedent, we are confident that the legislation complies with the Fourth Amendment, and if this legislation is enacted, we are prepared to defend the statute’s constitutionality in court.
District Man Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Prison for Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Saadiq Logan, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 117 months in prison and five years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person prohibited, and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Logan pleaded guilty, on Dec. 15, 2022, in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia.
According to court documents, shortly after 6 p.m. on June 22, 2022, members of MPD’s Violent Crime Impact Team (VCIT), were patrolling in Southeast Washington when they observed Logan with a group of individuals standing around a Mercedes parked on the road. Logan was holding a backpack. As the officers exited their vehicle, Logan ran but tripped and fell, dropping the backpack. Officers recovered the backpack and found two firearms with multiple magazines. They also found a Glock 21 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol in Logan’s waistband, equipped with a machine gun conversion device (a “switch”) which allows the pistol to shoot multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger. The Glock 21 had one round chambered and 10 additional rounds in a 13-round capacity magazine.
Inside Logan’s backpack, law enforcement recovered the following:
• A loaded 7.62 caliber Micro-Draco semi-automatic pistol with one round in the chamber and 21 additional rounds in an unknown capacity magazine
• A loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol with one round in the chamber and 22 additional rounds in a 31-round capacity magazine
• A 10mm magazine loaded with 10 rounds
• An unloaded .45 caliber magazine with 30-round capacity
• A .40 caliber drum magazine with 50-round capacity loaded with 22 rounds
Logan also was carrying a pill bottle containing 59 tablets determined to contain fentanyl.
On Aug. 5, 2022, while detained in the D.C. jail pending resolution of the current case, Logan assaulted an inmate and intentionally kicked the victim in the head multiple times during a fight. As a result of this incident, Logan was charged with simple assault in D.C. Superior Court. He pleaded guilty to that charge on June 20, 2023, and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
The case was prosecuted by former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison McGuire and Assistant U.S. Attorney George Eliopoulos, with assistance from Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Leiter, all members of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
District Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for 2021 Murder in Southeast Washington Apartment Building LobbyRead the Press Release
Defendant Shot Victim in Back After Confrontation Over Drug Sales to Victim’s Father
WASHINGTON – Shaka Haltiwanger, 24, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 24 years in prison for second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and related charges stemming from the brazen mid-morning killing of Anthony Kelley in the lobby of an apartment building in Southeast Washington. The sentenced was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
A jury found Haltiwanger guilty on March 22, 2023. In addition to the 24-year prison term, the Honorable Rainey Brandt ordered three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, just before 11:30 a.m. on September 10, 2021, 39-year old Anthony Kelley arrived at his father’s apartment building at 1400 29th Street SE, to take his father—who had suffered a stroke and could not drive—to the grocery store. When Mr. Kelley entered his father’s apartment, he found Haltiwanger on the living room couch. Haltiwanger had been regularly selling crack cocaine to Mr. Kelley’s father. Mr. Kelley confronted Haltiwanger and physically removed him from the apartment. Haltiwanger and Mr. Kelley continued to argue in the hallway and stairwell of the apartment building until Mr. Kelley separated himself and began to walk away toward the building’s front door. Haltiwanger then removed a 9 mm “ghost gun,” equipped with a 50-round magazine drum, from his backpack and shot Mr. Kelley once in the back. The gun jammed after the first shot, and Haltiwanger fled the scene. Haltiwanger and others then proceeded to call multiple eyewitnesses to the shooting more than a dozen times using blocked phone numbers while the eyewitnesses were speaking to law enforcement on scene.
Haltiwanger was arrested for the murder of Mr. Kelley on September 30, 2021, and has been in custody since. At the time of the murder, Haltiwanger was on pretrial release for a pending gun and drug case in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting 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 FBI CAST team. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon Donovan, Deputy Chief of the Homicide Section, and Dan Lenerz of the Appellate Section; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen; Victim/Witness Security Specialists Robert Cephas, Marlon Hernandez, and Lesley Slade; Supervisory Victim/Witness Service Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington; Paralegal Specialists Meridith McGarrity and Grazy Rivera; and Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Kimak and Charles R. Jones, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
D.C. Executive Pleads Guilty to Second Fraud Offense and Admits to Stealing more than $2 million from Former ClientsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Graham Hauck, 50, of Bethesda, Maryland, pleaded guilty today—for the second time in approximately four months—to stealing money from his clients. In May 2023, Hauck pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from one former client. Following that guilty plea, additional clients contacted the government to report that Hauck had stolen from them, too. Hauck even stole money from one client after his May 2023 guilty plea. In total, he misappropriated more than $2 million from eight clients. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division.
On May 10, 2023, Hauck pleaded guilty to wire fraud, which carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Today, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud, which carries a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison. As part of his plea agreements, Hauck must pay full restitution to the victims. He also will be liable for forfeiture money judgments. U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras accepted both of Hauck’s guilty pleas. Judge Contreras revoked Hauck’s bond last Thursday after he learned that Hauck had stolen money from one victim following the entry of his May guilty plea. Sentencing is scheduled in both cases for Feb. 28, 2024.
Hauck served as president and CEO of Hauck & Associates, Inc., (H&A) a trade association management firm based in Washington, D.C. The victim organizations retained H&A to serve as their management company. Hauck used his access to their financial accounts to steal more than $2 million from the eight victims.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman with assistance from Financial Analyst Bryan Snitselaar, Paralegal Specialists Michon Tart and Marsha Cannon, and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Catherine Chae.
U.S. Attorney's Office Testifies Before D.C. Council in Support of the Accountability and Victim Protection Amendment Act of 2023Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia will testify today at a committee hearing before the Council of the District of Columbia on proposed legislation, Bill 25-0345, the "Accountability and Victim Protection Amendment Act of 2023."
USAO-DC strongly supports the "Accountability and Victim Protection Amendment Act" because it will provide additional tools to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community and hold accountable those who harm them. Our Office is committed to aggressively prosecuting all forms of violence, including sexual assault and domestic violence against adults, teens, and children, and to protecting our community from these often life-changing acts of violence.
In addition to appearing before the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, Elana Suttenberg, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, provided written remarks, available in the accompanying attachment.
The testimony is available in the attachment below.