District of Columbia

WASHINGTON – Tarik Laghrib, 44, of Northwest Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today to multiple violent crime offenses arising from a series of armed and unarmed robberies and burglaries that targeted small businesses in the District’s Adams Morgan neighborhood in January and February of 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            According to court documents, MPD officers arrested Laghrib in the early hours of Feb. 19, 2023, hours after he assaulted and robbed a clerk at Metro Wine & Spirits on the 1700 block of Columbia Rd. Police tracked Laghrib to a nearby apartment building. Officers apprehended Laghrib when he later emerged with a bottle of stolen liquor. Police had been investigating several other burglaries and robberies in the community that had begun in January 2023. As a result of the investigation, police and prosecutors linked Laghrib to that crime spree, which ended with Laghrib’s arrest and pre-trial detention.

            As part of his plea agreement, Laghrib admitted in D.C. Superior Court to the armed robbery of the liquor store and also admitted to an assault and second-degree theft at the Chocolate House on 18th Street on Feb. 2, 2023. In addition, he admitted that he returned to the Chocolate House the next day and robbed its owner. Minutes after that robbery, Laghrib proceeded to the Cosmo Nail Bar where he committed another robbery.

            Superior Court Judge Jason Park scheduled sentencing for Jan. 12, 2024. Laghrib faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $75,000 for the armed robbery count, and an additional 15 years in prison and $37,500 fine for each of the additional robbery counts.

            This case was investigated by the MPD’s Third District Detectives Unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wes Faulkner, Jr. and Joshua Hall.

            WASHINGTON –Lonnell Hart, 50, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today, in U.S. District Court, to 132 months in prison for multiple armed robberies committed in 2017,  announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”).

            Hart pleaded guilty on July 8, 2022, to four counts of interfering with interstate commerce by robbery, also known as Hobbs Act robbery. As part of the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered 36 months of supervised release and $14,050 in restitution.

            According to court documents, between August 15, 2017, and October 25, 2017, Hart robbed four Washington, D.C. CVS pharmacies. During each of those robberies, Hart brandished a loaded firearm and pointed it at employees in order to gain their compliance with his demands.  Hart then ordered the employees to provide him with cash from the pharmacies’ safes, as well as the registers. During one robbery, Hart pointed a loaded firearm at the belly of a pregnant woman when his demands were not immediately met.

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory P. Rosen and James B. Nelson.           

WASHINGTON -- Michael Stewart, 29, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute N, N-Dimethylpentylone, 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 (ATF).

            Stewart entered the guilty plea in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan scheduled a sentencing hearing for Jan. 25, 2024. Stewart has been detained since Jan. 8, 2023.

            According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 8, 2023, at about 2:35 a.m., officers observed Stewart in the area of 7th and T Streets, Northwest. As officers approached him, Stewart ran diagonally through an intersection with oncoming traffic from at least one direction. Stewart subsequently was apprehended. Officers recovered a black Ruger SR9C firearm from his person. The gun was loaded with one round in the chamber and 15 rounds in the magazine. The extended magazine in the Ruger had a total capacity of 17 rounds. A records check revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen in Atlanta. Officers also recovered two folded $1 bills with white power inside, a scale, $435 in small denomination bills, and 61.8 grams of N, N-Dimethylpentylone, a designer drug.

            This case was investigated by the MPD and the ATF as part of Project Safe Neighborhood. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Renaud.

Yon ak akizasyon ki te depoze nan distri Columbia epi ki pibliye jodi a akize sitwayen ayisyen Vitel’homme Innocent, chèf gang Kraze Baryè a, pou wòl li ta sanse jwe nan pran de sitwayen ameriken kòm otaj avèk zam nan peyi Dayiti nan mwa oktòb 2022. Pandan zak sa, youn nan sitwayen yo te rive mouri.

Se pwokirè Ameriken Matye M. Graves ak Ajan espesyal ki responsab biwo FBI nan Miami, Jeffrey B. Veltri, ki anonse ak akizasyon sa.

Daprè ak akizasyon an, Vitel’homme Innocent ak gang Krazye Barye ap opere nan depatman Lwès nan peyi Dayiti, ki gen ladann zòn Dèlma, Tòsèl, ak Taba. Gang sa a patisipe nan kidnape moun pou lajan, vòlè ak vòlè machin.

Vitel’homme Innocent te bay manm nan gang nan lòd pou yo kidnape Jean Franklin ak Marie Odette Franklin lakay yo nan peyi Dayiti 7 oktòb 2022. Nan dat sa a, manm gang yo ki te gen zam nan men yo te antre nan kay Franklin yo epi eseye kidnape koup lan. Pandan kidnaping la, Marie Odette Franklin te rive pèdi lavi li. Yo te kidnape mari an epi kenbe misye nan yon kote yo sekrè nan peyi Dayiti. Pandan Jean Franklin te nan men kidnapè yo, Vitel’homme Innocent te patisipe nan negosyasyon pou lajan an echanj pou liberasyon Jean Franklin. Jean Franklin te jwenn liberasyon li nan dat 28 oktòb 2022, aprè yo te fin peye gang nan lajan nan non fanmi Franklin.

Pwokirè Ameriken Graves fè konnen : « Nou rete fèm nan misyon nou pou kenbe moun k ap komèt krim vyolan kont sitwayen ameriken nan peyi Dayiti yo responsab pou zak yo ». « Gang yo ak chèf gang nan peyi Dayiti yo dwe peye pou zak atwosite yo ap fè kont sivil inosan. Nou pral sèvi ak tout metòd nou genyen nan dispozisyon nou yo pou arete ak trennen devan lajistis moun ki fè vye zak sa yo ».

Ajan espesyal Veltri deklare : « Ak akizasyon ki pibliye jodi a montre angajman FBI pou li swiv prèv yo nenpòt kote yo mennen, epi jwenn [chache] chimen ki mennen li kote chèf konplo kriminèl yo nenpòt kote yo ye a ». « Ni tan, ni distans pap fè volonte nou febli. Nou pral sèvi ak tout zouti ki disponib epi nou prale nan tout kwen latè pou nou jwenn epi mennen devan lajistis sila kap chache fè Ameriken mal yo».

Vitel’homme Innocent toujou nan kouri. Li ta dwe ap viv nan zòn Taba, nan peyi Dayiti. Gen chans pou Vitel’homme Innocent akize de lòt move zak toujou nan distri Columbia pou sa ki gen rapò ak wòl li nan kidnape 16 sitwayen ameriken nan otòn nan 2021. Dosye sa a nan egzamen.

Si yo ta rekonèt li koupab, Vitel’homme Innocent riske jwenn yon kondanasyon pou prizon avi oswa pèn lanmò.

Biwo lokal FBI nan Miami ap mennen ankèt sou dosye sa, avèk èd biwo Atache jiridik FBI nan peyi Dayiti, ak èd Sèvis Sekirite Diplomatik nan Depatman Deta. Se pwokirè federal adjwen Jack F. Korba ki responsab Dosye a.

Akizasyon ki nan ak akizasyon sa a se jis akizasyon. Tout moun yo akize prezime inosan jiskaske yon tribinal pwouve ke li koupab san kite plas pou tout dout rezonab.

WASHINGTON – Trenton Robinson, 28, of District Heights, Maryland pleaded guilty today to brandishing and discharging firearms in relation to drug trafficking crimes in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Southeast Washington, D.C. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 19, 2024.

            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, Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Interim Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            Robinson is one of more than two dozen individuals arrested as part of a joint FBI/ATF investigation which resulted in the seizure of more than 49 pounds of marijuana, 61 grams of crack cocaine, 23 firearms including three fully automatic machineguns, and more than $497,000 in cash.

            Robinson, who utilized the street nickname “Zulu,” pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, and one count of discharging a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. According to the government’s evidence, beginning in approximately June 2018, and continuing through April 2021, Robinson and his co-conspirators maintained drug dealing territory on Trenton Place SE in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. – a territory they defended by carrying, and discharging, firearms at perceived rivals.  As part of his role in the conspiracy, Robinson distributed marijuana in bulk quantities and served as an armed defender of the co-conspirators’ drug dealing territory. 

            As part of his plea agreement, Robinson admitted that he conspired with others to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, as well as oxycodone and codeine. Robinson also admitted that he conspired with others to use, carry, and possess firearms in relation to drug trafficking.  Finally, Robinson admitted to carrying and brandishing firearms on multiple occasions between January 2, 2020, and May 30, 2020, when necessary to defend the co-conspirators, their drugs, or their cash. Robinson also admitted that, on April 12, 2020, he brandished and discharged a fully automatic .223 caliber AR-Pistol at the driver of a passing vehicle in the co-conspirators’ drug-dealing territory. Robinson faces a mandatory-minimum sentence of 17 years in prison.

            In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Graves, Special Agent in Charge Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge Kailimai, and Interim Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI, ATF, and MPD. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson who investigated and prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON –  Lawrence Twisdale, 50, pleaded guilty today to assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her son in 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves.

           Lawrence Twisdale pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (a knife). Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2024, before the Honorable Maribeth Raffinan.

           According to the government’s evidence, on August 29, 2021, Twisdale went to 411 P Street NW at some point in the morning. This location was the residence of his ex-girlfriend, who had broken up with him a few weeks before. The victim allowed him in but quickly realized Twisdale was under the influence of PCP. An argument ensued regarding Twisdale’s drug use, at which point Twisdale pulled a black folding knife from his pocket and attacked the victim with it by swinging it at her and knocking her over. He struck her in the face, the back, and the left arm with the knife, causing multiple lacerations. When the victim’s son entered the room to intervene, Twisdale started swinging the knife and eventually stabbed the second victim in the chest. Twisdale left the victims’ residence as the ambulance was arriving. He was apprehended by MPD on that same day.

           In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, which investigated the case. He also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Hyde, who prosecuted the case, and AUSA Sara Hanson, who investigated and indicted the case.

Note: View the indictment, the wanted poster, and the reward poster here.

Una acusación, presentada en el Distrito de Columbia y revelada hoy, acusa a Vitel'homme Innocent, ciudadano haitiano y líder de la pandilla Kraze Barye, por su presunto rol en la retención armada de dos ciudadanos estadounidenses, uno de los cuales fue asesinado durante el evento en octubre de 2002 en Haití.

La acusación fue anunciada por el fiscal federal Matthew M. Graves y el Agente Especial a Cargo del FBI, Jeffrey B. Veltri, de la oficina regional de Miami.

Según la acusación, Vitel'homme Innocent y la pandilla Krazye Barye operan en el área de Ouest de Haití, que incluye Delmas, Torcelle y Tabarre.  La pandilla participa activamente en secuestros para exigir rescate, extorsión y robo de automóviles.

Vitel'homme Innocent dio la orden a los pandilleros de secuestrar a Jean Franklin y Marie Odette Franklin de su casa en Haití el 7 de octubre de 2022. En esa fecha, pandilleros armados forzaron la entrada a la residencia de Franklin e intentaron secuestrar a la pareja a la fuerza. Durante el secuestro, Marie Odette Franklin fue asesinada a tiros por los pandilleros. Su esposo fue llevado en cautiverio y retenido en un lugar no revelado en Haití. Mientras Jean Franklin estaba en cautiverio, Vitel'homme Innocent participó en las negociaciones de rescate a cambio de la liberación de Jean Franklin. Jean Franklin fue liberado de su cautiverio el 28 de octubre de 2022, luego de los pagos de rescate realizados por su familia a la pandilla.

"Nos mantenemos firmes en nuestra misión de procesar a los responsables de crímenes violentos cometidos contra ciudadanos estadounidenses en Haití", dijo el fiscal federal Graves. "Las pandillas y los líderes de las pandillas en Haití deben rendir cuentas por las atrocidades cometidas contra la población civil.  Utilizaremos todos los medios a nuestra disposición para detener y enjuiciar a quienes cometan actos tan atroces".

"La acusación revelada hoy demuestra el compromiso del FBI de seguir la evidencia dondequiera que nos lleve y de perseverar hasta dar con los líderes de los complots criminales donde sea que estén", dijo el Agente Especial a Cargo Veltri. "Ni el tiempo ni la distancia debilitarán nuestra determinación. Utilizaremos todas las herramientas disponibles e iremos a los confines del mundo para llevar ante la justicia a aquellos que buscan hacerle daño a los estadounidenses".

Vitel'homme Innocent sigue prófugo y se cree que reside en Tabarre, Haití.  Vitel'homme Innocent enfrenta cargos adicionales en el Distrito de Columbia relacionados con su rol en el secuestro de 16 ciudadanos estadounidenses en el otoño de 2021, por el cual fue acusado. En el otoño de 2022, el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos anunció una recompensa hasta de $1 millón de dólares por información llevando a arresto y/o conviccion de Vitel'homme Innocent. La recompensa se ofrece bajo el Programa de Recompensas contra el Crimen Organizado Transnacional.

Si es declarado culpable, Vitel'homme Innocent se enfrenta a una pena máxima de cadena perpetua o podría enfrentar la pena de muerte. 

Este caso está siendo investigado por la oficina regional del FBI en Miami, con la asistencia de la oficina del Agregado Jurídico  del FBI en Haití y con la valiosa asistencia del Servicio de Seguridad Diplomática del Departamento de Estado. El caso está siendo procesado por el fiscal federal adjunto Jack F. Korba.

Los cargos en una acusación son meramente acusaciones, y cada acusado se presume inocente a menos y hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad más allá de una duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia. 

Note: View the indictment, the wanted poster, and the reward poster here.

An indictment, filed in the District of Columbia, was unsealed today charging Vitel’homme Innocent, a Haitian national and leader of the Kraze Barye gang, for his alleged role in the October 2022 armed hostage taking, in Haiti, of two U.S. citizens, one of whom was killed during the event.

According to the indictment, Innocent and the Kraze Barye gang operate in the Ouest department of Haiti to include Delmas, Torcelle, and Tabarre. The gang actively participates in kidnappings for ransom, extortion, and car thefts.

Innocent ordered gang members to kidnap Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin from their home in Haiti on Oct. 7, 2022. On that date, armed gang members forced entry into the Franklin residence and attempted to kidnap the couple by force. During the kidnapping, Marie Odette Franklin was shot and killed by the gang members. Her husband was taken into captivity and held at an undisclosed location in Haiti. While Jean Franklin was in captivity, Innocent participated in ransom negotiations in exchange for Jean Franklin’s release. Jean Franklin was released from captivity on Oct. 28, 2022, following ransom payments made to the gang on behalf of his family.

“As alleged in the indictment, Vitel’homme Innocent, a leader of the Kraze Barye gang in Haiti, directed gang members to kidnap two American citizens for ransom, ultimately resulting in the death of one of the victims,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is vigorously pursuing those who harm or endanger Americans living in Haiti.”

“We remain steadfast in our mission to hold those responsible for violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens in Haiti,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. “The gangs and gang leaders in Haiti must be held accountable for their atrocities committed against innocent civilians. We will utilize all methods at our disposal to apprehend and prosecute those who commit such heinous acts.”

“The indictment unsealed today demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to follow the evidence wherever it leads and to work our way up to the leaders of criminal plots wherever they are,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office. “Neither time nor distance will weaken our resolve. We will use all tools available and go to the farthest reaches of the globe to bring to justice those who seek to harm Americans.”

Innocent remains at large and is believed to reside in Tabarre, Haiti. Innocent faces additional charges in the District of Columbia related to his role in the kidnapping of 16 U.S. citizens in the Fall of 2021, for which he was indicted. In the fall of 2022, the U.S. State Department announced a reward offer of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Vitel’homme Innocent. The reward is being offered under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.

If convicted, Innocent faces a maximum penalty of life in prison or could face the death penalty. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case, with assistance fromthe FBI Legal Attaché Office in Haiti and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack F. Korba with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Michael Watts for the District of Columbia.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendant are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

WASHINGTON – An indictment, filed in the District of Columbia and unsealed today, charges Vitel’homme Innocent, a Haitian national and leader of the Kraze Barye gang, for his alleged role in the October 2022 armed hostage taking, in Haiti, of two U.S. citizens, one of whom was killed during the event.

            The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri, of the Miami Field Office.

            According to the indictment, Vitel’homme Innocent and the Kraze Barye gang operate in the Ouest department of Haiti to include Delmas, Torcelle, and Tabarre. The gang actively participates in kidnappings for ransom, extortion, and car thefts.

            Vitel’homme Innocent ordered gang members to kidnap Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin from their home in Haiti on October 7, 2022. On that date, armed gang members forced entry into the Franklin residence and attempted to kidnap the couple by force. During the kidnapping, Marie Odette Franklin was shot and killed by the gang members. Her husband was taken into captivity and held at an undisclosed location in Haiti. While Jean Franklin was in captivity, Vitel’homme Innocent participated in ransom negotiations in exchange for Jean Franklin’s release. Jean Franklin was released from captivity on October 28, 2022, following ransom payments made to the gang on behalf of his family.

            “As alleged in the indictment, Vitel’homme Innocent, a leader of the Kraze Barye gang in Haiti, directed gang members to kidnap two American citizens for ransom, ultimately resulting in the death of one of the victims,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is vigorously pursuing those who harm or endanger Americans living in Haiti.”

            “We remain steadfast in our mission to hold those responsible for violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens in Haiti,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “The gangs and gang leaders in Haiti must be held accountable for their atrocities committed against innocent civilians. We will utilize all methods at our disposal to apprehend and prosecute those who commit such heinous acts."

            “The indictment unsealed today demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to follow the evidence wherever it leads and to work our way up to the leaders of criminal plots wherever they are,” said Special Agent in Charge Veltri. “Neither time nor distance will weaken our resolve. We will use all tools available and go to the farthest reaches of the globe to bring to justice those who seek to harm Americans.”

            Vitel’homme Innocent remains at large and is believed to reside in Tabarre, Haiti.  Vitel’homme Innocent faces additional charges in the District of Columbia related to his role in the kidnapping of 16 U.S. citizens in the Fall of 2021, for which he was indicted. In the Fall of 2022, the U.S. State Department announced a reward offer of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Vitel’homme Innocent. The reward is being offered under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.

            If convicted, Vitel’homme Innocent faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or could face the death penalty. 

            This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Miami Field Office, with the assistance of the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Haiti and with valuable assistance from the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack F. Korba with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Michael Watts for the District of Columbia.

            Charges in an indictment are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

 

WASHINGTON – Julian Wesley Gentry, 33, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to a federal firearms charge stemming from his possession of a loaded firearm on May 1, 2022, in the 600 block of H Street Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            Gentry 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 Timothy J. Kelly scheduled a sentencing hearing for January 12, 2024.

            According to the government’s evidence, on May 1, 2022, shortly after 1:00 a.m., a security guard who was working at a bar in the 600 block of H Street Northwest, in the District’s Chinatown neighborhood, called 911 to report that a man wearing a white dress shirt—later identified as Gentry—had displayed a firearm that he was carrying in his underwear.  The 911 caller provided a detailed description of armed suspect and his two companions, and he stated that the suspect was sitting on the steps of a closed restaurant just across the street. Officers of the Metropolitan Police Department located and approached Gentry, who ran into the middle of the street, where he was stopped seconds later. During a protective pat down, officers recovered a loaded semi-automatic firearm from the Gentry’s waistband, consistent with the 911 caller’s report. During a search of Gentry’s person following his arrest, an additional, loose round of ammunition was found in his pants pocket.

            Gentry was arrested on May 1, 2022, and has remained in custody ever since.

            Federal law prohibits Gentry from possessing a firearm because he has previously been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, including a 2019 conviction for reckless endangerment in Montgomery County, Maryland, for which he was on probation at the time of this offense.

            Gentry faces a maximum sentence of 10 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.

            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. 

            Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant United States Attorney Paul V. Courtney, who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON – An Ohio man pleaded guilty on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, to a felony charge for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 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.

Clifford Mackrell, 22, of Wellington, Ohio, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers. In his plea agreement, Mackrell admitted that he forcibly assaulted a U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officer. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 5, 2023.

According to court documents, Mackrell traveled from his home in Ohio to Washington, D.C., to participate in the January 6 political rally at the Ellipse. At the rally, Mackrell wore a red shirt covered by a heavy blue-toned, striped jacket and heavy tan-colored gloves. He also carried a black backpack and donned a gas mask. Following the speeches, he marched to the Capitol.

Around 2:30 p.m., Mackrell positioned himself on the front line of rioters on the west front of the U.S. Capitol building. While on the front line of rioters, he engaged with and assaulted law enforcement officers from both the USCP and the Metropolitan Police Department who were on a line attempting to hold back the mob.

At 2:30 p.m., Mackrell pushed back barricades with other rioters, forcing law enforcement to abandon their line and retreat closer to the Capitol building to form a new protective line without the use of barricades.

While there, between 2:28 p.m. and 2:35 p.m., Mackrell engaged in multiple assaults and unlawful conduct, which included striking and pushing officers who were engaged in and assisting officers of the United States in the performance of official duties.  Specifically, Mackrell attempted to push an MPD officer, then successfully struck and pulled down the officer’s gas mask as the officer tried to help hold a line against rioters. In his plea agreement, Mackrell admitted that when he struck the officer and pulled down the officer’s gas mask, he knew the officer was engaged in the performance of official duties.

In another instance, Mackrell helped push a piece of what appeared to be plywood into a line of officers, pushing them off the protective line. When the plywood fell, another rioter pushed an officer to the ground. Mackrell then physically confronted other law enforcement officers on the front line by pushing them.

The FBI arrested Mackrell in Wellington on Mar. 17, 2021.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Field Office, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

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.

            WASHINGTON –Four members of the Wellington Park Crew were sentenced today for 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. The shooting 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).

            Qujuan Thomas, 24, was sentenced to 68 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.

            Darrise Jeffers, 23, was sentenced to 35 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.  Mr. Jeffers was found guilty under an aiding and abetting theory and was not identified as an actual shooter in this case.

            Quentin Michals, 25, was sentenced to 40 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, and multiple counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.  Mr. Michals was found guilty under an aiding and abetting theory and was not identified as an actual shooter in this case.

            Gregory Taylor, 27, was sentenced to 65 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.

            Two other defendants - Isaiah Murchison and Marquell Cobbs - were sentenced on October 6, 2023 to 60 years and 72 month in prison, respectively.

            According to the government’s evidence, on July 16, 2018, defendants Isaiah Murchison, Gregory Taylor, Qujuan Thomas, and two other individuals drove to the Clay Terrace neighborhood armed with guns. They opened fire on the Clay Terrace courtyard, firing more than 50 shots, indiscriminately. Makiyah Wilson, who was sitting on the front stoop of her home, was killed. Several other people were wounded. Defendants Quentin Michals and Darrise Jeffers assisted the shooters by obtaining the weapons and vehicle used in the shooting.  Despite having witnessed the defendants preparing for the shooting, no witnesses were willing to provide information regarding the identity of the shooters. The government presented forensic evidence, statements the defendants made over social media, and motive evidence in presenting its case.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of the detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Branch, especially Detective Konstantinos (Gus) Giannakoulias, who investigated the case, and members of the prosecution team, including Supervisory IT Specialist Leif Hickling, IT Specialist Charlie Bruce, IT Project Manager Deon Williams, Supervisory Victim/Witness Program Specialist Jennifer Clark, Victim/Witness Program Specialist Jennifer Allen, Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington, Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Maenylie Watson, Witness Security Specialist Ashli Tolbert, USAO Criminal Investigator Neil D’Cunha, Investigative Analyst Zach McMenamin, Lead Paralegal Sharon Newman, Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Barker and Melissa Jackson, along with former AUSA John Timmer, who investigated the case.  Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Bach and Lindsey Merikas, who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia today announced an increase of over 60 percent in the percent of cases charged by the Office in D.C. Superior Court at the time of arrest.  This increase occurred after the District secured a contract that provided sufficient drug testing capacity in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2023.  

            The U.S. Attorney’s Office also announced a 58 percent increase in federal prosecutions targeting individuals responsible for violence in the community. These cases included charges for kidnapping, carjacking, robberies of commercial establishments, firearms, and murder.

            “Our top priority has been to prosecute the drivers of violence in both District Court and Superior Court, to remove the threat posed by those individuals, and to give the neighborhoods they terrorize time to heal,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves.

            Currently, approximately 60 percent of arrests for D.C. Code offenses are charged immediately after arrest by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Superior Court, or transferred for prosecution to U.S. District Court or the D.C. Office of the Attorney General. The Office continues to charge 90 percent of the most serious violent crimes (homicide, carjacking, assault with intent to kill, and first-degree sexual abuse) at the time of arrest.

            The overall day-of-arrest charging rate for Fiscal Year 2023 prosecutions in Superior Court increased to 44 percent. During the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2023, the District secured additional drug testing capacity to address the D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences’ loss of accreditation in April 2021.  Thereafter, in the final quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 (July – September 2023), the Office charged 53 percent of arrests in Superior Court at the time of arrest, and transferred 5 percent of arrests for prosecution by the Office in U.S. District Court or by the District’s Office of the Attorney General.

            Of the remaining approximately 40 percent of D.C. arrests, roughly half were arrests where the victim did not want to participate or proceed and the Office respected their wishes. Nearly all of these cases involved misdemeanor charges.  In approximately 13 percent of arrests, the Office lacked sufficient evidence to charge the case at the time of arrest, and in about three percent of arrests, the Office determined that the arrested individual had a valid affirmative defense, such as self-defense. In the remaining seven percent of cases, the Office exercised its prosecutorial discretion not to charge an arrest, typically in low-level misdemeanors committed by individuals with no or limited criminal history.

            “We will continue to use every available tool in combatting the violent crime crisis we are experiencing in our city,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “This includes prosecuting - as adults - those 16- and 17-year olds who are committing pattern or spree armed robberies and carjackings.  This includes bringing federal charges against those individuals responsible for gun violence, and coordinating with our federal law enforcement partners in conducting large-scale take-downs in communities being ravaged by violence.  We will do everything we can to relentlessly attack them from our lane, using the full force of federal law.  One shooting is one too many.  One carjacking is one too many.  One robbery is one too many.”

 

Watch this video to learn more:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBK9zF7I_YY 

WASHINGTON – A Pennsylvania woman was sentenced today on nine total felony and misdemeanor charges for her actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Her 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.

Rachel Marie Powell, 43, of Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 57 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth. Judge Lamberth also ordered Powell to pay more than $8,000 in restitution, fines, and fees.

Powell was found guilty on July 18, 2023, following a bench trial before Judge Lamberth of civil disorder; obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting; 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; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; destruction of government property; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Powell was one of the first rioters to break through onto Capitol grounds near the Peace Circle. At the West Plaza, Powell pushed against barricades and encouraged other rioters to attack the police line. After the West Plaza was breached, Powell climbed up to the Lower West Terrace (LWT), and eventually entered the Capitol itself through a broken window. Powell later used an ice axe and a battering ram to break through a different window and breach the Capitol at a different location, encouraging other rioters to enter the Capitol. After the riot, instead of remorse, Powell continued to call for political violence.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Powell first attended former President Trump’s rally before joining rioters at the Capitol building and grounds. She was wearing a pink hat, black jacket, and carried a bullhorn. She ignored numerous police orders to leave the grounds. Instead, she repeatedly pushed against the barricades using her hands, shoulders, and back. At approximately 2:28 p.m., rioters breached the police line at the West Plaza and pushed forward toward the Capitol, violently assaulting law enforcement officers along the way. Powell participated in this breach by shoving a barricade against an officer as the police line broke.

Powell is seen in multiple videos and photographs using the bullhorn to further instruct others on how to gain control of the Capitol. One video of Powell depicts a group of individuals inside a room of the Capitol discussing how to penetrate the building further. One individual is heard asking, “What’s the floor plan?” Another shouts, “We just need a plan. We need enough people. We need to push forward.”

Shortly after, Powell is clearly seen speaking through the bullhorn and giving very detailed instructions about the layout of the building to others in the room. Powell can be heard stating that she had just been inside an adjacent room and that they should “coordinate together if you are going to take this building.” Powell also notes that they “have another window to break.”

Law enforcement authorities identified multiple images and videos of Powell during the day’s events, including instances of her using an ice axe to breach windows of the Capitol. Video footage from inside the Capitol building shows Powell entering the building at 2:41 p.m. through the West Lower Terrace exterior door along with a large crowd of rioters. At 5:01 p.m., Powell returned to the left side of the tunnel as part of an effort to coordinate a breakthrough into the Capitol building. That attempt failed when officers emerged from the tunnel and successfully dispersed Powell and the rioters from the area at 5:05 p.m.

On January 7, she posted on social media: “we have given you all a chance to help us settle this peacefully. We have been patient. The time is up.”

In the following days, Powell repeatedly bragged about the aggressive behavior of rioters, their violence towards law enforcement, and the eventual retreat of officers. For example, on January 7, Powell wrote: “IT WAS F--ING WAR TO GET IN. IF YOU WERE NOT HERE THEN STFU.” In another post, she wrote: “There were lots of security. They had to retreat into the building and fight back because patriots were relentless.” In another, Powell replied, “They didn’t open the gates. The people trampled them. It was war.”

The FBI arrested Powell on Feb. 4, 2021, in Pennsylvania. On Apr. 5, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Powell with nine counts.

This case was 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 Western District of Pennsylvania. 

This case was investigated by the FBI's Pittsburgh and Washington Office, which identified Powell as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #110 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

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.

WASHINGTON – An indictment, filed today in Superior Court in the District of Columbia, charges Tyriq Jamal Williams, 32, of Northwest Washington D.C, with first degree murder while armed in the Jan. 7, 2023, shooting death of 20-year-old Terry Clark, of Southeast Washington D.C., outside the entrance to the Navy Yard Metro Station. The indictment was announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            According to the indictment, Williams and a female companion exited a Green Line Metro train at the Navy Yard Station in Southeast, where they encountered Clark on the escalator leading to the station on Half Street. Clark was bouncing on the stairs and made a fist-pumping gesture with his right hand. Williams separated from his companion at the station exit and waited next to a cement column until Clark walked by him. Williams approached Clark and shot him once in the head. Then Williams turned and walked away in the direction of his companion. He returned to the Metro alone and boarded it again at the station, leaving the area on the Green Line train.

            Police responded at 7:55 p.m. and found Clark lying on the sidewalk unconscious and unresponsive in front of the Metro station entrance. A single 9 mm casing was found a few feet south of the victim’s body. Clark was pronounced dead at 8:05 p.m.

            The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Williams on Jan. 20, 2023.

            A conviction of first-degree murder while armed carries a statutory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life.

            This case is being investigated by the MPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Interrante, 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.

WASHINGTON – Former United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer Thomas Smith, 46, pleaded guilty today to violating an individual’s civil rights by recklessly engaging in a dangerous pursuit and being deliberately indifferent to the danger he created. The plea was announced by 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 Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

            Smith pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law. According to court documents, on the evening of June 20, 2020, Smith was on duty conducting security checks at the homes of members of Congress in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., when he began pursuing two individuals riding motorized cycles. Though USCP policies prohibit vehicular pursuits outside of the Capitol grounds, except in emergencies and upon supervisory approval, Smith conducted the pursuit without seeking such approval.

            While following the motorcyclists closely, but without his emergency lights on, Smith’s USCP cruiser struck one of the motorcyclists at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, Northwest. The crash knocked the cyclist into the air before he hit the asphalt roadway. As the victim lay in the intersection unconscious, Smith drove his cruiser around the victim and left the scene of the collision. Contrary to USCP policies, Smith did not notify anyone of the incident, take any action to seek medical assistance for the victim or ensure that no further harm came to the victim as he lay on the road. Hours after the collision, Smith falsified several USCP records in an attempt to cover up the events related to the incident.

            “Like all of our law enforcement partners, we know that the overwhelming majority of U.S. Capitol Police officers do their difficult and dangerous jobs honorably and lawfully,” said U.S. Attorney Mathew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “But former officer Smith violated the Constitution and abused his position by recklessly engaging in a dangerous pursuit that resulted in an unnecessary collision that could have had devastating results. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights of all District residents and to holding accountable individuals who violate those rights.”

            “A federal law enforcement officer who abuses his authority by engaging in reckless and obstructive conduct not only violates the law, but also public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “All police officials who deprive citizens of their civil rights will be held accountable. We will aggressively prosecute any law enforcement officer who violates the most basic constitutional rights of our citizens.”

            “Contrary to the oath he took as a law enforcement officer and a government employee, Smith endangered and showed disregard for others’ lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Jacobs. “His guilty plea today demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of the American people."

            Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

            The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

            Assistant U.S. Attorney Gauri Gopal and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendra Briggs, previously investigated, indicted and prosecuted the case. Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Visser for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.

A former United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer pleaded guilty today to violating an individual’s civil rights by recklessly engaging in a dangerous pursuit and being deliberately indifferent to the danger he created.

Thomas Smith, 46, pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law. According to court documents, on the evening of June 20, 2020, Smith was on duty conducting security checks at the homes of members of Congress in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., when he began pursuing two individuals riding motorized cycles. Though USCP policies prohibit vehicular pursuits outside of the Capitol grounds, except in emergencies and upon supervisory approval, Smith conducted the pursuit without seeking such approval.

While following the motorcyclists closely, but without his emergency lights on, Smith’s USCP cruiser struck one of the motorcyclists at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, Northwest. The crash knocked the cyclist into the air before he hit the asphalt roadway. As the victim lay in the intersection unconscious, Smith drove his cruiser around the victim and left the scene of the collision. Contrary to USCP policies, Smith did not notify anyone of the collision, take any action to seek medical assistance for the victim or ensure that no further harm came to the victim as he lay on the road. Hours after the collision, Smith falsified several USCP records related to the incident.

“A federal law enforcement officer who abuses his authority by engaging in reckless and obstructive conduct not only violates the law, but also public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute any law enforcement officer, including those who serve within the ranks of federal law enforcement, when they violate the most basic constitutional rights of our citizens.”

“Like all of our law enforcement partners, we know that the overwhelming majority of U.S. Capitol Police officers do their difficult and dangerous jobs honorably and lawfully,” said U.S. Attorney Mathew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “But former officer Smith violated the Constitution and abused his position by recklessly engaging in a dangerous pursuit that resulted in an unnecessary collision that could have had devastating results. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights of all District residents and to holding accountable individuals who violate those rights.”  

“Contrary to the oath he took as a law enforcement officer and a government employee, Smith endangered and showed disregard for others’ lives,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “His guilty plea today demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of the American people."

Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Visser for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. 

WASHINGTON – David Paitsel, 42, a former FBI agent, and Brian Bailey, 53, a D.C. real estate developer were sentenced today on bribery and conspiracy charges for their role in schemes involving confidential information held by the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development, 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 Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.

            Paitsel, a resident of North Carolina, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for each count to run concurrently, 24 months of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and ordered to pay a $10,600 forfeiture money judgment. Bailey, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for each count to run concurrently, 24 months of supervised release, $100 special assessment, and a $250,000 fine. Both defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. A jury convicted both defendants of bribery and conspiracy charges on October 7, 2022.

            Bailey was found guilty of giving thousands of dollars in bribes to Dawne Dorsey, a program specialist with the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in exchange for confidential, un-redacted Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) offer of sale notices, which included the names of tenants holding TOPA rights.

            TOPA provides tenants living in the District of Columbia with the right to purchase their residence should the owner decide to sell the property. Under TOPA, tenants can re-assign their right to purchase to a third party. TOPA requires the owner (seller) to provide the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development with offer of sale notices before the proposed real estate transaction. The offer of sale notices include, among other things, information not released to the public, such as the names of tenants residing at the property

            In a second part of the scheme, Paitsel and Bailey were both found guilty of one count of bribery and one count of conspiracy. Specifically, Bailey paid Paitsel bribes to look up the contact information of the tenants holding TOPA rights, which he did using a database he had special access to as an FBI Agent.

            The District of Columbia government employee, Dawne Dorsey, 40, pleaded guilty to bribery in June 2019.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2023. In a related case, Frederick Silvers of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to bribery and was sentenced to 5 months’ incarceration for bribes paid to Dorsey.

            This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. 

            The trial of the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Aloi and John Borchert, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Lisa Abbe and Quiana Dunn-Gordon of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

Defendant Belonged to Groups that Discussed the Sexual Abuse of Very Young Children

            WASHINGTON – Raymond Glover, 43, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 97 months imprisonment, to be followed by 15 years supervised release, for his criminal conduct which included the distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon, of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington, D.C.  

            Glover pleaded guilty on March 14, 2023, in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia, to one felony count of receiving child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton.

            According to court documents, on or about Sept. 21, 2021, HSI agents searched Glover’s home. During the search, a child pornography video was playing on Glover’s laptop inside his living room, using an application that allowed Glover to share his video screen with other likeminded offenders. The video depicted an infant being sexually abused by an adult man. Agents observed adult men, on another screen, who appeared to be watching the video, and masturbating, while the infant was being sexually assaulted.

            Glover stated that some of the child pornography videos posted in the application chat groups depicted children as young as 5 or 6 years of age being abused. Glover stated that members in these chat groups posted links to cloud storage sites which allowed him to gain access to child pornography. During the execution of the search warrant, agents seized 13 electronic devices, including two phones and the laptop. Glover’s devices contained over 60 videos and 60 images that depict the sexual abuse of children. The videos and images were downloaded by Glover between the dates of Sept. 27, 2019, and Sept. 21, 2021. Glover was arrested and charged with child exploitation offenses on the date that law enforcement searched his home. He has remained in custody ever since.

            This case was investigated by the Washington, D.C. field office of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Bond of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Alexis Spencer-Anderson. 

WASHINGTON – Corenzo Mobery, 40, of Washington, DC,  pleaded guilty today to participating in a drug trafficking network based in Southeast Washington that sold cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, PCP, and marijuana, announced United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            Mobery, aka “Snowman,” pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to five counts of a superseding indictment that included unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine; carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

            Mobery was indicted with 16 co-defendants (listed below) who all have pleaded guilty. Nearly all have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 24 months to 114 months based on their criminal conduct and criminal histories. Mobery is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 26, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich.

            The case stems from an investigation by the MPD Violent Crime Suppression Division’s Violence Reduction Unit and the FBI into the “MLK Crew” — a group of individuals who were operating an open-air drug market in and around the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE, Washington D.C.

            The investigation began in response to numerous citizen complaints about rampant drug trafficking and accompanying incidents of violence in the area. In addition to numerous citizen complaints, MPD targeted this area as one of the most notorious in the city in terms of recent shootings and shots fired, as well as for the area’s high numbers of arrests—particularly offenses involving drugs and firearms.

            As part of its investigation, MPD and FBI began conducting surveillance, obtaining search warrants, and making controlled buys of narcotics from suspected members of the conspiracy.

            The investigation revealed that MLK Crew members openly engaged in the sale of various drugs (including PCP, crack, fentanyl, and marijuana) and took over the area and, effectively, some of the neighborhood’s businesses. MLK Crew members would often go into the neighborhood businesses to complete sales and constantly loitered outside of these businesses to engage in sales. As part of its investigation, MPD and FBI obtained video of defendants openly conducting narcotics transactions in these businesses and even displaying firearms. Throughout the case, law enforcement seized at least 10 firearms (many of which were privately manufactured firearms or “ghost guns”) from MLK crew members and/or stash houses and a sizeable quantity of various narcotics.

            The MLK Crew’s drug trafficking contributed to numerous incidents of drug-related violence in and around the 2900 Block of MLK Ave., including multiple assaults, shootings, robberies, and murders—most notably, the murder of a six-year-old girl who was the daughter of one of the co-defendants in this case. 

            In July 2021, a few months after opening the investigation, MPD and FBI arrested 11 initial defendants and seized 10 firearms, along with PCP, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, pills, and over $2,500 in cash. The additional six defendants were charged in September 2021 and were arrested shortly thereafter.  

DEFENDANT

STATUS

Ricky Lyles, Accokeek, MD

Sentenced to 114 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm

Nico Griffin, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Dandre Shorter, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Wesley Leake, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 40 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Leon Lindsay, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 57 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Dezmond Cunningham, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 48 months for conspiracy to distributecocaine

Divine Chappell, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 76 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Shawn Wooden, Washington, DC

Pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
To be sentenced on Nov. 28, 2023

Barry Tyson, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 73 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute  cocaine

Delonta Chappell, Washington, DC 

Sentenced to 48 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Anthony Graves, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 27 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Deshawn Loggins, Temple Hills, MD 

Sentenced to 42 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Kevonte Randall, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 46 months for conspiracy to distribute 2 cocaine and possessing a firearm

Corenzo Mobery, Washington, DC 

Pleaded guilty October 16th.
To be sentenced on Jan. 24, 2024

Rico Griffin, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 66 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Shahborne Scales, Washington, DC 

Sentenced to 66 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Luther McDuffie, Washington, DC

Sentenced to 24 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine

            The prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross Border Safe Streets Task Force in partnership with MPD’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). This partnership targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Park Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Henek, Andy Wang, and Matthew W. Kinskey of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses (VRTO) Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

            The investigation had the sponsorship and support of the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF specializes in the investigation and prosecution of drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.

WASHINGTON – Jalen Browne, 22, of Upper Marlboro, MD, was sentenced today to 810 months (67.5 years) in prison for the murders of Jovan Hill and Tariq Riley, in July of 2021, in Northwest D.C.  The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            Browne was convicted on July 21, 2023, following a jury trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was found guilty of and sentenced for two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and six counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.

            According to the government’s evidence, shortly after 3:38pm on July 25, 2021, the defendant disguised himself and walked around the 100 block of Q Street, NW, eventually lying in wait to shoot young men enjoying the hot summer day. The defendant, using a backpack to catch his shell casings, fired 12 shots in succession at six young men. Narrowly missing three of his targets, the defendant hit 22-year old Jovan Hill, 19-year old Tariq Riley, and another man in the back. First responders found Jovan Hill and Tariq Riley on the ground. Both men were transported to nearby hospitals, but all life-saving efforts failed; both men died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the back. No witnesses provided information regarding the identity of the shooter. The government presented forensic, video surveillance, circumstantial, and motive evidence in securing a conviction on all counts.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of the members and detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department who investigated the case. They also recognized the members of the prosecution team, including: Charlie Bruce, Zachary McMenamin, Victim Advocates Christie Bloodworth and Deidria Ellis, and Paralegal Specialists Meridith McGarity, Lauren Douglas, and Tasha Harris.  Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Wojcik and Lauren Galloway who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON – Garnell Lucas, 33, of Upper Marlboro, MD, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for his role in a fentanyl distribution ring, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, and Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs, of the FBI Washington Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta ordered 60 months of supervised release. Lucas pleaded guilty on May 15, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. He admitted he is accountable for more than 1.2 kilograms of a mixture containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

            According to court documents, in August 2021, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking group running a fentanyl pill pressing operation in and around Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Law enforcement learned that the group was in possession of at least three pill presses, used to press fentanyl into counterfeit prescription pills which the group then distributed throughout Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Lucas and others were identified as participants in the drug trafficking operation. Between May 2020 and late-September 2022, the conspiracy utilized at least three pill presses, including one industrial pill press, to press mixed fentanyl.

            As part of the conspiracy, the defendant distributed the counterfeit pills in a coordinated manner with co-conspirators, including to other co-conspirators and to other distributors and/or users. The co-conspirators would coordinate their distribution, including resupplying or helping each other fill orders, if necessary, to further the object of selling narcotics, and referring customers to each other. On March 29, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at an apartment in Southeast Washington, DC, a stash house used by the conspiracy to run the pill press operation. During the search, law enforcement seized baggies of pills and loose powder, together amounting to more than 516 pills and more than 76 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. 

            This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section, prosecuted the case. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Wasserman and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marnee Rand.

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.

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.

            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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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            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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

            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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

            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.