District of Columbia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Fully Suspended Sentence Handed Down for Robbery and Carjacking SpreeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Antonio Gaither, 17, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, for a spree of robberies and carjackings that took place in September 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Gaither, who was sixteen years old at the time of the offenses and who was charged pursuant to Title 16, pleaded guilty on August 29, 2025, to one count of carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery. At Gaither’s sentencing on April 24, 2026, the United States requested a sentence of twelve years of incarceration, representing a sentence at the top of his sentencing guidelines for each count, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The Honorable Judge Jennifer DiToro sentenced Gaither to a fully suspended sentences of 48 months for carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and 24 months for each count of robbery, with 18 months of supervised probation. The Court’s sentence was entered pursuant to the Youth Rehabilitation Act, over the government’s objection, which permits a sentence beneath the mandatory minimum term of seven years of incarceration for carjacking and five years of incarceration for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. On March 17, 2026, Gaither’s co-defendant, Derrick West, also received a suspended sentence over the government’s objection.
According to the proffer of facts, on September 19, 2024, at approximately 10:31 p.m., in the 500 block of 48th Place NE, Gaither, his co-defendant Derrick West and two additional suspects, pulled up next to the first victim, while she was parking her car. Two of the suspects exited their vehicle and one pointed a firearm at the victim and ordered her to exit her vehicle. Two of the suspects took the victim’s car, and all four suspects fled the scene.
Separately, on September 20, 2024, at approximately 12:45 a.m., in the 800 block of P Street, NW, Gaither, West, and additional suspects approached the victim, who was sitting in his vehicle with his doors unlocked. One of the suspects opened the driver’s side door and ordered the victim to exit the vehicle, while another suspect assaulted the victim, striking him about the face and body. The victim exited the vehicle and fled in fear of his safety. The suspects fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, taking with them the victim’s wallet, credit cards and phone which were inside the car.
In addition, on September 30, 2024, at approximately 5:21 p.m., in the 100 block of 35th Street, NE, Gaither and West approached a third victim, who was talking on his cell phone as he walked away from his vehicle. One of the defendants grabbed the victim’s phone out of his hand. Both Gaither and West demanded the victim’s car keys. Out of fear for his safety, the victim handed over the keys, but he was still punched in the face several times by both defendants. The defendants took the victim’s cell phone and fled the scene in his vehicle.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Roberts and Ben Helfand, who prosecuted the case.
2024 CF3 011077
Driver Sentenced to Prison Term for His Role in the Killing of an Innocent BystanderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Daniel Bangura, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for charges stemming from the July 2023 shooting of 46-year-old Donald Childs, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Marks pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed on January 13, 2026. Bangura also pleaded guilty on that day to obstruction of justice. The Honorable Danya A. Dayson sentenced Bangura to the 66-month prison term to be followed by three years of supervised release. His co-defendant, Iesha Marks, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2026.
“Today’s sentencing reflects the serious consequences that come with participating in senseless violence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The defendant may not have pulled the trigger, but he played an undeniable role in the death of an innocent man standing on his own street.”
According to the government’s evidence, at 2:43 p.m. on July 30, 2023, Bangura drove Marks to the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW. As they rode through a busy intersection, Marks extended her arm out of the front passenger window and fired multiple shots directly into Farragut Street, striking and killing Mr. Childs, who was standing on the sidewalk. Bangura sped away from the scene and drove Marks to Pennsylvania in order to dispose of the murder weapon.
Bangura has been in custody since he was indicted in May of 2025.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmin Emrani, who prosecuted the case.
2025 CF1 005760
California Money Launderer Sentenced in D.C. to 70 Months for Role in Scheme that Stole $263 MillionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Evan Tangeman, 22, of Newport Beach, California, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 70 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars generated by an elaborate social engineering scheme orchestrated by a multi-state criminal enterprise that stole more than $263 million in cryptocurrency and used the proceeds to support the criminal enterprise’s fantastically extravagant lifestyles, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“This criminal enterprise was built on greed so brazen it borders on the cartoonish. They stole millions, spent it on half-million-dollar nightclub tabs, Lamborghinis, and Rolexes,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “But Evan Tangeman didn't just launder the money that fueled that lifestyle. When his co-conspirators were arrested, he moved to destroy the evidence. That is consciousness of guilt, and this office and the court have treated that accordingly."
Tangeman pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025, to participating in a RICO conspiracy before U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly and admitted that he helped to launder at least $3.5 million for members of the enterprise. Tangeman’s admission of guilt was the ninth plea to result from this investigation. In addition to the 70-month prison sentence, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ordered Tangeman to serve three years of supervised release.
The criminal enterprise began no later than October 2023 and continued through at least May 2025. It grew from friendships developed on online gaming platforms and was comprised of individuals based in California, Connecticut, New York, Florida, and abroad.
Tangeman, aka "E," "Tate," "Evan|Exchanger," was a money launderer for the group that also included database hackers, organizers, target identifiers, callers, and residential burglars targeting hardware virtual currency wallets.
Tangeman not only enabled his co-conspirators to dissipate millions in victim funds but also benefited directly and indirectly from the thefts himself, including receiving exotic automobiles as compensation for his work and using commissions earned for laundering on luxury goods. Finally, when the first members of the criminal enterprise – co-defendants Malone Lam and Jeandiel Serrano – were arrested and the massive scale of their fraud revealed, it was Tangeman who took it upon himself to direct co-defendant Tucker Desmond to destroy digital devices belonging to members of the enterprise.
Members and associates of the social engineering enterprise used stolen virtual currency to purchase, among other things, nightclub services ranging up to $500,000 per evening, luxury handbags valued in the tens of thousands of dollars which were given away at nightclub parties, luxury watches valued between $100,000 up to over $500,000, luxury clothing valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, rental homes in Los Angeles, the Hamptons, and Miami, private jet rentals for travel, a team of private security guards, and a fleet of exotic cars, ranging in value from $100,000 up to $3,800,000.
Tangeman converted the stolen cryptocurrency into fiat cash and worked with real estate agents in Los Angeles to procure large mansions for members of the social engineering enterprise. The members were unemployed young men, often under 20 years old and did not want to draw law enforcement attention for renting homes for $40,000 to $80,000 per month with no legitimate source of income. Some of those homes were valued between $4,000,000 up to nearly $9,000,000. Tangeman also arranged for rental homes in Miami when the group moved to Miami in September 2024.
Tangeman was well rewarded for his criminal conduct. Co-defendant Lam arranged for the purchase of a widebody Lamborghini Urus for Tangeman. At the time of the execution of the search warrant on Tangeman’s residence, law enforcement identified and seized additional vehicles, including one black 2022 Rolls Royce Ghost, valued at more than $300,000. The agents also seized a white and black Porsche GT3 RS.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office. Significant investigative and operational support was provided by the FBI’s Los Angeles and Miami field offices as well as the United States Attorney’s Officers in the Central District of California, Southern District of Florida, and the District of New Jersey.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Hart of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg provided valuable assistance.
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Scam Center Strike Force Takes Major Actions Against Southeast Asian Scam Centers Targeting AmericansRead the Press Release
Warrant to Seize Property Subject to Forfeiture by Telephone
Jiang Wen Jie Criminal Complaint
Huang Xingshan Criminal Complaint
Application for a Warrant to Seize Property Subject to Forfeiture
The Department of Justice, through U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Criminal Division, together with its partners, today announced a series of coordinated actions by the Scam Center Strike Force against Southeast Asian criminal organizations operating scam centers that have defrauded Americans of billions of dollars.
The Scam Center Strike Force’s actions include criminal charges against two Chinese nationals who managed a cryptocurrency investment fraud compound in Burma and attempted to open another compound in Cambodia, the seizure of a Telegram messaging app channel used to recruit human trafficking victims to a scam compound in Cambodia in order to work a law enforcement impersonation scam, and the seizure of 503 fake invesment websites, among other actions.
Additionally, the Strike Force has continued to identify funds involved in money laundering from scam centers, seeking to seize and forfeit the same, and collectively the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department’s Criminal Division, and their partners have restrained more than $700 million in cryptocurrency alleged to be tied to money laundering from cryptocurrency scams.
Also today, in a coordinated interagency action, the Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against Cambodian scam center operators, and the Department of State announced rewards for information leading to the seizure or recovery of proceeds related to the Tai Chang scam center in Burma.
“The President’s Executive Order Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens establishes a clear, whole-of-government strategy to confront cyber-enabled crime and transnational scam operations – bringing together law enforcement, intelligence, diplomatic, and financial tools in a unified effort,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “Building on that direction, the Scam Center Strike Force launched in November 2025 has delivered real operational results and reflects the kind of focused action this strategy demands. Together, these efforts are driving a coordinated campaign to disrupt and impose consequences on the transnational criminal organizations behind these schemes.”
“Today we announce significant milestones in that fight,” Pirro continued. “We have charged the Chinese bosses who ran a scam compound in Burma, where trafficked workers were beaten and forced to steal from Americans. We have seized a Telegram channel that was luring workers into a forced labor compound in Cambodia where they were ordered to pose as U.S. banks and NYPD to steal American’s life savings. We have taken down more than 500 websites used to steal people’s savings. And my Office continues to work to identify funds stolen from victims, having now caused restraint of more than $700 million in cryptocurrency involved in money laundering from U.S. victims of fraud. This Administration is lock-step in combatting these scams, and we are not done.”
“The Department’s Criminal Division is proud to partner with U.S. Attorney Pirro’s office on the latest enforcement actions of the Scam Center Strike Force to stop foreign-based criminal networks that exploit vulnerable Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Fraudsters who target Americans from overseas may believe that they cannot be reached, but the Department of Justice and our Strike Force partners are working to ensure that these criminals cannot operate with impunity, no matter where in the world they reside.”
Joining today’s announcement were FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher G. Raia, U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) Assistant Director Brent Daniels, Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Senior Bureau Official Chris Landberg, and Department of the Treasury’s Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing Jonathan Burke.
“Eliminating fraud is a top priority for the Trump Administration,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Treasury will continue to target fraudsters and scam centers that steal billions of dollars from hardworking Americans, no matter where they operate or how well-connected they are.”
“The FBI remains committed to protecting Americans from fraud, holding perpetrators accountable, and leveraging partnerships, intelligence, and enforcement to safeguard the public,” said FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher G. Raia. “These joint actions represent a significant blow to transnational criminal organizations preying upon our American citizens.”
“The Scam Center Strike Force has been a collaborative effort since its formation,” said Assistant Director of Field Operations Brent Daniels of U.S. Secret Service. “The Secret Service is proud to be a part of this group, which is dedicated to pursuing the criminal networks that rely on our online and financial infrastructure to target American citizens.”
“The Department of State, in support of the Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force, is announcing two reward offers under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program to disrupt cyber scam centers in Southeast Asia and hold accountable those who prey on Americans online,” said Senior Bureau Official Chris Landberg of the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. “Under the leadership of Secretary Rubio, the State Department, together with our partners, will continue to protect the American people from cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes perpetrated by these insidious scam centers.”
Background: Cyber-Enabled and Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud in Southeast Asian Scam Centers
Cyber-enabled and cryptocurrency investment fraud (referred to by the scammers as “pig butchering”) is among the fastest growing and most financially devastating forms of cybercrime targeting Americans. In these schemes, victims are cultivated over time and deceived into depositing funds into fraudulent investment platforms that appear to show substantial returns. In reality, all victim funds flow directly to the scammers. The scam continues until the victim runs out of money or discovers the fraud, at which point the scammers cease contact.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), investment scams became the most commonly reported crime type in 2023, with cryptocurrency investment fraud comprising 83 percent of that category. Reported losses from these scams rose from $3.96 billion in 2023 to $5.8 billion in 2024. Reported losses rose 24 percent in 2025 to over $7.2 billion, according to IC3’s newly released 2025 annual report. Those figures, based largely on victim reports, are believed to significantly underrepresent actual losses, as most victims do not report to law enforcement. According to the United States Institute of Peace, a conservative estimate of the annual value of funds stolen by scam syndicates worldwide approached $64 billion as of the end of 2023.
Many of these schemes are run out of industrial-scale compounds along the Burma-Thailand border and in Cambodia. Criminal syndicates often lure workers to Thailand with promises of high-paying technical jobs, then seize their identification documents and traffic them to work in scam compounds. Within the compounds, trafficked workers are frequently forced to conduct fraud operations against victims in the United States and elsewhere under threat of violence. Public reporting on these compounds has documented beatings, electrocutions, and murder.
Criminal Charges: Shunda Compound, Min Let Pan, Burma
The Strike Force unsealed criminal complaints and arrest warrants against two Chinese nationals in connection with cryptocurrency investment fraud operations at the Shunda compound in Min Let Pan, Burma: two managers in the compound, Huang Xingshan, also known as “Ah Zhe,” and “Huang Xing Saan” and Jiang Wen Jie, also known as “Jiang Nan.” They are charged with wire fraud conspiracy.
Aerial surveillance photo of the Shunda compound in Burma, where forced-labor conducted fraud operations under threat of violence.The Shunda compound operated from at least January 2025 until approximately November 2025, when it was seized by the Karen National Liberation Army of Burma. The compound used scam websites and mobile applications disguised as legitimate investment platforms to defraud victims, including Americans. Workers within the compound were trafficked individuals who were held against their will and forced to defraud victims under the threat of violence and torture.
The FBI deployed personnel to Thailand following the compound’s seizure. Working with Thai authorities, including the Anti-Cyber Scam Center task force of the Royal Thai Police, FBI agents reviewed thousands of mobile devices and hard drives recovered from Shunda. Agents also interviewed tens of former compound workers. That investigation identified a hierarchical organization of Chinese operators running the compound and supported the charges against the two defendants.
Phones seized from the Shunda compound.According to the investigation, Huang served at Shunda as a high-level manager and enforcer and personally participated in the physical punishment of trafficked compound workers. Jiang served as a team leader directly supervising workers who specifically targeted American victims. Under Jiang’s supervision, one of the people under his command successfully defrauded a single American victim of over $3 million utilizing a fraudulent investment platform. The theft was celebrated within the organization as a paradigm of success.
The interior of one of the buildings in the Shunda compound in Burma.After the Shunda compound was seized, Huang and Jiang relocated to another scam compound located in Cambodia where they attempted to continue their cryptocurrency investment fraud operation. In early 2026, Huang and Jiang decided to return to Burma, traveling through Thailand.
Huang and Jiang were arrested on immigration charges by Thai law enforcement in early 2026 in Thailand. The case is being investigated by FBI’s New York Field Office with substantial assistance from the FBI Legal Attaché in Bangkok and Thai authorities including the Anti-Cyber Scam Center task force of the Royal Thai Police.
The Strike Force conducted a first-of-its-kind seizure of a Telegram channel with more than 6,000 followers that was used to recruit individuals to travel to Cambodia under false promises of high-paying employment. Once there, recruited workers were held against their will and forced to defraud victims, including Americans, as part of a sophisticated law enforcement impersonation scheme.
The Telegram channel included postings for jobs in Cambodia that were specifically for workers who spoke with “American” accents, would work a night shift (i.e., during U.S. daytime hours), and some specifically sought attractive female candidates. The Telegram channel was connected to a scam compound in rural Cambodia near the Thai border.
The Telegram channel that was used to recruit individuals to work in Cambodia. A job post on the Telegram channel.Once at the scam compound, the scam workers specifically targeted U.S. persons. In the fraud scheme, victims received cold calls from individuals posing as bank representatives, including impersonators of JPMorgan or other U.S. bank customer service agents, warning them that their bank accounts had been used to purchase firearms from an actual U.S. gun store website. Victims were then transferred to individuals posing as “NYPD detectives” or other supposed law enforcement, and later sent to the “New York Supreme Court” or other purported prosecutorial officials. Through sustained pressure conducted over WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams, victims were induced to disclose their bank account information and ultimately transfer their savings to the scammers.
Individuals posed as bank representatives, worked from a script, and told their intended victims that their bank accounts had been used to purchase firearms from a gun store website.The Telegram seizure case is being handled by FBI’s Miami Field Office, USSS Headquarters, and investigators at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. As part of the Strike Forces’s efforts at public-private collaboration on the scam center threat, after being alerted by law enforcement, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and Meta voluntarily took internal investigative measures to combat the fraud operating on their systems and occurring under their names.
503 Web Domain Seizures
The Strike Force announced the seizure of more than 503 .com web domains identified through the Operation Level Up initiative as having been used to defraud U.S. victims. The seized domains all were disguised as legitimate “investment platforms,” which victims reported to law enforcement were causing them to unknowingly deposit cryptocurrency funds and view supposed “returns” on what they believed were legitimate investments.
Operation Level Up, established in January 2024, by FBI and USSS is an ongoing proactive initiative to identify and notify victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud. As of March 2026: (i) Operation Level Up has notified 8,935 victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud; (ii) 77% of those victims were unaware they were being scammed; (iii) the estimated savings to victims is $562,726,245 of monies they otherwise would have sent to their scammers; and (iv) ninety-three victims have been referred to an FBI victim specialist for suicide intervention due to the devastating nature of these scams. Some victims have reported to law enforcement that—prior to being notified by the FBI about the scam—they were in the process of liquidating their 401K, selling their home, or obtaining a sizable loan. One elderly victim was surviving on disability pay; he had already paid the scammers $1,200 and would have cut into money he needed for food to pay more. Each of the 503 .com domains seized was identified by a victim contacted by Operation Level Up and involved in laundering that victim’s cryptocurrency funds.
Visitors to these domains are now informed on a splash page that it has been seized by law enforcement. The investigation was conducted by the Operation Level Up Initiative, with the FBI’s Detroit and Phoenix Field Offices handling the seizure with support from investigators at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Examples of the seized domains that were disguised as legitimate investment platforms, causing victims to unknowingly deposit funds.Restraint of Cryptocurrency Involved in Money Laundering from Scams
The Scam Center Strike Force continues its work to identify, seize, and forfeit funds involved in money laundering related to scams, so that funds can be returned to victims whenever possible. Under leadership from the FBI and the USSS, more than $701,962,392.15 million in cryptocurrency has been identified as allegedly involved in laundering of funds stolen from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and restrained through voluntary actions of cryptocurrency providers, as well as U.S. legal process. The Strike Force is working tirelessly to forfeit funds with its goal of returning funds to victims, and it continues to support victims who have lost homes and life savings to these schemes. FBI San Francisco, San Diego, Washington, Seattle, Phoenix, Nashville, and Honolulu Field Offices, and the USSS Headquarters, San Francisco, Nashville, and Washington Field Offices investigated these matters and conducted associated seizures.
State Department Rewards and Actions Related to Tai Chang
Consistent with the Strike Force’s whole of government approach, in a coordinated action, the Department of State today announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the seizure or recovery of proceeds from fraud and money laundering schemes associated with the Tai Chang scam centers in Burma’s Karen State.
The Strike Force also announced the seizure of the latest domain used by the Tai Chang scam centers, fortuneprimeglobalirts.com. The domain was a new iteration of the centers’ fraudulent investment platform and was launched after the Strike Force seized its predecessor domain, tickmilleas.com. The latest seized domain was designed and functioned similarly to its predecessor scam investment website. Visitors to the domain are now informed on a splash page that it has been seized by law enforcement, and victims are encouraged to submit complaints to the FBI. The Tai Chang scam centers were subject of web domain seizures by the Strike Force and designations by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced in November 2025.
FBI’s San Diego Field Office is investigating the case in conjuction with the FBI Law Enforcement Attaché in Bangkok. Tips should be sent to them at [email protected].
Treasury Department Sanctions
Also in a coordinated action, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today announced new sanctions against individuals and entities perpetrating cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes against Americans using forced labor and violence in Cambodia. The sanctions target Cambodian Senator Kok An, Cambodian businessman Rithy Raksmei, several associates, and their respective business empires, including holding companies for scam center operations.
About the Scam Center Strike Force
The Scam Center Strike Force was officially launched by U.S. Attorney Pirro in November 2025 to address the growing threat posed by Chinese organized crime syndicates operating scam centers primarily in Southeast Asia. The Strike Force targets cryptocurrency investment fraud, cyber-enabled fraud, human trafficking, and money laundering operations that have cost American victims billions of dollars.
On March 6, 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Administration to prioritize cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes draining American families of their life savings. Through the Executive Order, President Trump is unleashing every available tool to stop foreign-backed criminal networks that exploit vulnerable Americans through cyber-enabled fraud. The Scam Center Strike Force is a critical node in executing the mission outlined in the President’s Order.
The Strike Force’s founding partners are the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, the FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service, who have now been joined by numerous additional law enforcement agencies as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Alaska, Rhode Island, and Western Washington. The Strike Force works in collaboration with other agencies, including the Treasury and State Departments. The Strike Force works in strategic partnership with private industry and calls on all U.S. businesses to take more proactive steps to protect users from scam operations.
The Scam Center Strike Force will use every tool available to help secure Main Street Americans from these scams. With its interagency and public partners, it will educate Americans on how to identify these scams, prevent generational wealth from flowing from America into the pockets of Chinese organized crime, and work with unwavering focus to return stolen funds to victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen P. Seifert for the District of Columbia directs the Strike Force, in consultation with Associate Counsel Richard Goldberg of the Department’s Criminal Division. The Shunda Compound cases are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Emma Ellenrieder for the District of Columbia. Cryptocurrency investigations and seizures were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Blaylock and Jafer Aftab for the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jehiel Baer for the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorneys Ethan Cantor and Stefanie Schwartz of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. The Tai Chang case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolie Zimmerman, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Datta, all for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Cantor. The Telegram and 503 domain seizures were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seifert, Blaylock, and Ellenrieder. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Government of Thailand provided significant assistance on the Shunda Compound case.
An indictment or a complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If you have been defrauded out of your money by a Southeast Asian Scam Center scheme, please contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
This press release has been updated to include more information about the assistance of Thai authorities.
Scam Center Strike Force Takes Major Actions Against Southeast Asian Scam Centers Targeting AmericansRead the Press Release
scsf_26-sz-27_signed_redacted_in_color.pdf jz_26-sz-27_jz_signed_redacted_in_color.pdf scsf_4_26-mj-17_wen_jie_ecf_7_redacted_complaint_and_affidavit.pdf scsf_3_26-mj-18_xingshan_ecf_11_redacted_complaint_and_affidavit.pdf scsf_x_26-sz-32_-_redacted_szw_package.pdfWASHINGTON – The Department of Justice, through U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Criminal Division, together with its partners, today announced a series of coordinated actions by the Scam Center Strike Force against Southeast Asian criminal organizations operating scam centers that have defrauded Americans of billions of dollars.
The Scam Center Strike Force’s actions include criminal charges against two Chinese nationals who managed a cryptocurrency investment fraud compound in Burma and attempted to open another compound in Cambodia, the seizure of a Telegram messaging app channel used to recruit human trafficking victims to a scam compound in Cambodia in order to work a law enforcement impersonation scam, and the seizure of 503 fake investment websites, among other actions.
Additionally, the Strike Force has continued to identify funds involved in money laundering from scam centers, seeking to seize and forfeit the same, and collectively the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department’s Criminal Division, and their partners have restrained more than $700 million in cryptocurrency alleged to be tied to money laundering from cryptocurrency scams.
Also today, in a coordinated interagency action, the Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against Cambodian scam center operators, and the Department of State announced rewards for information leading to the seizure or recovery of proceeds related to the Tai Chang scam center in Burma.
“The President’s Executive Order Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens establishes a clear, whole-of-government strategy to confront cyber-enabled crime and transnational scam operations – bringing together law enforcement, intelligence, diplomatic, and financial tools in a unified effort,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Building on that direction, the Scam Center Strike Force launched in November 2025 has delivered real operational results and reflects the kind of focused action this strategy demands. Together, these efforts are driving a coordinated campaign to disrupt and impose consequences on the transnational criminal organizations behind these schemes.”
“Today we announce significant milestones in that fight,” Pirro continued. “We have charged the Chinese bosses who ran a scam compound in Burma, where trafficked workers were beaten and forced to steal from Americans. We have seized a Telegram channel that was luring workers into a forced labor compound in Cambodia where they were ordered to pose as U.S. banks and NYPD to steal American’s life savings. We have taken down more than 500 websites used to steal people’s savings. And my Office continues to work to identify funds stolen from victims, having now caused restraint of more than $700 million in cryptocurrency involved in money laundering from U.S. victims of fraud. This Administration is lock-step in combatting these scams, and we are not done.”
“The Department’s Criminal Division is proud to partner with U.S. Attorney Pirro’s office on the latest enforcement actions of the Scam Center Strike Force to stop foreign-based criminal networks that exploit vulnerable Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Duva. “Fraudsters who target Americans from overseas may believe that they cannot be reached, but the Department of Justice and our Strike Force partners are working to ensure that these criminals cannot operate with impunity, no matter where in the world they reside.”
Joining today’s announcement were Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia, U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) Assistant Director Brent Daniels, Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Senior Bureau Official Chris Landberg, and Department of the Treasury’s Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing Jonathan Burke.
“Eliminating fraud is a top priority for the Trump Administration,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Treasury will continue to target fraudsters and scam centers that steal billions of dollars from hardworking Americans, no matter where they operate or how well-connected they are.”
"The FBI remains committed to protecting Americans from fraud, holding perpetrators accountable, and leveraging partnerships, intelligence, and enforcement to safeguard the public," said FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia. "These joint actions represent a significant blow to transnational criminal organizations preying upon our American citizens."
“The Scam Center Strike Force has been a collaborative effort since its formation. The Secret Service is proud to be a part of this group, which is dedicated to pursuing the criminal networks that rely on our online and financial infrastructure to target American citizens,” said Assistant Director of Field Operations Brent Daniels, U.S. Secret Service.
“The Department of State, in support of the Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force, is announcing two reward offers under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program to disrupt cyber scam centers in Southeast Asia and hold accountable those who prey on Americans online,” said Senior Bureau Chris Landberg of the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. “Under the leadership of Secretary Rubio, the State Department, together with our partners, will continue to protect the American people from cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes perpetrated by these insidious scam centers.”
Background: Cyber-Enabled and Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud in Southeast Asian Scam Centers
Cyber-enabled and cryptocurrency investment fraud (referred to by the scammers as “pig butchering”) is among the fastest-growing and most financially devastating forms of cybercrime targeting Americans. In these schemes, victims are cultivated over time and deceived into depositing funds into fraudulent investment platforms that appear to show substantial returns. In reality, all victim funds flow directly to the scammers. The scam continues until the victim runs out of money or discovers the fraud, at which point the scammers cease contact.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), investment scams became the most commonly reported crime type in 2023, with cryptocurrency investment fraud comprising 83 percent of that category. Reported losses from these scams rose from $3.96 billion in 2023 to $5.8 billion in 2024. Reported losses rose 24 percent in 2025 to more than $7.2 billion, according to IC3’s newly released 2025 annual report. Those figures, based largely on victim reports, are believed to significantly underrepresent actual losses, as most victims do not report to law enforcement. According to the United States Institute of Peace, a conservative estimate of the annual value of funds stolen by scam syndicates worldwide approached $64 billion as of the end of 2023.
Many of these schemes are run out of industrial-scale compounds along the Burma-Thailand border and in Cambodia. Criminal syndicates often lure workers to Thailand with promises of high-paying technical jobs, then seize their identification documents and traffic them to work in scam compounds. Within the compounds, trafficked workers are frequently forced to conduct fraud operations against victims in the United States and elsewhere under threat of violence. Public reporting on these compounds has documented beatings, electrocutions, and murder.
Criminal Charges: Shunda Compound, Min Let Pan, Burma
The Strike Force unsealed criminal complaints and arrest warrants against two Chinese nationals in connection with cryptocurrency investment fraud operations at the Shunda compound in Min Let Pan, Burma: two managers in the compound, Huang Xingshan, also known as “Ah Zhe” and “Huang Xing Saan,” and Jiang Wen Jie, also known as “Jiang Nan.” They are charged with wire fraud conspiracy.
Aerial surveillance photo of the Shunda compound in Burma, where forced-labor conducted fraud operations under threat of violence.
The Shunda compound operated from at least January 2025 until approximately November 2025, when it was seized by the Karen National Liberation Army of Burma. The compound used scam websites and mobile applications disguised as legitimate investment platforms to defraud victims, including Americans. Workers within the compound were trafficked individuals who were held against their will and forced to defraud victims under the threat of violence and torture.
The FBI deployed personnel to Thailand following the compound’s seizure. Working with Thai authorities, including the Anti-Cyber Scam Center task force of the Royal Thai Police, FBI agents reviewed thousands of mobile devices and hard drives recovered from Shunda. Agents also interviewed tens of former compound workers. That investigation identified a hierarchical organization of Chinese operators running the compound and supported the charges against the two defendants.
Phones seized at the Shunda compound.
According to the investigation, Huang served at Shunda as a high-level manager and enforcer and personally participated in the physical punishment of trafficked compound workers. Jiang served as a team leader directly supervising workers who specifically targeted American victims. Under Jiang’s supervision, one of the people under his command successfully defrauded a single American victim of over $3 million utilizing a fraudulent investment platform. The theft was celebrated within the organization as a paradigm of success.
Interior of one of the buildings at the Shunda compound.
After the Shunda compound was seized, Huang and Jiang relocated to another scam compound located in Cambodia where they attempted to continue their cryptocurrency investment fraud operation. In early 2026, Huang and Jiang decided to return to Burma, traveling through Thailand.
Huang and Jiang were arrested on immigration charges by Thai law enforcement in early 2026 in Thailand. The case is being investigated by FBI’s New York Field Office with substantial assistance from the FBI Legal Attaché in Bangkok and Thai authorities including the Anti-Cyber Scam Center task force of the Royal Thai Police.
Telegram Channel Seizure
The Strike Force conducted a first-of-its-kind seizure of a Telegram channel with more than 6,000 followers that was used to recruit individuals to travel to Cambodia under false promises of high-paying employment. Once there, recruited workers were held against their will and forced to defraud victims, including Americans, as part of a sophisticated law enforcement impersonation scheme.
The Telegram channel included postings for jobs in Cambodia that were specifically for workers who spoke with “American” accents, would work a night shift (i.e., during U.S. daytime hours), and some specifically sought attractive female candidates. The Telegram channel was connected to a scam compound in rural Cambodia near the Thai border.
Once at the scam compound, the scam workers specifically targeted U.S. persons. In the fraud scheme, victims received cold calls from individuals posing as bank representatives, including impersonators of “JPMorgan” or other U.S. bank customer service agents, warning them that their bank accounts had been used to purchase firearms from an actual U.S. gun store website. Victims then were transferred to individuals posing as “NYPD detectives” or other supposed law enforcement, and later sent to the “New York Supreme Court” or other purported prosecutorial officials. Through sustained pressure conducted over WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams, victims were induced to disclose their bank account information and ultimately transfer their savings to the scammers.
The Telegram seizure case is being handled by FBI’s Miami Field Office, U.S. Secret Service Headquarters, and investigators at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. As part of the Strike Forces’s efforts at public-private collaboration on the scam center threat, after being alerted by law enforcement, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and Meta voluntarily took internal investigative measures to combat the fraud operating on their systems and occurring under their names.
503 Web Domain Seizures
The Strike Force announced the seizure of more than 503 dot-com web domains identified through the Operation Level Up initiative as having been used to defraud U.S. victims. The seized domains all were disguised as legitimate “investment platforms,” which victims reported to law enforcement were causing them to unknowingly deposit cryptocurrency funds and view supposed “returns” on what they believed were legitimate investments.
Operation Level Up, established in In January 2024, by FBI and the U.S. Secret Service is an ongoing proactive initiative to identify and notify victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud. As of March 2026: (i) the Operation Level Up has notified 8,935 victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud; (ii) 77% of those victims were unaware they were being scammed; (iii) the estimated savings to victims is $562,726,245 of monies they otherwise would have sent to their scammers; (iv) 93 victims have been referred to an FBI victim specialist for suicide intervention due to the devastating nature of these scams. Some victims have reported to law enforcement that—prior to being notified by the FBI about the scam—they were in the process of liquidating their 401K, selling their home, or obtaining a sizable loan. One elderly victim was surviving on disability pay; he had already paid the scammers $1,200 and would have cut into money he needed for food to pay more. Each of the 503 dot-com domains seized was identified by a victim contacted by Operation Level Up and involved in laundering that victim’s cryptocurrency funds.
Visitors to these domains are now informed on a splash page that it has been seized by law enforcement. The investigation was conducted by the Operation Level Up Initiative, with the FBI’s Detroit and Phoenix Field Offices handling the seizure with support from investigators at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Restraint of Cryptocurrency Involved in Money Laundering from Scams
The Scam Center Strike Force continues its work to identify, seize, and forfeit funds involved in money laundering related to scams, so that funds can be returned to victims whenever possible. Under leadership from the FBI and the USSS, more than $701,962,392.15 in cryptocurrency has been identified as allegedly involved in laundering of funds stolen from victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and restrained through voluntary actions of cryptocurrency providers, as well as U.S. legal process. The Strike Force is working tirelessly to forfeit funds with its goal of returning funds to victims, and it continues to support victims who have lost homes and life savings to these schemes. FBI San Francisco, San Diego, Washington, Seattle, Phoenix, Nashville, and Honolulu Field Offices, and the USSS Headquarters, San Francisco, Nashville, and Washington Field Offices investigated these matters and conducted associated seizures.
State Department Rewards and Actions Related to Tai Chang
Consistent with the Strike Force’s whole of government approach, in a coordinated action, the Department of State today announced a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the seizure or recovery of proceeds from fraud and money laundering schemes associated with the Tai Chang scam centers in Burma’s Karen State.
The Strike Force also announced the seizure of the latest domain used by the Tai Chang scam centers, fortuneprimeglobalirts.com. The domain was a new iteration of the centers’ fraudulent investment platform and was launched after the Strike Force seized its predecessor domain, tickmilleas.com. The latest seized domain was designed and functioned similarly to its predecessor scam investment website. Visitors to the domain are now informed on a splash page that it has been seized by law enforcement, and victims are encouraged to submit complaints to the FBI. The Tai Chang scam centers were subject of web domain seizures by the Strike Force and individuals and entities associated with the Tai Chang scam centers were designated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced in November 2025.
FBI’s San Diego Field Office is investigating the case in conjunction with the FBI Legal Attaché in Bangkok. Tips should be sent to them at [email protected].
Treasury Department Sanctions
Also in a coordinated action, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control today announced new sanctions against individuals and entities perpetrating cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes against Americans using forced labor and violence in Cambodia. The sanctions target Cambodian Senator Kok An, Cambodian businessman Rithy Raksmei, several associates, and their respective business empires, including holding companies for scam center operations.
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About the Scam Center Strike Force
The Scam Center Strike Force was officially launched by U.S. Attorney Pirro in November 2025 to address the growing threat posed by Chinese organized crime syndicates operating scam centers primarily in Southeast Asia. The Strike Force targets cryptocurrency investment fraud, cyber-enabled fraud, human trafficking, and money laundering operations that have cost American victims billions of dollars.
On March 6, 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Administration to prioritize cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes draining American families of their life savings. Through the Executive Order, President Trump is unleashing every available tool to stop foreign-backed criminal networks that exploit vulnerable Americans through cyber-enabled fraud. The Scam Center Strike Force is a critical node in executing the mission outlined in the President’s Order.
The Strike Force’s founding partners are the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, the FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service, who have now been joined by numerous additional law enforcement agencies, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Alaska, Rhode Island, and Western Washington. The Strike Force works in collaboration with other agencies, including the Treasury and State Departments. The Strike Force works in strategic partnership with private industry and calls on all U.S. businesses to take more proactive steps to protect users from scam operations.
The Scam Center Strike Force will use every tool available to help secure Main Street Americans from these scams. With its interagency and public partners, it will educate Americans on how to identify these scams, prevent generational wealth from flowing from America into the pockets of Chinese organized crime, and work with unwavering focus to return stolen funds to victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen P. Seifert for the District of Columbia directs the Strike Force, in consultation with Associate Counsel Richard Goldberg of the Department’s Criminal Division. The Shunda Compound cases are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma Ellenrieder for the District of Columbia. Cryptocurrency investigations and seizures were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Blaylock and Jafer Aftab for the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jahiel Baer for the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorneys Ethan Cantor and Stefanie Schwartz of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. The Tai Chang case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolie Zimmerman, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Datta, all for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Cantor. The Telegram and 503 domain seizures were handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seifert, Blaylock, and Ellenrieder. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Government of Thailand provided significant assistance on the Shunda Compound case.
An indictment or a complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If you have been defrauded out of your money by a Southeast Asian Scam Center scheme, please contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
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Owner of Florida Security Firm Pleads Guilty in Washington D.C. for Defrauding Paycheck Protection ProgramRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jewral McIntyre, 44, of Venice, Florida, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to participating in a conspiracy that fraudulently obtained more than $257,980 in Paycheck Protection Program loans, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Fraud is never a victimless crime—McIntyre’s actions diverted critical resources from the small businesses and workers who needed it most,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Our office remains committed to rooting out fraud, holding accountable those who exploit federal programs for personal gain, and safeguarding taxpayer funds.”
McIntyre pleaded guilty before Judge Rudolph Contreras to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Sentencing is pending.
According to court documents, McIntyre was owner of Rat Pack Worldwide Security & Consulting, a security consulting business registered as a corporation in Florida. In January 2021, an individual asked if he wanted to apply for a PPP loan in the name of Rat Pack.
McIntyre agreed that the individual who had approached him would receive a portion of the PPP funds if the loan application was approved and funded.
At the individual’s request, a co-conspirator created a PPP loan application for Rat Pack containing materially false statements, claiming that Rat Pack had 18 employees and an average monthly payroll of $103,192.35. In fact, Rat Pack had no W2 employees, and its payroll was only a fraction of the amount claimed.
In addition, the co-conspirator created false and fraudulent supporting documents to submit with the loan application. Those documents included false financial payroll reports for 2020 and false Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return (Forms 941), for each quarter of 2020.
On March 12, 2021, the Small Business Administration and Capital Bank approved McIntyre’s fraudulent PPP loan application and deposited $257,980.87 into Rat Pack’s bank account.
Next, the co-conspirators prepared a loan forgiveness application for Rat Pack. It falsely claimed Rat Pack had 18 employees at the time McIntyre received the PPP loan. It also falsely claimed that, for the period of March 12, 2021, through May 14, 2021, Rat Pack spent the full amount of the loan, $257,980.87, on payroll costs. On Aug. 8, 2022, McIntyre e-signed and submitted the loan forgiveness application. As a result, Capital Bank and the SBA forgave Rat Pack’s PPP loan.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
Joining in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office, D.C. Inspector General Daniel Lucas, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C., Field Office.
This case was investigated jointly by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI Washington Field Office, the District of Columbia Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C., Field Office. This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Babu Kaza and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Maryland Resident Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jasper Collinson, 26, of Columbia, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, in October 2025, Collinson messaged with another user on a messaging application. Collinson told the other user about Collinson’s interest in child sexual abuse material. During the course of the communications, Collinson distributed nine videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Collinson also told the other user about a private channel on the messaging application where users distributed hundreds of videos depicting child sexual abuse. On Nov. 5, 2025, the FBI arrested Collinson.
A search of Collinson’s phone showed several conversations with other online users about child sexual abuse material. In one of the conversations, Collinson discussed prior experiences of having sex in front of a friend’s child and failed efforts to arrange to meet up with a minor for the purpose of having sex.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Kelley.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Purse Thief Who Targeted Kristi Noem Sentenced to 36 Months for Wire Fraud and First-Degree TheftRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –– Mario Bustamante Leiva, 50, a Chilean national illegally residing in the United States, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 36 months in prison in connection to a string of thefts that included stealing the Gucci handbag belonging to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem as she dined with her family at a District restaurant, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Leiva pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to three counts of wire fraud and one count of first-degree theft. At the completion of his 36-month prison sentence, Leiva will be subject to deportation.
“Bustamante Leiva came to Washington illegally to prey on citizens of the District. He methodically targeted women at restaurants, stealing their purses, and monetizing the stolen cards within minutes,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “His pattern of theft ends here. He will serve his prison term and be deported.”
According to court papers, on three separate days in April 2025, Bustamante Leiva targeted female diners at restaurants in the District of Columbia. During the offenses, Bustamante Leiva surveilled his targets, stole purses containing wallets, credit cards, and personal identifying information, and used the stolen cards to make fraudulent purchases within minutes of each theft. During one of those offenses, Bustamante Leiva worked in concert with his co-defendant, Cristian Montecino-Sanzana.
On April 12, 2025, surveillance video captured the defendants pausing outside Nando’s, located in the 800 block of F Street NW, appearing to peer through the front window. Montecino-Sanzana then entered the restaurant while Bustamante Leiva removed his jacket and draped it over his arm. The pair seized a woman’s purse and exited the restaurant. Minutes later, they traveled to a supermarket in the 400 block of L Street NW, where Montecino-Sanzana used the victim’s stolen credit card to purchase a $500 Visa gift card.
On April 17, 2025, Bustamante Leiva entered the restaurant inside the Westin Hotel in the 900 block of 9th Street NW, where families were dining. He used his coat to conceal his theft of a purse belonging to a victim as she sat with her family. Surveillance video captured him walking behind the woman and taking her purse. He returned to the supermarket, where he used the victim’s stolen credit card to purchase wine and a $400 gift card. He later used the gift card to pay for a motel room in the 6700 block of Georgia Avenue NW.
On April 20, 2025, Bustamante Leiva entered Capital Burger in the 1000 block of 7th Street NW, where he deliberately seated himself within arm’s reach of his next victim. Unbeknownst to him, that victim was then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem who was having dinner with her family. Surveillance cameras recorded Bustamente Leiva repeatedly looking down toward Noem’s purse before bending down and snatching it. Noem’s purse contained several credit cards and about $3,000 in cash.
Surveillance photo of Bustamante Leiva with Kristi Noem’s purse and wallet.
After the theft, Bustamante Leiva traveled to a restaurant in the 2900 block of M Street NW, where surveillance cameras recorded him in possession of Noem’s purse, wallet, and at least one of her credit cards, which he used to make an unauthorized purchase.
On April 26, 2025, law enforcement located Bustamante Leiva at a motel in the 6700 block of Georgia Avenue NW and arrested him. A search of his room recovered Noem’s purse and wallet, the gift card purchased with a stolen card, about $3,174 in cash, and other items.
Bustamante Leiva entered the United States at Orlando International Airport on Aug. 16, 2021, on a visa waiver authorizing him to remain until Nov. 13, 2021. He did not leave and continued to reside in the country illegally. He also has active warrants in Utah and New York stemming from 2021 charges involving retail theft, credit card theft, and stolen property.
Co-defendant Montecino-Sanzana was sentenced on March 13, 2026, to 13 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release for his role in one of the thefts. He also faces deportation at the completion of his prison term.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand.
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International Car Theft Ring BustedRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A 15-count indictment was unsealed today in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia and charges six individuals in connection with their roles in a conspiracy that allegedly stole at least 20 cars in the Washington metropolitan area and Pennsylvania, transported the vehicles across state lines, and sold the vehicles to buyers in the United States and the African nation of Ghana.
Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the defendants involved in this ring in relation to the theft of more than 100 vehicles in the District of Columbia and more than 30 vehicles in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Officers also executed a search warrant yesterday at an automobile storage facility in Decatur, Georgia, which is suspected to be linked to the auto-theft ring.
The indictment follows a year-long investigation into an alleged D.C.-based auto theft ring that carried out vehicle thefts using electronic devices that enabled the conspirators to reprogram cars to accept previously blank key fobs.
Charged in the indictment are Jacob Hernandez, 29, of Los Angeles; Dustin Wetzel, 23, of Woodbridge, Virginia; James Young, 23, of Hyattsville, Maryland; Khobe David, 24, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; and Chance Clark, 25, of Waldorf, Maryland. One additional defendant remains at large and is considered a fugitive. The indictment against that defendant remains sealed.
According to the allegations in the indictment, members of the conspiracy caused the vehicles – primarily recently manufactured Honda Civics and CRVs and Acura TLXs and RDXs – to be stolen and then transported them to storage locations that included a parking garage in Southeast Washington D.C. At the garage, co-conspirators allegedly disguised the appearances of the stolen cars by swapping license plates and obscuring Vehicle Identification Numbers. Before transporting the vehicles, the defendants disabled the stolen vehicles’ GPS and Bluetooth capabilities to inhibit detection.
All six of the indicted individuals are charged with conspiracy to possess, sell, and transport stolen motor vehicles.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Criminal Investigations Unit, and the FBI Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Green and Michael Lee and Trial Attorney Haley Pennington are prosecuting the matter.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Car transporter in Maryland loaded with several of the recovered vehicles.
Vehicle thefts were carried out using On-Board Diagnostics II devices that enable them to reprogram cars to accept previously blank key fobs. The above OBD2 device was recovered from a stolen vehicle in Pennsylvania in February 2025.Stolen cars linked to the ring on shipping containers in Baltimore destined for Ghana.
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Ex-Employee Sentenced in Theft of $333,000 from Her Former Non-Profit EmployerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Laura Lee Dudley, 45, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 11 months in prison for her role in a years-long conspiracy to steal more than $393,340 from her nonprofit employer by making unauthorized personal purchases on the organization’s corporate credit card, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Dudley exploited a position of financial trust to systematically steal from a nonprofit. She spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on gift cards and personal items while records were falsified to cover the theft,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office will continue to root out fraud and corruption and bring to justice those who exploit positions of trust.”
Dudley pleaded guilty on Oct. 21, 2025, before Judge Carl J. Nichols to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. In addition to the 11-month prison term, Judge Nichols ordered Dudley to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $393,340.57, jointly and severally with her co-defendant, and a criminal forfeiture money judgment of $333,825.
According to court papers, Dudley was employed by a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization that provided educational programs, training, and development assistance in the Middle East and North Africa. She joined the organization in January 2008, initially as an administrative assistant responsible for purchasing supplies on a corporate credit card. She later transferred to the Accounts Receivable Department as an accountant.
Beginning on or about Jan. 1, 2020, Dudley and co-conspirator Daniel Park began using the organization’s corporate credit card to purchase items on Amazon. They bought gift cards, electronics, and beauty products for their personal use. Dudley and Park had the packages shipped to both the organization’s headquarters and their personal residences. The organization paid the credit card bill each month.
Employees were required to log all credit card purchases and upload supporting invoices into an electronic expense system. To conceal the scheme, Dudley and Park failed to report their unauthorized purchases and, in some instances, Park created fake invoices that were uploaded into the log to cover the personal transactions.
The scheme was facilitated in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Park was among the few employees working in person at the organization’s headquarters, enabling him to receive Amazon packages on Dudley’s behalf. Dudley also came into the office periodically to pick up her deliveries.
The fraud was discovered when the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer questioned the volume of Amazon purchases in the Administration Department. Law enforcement subsequently uncovered Dudley’s participation and determined that she had received about $333,825 of the about $393,340 stolen from the organization. She was terminated by the organization on May 3, 2022.
Park previously was sentenced to eight months of incarceration.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane G. Lucas of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcNew Yorker Sentenced for Supplying Kilogram Quantities of Cocaine to D.C. -Area Distribution RingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Daryl Smith-Winfree, 44, a New York-based cocaine supplier, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 96 months in prison for his role in a large-scale narcotics distribution conspiracy that funneled multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from New York into the Washington metropolitan area, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“On multiple occasions Daryl Smith-Winfree drove kilogram quantities of cocaine from New York to the Washington area, hiding them in his car, and kept meticulous ledgers on his phone tracking every customer and every delivery,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “With seven prior convictions, he chose to continue dealing. Today’s sentence reflects both the seriousness of this conspiracy and his long history of choosing crime over every other option available to him.”
Smith-Winfree pleaded guilty on Jan. 28, 2026, before Judge Amir H. Ali to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In addition to the 96-month prison sentence, Judge Ali ordered Smith-Winfree to serve five years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a sentence of 120 months.
According to court documents, beginning in the summer of 2024, the FBI launched an investigation into a large-scale cocaine conspiracy spanning the District, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. Smith-Winfree served as a cocaine supplier, personally transporting multi-kilogram quantities from New York to customers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Those customers included co-defendant Marcus DeVonta Williams, who then redistributed the cocaine throughout the region.
On Jan. 28, 2025, law enforcement observed Smith-Winfree meet Williams in the parking lot of a shopping center in Wilmington, Delaware. Smith-Winfree entered Williams’s vehicle carrying an unknown object and remained inside for about 18 minutes before leaving without it. On March 24, 2025, surveillance captured a second meeting between the two at a Walmart parking lot in Wilmington.
The following day, Williams provided co-defendant Tavon Valentine Lee with 250 grams of cocaine. When Montgomery County Police stopped Lee shortly afterward, they recovered about 257 grams of cocaine, a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol, and suspected counterfeit oxycodone pills. Inside a bag Lee had discarded before the stop, officers found cocaine packaging consistent with kilogram-quantity distribution, cocaine residue on cutting instruments, and a parking receipt tied to Williams’s vehicle.
On June 3, 2025, a Howard County police officer conducted a traffic stop on Smith-Winfree in Maryland based on GPS data indicating he was on the way to resupply Williams with cocaine. A drug-detecting dog reacted strongly to Smith-Winfree’s Honda Pilot. A search of the vehicle revealed three kilograms of cocaine hidden inside. That same day, officers executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence and recovered more than 200 grams of cocaine, $35,000 in additional currency, and numerous items to distribute cocaine.
A search warrant executed on Smith-Winfree’s iCloud account revealed digital ledgers tracking cocaine deliveries by date and quantity, with entries corresponding to customers including Williams. Smith-Winfree admitted responsibility for at least five kilograms of cocaine.
Co-defendant Lee pleaded guilty Jan. 30, 2026, to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Co-defendant Williams pleaded guilty Feb. 4, 2026, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Sentencings are pending.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Field Office, the Montgomery County Police Department, Howard County Police Department, and the Arlington County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Scarpelli and Michael L. Barclay.
A search of Smith-Winfree’s Honda Pilot revealed three kilograms of cocaine hidden inside.
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Former High School Teacher Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing a Minor StudentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mark Williams, 59, of Virginia, was sentenced today in D.C. Superior Court, to 16 years in prison for sexually abusing one of his minor students in 2014, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Williams was found guilty on February 12, 2026, of four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a secondary education student and four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor. Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered Williams to serve a total prison term of 16 years, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. William is also required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
“Mark Williams groomed and sexually abused an underage student. It took years for the victim to gain the courage to come forward and disclose the abuse she suffered. Williams even left the country, but justice ultimately caught up with him,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who exploit vulnerable individuals, especially children. This sentence is well deserved.”
According to the government’s evidence, in the spring of 2014, Williams was the victim’s high school teacher at Duke Ellington School for the Arts. Williams began an independent study with the victim, who was 17 years old at the time. Their independent study met in a locked, windowless room in the basement of Duke Ellington. Williams then initiated a romantic and sexual relationship with the victim, during which they participated in sexual acts while on campus.
Williams was arrested on November 21, 2023, and has been in custody since he failed to appear for trial on February 2, 2026.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Jones, Investigative Analyst Lucas Jetson, and Victim Witness Coordinators Guisela Castillo and Katina Adams.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Callie Hyde and Sarah Roessler, who investigated and prosecuted the case, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Platt, who assisted with investigating the case.
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District Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dontrey Bell, 33, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 135 months in prison in connection with possessing several videos of himself as he exposed and manipulated his genitals in close proximity to a child as she slept, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Bell pleaded guilty on July 24, 2025, before Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to one count of transportation of child pornography. In addition to the 135-month prison term, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ordered Bell to serve 15 years of supervised release.
“Bell’s actions represent a profound betrayal of trust and a disturbing exploitation of a child’s vulnerability. The evidence in this case revealed calculated and deeply troubling conduct that cannot be tolerated in any community,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office remains committed to holding offenders accountable and ensuring that those who prey on children face serious consequences. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect victims and pursue justice in every case.”
According to court documents, on May 6, 2023, a witness called police to report she had discovered five videos and one image depicting Bell sneaking into a girl’s bedroom and engaging in sexual behavior near the child while the child was asleep.
In one of the videos, the child is seen waking up, and an adult male tells the child that he is in the bedroom to get cats out of the room. In another video, the individual recording the video turns the camera on himself selfie-style and records himself putting his head under child’s covers while the child is sleeping.
The witness identified the male as Bell. The phone was linked to Bell’s cloud storage. The videos showed were timestamped between Aug. 9, 2022, and Apr. 28, 2023, and recorded between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case was investigated by the MPD-FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Burrell and Michael Lawlor.
The matter was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcU.S. Treasury Manager Charged with Tax Evasion, Failure to File Tax Returns for Five YearsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Edner Escarne, 52, a former manager at the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with four counts of tax evasion and five counts of failing to file a tax return.
Escarne, of the District of Columbia, was arrested at his residence this morning by agents from Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. At his first appearance this afternoon, Escarne was arraigned and pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey.
Escarne served as Director of Talent Acquisition between November 2017 through January 2025, at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). According to charging documents, for the years 2019 through 2023 which are at issue, Escarne received an aggregate government salary of over $1 million.
The indictment alleges that on at least four occasions Escarne submitted false Forms W-4 in which he falsely claimed that he was exempt from federal income tax withholding when, in fact, he was not entitled to claim exempt status. By claiming exempt status, Escarne caused the OCC to withhold little or no federal income taxes from his wages for the years 2019 through 2022.
In addition, the indictment alleges that Escarne did not timely file his taxes for the tax years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Santiago of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcFentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 63 Months for Trafficking Narcotics from H Street StorefrontRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Pierre Black, 63, a resident of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for unlawful distribution of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Pierre Black operated a street-level fentanyl distribution scheme out of a storefront in the District,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He sold the drug to an undercover officer on six occasions—an amount large enough to equal roughly 80,000 potentially lethal doses. He also kept a loaded firearm alongside his supply and conducted these activities in a neighborhood already reeling from a fatal overdose.”
Black pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols to one count of unlawful distribution of fentanyl. In addition to the 63-month prison sentence, Judge Nichols ordered Black to serve three years of supervised release and to forfeit $13,310.
According to court papers, in early 2025, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crime Suppression Division Overdose Section and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating drug sales in the 700 block of H Street NE following a suspected fatal fentanyl overdose in the area. Investigators identified Black as a street-level fentanyl trafficker operating out of a store in that block.
As part of the investigation, an undercover officer conducted controlled purchases from Black. Over six purchases, the officer bought a total of 177 grams of fentanyl for more than $13,000.
On Sept. 5, 2025, officers arrested Black and searched his residence. In a bedroom closet safe, they recovered a loaded Springfield Armory XD-9 9mm handgun with nine rounds of ammunition in a 10-round magazine. On top of a safe, officers found 55.3 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and heroin. In the kitchen, they found an additional 14.27 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, heroin, and medetomidine, a sedative used by veterinarians. Black admitted that he possessed the firearm in connection with his drug trafficking.
Black has eight prior convictions, including four for drug distribution or possession with intent to distribute.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration – Washington Division Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon Eppel.
The 53.90 grams of fentanyl purchased on July 28, 2025 (left), and the 55.13 grams of fentanyl purchased on Aug. 21, 2025 (right).
Investigators recovered a loaded Springfield Armory XD-9 9mm handgun with nine rounds of ammunition in a 10-round magazine.
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Three-Time Felon Sentenced in Robbery, Illegal Possession of a Firearm and NarcoticsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Naquel Matao Henderson, 28, a three-time convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 56 months in federal prison in connection with a street robbery in Northeast when he crashed a scooter into a car stopped at a traffic light, demanded money from the victim motorist for a new pair of pants, grabbed the motorist’s satchel from around her neck, and then fled from police, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Following a six-day trial, a federal jury convicted Henderson on April 8, 2025, of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, robbery, and unlawful possession of oxycodone. In addition to the 56-month prison term, District Judge Timothy J. Kelly ordered Henderson to serve three years of supervised release. Government prosecutors had asked for a 72-month prison sentence.
Henderson, aka “Marquel,” additionally is currently awaiting trial for a January 2019 murder.
According to court documents, June 24, 2024, a police commander driving an unmarked cruiser requested backup at 2:15 p.m. at 15th and Benning Roads NE. He reported that he had just witnessed a potential robbery.
A motorist had been traveling on the 1400 block of Maryland Ave. when she stopped her car at a traffic light. When the light turned to green, a motorized scooter ridden by Henderson collided with the front driver’s side of her car. The driver got out of her car to check on the damage and to see if the scooter rider was injured. Henderson claimed the crash had damaged his pants and demanded that she give him $100 to buy a new pair.
The driver refused to give Henderson any money and pointed out that it was he who had crashed into her car. Henderson then pushed the driver with two hands and snatched the satchel that was around her body. As Henderson fled down the 700 block of 15th Street, NE, tossing items out of the satchel, two police officers arrived and gave chase. During the foot pursuit, one of the officers observed Henderson crouching down near a backyard fence with a firearm in his hand. Officers eventually tackled Henderson and ordered him to release the firearm.
Henderson fought and resisted while he struggled with an officer over a loaded firearm. Police eventually recovered a Glock 30, .45 caliber pistol with one round in the chamber, and an additional 14 bullets scattered nearby.
Officers searched Henderson and recovered 50 oxycodone pills. The pills were manufactured by two different companies and were stored in two different pill bottles – neither of which listed Henderson as the prescribed user of the narcotic.
At the time of his arrest, Henderson had two prior felony convictions also was on pretrial release in D.C. Superior Court, where he was charged with numerous violent offenses, including conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder while armed.
Joining in the announcement were ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Office and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar and former U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson.
Surveillance photo of Henderson riding his scooter directly into the front driver’s side of the motorist’s vehicle as she approaches the intersection of 15th and Maryland Ave, NE.
Surveillance photo of Henderson snatching the driver’s satchel away.
Police recovered a Glock 30, .45 caliber pistol with one round in the chamber, and an additional 14 bullets scattered nearby.
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Potomac Gardens Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 12 Months for Role in Large-Scale Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lawrence Smith, 55, a resident of Fairfax, Virginia, was sentenced today to 12-months-and-a-day in prison for his role in a large-scale cocaine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Lawrence Smith was a regular participant in a drug operation that fed narcotics into a District of Columbia neighborhood in Southeast,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This prosecution was the product of a long-term federal wiretap investigation which dismantled this conspiracy that was poisoning the Potomac Gardens community. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to pursuing every link in that chain.”
Smith pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. In addition to the 12-month sentence, Judge Kelly ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release. The government had requested a sentence of 15 months.
According to court papers, the FBI began a long-term investigation in 2024 into drug trafficking at the Potomac Gardens housing complex in Southeast Washington. As part of that investigation, agents obtained authority to wiretap phones used by Ronald Hunt and Garrett Isley, alleged leaders of the conspiracy whose cases are pending. Intercepted calls revealed that Smith regularly communicated with Isley and obtained narcotics from him on an almost every-other-day basis, then redistributed them to others. In his plea agreement, Smith admitted responsibility for distributing between 200 and 300 grams of cocaine.
Co-defendant Maurice Tutt was sentenced on March 13, 2026, to 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Co-defendant Michael Augment pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026, to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Augment’s sentencing is pending.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the D.C. Housing Authority Police, Virginia State Police, Montgomery County Police, and Fairfax County Police.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Solomon S. Eppel and Nihar Mohanty.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcPreviously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced for Carrying Stolen Shotgun on D.C. Metro BusRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gerald Anthony Evans, 30, a previously convicted felon and sex offender who resides in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for his unlawful possession of a 12-gauge shotgun that he carried as he rode a WMATA bus, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Gerald Evans boarded a public bus in the District of Columbia carrying a loaded stolen shotgun, which he admitted was his,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “With 23 prior law enforcement encounters, Evans has had every opportunity to choose a different path. Instead, he chose to carry a weapon onto a bus full of commuters. That choice has consequences.”
Evans, aka “Big Woobie G,” pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2026, in the U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 21-month prison sentence, Judge McFadden ordered Evans to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court papers, on Dec. 10, 2024, a Metro Transit Police officer observed Evans board WMATA Bus 5476 without paying his fare. The officer identified himself and asked Evans to step off the bus.
During the stop, officers asked Evans about a bag hanging below his coat. Evans said, “that’s my gun.” Officers opened the bag and found a Mossberg 590 Shockwave 12-gauge shotgun loaded with one round in the chamber and three rounds in the magazine. A check of the serial number revealed the shotgun had been reported stolen.
Evans’s criminal history includes a 2013 arrest for armed carjacking for which he pleaded guilty to attempt to commit robbery. While he was on probation for that case, he was found guilty of second-degree assault in Prince George’s County and sentenced to 10 years in prison, with ten years suspended. In 2022 he violated probation and was sentenced to 18 months confinement. In April 2016, Evans pleaded guilty in Prince George’s county to a sex offense in the fourth degree. He repeatedly has failed to register as a sex offender in the jurisdictions in which he has lived.
This case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Bloss.
Gerald Anthony Evans, 30, a previously convicted felon and sex offender who resides in the District of Columbia, in a photo taken by police body-worn camera. The shotgun was in the satchel resting on his lap.
Evans, circled in red, boarded the WMATA bus carrying a loaded shotgun that he had stowed in a black satchel.
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Previously Convicted Man Sentenced to 14 Year Prison Term for Killing Man in March of 2024Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Monteze Morton, 36, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Friday, April 10, 2026, to 14 years in prison for killing Dimitrious Brown, 29, on March 22, 2024, in Washington DC, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Morton pleaded guilty on February 5, 2026, to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable J. Michael Ryan ordered Morton to serve his 14-year prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release and he must also register as a gun offender.
According to the government’s evidence, Morton shot Brown following a brief altercation in the 2800 block of Hartford Street SE. Morton had previously been convicted of robbery and armed robbery in Maryland and was not allowed to own or possess a firearm.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Miles Janssen, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
2024 CF1 004740
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced in Carrying Loaded Pistol at Anacostia Metro StationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jonathan McCrimmon, 28, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a pistol at a Metro station in Anacostia, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
McCrimmon pleaded guilty on Jan. 6, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 12-month prison sentence, Judge Nichols ordered McCrimmon to serve three years of supervised release. Government prosecutors had requested a sentence of 12 months.
According to court documents, on Sept. 17, 2025, just before 6 p.m., members of the Metro Transit Police Department stopped McCrimmon for publicly smoking marijuana in the Anacostia Metro Station parking garage. Officers patted him down and recovered a silver Armi Galesi .25 caliber pistol from his inner leg. The Italian-made firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber.
Officers also determined that McCrimmon had an outstanding warrant out of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and placed him under arrest as a fugitive from justice.
In a post-arrest interview, McCrimmon acknowledged his status as a convicted felon, that he understood he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, and that he had been carrying the loaded pistol recovered by officers.
McCrimmon was previously convicted of second-degree burglary in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter.
This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
The Italian-made Armi Galesi .25 caliber pistol found in McCrimmon’s possession.
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Journalist Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Thomas Pham LeGro, 48, of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to one count of possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The Honorable John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 3, 2026.
LeGro, a video journalist, was arrested June 26, 2025, after FBI agents executed a search warrant at his residence and seized several electronic devices. During the execution of the warrant, agents observed what appeared to be fractured pieces of a hard drive hidden under a rug in the basement of the residence. A review of LeGro's laptop revealed a folder that contained 11 videos depicting child sexual abuse. These videos depicted adult men sexually abusing prepubescent children and forcing them to engage in sex acts.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in making the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Burrell for the District of Columbia.
It was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcD.C. Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for June 2021 Killing of Innocent Bystander Out Having Dinner with Wife and FriendsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dearay Wilson, 30, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 18 years in prison today for shooting and killing 53-year-old Jeremy Black in June 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Wilson pleaded guilty on February 13, 2026, to second-degree murder while armed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Neal E. Kravitz ordered Wilson to serve his 18-year prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release and must also register as a gun offender.
“This sentencing sends a clear and necessary message: violent crime will not go unanswered,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Dearay Wilson and other shooters indiscriminately fired over 45 rounds into a busy public street, killing Jeremy Black—an innocent man walking with his wife and friends after dinner. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones, and this office remains committed to stopping outrageous killing on the streets of the District.”
According to the government’s evidence, in the evening hours, on June 29, 2021, Wilson and three other individuals, armed with firearms, drove to Johnson Avenue Northwest. Once in the area, they fired multiple shots at a group of people outside an apartment building in the 1400 block of R Street Northwest. Jeremy Black was an innocent bystander walking through the area with his wife and two friends following dinner at a local restaurant. Black and a friend were crossing Johnson Avenue when Wilson and the other shooters indiscriminately fired over 45 rounds on a busy public street. Black was struck once in his left torso and died at the scene. After the shooting, Wilson and the other shooters fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sitara Witanachchi, who indicted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Merikas, Kathleen Gibbons, and Sarah Santiago, who prosecuted the case.
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Spree of Carjackings in August 2022 Results in 29 Year Prison Sentence for D.C. ManRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jerome Israel, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced for three carjackings, which took place in August 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Israel pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025, to one count of armed carjacking and two counts of unarmed carjacking in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Today, Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld declined to sentence the defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act and affirmed her initial sentencing on March 4th for the defendant to serve 29 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 8:27 p.m. on August 20, 2022, Israel and a co-conspirator approached a victim from the rear on the corner of 7th and D Streets, SE. The victim, who was driving a 2021 grey Nissan Sentra, was unloading items from the vehicle when approached by the two men, who were wearing ski masks. As the co-conspirator brandished a firearm, the defendant reached into the victim’s pants’ pockets and took a cell phone, wallet, house key and the car keys to the Nissan. Both men got into the Nissan and drove off.
Three days later, in the early morning hours of August 23, 2022, Israel and a co-conspirator drove the stolen Nissan to a gas station in the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, where they approached a second victim. The victim, who was driving a 2009 white BMW 328i, parked at a gas pump and exited the vehicle to purchase items at the gas station’s window. The victim was approached by the co-conspirator, who brandished a firearm and took the victim’s car keys while Israel searched the victim’s pants’ pockets and stole his wallet. Israel got the car keys from his co-conspirator and drove off in the victim’s vehicle. The co-conspirator drove off in the Nissan.
Two days later, on August 25, 2022, at approximately 5:51 p.m., Israel and a co-conspirator approached a third victim at a Citgo gas station in the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. They were driving the stolen BMW from two days earlier. The victim, who was driving a 2021 blue Dodge Challenger, was parked at a gas pump, and the two men drove up behind him. The defendant approached the victim, brandished a firearm, and demanded the car keys. The victim informed them that the keys were inside the vehicle. The two co-conspirators drove off in the victim’s Challenger and the stolen BMW.
Israel was arrested on August 30, 2022, and has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll thanked those who worked on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. Lee and Ella Gladman, who prosecuted the case.
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Three Former Employees of the Psychiatric Institute of Washington Indicted for Criminal Negligence in the Death of a PatientRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Nelson Kuma, 37, Richard Hounnou, 45, and Norma Munoz-Bent 68, all from Maryland, were indicted on charges of criminal negligence and appeared in court yesterday for their arraignment, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
After the arraignment, Kuma, Hounnou, and Munoz-Bent were released pending trial. They are scheduled to appear before the Honorable Carmen McLean on May 29, 2026.
The indictment was returned by a grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on March 31, 2026. It is alleged that on the date of his death, and while in the care of PIW staff, G.W., a 58-year-old male, became unresponsive and stopped breathing. Kuma and Hounnou, who were employed by PIW as psychiatric counselors, and Munoz-Bent, a registered nurse, discovered G.W. in this condition, but failed to timely and properly assess G.W., failed to perform CPR, and failed to provide any potentially lifesaving measures. G.W. did not receive life saving measures for at least 21 minutes. By the time lifesaving measure started, it was too late, and G.W. could not be resuscitated.
Joining the announcement was Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
In announcing the indictment, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Inspector General Lucas acknowledged the work of those who are investigating and prosecuting the case from the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the D.C. Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). They commend the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Facci, who is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia urges anyone with information regarding abuse of a vulnerable adult at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington to call our tipline at (202) 252-0809.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
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piw_indictment.pdfDistrict Resident Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A complaint was unsealed today in U.S. District Court charging Zabdiel Aaron Rothschild, 26, of the District of Columbia. with Production of Child Pornography, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, starting in January 2025, Rothschild used the gaming and messaging application Discord to communicate with three minor victims. During the communications, Rothschild asked for and received sexually explicit videos of the minor victims. In one instance, Rothschild told a minor victim, who was only 13 at the time, that he wanted to see her engaging in specific sexual acts. The minor victim followed Rothschild’s directions and recorded herself engaging in the conduct described by Rothschild.
At various points in his conversations where he is alleged to have coerced or enticed these minor victims into engaging in illicit sexual conduct, Rothschild openly discussed the age difference and discussed numerous sexual and violent acts he would do to his minor victims. For example, Rothschild told one minor victim, “little teens belong to old men like me” and “it’s normal for kids to have a crush on older people.” In another conversation, Rothschild told a minor victim, “I have the lifelong fantasy of carving my initials into a girl,” and he told another minor victim, “I can’t wait to choke you and use your unconscious body.”
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the San Antonio Field Office.
This case is being investigated by the FBI's San Antonio, Washington, and San Francisco field offices. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Kelley.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcMaryland Country Club Agrees to Pay over $1 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations of Improper Receipt of Paycheck Protection Program LoanRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that it has reached a civil settlement agreement with Woodholme Country Club Inc. (“Woodholme”), whereby the club will pay $1,042,500 to resolve allegations that the club violated the False Claims Act when it applied for and received a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) for which it was not eligible.
When Congress enacted the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, it authorized forgivable PPP loans to eligible small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP loan program was administered by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). At the time of the loan covered by this settlement, certain entities organized under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code were not eligible for PPP loans, including section 501(c)(7) organizations.
In early 2020, Woodholme, a Maryland country club, applied for a PPP loan in the amount of $695,000 and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan even though it was ineligible as a section 501(c)(7) nonprofit organization. After receiving the PPP loan, Woodholme sought and received forgiveness of the entire loan amount. The United States contended that Woodholme knowingly falsely represented its eligibility to receive the PPP loan, and that it caused the SBA to pay lender fees to the bank that processed the loan. Woodholme will pay $1,042,500 to the United States to resolve these allegations.
“Today’s settlement represents another victory in the Trump Administration’s effort to claw back stolen pandemic-era funds on behalf of U.S. taxpayers," said U.S. Small Business Administration General Counsel Wendell Davis. "The agency is grateful to our federal law enforcement partners for their strong support in this case, and we look forward to continued cooperation as we work to hold criminal fraudsters accountable.”
The settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under these provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The qui tam complaint was filed by Relator Aidan Forsyth and is captioned United States ex rel. Aidan Forsyth v. Woodholme Country Club Inc., et al., Civ. A. No. 24-1175 (D.D.C.). Mr. Forsyth will receive a total share of approximately $104,250 in connection with the settlement.
The civil settlement resulted from an investigation by Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Tepe and Auditor Timothy C. Hurley with the support of attorney Caitlin J. Kelly of SBA’s Office of the General Counsel.
Tips and complaint regarding potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by submitting a NCDF Web Complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
woodhome_country_club_executed_settlement.pdfGuilty Verdicts for Woman Who Killed Three People in 2023 Rock Creek Parkway CrashRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Nakita Walker, 45, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a Superior Court jury today for the March 15, 2023, vehicular deaths of Mohamed Kamara, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, on Rock Creek Parkway, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Walker was found guilty of three counts of involuntary manslaughter for the occupants of the car she struck, one count of fleeing a law enforcement officer, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon of her passenger. According to the expected sentencing guidelines range, Walker faces a maximum sentence of twenty-nine and a half years in prison for these crimes.
“We continue to rid this city of those who commit homicide," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Their place is behind bars. Three lives were lost—a hardworking Lyft driver and two passengers who trusted they would arrive safely. Their families have endured unimaginable loss, and while nothing can undo that pain, this outcome affirms that reckless and violent actions have consequences. Justice has been served, and our thoughts remain with the victims and their loved ones.”
Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2026.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, on the evening of March 14, 2023, Walker went to a movie and hung out with friends. As she was driving home in the early hours of March 15, 2023, she was pulled over by a Park Police officer for speeding and running a red light in front of him. She initially complied with the stop, then midway through she took off, reaching speeds of 100 mph on Rock Creek Parkway. While fleeing, she crossed the double-yellow lane line and crashed into another vehicle, killing all three of its occupants.
Walker was arrested on May 22, 2023, where she has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Chief Scott Brecht of the United States Park Police.
This case was investigated by the United States Park Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
This case was prosecuted and tried by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter.
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D.C. Sex Offender Charged with Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
drew_collin_imparato_x3_attachments.pdfWASHINGTON – A complaint was filed Friday, April 3, in U.S. District Court charging Drew Collin Imparato, 26, a registered sex offender residing in the District of Columbia, with Receipt of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, in 2019, Imparato was convicted of Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct and Distribution of Child Pornography and was sentenced to five years’ incarceration. Following his release from custody, Imparato sought out online forums that sold child sexual abuse material. Imparato spent $12,000 to purchase hundreds of videos of child sexual abuse material through Telegram and other online applications.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Bohlen.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcD.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Obstructing a Homicide InvestigationRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Antonio Nicks, 34, of Washington, D.C. pleaded guilty today to obstructing a homicide investigation, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Antonio Nicks was subsequently indicted and pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of obstructing justice and one count of contempt. His guilty plea to the indictment was entered on the eve of jury selection.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2026, before the Honorable Judith Pipe.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 7, 2023 and July 28, 2023, Antonio Nicks testified under oath in a Superior Court grand jury proceeding in Washington D.C. that was investigating the July 9, 2022 stabbing death of Brittany Palmer.
During his grand jury testimony on July 7, 2023, Nicks declined to answer certain questions and purported to invoke the Fifth Amendment privilege on various topics. On July 14, 2023, a Fifth Amendment privilege hearing was held before Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring. At this hearing, the Chief Judge found that Nicks did not have a Fifth Amendment privilege and ordered him to answer certain questions in the grand jury. During his grand jury testimony on July 28, 2023, Nicks refused to answer questions even though he acknowledged that he was ordered by the Chief Judge to do so. In subsequent hearings before Chief Judge Josey-Herring on October 2, 2023, December 11, 2023, and January 12, 2024, Nicks continued to express his refusal to answer questions as ordered by the Chief Judge.
Nicks was arrested on a material witness warrant on June 21, 2023, and has been in custody ever since.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Galloway.
Two Men Charged with Beating and Strangling a Man to Death in FebruaryRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced yesterday that Rico Barnes, 36, and Alphonso Walker, 39, both from the District, have been charged with murder in connection with the Feb. 11, 2026, beating and strangulation death of 40-year-old Syed Hussein.
Barnes and Walker were both charged with one count of first-degree murder while armed in D.C. Superior Court on April 2, 2026. A preliminary hearing is set for Rico Barnes on May 18, 2026, and for Alphonso Walker on June 2, 2026.
As described in the arrest warrants issued in the case, at approximately 3:33 a.m., on Feb. 11, 2026, D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Service (FEMS) members responded to a 9-1-1 call that reported smoke coming from apartment 106, inside 1437 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., a multi-unit apartment building. Responding FEMS members saw the smoke and entered the one-bedroom apartment, which was unlocked. Inside the members found Mr. Hussain lying on the floor, unconscious and unresponsive, with his wrists and ankles bound by neckties. The victim had succumbed to his injuries. The apartment was otherwise unoccupied.
An autopsy on Mr. Hussain’s remains later determined that the manner of his death was a homicide and that the cause of his death was blunt force trauma and ligature strangulation.
During the subsequent MPD investigation, detectives gathered security camera footage as evidence, including from a camera covering the entrance area to Mr. Hussain’s apartment building. That footage showed Mr. Hussain interacting with the two defendants, at 1:40 a.m. on February 11, 2026. The footage shows the defendants physically attacking Mr. Hussain outside the doorway and then following him as he enters the building. Approximately, an hour later the suspects are recorded leaving the building carrying large bags.
On February 14, 2026, MPD detectives recovered numerous items belonging to Mr. Hussain, in a residence in a different neighborhood.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Charges in a complaint are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation into Suicide During Police PursuitRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against police officers in connection with the suicide of S.J., a 36-year-old District resident, that occurred during a February pursuit.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department's Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement accounts, body-worn camera footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, and MPD reports.
According to the evidence, on Feb. 11, 2026, officers with the Prince George's County Police Department and the MPD attempted to apprehend S.J. in connection with a homicide that occurred earlier in the day. S.J. led law enforcement on a long vehicular pursuit. The chase ended in the 1500 block of 30th Street, SE, where S.J. died of suicide, despite lifesaving efforts by law enforcement and an emergency medical team. An autopsy determined SJ. died from a gunshot wound to the head.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers willfully violated the civilian’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.
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Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced in Firearm Case After Flight from PoliceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Rarkease Charles Bishop, 23, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 28 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a Glock pistol while on supervised release for another gun offense, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Bishop pleaded guilty on Dec. 16, 2025, in U.S. District Court to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 28-month prison sentence, Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Bishop to serve three years of supervised release. Prosecutors for the U.S. Attorney’s Office had requested a sentence of 37 months.
“Rarkease Bishop had multiple opportunities to turn his life around and instead chose, repeatedly and deliberately, to arm himself in defiance of the law and the courts,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He fled from officers, fought his arrest, and tried to hide the loaded gun he was carrying even after he was in handcuffs. That is not the behavior of someone who poses a manageable risk. It is the behavior of someone the community needs to be protected from."
According to court papers, on July 16, 2025, members of the Metropolitan Police Department's Sixth District Crime Suppression Team were on patrol in a marked police cruiser on the 100 block of 42nd Street NE. One of the officers recognized Bishop driving a white Nissan Maxima.
Officers attempted to stop the Nissan, a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Laurel, Maryland. Bishop fled. With the car’s trunk open, Bishop drove the car over a curb and accelerated away at high speed.
Officers located the Maxima abandoned in the 200 block of 51st Street SE. After spotting Bishop, police pursued him on foot. Officers observed Bishop clutching the right side of his waistband. After a brief chase, police took Bishop into custody and handcuffed him near the 5000 block of C Street SE. Bishop resisted arrest. He crossed his legs in an attempt to conceal a firearm in his pant leg and made an additional attempt to break free from custody.
Officers subdued Bishop and recovered a loaded Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol from Bishop's right pant leg. The pistol was loaded with one round in the chamber and 13 rounds in a 17-round capacity magazine. Bishop committed this offense while on supervised release for a prior gun conviction, namely, carrying a pistol without a license.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter.
This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
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After he was placed in handcuffs by police, Bishop tried to hide the pistol he was carrying.
Officers discovered the pistol in Bishop’s pant leg.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcChicago Man Charged in D.C. for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
wolf_indictment.pdfWASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today in U.S. District Court charging Michael Wolf, 64, of Chicago, Illinois, with Distribution of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
According to court documents, Wolf communicated with another user on the Telegram messaging application about his sexual interest in children. During those communications, Wolf distributed ten videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Wolf then told the other Telegram user that he was communicating with minor children on an online dating application and forwarded sexually explicit images he stated depicted those minors. Wolf subsequently sent the Telegram user photos of himself that law enforcement used to identify Wolf.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in Washington, D.C., with assistance from the FBI Chicago Field Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Bohlen.
The case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc13-Count Indictment Charges D.C. Man in March 2026 Violent Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON D.C. – A 13-count Indictment was unsealed March 31 in U.S. District Court charging Dequan Simpson, 18, of the District of Columbia, in two alleged armed carjackings and a shooting that occurred last month in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The Indictment charges Simpson with multiple counts of Carjacking, Interfering with Interstate Commerce by Robbery (Hobbs Act), and corresponding counts of Using of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. It also charges Simpson with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer.
Three of the counts also name Jayvaun Brown, 20, a resident of the District. Brown is charged with Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer. Brown will have his first court appearance on April 2.
Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya on April 1 ordered Simpson to be held without bond.
According to the court documents, on March 4, shortly after noon, a pizza delivery driver allegedly was lured to a residence on the unit block of Webster Street NE, under the pretext of a routine food order. When the pizza delivery driver arrived, he was robbed, assaulted, held at gun point, and carjacked of his 2014 Toyota Corolla.
Two days later, on March 6, a freelance barber was lured to the same Webster Street residence under the pretext of a request for a haircut. When the barber arrived, he was robbed and shot multiple times as he attempted to flee. The gunman took the barber’s black 2009 Infiniti G37X. Investigators later recovered seven spent shell casings at the scene.
On March 9, about 10:20 p.m. police spotted the stolen Infiniti, occupied by several people, speeding on Florida Ave. NE. Officers gave chase. During the high-speed pursuit, an occupant of the Infiniti appeared to throw a rifle from the vehicle. Investigators recovered a Hammerli TAC R1 .22 LR caliber rifle near 9th and K Streets NW.
About 10:32 p.m., the suspects were traveling southbound on the 11th Street sidewalk when they attempted to turn onto M Street NW. They were stopped when the Infiniti crashed into a U.S. Park Police cruiser.
Officers apprehended Simpson shortly after. Police located Brown in a nearby parking garage and arrested him.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, the U.S. Park Police, and Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy.
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.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcIllegal Alien, a Convicted Cocaine Dealer Previously Deported Five Times, Sentenced to 122 MonthsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- Damion Alexander Peddie, 54, a Jamaican citizen who previously had been convicted of multiple drug trafficking offenses and removed from the United States on at least five prior occasions, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 122 months in federal prison in connection with possessing a cache of weapons and narcotics and for illegally re-entering the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Peddie pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2025, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to a three-count information charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, alien in possession of a firearm, and unlawful re-entry of a previously removed alien. In addition to the 122-month prison term, Judge Kelly ordered Peddie to serve three years of supervised release and to comply with any order of deportation.
“Damion Peddie showed a complete disregard for our laws and our borders—deported five times, yet he chose to come back and arm himself with a cache of weapons and narcotics. A previously convicted drug trafficker, he continued to put American communities at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This career criminal illegal alien is exactly the type of offender the Trump administration is working tirelessly to remove from our country—after serving his sentence, he will be deported.”
According to court documents, in the Summer of 2024, FBI agents initiated a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking conspiracy centered around the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Law enforcement had identified an alleged fentanyl and PCP trafficker with a stash house in the 2900 block of Knox Place. Over the course of their investigation into the trafficker’s narcotics suppliers, investigating agents determined that Peddie was conspiring with members of the drug trafficking operation (DTO) in the redistribution of fentanyl, amongst other narcotics.
On August 26, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of Taylor Street NW as part of a coordinated arrest and search warrant operation in connection with the Knox Place DTO investigation. Agents encountered Peddie walking down the stairs from the second floor of the residence.
In Peddie's bedroom, agents found a ghost gun, a privately manufactured black 9mm Polymer 80 pistol bearing no serial number and untraceable by law enforcement, along with a .22 caliber handgun. Agents also recovered about seven pounds of marijuana, along with distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
On the first floor of the home, agents found an H&R .32 caliber revolver, an AR-style ghost gun, six ammunition magazines, assorted rounds of ammunition, and a High Point 9mm carbine rifle.
This criminal case marks Peddie's fifth federal conviction for unlawful re-entry of a previously removed alien. He previously had been convicted of the same offense in the District of Maryland in January 1996, and in the District of Columbia in May 2004, October 2010, and October 2013.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case was prosecuted under the auspices of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) network, which is directed under President Trump’s Executive Order titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion.
The mission of the HSTF network is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs and transnational criminal organizations, and to ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, with assistance from the DEA Washington, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, John Crabb, and Sarah Akhtar of the Violence Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section. Valuable assistance was provided by former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and John Parron.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcConvicted Felon Sentenced in Possessing Two Loaded Revolvers and Resisting ArrestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Phillip Alphonso Mayes, 74, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 10 months in prison for unlawful possession of two handguns and ammunition and 6 months in prison for resisting arrest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Mayes pleaded guilty on Dec. 1, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and to resisting arrest. In addition to the prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Mayes to serve 1 year of supervised release.
According to court documents, on Aug. 22, 2025, a Metropolitan Police Department officer was dispatched to a multiunit housing building in the 3800 block of W Street SE, where a .38 Special revolver had been found in a mailbox. While the officer was guarding the firearm, Mayes descended the stairs, attempted to retrieve it, and stated “that’s mine” before the officer forcefully removed it from his grasp. The officer attempted to place Mayes under arrest. Mayes struggled with the officer, pushed her against a wall, and pulled her up two flights of stairs before she broke free and returned to the ground floor, sustaining scratches to her right forearm and the right side of her face.
Following his arrest, officers executed a search warrant at Mayes’ unit and recovered a second loaded firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver, concealed in a bag in a closet. Mayes admitted both weapons belonged to him.
Mayes was prohibited from possessing any firearm due to prior felony convictions: a 2001 conviction for possession of a controlled substance in Illinois for which he was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison, and two 1992 convictions for retail fraud and being a habitual offender in Michigan for which he was sentenced to a prison term of between 16 months and two years.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blake J. Ellison and John Parron.
This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
Still Photo of Mayes Holding the Firearm After Taking It from the Mailbox
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Ohio Man Charged with Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robert Clark, 45, a resident of Ohio, was charged in a complaint filed today in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia with Distribution of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
According to court documents, starting on Feb. 2, 2026, Clark communicated with another user on a fetish website. Clark stated that he had a sexual interest in children. The other user told Clark that he had a young daughter, and Clark asked the user to record himself sexually abusing his daughter.
During the communications, Clark distributed eleven videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including a video that depicted a toddler. After sending one of these videos, Clark told the other user, “U should try that with ur daughter.”
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Kelley.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.
Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Illegal Alien from Vietnam Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Hieu Trung Vu, 37, a previously convicted felon and illegal alien from Vietnam, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with drug trafficking from a Georgetown Airbnb as well as being a previously convicted felon in possession of two guns, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Vu pleaded guilty before Judge Amit P. Mehta to one count of unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base, amphetamine, and fentanyl, and to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2026. Because of his illegal status, Vu is subject to deportation to Vietnam following the completion of his sentence.
“Vu was operating a drug trafficking scheme out of a Georgetown Airbnb while armed with two loaded pistols. He had no legal right to be in this country, no legal right to possess firearms, and no right to endanger our communities with these deadly narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This prosecution will reinforce that he has no right to victimize our citizens ever again.”
According to court documents, on Dec. 4, 2025, Metropolitan Police responded to an emergency call from a woman who reported that a man in her Airbnb had narcotics in his possession. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence on the 1400 block of Wisconsin Ave. NW.
Officers executed the warrant that afternoon and discovered a tan backpack in the rear bedroom containing two handguns. In the kitchen, officers found a black backpack containing, among other items, a black and tan Coach bag. Inside the Coach bag were narcotics packaged in multiple bags, drug paraphernalia, and a debit card bearing Vu’s name.
Lab testing confirmed the drugs were methamphetamine (about 48 grams), cocaine (about 14 grams), cocaine base (about 2 grams), amphetamine (about 6 grams), and fentanyl (about 10 grams). Vu admitted that he possessed all five substances with the intent to distribute them.
The two handguns were a Glock 43X, 9mm pistol, and a CZ Model 27, 7.65mm pistol. The Glock was loaded with nine rounds in a 10-round capacity magazine. Vu admitted that both firearms belonged to him.
Vu was previously convicted in 2022 in Fairfax County, Virginia, of possession with intent to manufacture or sell narcotics and sentenced to five years in prison with two months and four months of the sentence suspended. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing any firearm.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss and Caelainn Carney.
This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
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District Man Sentenced to 19.5 Years in Prison for Murder and CarjackingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Maleek Thomas, 23, was sentenced Friday to 19.5 years in prison, in connection to a deadly carjacking that killed Melvin Dock, Jr., , in Southeast Washington, D.C. on October 30, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Thomas pleaded guilty on December 2, 2025, to one count of second-degree murder while armed for the murder of Melvin Dock, Jr. and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon for the shooting of the victim. On March 27, 2026, Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Thomas to 19.5 years of incarceration and five years of supervised release at the conclusion of his sentence.
The government’s evidence indicates that on October 30, 2023, Thomas messaged an individual, the intended carjacking victim, via Instagram to hang out in Southeast DC. The individual travelled from out of town to meet the defendant. Unbeknownst to this victim, Thomas’ true intention was to carjack this victim at gunpoint. When the defendant got into this victim’s car, he pointed a pistol at the victim and instructed the victim to give up the car. The victim would not relent. Instead, the victim attempted to flee. Around the same time as Thomas attempted to carjack the victim, Melvin Dock, Jr., approached the driver-side door of the car. The defendant pulled the trigger and, because the pistol was equipped with a “switch” that initiated automatic gunfire, multiple rounds were expelled and both the victim and Dock were shot. The victim slammed on the gas and made his escape. He ultimately survived. Dock, however, succumbed to his injuries later that night.
Thomas was arrested by MPD in February of 2024.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wes Faulkner, Jr. and Sabena Auyeung.
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D.C. Man Sentenced to 205 Months for Role in 29 Armed Robberies and Attempted RobberiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tavarus Thompson, 32, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 205 months in prison for his role in a spree of dozens of armed robberies and attempted armed robberies of commercial establishments that included restaurants, convenience stores, and liquor stores in the metropolitan region during early 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Thompson pleaded guilty March 29, 2024, before Judge Reggie B. Walton to Conspiracy to Interfere with Interstate Commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), and to Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. In addition to the 205-month term of incarceration, Judge Walton ordered Thompson to serve five years of supervised release.
“Tavarus Thompson committed dozens of armed robberies and attempted armed robberies in less than three months—targeting restaurant workers, store clerks, and gas station attendants, ordinary people simply doing their jobs. Each time, they were forced to stare down the barrel of a gun,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Thompson turned workplaces into war zones. This is the kind of individual who does not belong in our society, and today, he is being held fully accountable.”
According to court documents, the spree began on Jan. 12, 2022, with the gunpoint robbery of a gas station on 18th Street NE. It ended in March 2022, after law enforcement stopped a stolen car on March 6 at the intersection of 1st Street NW and Gallatin Street NW, leading to the arrests of co-defendant Stephon Harrigan. Thompson was arrested in South Carolina on March 18, 2022. Co-defendant Aaron Harrigan, was arrested March 29, 2022.
Thompson acknowledged that he engaged in 29 of the robberies or attempted robberies. In all of them, at least one firearm was brandished including, many times, by Thompson himself.
Aaron Harrigan, 30, pleaded guilty on Oct. 3, 2023, to a charge of Conspiracy to Interfere with Interstate Commerce by Robbery for his participation in the conspiracy and was sentenced on Sept. 25, 2023, to 87 months in prison.
Stephon Harrigan 32, pleaded guilty on March 29, 2024, Conspiracy to Interfere with Interstate Commerce by Robbery and Possession of a Firearm During and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence for his participation in the conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2024, to 210 months in prison.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Violent Crime Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Carjacking Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Columbia, South Carolina, Field Office, and the Mount Rainier, Md., Prince George’s County, Md., and Montgomery County, Md. Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon Eppel. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Kinskey and Andrea Duvall, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Fletcher.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced in Illegally Possessing Stolen of Firearm After Fleeing OfficersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Guy Cummings, 30, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Cummings was found guilty by a federal jury on July 16, 2025, following a three-day jury trial before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. In addition to the 50-month prison term, Chief Judge Boasberg ordered Cummings to serve three years of supervised release.
This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Jan. 18, 2025, about 1:30 a.m., Metropolitan Police Department officers on patrol in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood observed a group of individuals on the sidewalk in the 300 block of 50th Street NE.
As officers approached, Cummings immediately separated from the group and fled on foot between buildings. An officer gave chase and never lost sight of Cummings as he ran through the Lincoln Heights complex in a circular pattern. The officer observed Cummings make a tossing motion with his right hand over a brick wall on the 300 block of 50th Street NE before he was apprehended nearby.
Officers retraced Cummings' path and discovered a stolen black Glock 26 9mm pistol in the snow on the other side of the brick wall, loaded with one round in the chamber and 15 rounds in the magazine. The firearm had been reported stolen.
Cummings had previously been convicted in 2017 of robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon and sentenced to 36 months in prison, making him ineligible to possess a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, with assistance from the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand.
CAPTION: Officers recovered a Glock 26 pistol where Cummings had tossed it on a snow-covered path.
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcBaltimore Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Christopher Young, 31, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 78 months in prison in connection with distributing thousands of files of child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Young, aka “Topher Young,” pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025, before Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan, to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, Judge Sooknanan ordered Young to serve 10 years of supervised release.
“Christopher Young distributed more than 1,600 videos of children—some as young as infants—being sexually abused, and he did it, hoping people were watching, but thinking he would never get caught,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office will use every tool to identify those who exploit the most vulnerable and ensure they face serious consequences. Today's sentence sends a clear message: there is no anonymity for those who exploit children.”
According to court documents, on Oct. 4, 2024, Young, identifying himself as “too Nasty,” sent a private message on a mobile messaging application focused on dating and sexual encounters, to another online user, who was located in Washington, D.C. In the message, Young indicated his sexual interest in young children and asked the other user to contact him on the messaging platform Telegram.
On Oct. 7, 2024, Young and the online user communicated on Telegram using Young’s “Mrnunyab” Telegram handle. During the chat, Young stated that he was from Baltimore, reiterated his sexual interest in children, and asked if the other online user wanted to exchange pictures.
On Oct. 15, 2024, Young sent a link to a file that contained 1,616 videos depicting children as young as infants engaged in sexual conduct with adults.
On Dec. 13, 2024, Young sent the online user a picture of himself, which law enforcement used to identify him as the individual who distributed child pornography.
Law enforcement arrested Young on Feb. 13, 2025, in Baltimore. A forensic examination of Young’s iPhone revealed two videos and three images depicting child pornography.
This case was investigated by the MPD-FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Bohlen and was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative.
In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcD.C. Man Gets 23 Years in Prison for Murder in a Northwest ParkRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Quateze Moore, 46, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to a total 23 years in prison for shooting and killing Martinez Robinson on August 23, 2024, and possession with intent to distribute while armed on January 1, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Moore pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance, (cocaine) with the intent to distribute it while armed on January 14, 2026. The Honorable Judge Jason Park ordered Moore to serve the 23-year prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on August 23, 2024, Moore and the victim, Martinez Robinson, were at 14th and Girard Street Park, when they encountered one another. A short time later, Robinson ran out of the park and Moore followed. Moore was shooting at the victim as he was running away. The defendant struck Robinson three times, hitting him once in the right arm, once in the right thigh, and once in the torso, causing injuries from which Robinson died. The defendant’s dog, Ace, was also struck by his gunfire and killed. Robinson was in possession of a Glock 23 .40 caliber firearm with a laser, a giggle-switch and 19 live cartridges in a 22-capacity magazine, which he had not fired.
When Moore was arrested on January 1, 2024, Metropolitan Police Department officers recovered a firearm and a clear plastic bag from in between the center console, which contained numerous substances that, after chemical testing, yielded positive results for cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone. He has been in custody since his arrest.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Dinan, who prosecuted the case.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced in Possession of Stolen Handgun with Extended MagazineRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robert Geiger, 47, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced Friday to 33 months in prison for illegally possessing a loaded stolen handgun with an extended magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Geiger pleaded guilty on Oct. 30, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the 33-month prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Geiger to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on March 11, 2024, about 7:25 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on patrol in the 1500 block of S Street SE approached a vehicle with heavily tinted windows that appeared to be idling. Officers observed the driver, later identified as Geiger, place an object to his side and pull his shirt over his waistband. After asking Geiger to exit the vehicle, officers conducted a protective pat-down and discovered a loaded 9mm Glock 19 with an extended magazine holding 25 rounds concealed in his waistband. The firearm had been reported stolen by the Nash County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina.
This case was investigated by the MPD with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rajbir Datta.
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Police officers discovered a loaded 9mm Glock 19 with an extended magazine holding 25 rounds concealed in Geiger’s waistband.
Maryland Man Sentenced for Possessing Stolen Firearm and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Ashaad Anthony Turner, 24, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 30 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a stolen, loaded firearm while intending to distribute marijuana in Northwest Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Turner pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2025, before Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan to two counts: unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In addition to the 30-month prison term, Judge Sooknanan ordered Turner to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on Aug. 25, 2024, Metropolitan Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of a BMW at a gas station in the 900 block of Florida Avenue NW. Turner, who was driving, provided officers with a false name. As he stepped out of the car, he dropped 30 blue round pills that weighed 4.85 grams and contained a detectable amount of heroin. A search of the vehicle and Turner's co-defendant revealed a stolen Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol, loaded with one round in the chamber and 12 rounds in the magazine. Police also recovered additional quantities of cocaine base and marijuana and packaging materials consistent with drug distribution.
The Sig Sauer pistol had been reported stolen from Saint Mary's County, Maryland.
Turner previously had been convicted in D.C. Superior Court of assault with a dangerous weapon after he chased a man and fired at him, and in Prince George's County Circuit Court of illegal possession of a firearm, making this case his third conviction involving a firearm in the past five years. At the time of his August 2024 arrest, Turner was on probation following the Maryland firearm conviction.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared English and former AUSAs Megan McFadden and John Parron.
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Indictment Returned Against D.C. Man Who Assaulted Police OfficersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ian Zephyrin, 46, of Washington, D.C., was indicted this week on charges related to an attack on multiple Metropolitan Police Officers which occurred on June 24, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Zephyrin was indicted on nine counts, including one count assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. A felony status conference is set for May 13, 2026.
“Law enforcement officers put themselves on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “We stand firmly behind the blue and will not hesitate to act when those sworn to protect our communities are targeted.”
According to the government’s evidence, on June 24, 2025, Zephyrin entered a CVS store located at 2009 8th Street NW and began to fill a reusable bag with merchandise. Zephyrin took the bag, walked past all points of sale with the unpaid merchandise and left the store heading towards V Street NW. Before leaving, the defendant attempted to take the CVS manager’s cellphone from her hand. When the defendant left, the CVS manager contacted the Metropolitan Police Department to report the theft of the merchandise.
After leaving the CVS, the defendant headed to the 600 block of Florida Avenue NW, when an MPD officers spotted the defendant and attempted to make contact with him. However, the defendant fled from officers, leading them on a brief foot chase. As officers attempted to detain the defendant, Zephyrin he pulled out a knife from his person and stabbed at one of the officers, striking him in the elbow and the forehead. The Officer suffered a large laceration to his forehead, requiring over 50 stitches. The defendant then brandished the knife at another officer who arrived later on scene before throwing the knife at a third officer. The defendant remains in custody pending trial.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Scholz.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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District Man Pleads Guilty to Strangling His Romantic PartnerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ramon Leonard, 28, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to strangling his former romantic partner in April 2025 and October 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Leonard was previously convicted of strangling the victim in October 2024. Leonard pleaded guilty to two counts of strangulation in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026, before the Honorable Judge Robert Salerno.
“This guilty plea reflects our office’s staunch commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable and protecting victims of domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This defendant had already been convicted of strangling the victim once before, and yet he chose to commit this heinous act not once, but twice more. That pattern of predatory behavior will not be tolerated in this community. We will continue to pursue justice on behalf of every victim with the full force of this office.”
According to the government’s evidence, on April 8, 2025, Leonard got into a verbal altercation that turned physical with the victim at her residence. During the altercation, Leonard choked the victim by putting both of his hands around her neck. She felt like she couldn’t breathe and was going to lose consciousness. The victim was able to flee to her leasing manager’s office and called 911.
On October 31, 2025, the defendant strangled the victim in front of his residence after trick-or-treating with their children. During the assault, he choked her by placing both of his hands around the front of her neck. The victim felt like she was fighting for air and could not breathe. This assault was captured on surveillance footage.
Leonard was arrested on November 11, 2025, and has remained in custody since.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Marshal Robert Anthony Dixon.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and Special Agent Greg Nagurka of the USAO-DC Criminal Investigations Unit. U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance in executing the arrest warrant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia Hinerfeld is prosecuting the case.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to the Attempt to Assassinate then-Cabinet Member Nominee Scott Bessent at the U.S. CapitolRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ryan Michael English, 24, of South Deerfield, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today for charges related to the attempt to assassinate cabinet member nominee Scott Bessent, and carrying a dangerous weapon on the Grounds of the Capitol, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
English pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras to one count of unlawful receipt, possession, and/or transfer of a firearm and one count of carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive, or incendiary device on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Judge Contreras scheduled sentencing for August 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
“Our system of justice depends on public officials being able to carry out their duties free from intimidation and fear,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This defendant’s threats crossed a clear legal line, and today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to protecting those who serve. Anyone who threatens violence against government officials will be identified, charged, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael G. Sullivan of the U.S. Capitol Police.
According to court documents, about 3:12 p.m., on January 27, 2025, English approached a U.S. Capitol Police Officer near the South Door of the Capitol Building and stated “I’d like to turn myself in.” English further admitted to possessing a knife and two “Molotov Cocktails.”
Officers searched English and recovered a folding knife, as well as two improvised incendiary devices from the inside pockets of English’s jacket. The devices were constructed of 50 milliliter bottles of vodka with a grey cloth affixed to its top. Police recovered a green lighter from another pocket.
During the search, English allegedly confessed to being at the Capitol to kill a presidential nominee whose confirmation vote was scheduled that day before the U.S. Senate. Police recovered a note to a roommate in a pocket that said, in part, “This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters…Im so sorry for lying and plotting and lying.”
English admitted to traveling to the District of Columbia with the intention of killing a government official or burning down a think-tank based in Washington, D.C.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan, who is detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the United States Capitol Police, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Wolf.
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El Salvador Resident is Found Guilty for 1997 Double MurderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Oscar Diaz Romero, aka Oscar Alonzo Salguero, 47, of El Salvador, was found guilty yesterday in D.C. Superior Court, for charges related to the shooting deaths of 21-year-old Jose Roberto Molina and 22-year-old Jose Noel Coreas on August 9, 1997, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine F. Pirro.
Diaz Romero was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder on March 25, 2026. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2026.
“This verdict reflects the unwavering commitment of our justice system to pursue accountability, regardless of how much time has passed, as this criminal killed two men and fled to El Salvador,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “It should serve as a reminder that even when delayed, justice is never forgotten—and never denied.”
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours, on August 9, 1997, Diaz Romero and several friends were hanging out on the 2nd floor of the then-Las Rocas restaurant in the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW. A little before 2 a.m., a group of young men came in, and a fist fight started. Soon after, Diaz Romero pulled out a revolver and fired several times. One round hit and killed Jose Molina, a 22-year-old father of two. Another round hit and killed Jose Coreas, who was out celebrating his 22nd birthday. The defendant fled the scene and the country.
Diaz Romero was arrested in El Salvador in 2024 and extradited to the United States in January 2025. He has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of El Salvador to secure the arrest and extradition of Diaz Romero.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis Clark and Richard Carlton.
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D.C. Trio Pleads to Armed Robbery Conspiracy Spanning Six Weeks, 13 Incidents, and Two JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- Three District of Columbia men pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to their roles in an armed robbery conspiracy that involved carjacking victims at gunpoint and targeting fast-food workers, convenience store employees, FedEx drivers, and a GameStop in the District and Maryland over a six-week period in early 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Kanard Bishop, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act, and to using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Edward Leroy Brown, 26, aka “Shiesty,” and Khalil Boyd, 20, pleaded guilty to the same charges. All three defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison on the firearm count alone, which must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. Judge Rudolph Contreras scheduled sentencings for August 5, 2026.
“These defendants chose to carry out a campaign of armed robbery and carjackings across multiple communities,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Their calculated pattern of violence put innocent people in harm’s way – this behavior will not be tolerated. Today’s guilty pleas send a clear message: those who terrorize our communities will be brought to justice.”
According to court documents, beginning on Feb. 14, 2024, and continuing through March 28, 2024, Bishop, Brown, and Boyd, agreed to rob retail stores and carjack victims at gunpoint across the District of Columbia and Maryland. Over the course of the conspiracy members of the group carried out or attempted at least 13 separate robberies and carjackings.
The conspiracy began on Feb. 14, 2024, when Bishop and Brown entered the Big Ben Market in Capitol Heights, Maryland, pointed firearms at an employee, and demanded cash. When they could not access the register, they fled and drove to a nearby McDonald’s, where they opened the drive-through window from the outside and pointed a firearm at an employee before fleeing again. On March 17, 2024, Bishop and another conspirator carjacked two victims at gunpoint in the 4400 block of Southern Avenue SE. The two stole the victim’s 2008 Mercedes Benz, and also robbed both victims of their cell phones, wallet, ID, credit card and $2,000 in cash.
The pace of the conspiracy accelerated dramatically on March 20, 2024. In the early morning hours, Bishop and Boyd carjacked a victim at gunpoint in the area of 2000 35th Street NE, stealing his 2018 Dodge Durango. The group then used the stolen Durango to attempt a third McDonald’s drive-through robbery, rob a Denny’s restaurant on Benning Road NE where Bishop ripped a cash register off the counter, rob a 7-Eleven in Landover, Maryland, where Bishop jumped the counter to grab the register, and rob a convenience store in District Heights where they forced an employee inside at gunpoint and stole about $200 and tobacco products.
On March 27, 2024, Bishop and Boyd carjacked another motorist at a gas station in District Heights, Maryland, knocking him to the ground during a struggle before fleeing in his 2022 Dodge Challenger. Later that day, Bishop and Boyd approached two FedEx employees, who were working in a FedEx truck at the intersection of Burns Street and G Street SE. Wearing masks and pointing firearms at both workers, they took wallets, cellphones, and four packages from inside the truck.
The conspiracy ended on March 28, 2024, at a GameStop in District Heights. Bishop and Brown entered the store, struck an employee, and demanded that workers open the cash registers and the safe. When police arrived, both fled on foot with firearms. A detective shot Brown in the lower body as he fled and took him into custody. Police recovered a loaded ghost gun from Brown -- a privately manufactured firearm with no serial number, untraceable by law enforcement. Bishop threw his loaded firearm to the ground as he fled and was also apprehended.
Boyd, who had remained in the stolen Challenger outside the GameStop, fled the scene after police arrived. He carjacked another driver at gunpoint, stealing a Nissan Rogue. While attempting to escape, Boyd crashed into two police cruisers -- one marked and one unmarked -- before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot. Officers apprehended him. Police recovered a loaded Glock 23C .40 caliber handgun from the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office Violent Crime Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Carjacking Task Force, with valuable assistance from the Prince George’s County Police Department.
It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake J. Ellison. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa Jackson, Alex Schneider, and AUSA Omeed Assefi investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parrone who is now with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
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