District of Columbia

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.

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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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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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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WASHINGTON – 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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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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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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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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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.  

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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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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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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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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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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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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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. 

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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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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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. 

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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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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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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WASHINGTON – John H. Windom, 64, a member of the Senior Executive Service who previously served as Executive Director of the Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization (OEHRM) in the Department of Veterans Affairs, has been charged in relation to his alleged failure to disclose his receipt of thousands of dollars in cash, casino chips, gift cards, and other gifts from contractors while leading the project. 

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Veterans Affairs Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason. 

“As alleged, the defendant exploited his senior position for personal gain and concealed gifts and financial relationships that created serious conflicts of interest in the health care of our nation’s veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Such conduct is not only a betrayal of the public trust—it undermines confidence in the institutions dedicated to serving those who have sacrificed for this country. Our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute public corruption wherever it occurs, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity of the programs that support America’s veterans.” 

According to the three-count Indictment issued today, between 2017 and 2021, while Windom was leading the $16 billion acquisition and deployment of the VA’s Electronic Health Records solution, then one of the largest information technology contracts in the federal government, he concealed from the VA, executive branch ethics officials, and the public that he was also accepting, and sometimes demanding, extravagant gifts from a group of contractors and subcontractors who worked on the project he was overseeing.  

The Indictment charges Windom with Concealment of Material Facts, False Statements, and Falsification of a Record or Document in relation to his failure to report his receipt of such gifts, which he had a legal duty to do. 

“This indictment sends a clear message that the VA OIG is committed to holding individuals accountable, including VA employees who are alleged to have misused their position of public trust for personal gain,” said Inspector General Mason. “The VA OIG thanks the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this investigation.” 

The charge of falsification of records and documents carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The charge of making false statements carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. The charges also carry potential financial penalties. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. 

Investigating this case are the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI Washington Field Office, and the Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Miller.  

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

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WASHINGTON – Asheile Foster, 22, and Darren Foster, 21,  brothers who reside in the District of Columbia, were charged today in U.S. District Court in connection with the March 23 shooting of a U.S. Park Police Officer, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.  

The Foster brothers face counts of Assault on a Federal Officer, Assault With Intent to Kill While Armed, Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Aggravated Assault While Armed, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. The Fosters made their first appearances today before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya who scheduled a detention hearing for tomorrow, March 26.  

“Those who target law enforcement officers will be identified, apprehended, and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Asheile Foster, 22, and Darren Foster, 21, fled the scene, but were quickly apprehended by law enforcement. This office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law to ensure they face the consequences they deserve.” 

According to court documents, multiple law enforcement agencies responded about 7:30 p.m. on March 23 to Queens Stroll Place SE and 51st Street SE for a report of a shot U.S. Park Police officer.  

The USPP officer had been sitting in an unmarked Tesla Model Y, conducting surveillance on Asheile Foster, who had just departed the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility after retrieving personal property stemming from his arrest the previous day.  

As the USPP officer sat in his vehicle, two men approached. The men fired several shots in his direction. At least one of the bullets struck the officer in the shoulder. The officer radioed for help, calling out that he’d been hit. 

Investigators arrived from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Forensic Sciences. They scoured the scene and recovered 32 shell casings.  

Officers canvassed the neighborhood and discovered a black backpack wedged in a fence. The bag contained a Diamondback DB-15 (marked "Cal. Multi") AR-style rifle with no stock. The DB-15 was loaded with 15 rounds of .300 blackout caliber ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber. 

Police located Darren Foster, took him into custody, and interviewed him shortly after midnight the morning of March 24. Asheile Foster was taken into custody about 6:30 a.m. March 24 as he left a nearby residence. A search of the home’s attic revealed a Glock 19, 9mm pistol loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber. 

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Park Police, the ATF Washington Field Division, The Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand. 

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WASHINGTON – Samuel Braxton, 57, aka “Fats,” of Temple Hills, Maryland, was sentenced today to 162 months in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking organization that imported and distributed massive quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and heroin in the Washington metropolitan area — all while he was incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Braxton pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and 100 grams or more of heroin. In addition to the prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Braxton to serve five years of supervised release. 

“Braxton’s criminal history spans 36 years and includes four drug trafficking convictions. In his latest offense, he orchestrated an international narcotics pipeline—all while inside a federal prison cell,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Now, Braxton will spend more than 13 additional years behind bars. Together with the DEA and our law enforcement partners, we will hold traffickers at every level of the production and distribution chain accountable.” 

According to court documents, Braxton was the top and unifying member of a drug trafficking conspiracy involving at least eight individuals that operated from at least July 2021 until November 2023.  

Using a contraband cell phone from his housing unit at Fort Dix where he was serving a sentence for a prior federal drug conviction, Braxton brokered connections between foreign nationals who supplied kilogram quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and heroin, and co-conspirators Wayne Glymph and Ronnie Rogers, who received, cut, repackaged, and redistributed the drugs throughout the Washington area. Court-authorized wiretaps were placed on Braxton's contraband phone, and the phone was ultimately seized from his housing unit by law enforcement during the investigation. 

Braxton introduced Glymph to foreign drug suppliers and introduced Glymph to Rogers — a former prison acquaintance — for the purpose of acquiring and redistributing the imported narcotics. Braxton coordinated shipment tracking, communicated with suppliers about drug payments, and arranged for his share of the proceeds to be paid to his daughter. Wiretap recordings captured Braxton complaining to Rogers that Glymph was interfering with his cut of the drug proceeds, asking, "when's my allowance going to get like it's supposed to be?" 

Over the course of the conspiracy, law enforcement intercepted communications between Braxton, Glymph, and Rogers coordinating the shipment of kilogram quantities of fentanyl and heroin to addresses in the Washington metropolitan area. Authorities seized or recovered more than 12 kilograms of fentanyl  nearly two kilograms of a fentanyl analogue known as p-Fluorofentanyl, and more than 236 grams of heroin.  

Individual seizures included parcels of about one kilo of fentanyl intercepted at a UPS facility in Landover, Maryland, after investigators tracked the shipments through wiretap intercepts. The drugs traveled from foreign sources through domestic shipping hubs in California, Texas, and Florida before reaching their destinations in the Washington area. 

In November 2023, law enforcement executed search warrants at residences associated with Rogers and Glymph in the District, Charles County, Maryland, and District Heights, Maryland, seizing additional kilogram quantities of fentanyl and heroin. 

Braxton's criminal history spans 36 years and includes four drug trafficking convictions, two of them federal. He and Glymph previously were convicted together in the District of Maryland of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine base, and PCP, for which Braxton received a 24-year sentence. It was while serving that sentence that Braxton organized and directed the instant conspiracy.  

Co-conspirators Wayne Glymph, 59, of Port Tobacco, Maryland, was sentenced Jan. 14, 2026, to 13½ years in federal prison. Michael Stewart, 61, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced Dec. 22, 2025, to 71 months in prison. Kevin Quattlebaum, 59, was sentenced Oct. 21, 2025, to 142 months in prison.  

Ronnie Rogers, 71, who is scheduled for sentencing on March 31, faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life. Michael Owens, 38, of St. Charles, Maryland, pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025; sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2026. 

Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division,  FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office, Chief Tarrick McGuire of the Alexandria Police Department, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. 

This case was investigated by the DEA Washington Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI Washington Field Office, the Alexandria Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department. 

Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Washington Field Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George's County Police Interdiction Unit, Charles County Sheriff's Office, Arlington County Police, Virginia State Police, Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt), the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee. 

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Eliopoulos and Matthew Kinskey. 

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WASHINGTON – Raymond Dodd, 51, of Washington D.C., was found guilty by a Superior Court jury yesterday of charges stemming from an incident where he held his romantic partner captive in his apartment in March 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Dodd was found guilty of one count of kidnapping, one count of strangulation and two counts of simple assault on March 23, 2026. Sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2026, before Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.

            According to the government’s evidence, on March 5, 2024, the defendant and his romantic partner were in their apartment at 1300 H Street NE, Washington, DC. Dodd and his romantic partner got into an argument. During the argument, the defendant slapped the victim in the face and ordered her to go into the bedroom.

            Inside the bedroom, the defendant tied the victim’s hands behind her back and then tied her hands to her ankles and put her on the floor. The defendant also wrapped a scarf around her face so tightly that the victim had difficulty breathing. Dodd struck the victim in the face again and then urinated on her head. After several hours, the defendant fell asleep, and the victim was able to get one leg free. She then hopped to a neighbor’s apartment to seek help with her hands still tied behind her back.

            Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. 

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anne Cotter and Randy Fultz.  

2024 FD3 002216

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against two officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arising out of the death of a 31-year-old Australian national from a suicide that occurred on Oct. 15, 2025.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, security camera footage, body-worn camera footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, autopsy and toxicology reports, and reports from the MPD. 

According to the evidence, on Oct. 15, 2025, P.M., a 31-year-old national from Australia was arrested on a misdemeanor sexual assault charge. P.M. was brought to the 5th District police station for processing.  P.M. was placed in a cell and it was anticipated that he would be presented later in the day to a magistrate judge in Superior Court. P.M. removed his shirt and fashioned it into a noose and hung himself from the cell door. Officers discovering his body attempted to resuscitate him and called for an ambulance. Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful and P.M. was declared dead at the scene. 

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. 

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 four officers with the Metro Transit Police Department arising out of the death of a 43-year-old District resident from a drug overdose that occurred on November 16, 2025.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, security camera footage, body-worn-camera footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, autopsy and toxicology reports, and reports from the Metropolitan Police Department. The MPD’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia. 

According to the evidence, on Nov. 16, 2025, police officers detained Demetrius Alston for fare evasion at the Anacostia Metro Station. As the officers prepared a ticket, the officers contacted their dispatcher and were advised of an outstanding arrest warrant for Mr. Alston.   

Mr. Alston fled from the police and ran out of the station. Metro Transit police officers caught Mr. Alston a few minutes later. As they took Mr. Alson into custody and placed him in a police vehicle, Mr. Alston began having trouble breathing. He eventually lost consciousness, and the officers summoned an ambulance. Mr. Alston’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he died at the scene. An autopsy revealed that Mr. Alston had died from a drug overdose. 

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.  

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WASHINGTON – Marcus Hazel, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 10 months for strangling his romantic partner, in November 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

            Hazel pleaded guilty to strangulation in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on Jan. 16, 2026. Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered Hazel to serve 10 months in prison for this offense. 

            According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 28, 2025, Hazel and the victim were at the Gateway Hotel in the 2700 block of New York Avenue, NE. While there, Hazel became angry about losing his cell phone. The victim offered to let him use her cell phone until his phone was found or he bought a new one. Hazel became upset, told the victim he did not want to use her phone, and that he wanted her to buy him a new cell phone. Hazel began cursing at the victim and arguing with her when she asked the defendant several times to leave the hotel. The defendant placed both his hands around the victim’s neck applying pressure until she could not breathe. He then slammed the victim to the floor and continued strangling her until she nearly lost consciousness.  

            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 those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Elias Feldman of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section, who prosecuted the case. 

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WASHINGTON – Reginald Steele, Jr., 26, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced today for killing 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, on March 1, 2020, and for a separate shooting in the Petworth neighborhood on Feb. 22, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine F. Pirro.   

            Steele was found guilty on Nov. 19, 2025, of one count of first-degree murder while armed, several counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and other firearm-related charges. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Steele to 107 years in prison. 

            “Reginald Steele Jr. and his crew hunted down 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, who was walking to a basketball court, shooting him in the back as he ran for his life. Gang violence poses a grave threat to our communities and for these gang members—those days are over,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Today, justice has caught up with a man who showed complete disregard for human life. Justice has been served, and our city is safer because of it.” 

            Steele and four co-defendants — who were tried and convicted separately —are members and associates of the neighborhood crews 3500, CHV, Rock Creek Church, Really Ready Gang, and 640. The defendant’s neighborhood was feuding with street crews Ninth Street between 2019 and 2020, over who was the “Real NW Goon,” 3500 and Really Ready Gang member Tahlil Byrd, also known as Slatt Goon, or Ninth Street rapper Tyree Marshall, known as Slime Goon. The feud escalated when Slatt Goon was killed in Ninth Street territory, the 600 block of S Street NW, in September 2019. 

            On March 1, 2020, Steele and three co-defendants drove to Ninth Street territory, circling the neighborhood looking for members and associates of Ninth Street. As they drove throughout the neighborhood in a stolen vehicle, they spotted 13-year-old Malachi Lukes who was walking with his three teen friends, toward the 600 block of S Street NW, to play basketball. The defendants followed the boys, pulled into that block and stopped by the mouth of an alley where Malachi and his friends had turned. Then the defendant and one of his co-defendants exited the vehicle and fired 11 gunshots. Lukes was shot in the back as he fled and collapsed to his death. Another victim was shot in the leg. 

             Steele and his co-defendants then traveled to another neighborhood and opened fire on individuals in that block, where other members of Ninth Street were known to hang out. No one was injured in this shooting.  

            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 investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, Office of E-Litigation Chief Emily Miller; Special Counsel for Discovery Chimnomnso Kalu; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Marshals Service; D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences; the U.S. Park Police; Montgomery County Police Department; and the D.C. Department of Corrections. They also commended Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Jackson, Tamara Rubb and Nebiyu Feleke for prosecuting this case.   

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WASHINGTON – Erick Blanco-Cordova, 24, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to two years in prison for pointing a firearm at a taxicab driver in November 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

            Blanco-Cordova pleaded guilty on Jan. 16, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. The Honorable Judge Robert Salerno sentenced Blanco-Cordova to two years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, to be followed by three years of supervised release.  

            Blanco-Cordova’s co-defendant, Lesly Taracena, was sentenced to five years in prison in June 2025, after a jury found her guilty of conspiracy to commit an armed crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and other related charges. 

            According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 6:55 p.m., on Nov. 11, 2019, Blanco-Cordova and Taracena were picked up in Arlington, Virginia by the victim, a taxicab driver, and asked to be taken to Union Station in Washington, D.C. After the victim drove the defendants to the corner of 7th and F Street, NW, Blanco-Cordova and Taracena exited the victim’s taxicab without paying their fare. The victim followed them and asked them to pay. Taracena turned around and pulled a firearm out of her pocket, pointing it at the victim while Blanco-Cordova stood next to her. The victim then ran away in fear. When MPD stopped the defendants, they found a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson SD40VE semi-automatic handgun on Blanco-Cordova. 

            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 Katerina Qesari, who prosecuted Blanco-Cordova and co-defendant Lesly Taracena, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Skopicki, who prosecuted Lesly Taracena. 

2019 CF1 014456 

WASHINGTON – Pernell Sims, 35, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today for shooting and killing his prior romantic partner, Tyshida Williams, in July 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

            Sims entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder while armed before Superior Court Associate Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 9, 2026. Judge Edelman sentenced Sims to 17 years in prison.  

            “Pernell Sims abused Tyshida Williams, beat her and then shot her in the head while his child was in the apartment. This depraved killer will now spend his days in a cell where he belongs,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office will continue to be relentless in our prosecution of domestic violence offenders. If you are in a violent relationship, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.” 

            According to the government’s evidence, Sims and Williams were in a romantic relationship on July 30, 2023. When they returned to the defendant’s apartment earlier that morning, the defendant became angry about Williams’ phone. Both Sims and Williams went to the lobby and parking garage area of the apartment building and argued for more than an hour. While in the parking garage the defendant threw Williams to the ground and kicked her in the chest. Both Sims and Williams then returned to the apartment where Sims’ child was present, went into the bedroom and closed the door. Sims then shot Williams in the head, and she died from her injuries later that morning.  

            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 U.S. Attorneys Emma McArthur and Stephanie Dinan, who prosecuted the case. 

2023 CF1 007952 

WASHINGTON – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday against a Charlotte, North Carolina, man for carrying out an extensive cyber extortion scheme against a D.C.-based international technology company, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Cameron Curry, 27, was convicted of six counts of transmitting or willfully causing interstate communications with the intent to extort a victim company. U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell of the Western District of North Carolina presided over the three-day trial. 

According to court documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, Curry was contracted to work as a data analyst for about six months with the victim company. In that capacity, Curry had access to the victim company’s data files and other personnel and corporate information.  

Trial evidence established that Curry misused his position to access the victim company’s personnel and other sensitive corporate records, which he then used to carry out the cyber extortion scheme after he learned that his contract was not going to be renewed and that he would no longer be employed by the company. 

According to evidence presented at trial, from Dec. 11, 2023, to Jan. 24, 2024, Curry, identifying himself online as “Loot,” sent more than 60 email messages to company employees and executives, threatening to disclose sensitive information unless he was paid $2.5 million in cryptocurrency.  

Trial evidence further established that the email messages contained threats to disclose sensitive corporate information and employee data, including employees’ personally identifiable information (PII), as well as threats to harm the reputation of the victim company by reporting a breach of its information and publishing the information publicly if the victim company failed to pay him via cryptocurrency. 

On Jan. 24, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at Curry’s residence and seized various electronic devices. A forensic analysis revealed that Curry was committing the extortion scheme under the “Loot” alias. 

At sentencing, Curry faces up to two years in prison for each of the six charges. A sentencing date is pending. 

This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office with significant assistance from the FBI Charlotte Field Office. 

It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in District of Columbia, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.  

25cr148 NC

24mj26  DC 

WASHINGTON – Derrick Thomas Martin, 33, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in the U.S. District Court on four federal charges stemming from his 2024 arrest before which he flung a backpack containing a loaded firearm and substantial quantities of cocaine and fentanyl from an apartment building window, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

The jury deliberated for less than one day before finding Martin guilty of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. 

“Derrick Martin stashed large quantities of drugs and cash in an apartment where a child slept just feet from a loaded, micro draco pistol, a gun that fired the same bullets as an AK-47 assault rifle,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “With 31 prior arrests, this career criminal posed a clear danger to our community. The streets are safer now that we have put an end to this one-man crime spree.” 

Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2026, before United States District Judge Trevor N. McFadden. Martin faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. 

According to the evidence presented at trial, members of the Metropolitan Police Department's Criminal Apprehension Unit went to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE on Nov. 25, 2024, to arrest Martin on an outstanding warrant from Cecil County, Maryland. Martin had failed to appear for trial on charges of illegal firearm possession and drug distribution.  

As officers knocked at the apartment door, Martin opened a window and threw a black backpack onto the street below. Police recovered the bag which was found to contain a loaded Century Arms Micro Draco semi-automatic pistol, about 700 grams of cocaine, and over 5,700 fentanyl pills. 

Officers entered the apartment. Following a struggle, they arrested Martin. A search of the apartment yielded a second loaded firearm — a Glock 19 pistol that had been illegally modified and bore two different serial numbers — along with additional ammunition, about 150 grams of suspected heroin, additional suspected fentanyl pills, a digital scale, and a cash counting machine.  

Police discovered nearly $12,000, much of which was inside the apartment’s washing machine. Martin's four-year-old child was present in the dwelling at the time of the arrest. 

Martin, who has been arrested 31 times, previously was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction) and sentenced in 2017 to 730 days imprisonment, with 364 days suspended, and placed on supervised probation for one year. Additionally, Martin was found guilty in 2017 of grand larceny in Arlington, Virginia and sentenced to three years in prison.  

When he was arrested on Nov. 25, 2024, on the Cecil County warrant for failing to appear for trial, he had been charged with conspiracy (multiple counts), possession with intent to distribute (multiple counts), possession (multiple counts), possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and illegal possession of a firearm.  

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office, and the DEA Washington Division Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Helfand and Michael Lee.  

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WASHINGTON -- Maurice Tutt, 52, of the District of Columbia., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 20 months in federal prison for his role in a wide-ranging conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, cocaine, and methamphetamine, centered in the Potomac Gardens Housing Project in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Tutt pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2025, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. In addition to the 20-month prison term, Judge Kelly ordered Tutt to serve three years of supervised release. 

“Maurice Tutt bought fentanyl pills by the hundreds and sold them on the streets of Washington. Each one of those pills was a potential death sentence for someone's child, parent, or neighbor,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He knew the harm he was causing—and did it anyway. Now he will answer for it.” 

According to court documents, Tutt conspired with a co-conspirator to obtain blue fentanyl pills, known as "blues," and redistribute them to others in the District. Court-authorized intercepts of phone calls and text messages captured the conspiracy in detail. 

On April 20, 2024, the co-conspirator texted Tutt that he could supply up to 500 fentanyl pills at a time. Tutt responded that he would take 500 every month. The two agreed on a price per pill. 

Over the following months, Tutt placed a series of orders. On April 25, 2024, he called the co-conspirator and said, "I need 500 of 'em," and calculated a price over the phone. Later that day, Tutt texted the co-conspirator that he had received only 487 pills rather than 500. The co-conspirator agreed to make up the difference. 

On May 24, 2024, Tutt called the co-conspirator again to order 500 more pills, telling him with precision: "not 498, not 501." When the co-conspirator delivered only 404 pills, Tutt noted the shortfall. On June 5, 2024, Tutt ordered 300 more pills, which the co-conspirator agreed to supply. 

On Oct. 16, 2024, law enforcement arrested Tutt. Among the items recovered from his apartment was a digital scale of the type used in drug trafficking. 

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, MD, Police, and Fairfax County, VA, Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Solomon S. Eppel and Nihar Mohanty. 

24cr456 

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WASHINGTON -- Charles E. General, 29, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a stolen, loaded handgun, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

General pleaded guilty on Nov. 5, 2025, before Judge Amit P. Mehta to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. In addition to the 24-month prison term, Judge Mehta ordered General to serve three years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, on Oct. 13, 2023, Metropolitan Police Department investigators in plain-clothes observed General and others smoking marijuana in a parking lot in the 1400 block of Cedar Street SE. As officers approached, they smelled marijuana and told the group they could not smoke on the street.  

Officers conducted a lawful frisk of General, during which an officer felt a firearm in his coat pocket. General was placed in handcuffs, and a search incident to arrest recovered a loaded Glock 30S .45 caliber pistol from his outer right coat pocket. 

The Glock had been reported stolen from a Federal Firearms Licensee in Springfield, Virginia, that had been burglarized. 

General previously had been convicted in D.C. Superior Court of carrying a pistol without a license — the prior felony that made his firearm possession in this case a federal offense. 

This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole as part of 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 for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. 

23cr402 

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WASHINGTON – Michael Stuckey, 36, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 160 months in federal prison in connection with conspiring to traffic firearms from North Carolina into the District, including handguns illegally converted to machine guns, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Stuckey pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2026, before Judge Loren L. AliKhan to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy. In addition to the 160-month prison term, Judge AliKhan ordered Stuckey to serve three years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, from at least August 2022 until July 2024, Stuckey worked with a co-conspirator to acquire and traffic firearms. The co-conspirator purchased multiple Glock pistols from licensed firearms dealers in North Carolina through straw purchases, falsely certifying on federal ATF forms that he was the actual buyer. The co-conspirator then transferred the firearms to Stuckey in the District. Stuckey is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms and knew his receipt of the guns constituted a felony. 

On May 15, 2024, law enforcement stopped a vehicle being used by Stuckey in the 500 block of Parkland Place SE. Inside a backpack bearing Stuckey’s name, officers recovered two loaded Glock pistols. One of the Glocks had a machine gun conversion device installed, effectively converting it into a weapon able to fire continuously with one pull of the trigger. Officers also seized 10.2 grams of methamphetamine, about 64 grams of marijuana, and drug distribution packaging. 

On July 1, 2024, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Stuckey’s residence in the District. Inside officers found a loaded Glock pistol converted to a fully automatic weapon, two additional machine gun conversion devices, magazines, ammunition, approximately 23 grams of cocaine base packaged for distribution, and drug distribution supplies. 

Stuckey previously had been convicted of multiple felony drug and firearm offenses, which prohibited him under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. 

Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement of the sentencing 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 (MPD). 

This case was investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the MPD.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James B. Nelson and Solomon S. Eppel. 

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WASHINGTON – David Oday Smith, 39, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded handgun, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Smith pleaded guilty on Nov. 10, 2025, before Judge Randolph D. Moss to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. In addition to the 24-month prison term, Judge Moss ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release. 

According to court documents, on July 14, 2025, Metropolitan Police Department Crime Suppression Team officers observed Smith near a bus stop carrying a bag that appeared to be weighed down by an object. When officers approached, Smith fled on foot, throwing the bag over a fence behind a nearby business. A witness standing nearby observed Smith toss the bag. Officers recovered the bag and found a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol loaded with one round in the chamber and 14 rounds in the magazine. Police found Smith on the porch of a nearby residence and placed him under arrest. 

Smith had been previously convicted in Prince George's County, Maryland, of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and use of a handgun during a crime of violence, for which he was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2009. He served about 15 years of that sentence before his release. That prior felony conviction made his firearm possession in this case a federal offense. 

This case was investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss as part of 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 for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. 

25cr207 

WASHINGTON – Rodney Baggott, 58, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to life in prison without the possibility of release in connection with the fatal 2024 road rage shooting of Uber Eats driver Rasheek Abdullah near the Dupont Circle Metro Station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

“Today, a Washington, D.C., judge recognized the enormous harm a career criminal poses to our community. Rodney Baggott—a previously convicted killer—took another man’s life in a senseless act of violence for nothing more than passing him on the road,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Today’s sentence ensures this violent offender, who has shown complete disregard for the lives of others, is off our streets and behind bars where he belongs. We need more sentences like this to stop violence in D.C.” 

A federal jury deliberated for a single day before finding Baggott guilty on July 24 of first-degree murder while armed (premeditated), possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  Judge Reggie B. Walton presided over the case.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Jan. 30, 2024, Baggott was driving a white Mitsubishi Outlander to his then-girlfriend’s office at a law firm in Dupont Circle. Shortly before 4 p.m., the girlfriend left her office and joined Baggott. The two drove to the intersection of Connecticut Ave. and Q St., NW. As Baggott made a right-hand turn, Abdullah passed him on the left-hand side. Baggott became enraged, believing that Abdullah had cut him off. Baggott drove up next to Abdullah, pulled out a gun, and shot him in the neck.   

Baggott fled the scene with his girlfriend sitting in the passenger seat. The girlfriend called an auto body repair shop to fix distinctive damage on the vehicle, damage that would go out on a police bulletin later that day and would ultimately be used to link Baggott to the shooting. 

On March 2, 2024, a Montgomery County Police officer stopped Baggott and the girlfriend while they were in the white Mitsubishi Outlander when Baggott was arrested for illegally possessing a gun in the vehicle. On March 3, 2024, law enforcement found the gun used in the shooting during the execution of a search warrant at Baggott’s girlfriend’s apartment. The firearm had DNA that linked it to both the girlfriend and Baggott. 

As a result of the shooting, Abdullah’s health declined until his death. He became a quadriplegic from the moment Baggott shot him. His condition deteriorated over a three-month period until he succumbed on April 29, 2024. 

Baggott previously was convicted and sentenced on a 2015 charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed. 

Joining in the announcement was ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. 

This case was investigated by the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department, with valuable assistance from the Montgomery County Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Daniel Seidel, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer.  Paralegal specialist Melissa Macechko provided valuable assistance.

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WASHINGTON -- Gianni Robinson, 28, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 126 months in federal prison for his role as a planner and coordinator in seven armed robberies of a Walgreens drugstore in the District's Chinatown neighborhood, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Robinson pleaded guilty on Feb. 28, 2025, before Judge Jia M. Cobb to conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act, and to possessing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. In addition to the 126-month prison term, Judge Cobb ordered Robinson to serve five years of supervised release and to pay $7,245.75 in restitution. 

“After police posted surveillance footage of his co-conspirator robbing the Walgreens, Gianni Robinson sent the YouTube link to the gunman with a laughing emoji. He thought the crimes he conspired on were funny,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Now, after seven robberies, countless traumatized employees and one man shot in the chest, Robinson isn’t laughing anymore and will serve the next 126 months behind bars. We continue the fight to make D.C. one of the safest cities in the country.” 

According to court documents, from July 2023 through February 2024, Robinson conspired with his store manager uncle, Michael Robinson, store manager London Teeter, and gunman Kamanye Williams to carry out seven armed robberies of the Chinatown Walgreens at 801 7th Street NW. In all, the conspirators robbed about $28,983 from the store.  

Gianni Robinson was the operational hub of the conspiracy. He served as the link between the two corrupt store managers who provided inside information and Williams, the masked gunman who entered the store each time to rob it at gunpoint.  

Gianni Robinson helped plan the robberies from the beginning, provided Williams with the access codes to the manager's office, gave Williams the green light on the night of the first robbery, and coordinated logistics including getaway arrangements and the splitting of proceeds. Text messages show Gianni Robinson and Williams began planning the first robbery nearly three weeks before its execution. 

The robberies followed a consistent pattern. On each occasion, Williams entered the Chinatown Walgreens in disguise, brandished a firearm at employees and Special Police Officers assigned to guard the store, forced his way into the manager's office using codes provided by the inside conspirators, and fled through the rear exit with cash. Michael Robinson and Teeter took turns playing the role of “victim” manager on duty, knowing the robberies would be captured on surveillance footage. 

As the conspiracy progressed it grew more brazen. After the Walgreens hired armed Special Police Officers in response to the robberies, the conspirators continued undeterred. During the fifth robbery, on Dec. 4, 2023, Williams disarmed one of the Special Police Officers and stole his firearm along with the cash. During the seventh and final robbery, on Feb. 11, 2024, a second Special Police Officer shot Williams in the chest as he attempted to flee. Michael Robinson's first call after the shooting was to Gianni Robinson, who went to the hospital emergency room where Williams was being treated. 

The following day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence Gianni Robinson shared with Teeter where officers recovered a loaded Glock 45 semi-automatic pistol with 16 rounds in the bedroom. 

Robinson's sentencing follows that of his uncle, Michael Robinson, who received 147 months for his role as one of the store managers who enabled the scheme. Gunman Kamanye Williams was sentenced to 198 months. Sentencing for store manager London Teeter is scheduled for April 23, 2026. 

This case was investigated by the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Satter and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Song and Sarah Martin. 

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WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Judge Rainey Brandt determined that probable cause exists to charge Niwatilagu Anthony Long, 45, of Washington, D.C., with second-degree murder while armed for shooting and killing 44-year-old D.C. resident Melvin Saunders in the early morning of December 19, 2025, in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.  

            Long was arrested at the D.C. Superior Court after the completion of a preliminary hearing for an assault with a deadly weapon case where Long was charged with pistol whipping another victim, Donald Cook, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. A status hearing is scheduled for October 9, 2026. 

            According to the affidavit in support of Long’s arrest, Saunders, the victim, and several other people were present in an apartment at the North Capitol Commons, John and Jill Ker Conway residence in the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE, when Long claimed to be a member of the “Crips” and accused Saunders of being a member of the “Bloods” before shooting the victim execution-style in his left temple. Long left the scene on foot and discarded some of his clothing to alter his appearance to evade detection by law enforcement. 

            At the preliminary hearing on March 17, 2026, Judge Brandt ordered that Long remain held and determined that there was no condition or combination of conditions of release that the Court could set to reasonably assure the safety of the community. In evaluating the evidence at the hearing, Judge Brandt described the killing of Saunders as a “close-range assassination” where the victim was “shot point-blank” in the head.  

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marybeth Manfreda and Rashmika Nedungadi. 

                These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

WASHINGTON – Derrick West, 18, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced 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.

            West, who was seventeen 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 armed carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery. At West’s sentencing on March 13, 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 West to a fully suspended sentence of 48 months, 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.  

            According to the proffer of facts, on September 19, 2024, at approximately 10:31 p.m., in the 500 block of 48th Place NE, West, his co-defendant Antonio Gaither 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, West, Gaither 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, West and Gaither 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 West and Gaither 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 011076 

WASHINGTON – Myron Caldwell, 31, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 14 months incarceration on charges stemming from strangling his romantic partner in November 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Caldwell pleaded guilty on January 8, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of strangulation. On March 16, 2026, the Honorable Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced Caldwell to the 14-month prison term. 

“This is a case where the defendant, not only attacked his girlfriend, but terrorized her. Caldwell strangled his girlfriend, pinned her to the ground, and then held her prisoner in her own home,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Domestic violence will not be tolerated. For any woman in a violent relationship please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE." 

According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2025, Caldwell and the victim, his girlfriend, were involved in a verbal altercation at the latter’s home in Southeast Washington, D.C. When the dispute became physical and the victim fell onto the ground, Caldwell got on top of her and put the victim in a chokehold, applying pressure to her neck and restricting her ability to breathe. The victim retreated to her apartment bathroom once Caldwell released her, but Caldwell then followed her into the bathroom and refused to let her leave for several hours. 

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 thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elias Feldman, who prosecuted the case. 

2023 FD3 015821 

WASHINGTON – Myron Caldwell, 31, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 14 months incarceration on charges stemming from strangling his romantic partner in November 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Caldwell pleaded guilty on January 8, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of strangulation. On March 16, 2026, the Honorable Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced Caldwell to the 14-month prison term. 

“This is a case where the defendant, not only attacked his girlfriend, but terrorized her. Caldwell strangled his girlfriend, pinned her to the ground, and then held her prisoner in her own home,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Domestic violence will not be tolerated. For any woman in a violent relationship please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE." 

According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2025, Caldwell and the victim, his girlfriend, were involved in a verbal altercation at the latter’s home in Southeast Washington, D.C. When the dispute became physical and the victim fell onto the ground, Caldwell got on top of her and put the victim in a chokehold, applying pressure to her neck and restricting her ability to breathe. The victim retreated to her apartment bathroom once Caldwell released her, but Caldwell then followed her into the bathroom and refused to let her leave for several hours. 

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 thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elias Feldman, who prosecuted the case. 

WASHINGTON – Eric Woods, 18, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today for an armed carjacking of a man in October 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

            Woods, who was 17 years old when he committed the carjacking and who was charged as an adult pursuant to Title 16, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2025, to one count of armed carjacking and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.  

            The Honorable Judge Robert Salerno sentenced Woods to 10 years in prison for the armed carjacking followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a concurrent sentence of 5 years in prison for the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Judge Salerno denied Woods’ request to be sentenced pursuant to the Youth Rehabilitation Act.  

            According to the government’s evidence, at 1:33 a.m. on October 11, 2024, Woods and a second suspect were driving a black sedan near Hanover Place and North Capitol Street NW when they spotted the victim sitting inside a Hyundai Elantra. Woods drove in front of the victim’s car and exited the black sedan to approach the victim with an assault rifle-style firearm. Woods demanded the victim get out of the car, removed a garage remote from the victim’s pockets, and got into the victim’s car. Woods drove away in the victim’s vehicle while the second suspect drove away in the black sedan.  

            The victim and a relative were able to track the vehicle shortly thereafter and called 911. Members of Metropolitan Police Department’s 6th and 7th Districts, with the assistance of MPD’s Air Support Unit, were able to track the vehicle, which had stopped in front of 2719 Jasper Street SE. Woods and another individual bailed out of the stolen vehicle and fled on foot. After bailing out of the vehicle, Defendant Woods threw what was ultimately determined to be a loaded black .22 caliber Smith & Wesson M&P Sport 15-22 semi-automatic rifle into a nearby trash can. Officers located Woods and found him in possession of a black balaclava mask, black beanie, a Dodge car key, and a Hyundai car key, which belonged to the victim. Woods was arrested the same day and has been in custody since. 

            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 thanked those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Goldstein, who prosecuted the case.  

WASHINGTON – Thomas Venable, 59, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a Superior Court jury yesterday of charges stemming from an incident where he held his case worker hostage in his apartment in September 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.   

            Venable was found guilty of one count of armed kidnapping, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and related weapons offenses on March 12, 2026. Sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2026, before Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.  

             According to the government’s evidence, on September 29, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Venable was in his home located in the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue NW. Venable had secured his apartment with assistance from “Friendship Place,” an organization that helps homeless people get back on their feet. The victim, Venable’s case worker, had stopped by Venable’s apartment for a monthly check-in, as he had done for the past six months.  

             The victim knocked on Venable’s door for their scheduled check-in when Venable answered the door, holding a metal pole. Venable believed Friendship Place had been taking his Bitcoin and failing to help him with his bedbug infestation. Venable refused to allow the victim to leave until the victim called his supervisor. The victim called, but his supervisor did not answer. Enraged, Venable picked up an axe. The victim tried to leave, but Venable ordered the victim to “sit the f**k down” and that there was “no way you're leaving this apartment unless it’s in a million little pieces.” Venable told the victim, “I’m going to jail or I’m going to hell, and I’m not going back to jail.” After a tense negotiation, the victim’s supervisor called him back and convinced Venable to let the victim go. Venable was arrested the next day and 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 and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Augustin Horner.   

 2025 CF3 012651   

WASHINGTON – Timothy Brockerman, 35, of Herndon, Virginia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 96 months in prison in connection with traveling to the District where he intended to sexually abuse a six-year-old child, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

Brockerman pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, 2025, before Judge Randolph D. Moss to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual contact. In addition to the 96-month prison term, Judge Moss ordered Brockerman to serve 20 years of supervised release.  

"Timothy Brockerman drove across state lines to the District intending to sexually abuse a 6-year-old child. He didn't fantasize, he acted,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This office, along with our law enforcement partners, will prosecute anyone who intends to harm a child and bring the full force of justice against them." 

According to court documents, on April 21, 2025, Brockerman communicated with another internet user in an online chat group. Brockerman discussed his sexual interest in children. The other user stated that he was the father of a 6-year-old child. Brockerman indicated to the user that he was willing to travel to the District to sexually abuse the child.  

On April 29, 2025, police arrested Brockerman after he traveled from his home in Virginia to meet the online user.  

When Brockerman was arrested, law enforcement seized a cell phone that contained videos and images of child sexual abuse material. The phone also contained chats and text messages with other individuals that discussed the sexual abuse of children. 

Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.  

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 Operation Restore Justice and 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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WASHINGTON – Derrick Gladden, 55, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for shooting Christopher Seward during a dispute in April 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Gladden was found guilty by a jury of one count each of aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. Superior Court Judge Brandt Rainey scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2026.

            According to the government’s evidence, on April 15, 2024, at approximately 2:15 p.m., the victim was standing on the first-floor patio of his friend’s apartment in the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue SE. Gladden, who lived in the apartment next door, saw the victim and confronted him about an ongoing dispute about money. He then pulled out a firearm and shot the victim in the chest one time. The victim suffered grievous injury and almost died. However, thanks to the Whole Blood Program, which had been launched that month, the victim received a blood transfusion on the ambulance and survived. Unfortunately, in April 2025, before having a chance to testify, Seward died of cancer.

            After learning the identity of the shooter from the victim, police obtained an emergency search warrant for the defendant’s residence and located ammunition that matched a casing found near the location of the shooting, along with firearms accessories and a holster. Additionally, a neighbor provided Ring cam footage showing the defendant fleeing from the front door of his apartment after the shooting.

            Gladden was arrested on July 4, 2024, and has been in custody since. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.

            Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eliot Folsom and Natalie Anderson.

2024 CF3 006550

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against two Metropolitan Police Department officers for a fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 14, 2025, and fatally injured a 41-year-old District resident inside a residence in the 4400 block of Reservoir Road, NW.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the MPD. Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, security camera footage, Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, and reports from MPD. 

According to the evidence, on Nov. 14, 2025, officers were summoned to a residence in the 4400 block of Reservoir Road, NW. The police had been notified that an internal alarm had been triggered. The owner of the home was not home at the time and notified the police.   

Upon their arrival, officers observed that the lights were on in the house and that there was someone inside. An officer went to the basement door and observed a male, later identified as Kevin Booker, in the basement. The officer identified himself and requested that Mr. Booker unlock the door. Mr. Booker ignored the request and left the basement area. The officers entered the house through an unlocked door.  

While searching for the male, the officers loudly identified themselves and announced the presence of law enforcement. As one officer proceeded to the second floor, Mr. Booker emerged from a darkened room brandishing a knife and a screwdriver and charged at the officer. The officer immediately discharged his service weapon striking Mr. Booker. A second officer arriving at the landing at that point discharged an Electronic Control Device (ECD), commonly known as a Taser. Despite lifesaving efforts by law enforcement and an emergency medical team, Mr. Booker succumbed to his injuries and died later at a hospital.   

After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer 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. 

WASHINGTON – Tyjuan Bazemore, 35, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged for shooting and killing his former girlfriend Nyesha Tranae Walden-Hatcher in the early hours of February 2, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Bazemore was charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed and made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond on March 10, 2026, where Judge Raymond found probable cause that Bazemore committed the offense and ordered that Bazemore be held without bond pending trial.

            Bazemore will next appear before Judge Park for a preliminary hearing on March 20, 2026.

            According to court documents, while Bazemore and Walden-Hatcher were in his apartment, Bazemore shot the victim once in the head, causing her death. In between the homicide and the date of his arrest, Bazemore fled to Connecticut. Members of the Connecticut Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force located Bazemore and assisted with his extradition to D.C.

            At the time of this killing, Bazemore had an open domestic violence assault case concerning the victim. Bazemore was ordered, as a condition of his release, to stay away from her. 

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Dinan. 

            These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

2026 CF1 003647