District of Columbia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Businessman Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Conspiring to Take and Sell State Department VehiclesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The manager of an auto restoration and collision center pled guilty today to charges that he conspired with others to sell vehicles that were brought to the business by the U.S. Department of State, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Steve A. Linick, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of State, and Timothy R. Slater, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
James Ratcliffe, 67, of Fairfax Station, Va., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of conspiracy to commit theft of government property and wire fraud. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison and potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he faces a potential range of 18 to 24 months of incarceration and a fine of $4,000 to $40,000. The plea agreement calls for Ratcliffe to pay $416,020 in restitution and an equal amount in a forfeiture money judgment.
The Honorable Amit P. Mehta scheduled sentencing for May 3, 2017.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Ratcliffe is the manager of the Car Collision Center, located in Springfield, Va. He and the owner of the Collision Center, who is identified in court documents as “Person A,” also have a license to sell automobiles in Virginia under the name of Collector’s Auto Restoration.
Through the Car Collision Center, Ratcliffe and others performed legitimate work on vehicles for government agencies, including the U.S. Department of State. Vehicles that came to the Collision Center from the State Department were delivered by State Department employees. The Collision Center provided estimates for the work requested, and, if approved, employees of the Collision Center prepared work tickets, performed the work, and billed the State Department.
Apart from legitimate work for the State Department, Ratcliffe admitted in the statement of offense that he conspired with a State Department employee, identified in court documents as “Person B,” who worked in the Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicle Division, to misappropriate and sell vehicles and other State Department property. This employee was responsible for the acquisition, repair, and maintenance of armored vehicles. “Person B” also was involved in record-keeping with respect to the State Department’s armored vehicles.
According to the statement of offense, on at least two occasions in 2011 and 2012, “Person B” caused truckloads of State Department tires and wheels to be delivered to the Collision Center. “Person B” told Ratcliffe that he could sell them and keep the proceeds. Ratcliffe kept the full proceeds of his sales, which amounted to at least $7,500.
Also, beginning in or before June 2011, and continuing through at least November 2013, “Person B” and Ratcliffe took a Hummer and 12 Chevrolet Suburbans from the State Department motor pool; these vehicles were unarmored. They agreed that Ratcliffe would sell the vehicles and split the proceeds with “Person B.” Ratcliffe typically sold the misappropriated vehicles for at or near market prices. The total sales price of the misappropriated vehicles was $408,520, according to the statement of offense. Ratcliffe and “Person A” kept the majority of these proceeds for their personal benefit and the remainder went to “Person B.” Additionally, in 2015, “Person B” provided Ratcliffe with two unarmored Suburbans that Ratcliffe kept at his place of business or home. The base price of these vehicles was $48,200 each, for a total of $96,400. The two vehicles were recovered during a law enforcement investigation of the criminal activities.
All told, the value of the property that Ratcliffe misappropriated through the schemes was at least $512,420.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Inspector General Linick, and Special Agent in Charge Slater commended the work of those who are investigating the case from the U.S. Department of State, Office of the Inspector General, as well as the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea L. Hertzfeld, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Vesna Harasic-Yaksic, and Paralegal Specialist Jessica Mundi. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Marston, who is prosecuting the matter.
Former Office Manager Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Stealing at Least $340,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Bianca Bush-Bronson, 38, the former office manager for a consulting and lobbying firm, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a scheme in which she embezzled more than $340,000 from her employer, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Bush-Bronson, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty in April 2016 to a charge of wire fraud in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was sentenced on Jan. 18, 2017, by the Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan. Following her prison term, Bush-Bronson will be placed on three years of supervised release. She also is subject to a restitution order that will be imposed later by the Court.
According to the government’s evidence, Bush-Bronson worked from April 2011 to October 2012 for a business identified in court documents as “Company A,” a consulting and lobbying firm in the District of Columbia. She maintained responsibility for the company’s day-to-day financial operations, including preparing checks, depositing funds, performing reconciliation of funds in bank accounts, and serving as a point of contact with the bank.
From June 2011 through October 2012, according to the government’s evidence, Bush-Bronson issued checks drawn on the company’s account to herself, to cash, and to third parties for her own benefit. To conceal this activity, she made false entries in internal books and records. In total, she issued at least $80,000 in checks in this manner, using the money for, among other things, a down payment on a car, a mortgage payment, and a payment to her dentist.
Bush-Bronson also used the company’s credit card to make at least $260,000 in unauthorized purchases for her own personal use at various retailers, including a jewelry store, department stores, and a salon, as well as for restaurants, airline tickets, and hotel stays. Finally, she received $1,470 in parking benefits without authorization.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Assistant Director in Charge Abbate commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Aisha Keys and Tasha Harris, Legal Assistant Angela Lawrence, and former Paralegal Specialist Heather Sales. Finally, they commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle A. Zamarin and David A. Last, who prosecuted the case.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Trafficking in Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Arthur Chan, 31, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to a federal charge involving the sale of counterfeit designer apparel and accessories, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Clark E. Settles, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington, D.C., and Michael W. Sonntag, Special Agent in Charge, Eastern Field Office, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Inspector General.
Chan pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to trafficking in counterfeit goods. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Chan faces a likely range of 10 to 16 months in prison and a fine of up to $55,000. The plea agreement also calls for Chan to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $37,246, which represents the amount of proceeds he generated through the crimes. He is to be sentenced on May 9, 2017, by the Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Chan is a resources analyst at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Between November 2013 and March 2016, according to the statement of offense, he used two personal eBay accounts to complete approximately 610 sales of apparel and accessories bearing marks identical with, or substantially indistinguishable from, those registered to Hugo Boss.
Chan imported all of these items from India to a mailbox he maintained at a UPS store in Lanham or his residence in Washington, D.C. According to the statement of offense, he netted a total of $37,246 from the sale of these items. During the investigation, law enforcement seized a variety of counterfeit items, including 113 counterfeit Hugo Boss wallets; 18 counterfeit Ralph Lauren Polo wallets; three counterfeit Fred Perry wallets; 23 counterfeit Hugo Boss Polo shirts; two counterfeit Fred Perry Polo shirts, and counterfeit Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren packaging.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington, D.C., and the NASA Office of Inspector General. Hugo Boss AG, based in Metzingen, Germany, provided assistance to the investigative team. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Marando, with assistance on asset forfeiture issues from Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Duvall.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Charges in Killing of Man Following Fistfight in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Anthony Wade, 31 of Washington, D.C., and his uncle, Antwain Bailey, 47 of Temple Hills, Md., have pled guilty to charges stemming from their roles in the killing of a man in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced today.
Both men entered their guilty pleas on Jan. 12, 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Wade pled guilty to second-degree murder while armed, and Bailey pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. The guilty pleas, which are contingent upon the Court’s approval, call for Wade to be sentenced to between 15 and 24 years in prison and for Bailey to be sentenced to a 13-year-prison term. The Honorable Milton C. Lee set a hearing for May 19, 2017 to determine whether the pleas and sentences will be accepted.
According to the government’s evidence, in the late afternoon of March 9, 2016, Bailey had a verbal altercation with the victim, Aubrey Dansbury, in an apartment in the 800 block of Chesapeake Street SE. During the argument, Wade called his uncle, Bailey, and provided Bailey with his location. Wade then walked outside and Mr. Dansbury followed. Once outside, the two men began to fist fight. People from the neighborhood tried unsuccessfully to break up the fight.
As the fight continued, Bailey drove onto the block in a black Lexus sedan. Bailey parked the car and got out, and Wade ran over to him. When Mr. Dansbury and Wade began to fight again, Bailey intervened and walked Wade to the front of the car. Bailey then handed Wade a gun. Wade turned and began shooting at Mr. Dansbury, who was standing at the back of the Lexus. Wade fired the gun at least two times, but neither shot hit Mr. Dansbury. The gun jammed. Wade handed the gun to Bailey, who unjammed the weapon and handed it back. Wade then repeatedly fired the gun as he followed Mr. Dansbury around the car. Mr. Dansbury got inside of the back seat of the sedan to seek cover. Wade then shot Mr. Dansbury multiple times. Mr. Dansbury fell out of the car onto the sidewalk. Bailey got into the driver’s seat and Wade got into the back seat and the car pulled off. Mr. Dansbury, 27, died from the gunshot wounds on March 17, 2016.
In announcing the pleas, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police department (MPD). He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office including Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim and Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrienne Dedjinou, Matthew Massey and Allessandra Stewart, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Threatening Pizza Shop in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, LA. – A Louisiana man pled has pled guilty to a federal charge following his arrest for calling a Washington, D.C., pizzeria and threatening to shoot people there, announced Channing D. Phillips, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and Stephanie A. Finley, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.
Yusif Lee Jones, 52, of Shreveport, pled guilty on Jan. 12, 2017, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, to one count of interstate threatening communications. He is to be sentenced on April 12, 2017, by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. Jones, who has been in custody in Louisiana since his arrest there on Dec. 22, 2016, faces a statutory maximum of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine.
According to the government’s evidence, Jones made the threat by telephone on Dec. 7, 2016, three days after a shooting at the Comet Ping Pong pizza shop in Washington, D.C., which was reported on by the national news media. The gunman in that case, who faces federal charges in Washington, D.C., was motivated, at least in part, by unfounded rumors concerning a child sex-trafficking ring. No one was injured in the gunfire. According to the government’s evidence, Jones called the Besta Pizza shop in Washington, D.C., and said he was trying to “save the kids” and threatened to “shoot everyone in the place.”
An investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the FBI’s Washington Field Office traced the call to Jones in Shreveport. Jones subsequently admitted to making the threatening call and was arrested. He initially was charged in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, but that case is to be dismissed in light of the federal prosecution in Louisiana.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Those working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia included Assistant U.S. Attorneys T. Patrick Martin, John Giovannelli, Demian S. Ahn, and Sonali D. Patel, as well as Victim/Witness Advocates Yvonne Bryant and Karina Hernandez. Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
Shire PLC Subsidiaries to Pay $350 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Shire Pharmaceuticals LLC and other subsidiaries of Shire plc (Shire) will pay $350 million to settle federal and state False Claims Act allegations that Shire and the company it acquired in 2011, Advanced BioHealing (ABH), employed kickbacks and other unlawful methods to induce clinics and physicians to use or overuse its product “Dermagraft,” a bioengineered human skin substitute approved by the FDA for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Shire plc is a multinational pharmaceutical firm headquartered in Ireland, with its United States operational headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts. Shire sold the assets associated with Dermagraft in early 2014.
“This settlement represents the largest False Claims Act recovery by the United States in a kickback case involving a medical device,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickbacks by suppliers of healthcare goods and services cast a pall over the integrity of our health care system. Patients deserve the unfettered, independent judgment of their health care professionals.”
The settlement resolves allegations that Dermagraft salespersons unlawfully induced clinics and physicians with lavish dinners, drinks, entertainment and travel; medical equipment and supplies; unwarranted payments for purported speaking engagements and bogus case studies; and cash, credits and rebates, to induce the use of Dermagraft. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, the payment of remuneration to induce the use of medical devices covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally-funded health care programs, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Claims filed in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute are considered false or fraudulent under the False Claims Act. In addition, the Anti-Bribery statute and the Federal Acquisition Regulations prohibit bribes to government officials or employees, including VA physicians, to obtain a contract or favorable treatment under a supply contract. The United States alleged that as a result of their violation of these provisions, ABH and Shire submitted or caused to be submitted to federally-funded health care programs hundreds of millions of dollars of false claims for Dermagraft.
“Flagrant and systemic kickback activity of the type at issue in this case is designed to impair and undermine a physician’s independent medical judgment, and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley III for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL). “This lawsuit and today’s historic settlement demonstrate our office’s vigilant and on-going efforts to safeguard federal health care program beneficiaries from the effects of such illegal and deplorable conduct.” In addition to this landmark civil settlement, Mr. Bentley’s office continues to work diligently to bring to justice those individuals responsible for these illegal actions. Already, the MDFL has obtained the criminal convictions of three high-level executives who supervised the implementation of the illegal kickback scheme, as well as a number of healthcare providers who received kickbacks.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia also played an active role in this investigation, seeking redress in the civil agreement announced today for the losses sustained by the VA. “Giving kickbacks and gratuities to healthcare providers corrupts medical treatment by interjecting personal financial incentives into decisions that should focus on what is best for a particular patient,” said U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips for the District of Columbia. “These types of unlawful incentives are particularly troubling when they seek to corrupt the medical treatment provided to our nation’s veterans. We will aggressively pursue any company that engages in such reprehensible and unlawful conduct, which seeks to put a company’s financial gains ahead of providing the best medical treatment for those who bravely served in our Armed Forces.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Middle District of Tennessee also contributed to the investigation and resolution of these matters. “Fraud against the health care program that exists for the benefit of our veterans, some of our most cherished citizens, as well as fraud against the Medicare program, is reprehensible and unacceptable,” said the Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “This resolution again demonstrates the capacity of the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners across the country to work together to address unlawful conduct nationwide that affects veterans and other beneficiaries of federally funded health care programs.”
“The best interest of the patient is, and must be, the primary factor in a physician’s decision regarding patient care,” said U.S. Attorney David Rivera for the Middle District of Tennessee. “As such, federal law protects patients from medical providers who enrich themselves through bribes and kickbacks by making illegal the payment of remuneration to induce the use of medical devises covered by federally-funded health care programs. Such kickback schemes that interfere with physician-patient relationships and drive up the cost of healthcare for everyone, will be vigorously pursued and aggressively prosecuted.”
"U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare providers are obligated to render care free of any improper financial influences” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Seitler of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (VA OIG), Northwest Field Office. “This is particularly important at VA, since we care for many of this nation’s heroes who have sacrificed their own welfare for our freedom. In this case, ABH saw a dramatic rise in its sales to the VA during the period of time it provided illegal inducements to multiple VA clinicians across the country. These corrupt practices served to erode the public trust in our healthcare system. The VA OIG is committed to investigating, and bringing to justice, those who engage in these illegal practices.”
In addition to the kickback allegations, the settlement also resolved allegations that Shire and its predecessor ABH unlawfully marketed Dermagraft for uses not approved by the FDA, made false statements to inflate the price of Dermagraft, and caused improper coding, verification, or certification of Dermagraft claims and related services.
The allegations resolved by the settlement were brought in six lawsuits filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The whistleblower shares to be awarded in this case have not yet been determined.
The six qui tam cases, all of which were either filed or transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, are captioned: United States ex rel. Vinca v. Advanced BioHealing, Inc., Case No. 8:11-cv-176-T-30MAP; United States ex rel. Harvey v. Advanced BioHealing, Inc., Case No. 8:16-cv-303-T-30TBM; United States ex rel. Medolla v. Advanced BioHealing, Inc., Case No. 8:12-cv-575-T-30TBM; United States, et al., ex rel. Petty v. Shire Regenerative Medicine, Inc., Case No. 8:14-cv-969-T-30TBM; United States ex rel. Webb v. Advanced BioHealing, Inc., Case No. 8:14-cv-1055-T-30EAJ; and United States, et al., ex rel. Montecalvo v. Shire Regenerative Medicine, Inc., Case No. 8:16-cv-268-T-30TBM.
These matters were investigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch; the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida, District of Columbia, Middle District of Tennessee and Eastern District of Pennsylvania; the FBI; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General; the VA OIG and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Shire, which cooperated in the government’s investigation, has been operating under a Corporate Integrity Agreement entered into with HHS that was implemented in late 2014, after the alleged unlawful conduct resolved by today’s settlement occurred, in connection with the settlement of separate False Claims Act allegations.
“Patients must be able to trust that decisions made by their doctors are based on unbiased professional judgment and not personal gain,” said Chief Counsel Gregory E. Demske to the HHS Inspector General. “The Office of the Inspector General will continue to monitor Shire’s compliance with federal healthcare programs through its oversight of Shire’s Corporate Integrity Agreement.”
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $31.4 billion through False Claims Act cases, with nearly $19.6 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Shire PLC Subsidiaries to Pay $350 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that Shire Pharmaceuticals LLC and other subsidiaries of Shire plc (Shire) will pay $350 million to settle federal and state False Claims Act allegations that Shire and the company it acquired in 2011, Advanced BioHealing (ABH), employed kickbacks and other unlawful methods to induce clinics and physicians to use or overuse its product “Dermagraft,” a bioengineered human skin substitute approved by the FDA for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Shire plc is a multinational pharmaceutical firm headquartered in Ireland, with its United States operational headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts. Shire sold the assets associated with Dermagraft in early 2014.
“This settlement represents the largest False Claims Act recovery by the United States in a kickback case involving a medical device,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickbacks by suppliers of healthcare goods and services cast a pall over the integrity of our health care system. Patients deserve the unfettered, independent judgment of their health care professionals.”
The settlement resolves allegations that Dermagraft salespersons unlawfully induced clinics and physicians with lavish dinners, drinks, entertainment and travel; medical equipment and supplies; unwarranted payments for purported speaking engagements and bogus case studies; and cash, credits and rebates, to induce the use of Dermagraft. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits, among other things, the payment of remuneration to induce the use of medical devices covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other federally-funded health care programs, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Claims filed in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute are considered false or fraudulent under the False Claims Act. In addition, the Anti-Bribery statute and the Federal Acquisition Regulations prohibit bribes to government officials or employees, including VA physicians, to obtain a contract or favorable treatment under a supply contract. The United States alleged that as a result of their violation of these provisions, ABH and Shire submitted or caused to be submitted to federally-funded health care programs hundreds of millions of dollars of false claims for Dermagraft.
“Flagrant and systemic kickback activity of the type at issue in this case is designed to impair and undermine a physician’s independent medical judgment, and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley III for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL). “This lawsuit and today’s historic settlement demonstrate our office’s vigilant and on-going efforts to safeguard federal health care program beneficiaries from the effects of such illegal and deplorable conduct.” In addition to this landmark civil settlement, Mr. Bentley’s office continues to work diligently to bring to justice those individuals responsible for these illegal actions. Already, the MDFL has obtained the criminal convictions of three high-level executives who supervised the implementation of the illegal kickback scheme, as well as a number of healthcare providers who received kickbacks.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia also played an active role in this investigation, seeking redress in the civil agreement announced today for the losses sustained by the VA. “Giving kickbacks and gratuities to healthcare providers corrupts medical treatment by interjecting personal financial incentives into decisions that should focus on what is best for a particular patient,” said U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips for the District of Columbia. “These types of unlawful incentives are particularly troubling when they seek to corrupt the medical treatment provided to our nation’s veterans. We will aggressively pursue any company that engages in such reprehensible and unlawful conduct, which seeks to put a company’s financial gains ahead of providing the best medical treatment for those who bravely served in our Armed Forces.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Middle District of Tennessee also contributed to the investigation and resolution of these matters. “Fraud against the health care program that exists for the benefit of our veterans, some of our most cherished citizens, as well as fraud against the Medicare program, is reprehensible and unacceptable,” said the Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “This resolution again demonstrates the capacity of the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners across the country to work together to address unlawful conduct nationwide that affects veterans and other beneficiaries of federally funded health care programs.”
“The best interest of the patient is, and must be, the primary factor in a physician’s decision regarding patient care,” said U.S. Attorney David Rivera for the Middle District of Tennessee. “As such, federal law protects patients from medical providers who enrich themselves through bribes and kickbacks by making illegal the payment of remuneration to induce the use of medical devises covered by federally-funded health care programs. Such kickback schemes that interfere with physician-patient relationships and drive up the cost of healthcare for everyone, will be vigorously pursued and aggressively prosecuted.”
"U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare providers are obligated to render care free of any improper financial influences” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Seitler of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (VA OIG), Northwest Field Office. This is particularly important at VA, since we care for many of this nation’s heroes who have sacrificed their own welfare for our freedom. In this case, ABH saw a dramatic rise in its sales to the VA during the period of time it provided illegal inducements to multiple VA clinicians across the country. These corrupt practices served to erode the public trust in our healthcare system. The VA OIG is committed to investigating, and bringing to justice, those who engage in these illegal practices.”
In addition to the kickback allegations, the settlement also resolved allegations that Shire and its predecessor ABH unlawfully marketed Dermagraft for uses not approved by the FDA, made false statements to inflate the price of Dermagraft, and caused improper coding, verification, or certification of Dermagraft claims and related services.
The allegations resolved by the settlement were brought in six lawsuits filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The whistleblower shares to be awarded in this case have not yet been determined.
The six qui tam cases, all of which were either filed or transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, are captioned: United States ex rel. Vinca v. Advanced BioHealing, Inc., Case No. 8:11-cv-176-T-30MAP; United States ex rel. Harvey v. Advanced BioHealing, Inc., Case No. 8:16-cv-303-T-30TBM; United States ex rel. Medolla v. Advanced BioHealing, Inc., Case No. 8:12-cv-575-T-30TBM; United States, et al., ex rel. Petty v. Shire Regenerative Medicine, Inc., Case No. 8:14-cv-969-T-30TBM; United States ex rel. Webb v. Advanced BioHealing, Inc., Case No. 8:14-cv-1055-T-30EAJ; and United States, et al., ex rel. Montecalvo v. Shire Regenerative Medicine, Inc., Case No. 8:16-cv-268-T-30TBM.
These matters were investigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch; the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Florida, District of Columbia, Middle District of Tennessee and Eastern District of Pennsylvania; the FBI; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General; the VA OIG and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Shire, which cooperated in the government’s investigation, has been operating under a Corporate Integrity Agreement entered into with HHS that was implemented in late 2014, after the alleged unlawful conduct resolved by today’s settlement occurred, in connection with the settlement of separate False Claims Act allegations.
“Patients must be able to trust that decisions made by their doctors are based on unbiased professional judgment and not personal gain,” said Chief Counsel Gregory E. Demske to the HHS Inspector General. “The Office of the Inspector General will continue to monitor Shire’s compliance with federal healthcare programs through its oversight of Shire’s Corporate Integrity Agreement.”
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $31.4 billion through False Claims Act cases, with nearly $19.6 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
District Man Sentenced to 10 1/2-Year Prison Term for Series of Hold-Ups of Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Melvin Smith, 45, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 10 ½-year prison term for a series of robberies of convenience stores last summer in Northeast and Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Smith pled guilty in November 2016 to three counts of robbery and was sentenced today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia by the Honorable Danya A. Dayson. Following completion of his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.
In entering his guilty plea, Smith admitted to robbing six convenience stores in just over four weeks. According to the government’s evidence, the robberies included these crimes:
-Aug. 19, 2016, approximately 1:40 a.m.: Smith entered a 7-Eleven store in the 1200 block of Brentwood Road NE, approached a store clerk, and demanded access to the cash register. He then took approximately $50 before fleeing.
-Sept. 6, 2016, approximately 10:55 p.m.: Smith entered the 7-Eleven store in the 1300 block of Second Street NE. He approached a cashier and reached into two cash registers, taking approximately $430 before fleeing.
- Sept. 10, 2016, approximately 2:10 a.m.: Smith entered the 7-Eleven store in the 4800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE and displayed an object on his right hip, which store personnel believed to be a handgun. He proceeded to the cash registers, demanded that they be opened, and took an unspecified amount of cash before fleeing.
-Sept. 12, 2016, approximately 8:45 p.m.: Smith entered the 6 & Q Market, in the 500 block of Q Street NW. Wearing a mask, he ordered a store clerk to the cash register. When the clerk responded that he did not have a key to the register, Smith grabbed the entire register, which contained an unknown amount of cash, and fled.
-Sept. 13, 2016, approximately 1:30 a.m.: Smith returned to the 7-Eleven on Second Street NE. According to a store clerk, he was carrying what appeared to be a silver gun in his waistband and demanded cash from the cash register. Smith then removed approximately $100 from the store’s two cash registers and fled.
-Sept. 18, 2016, approximately 9:45 p.m.: Smith entered a 7-Eleven store in the 900 block of Bladensburg Road NE. Wearing a mask, he displayed what the clerk believed to be a dark gun in his waistband and demanded that the clerk open the register. Smith then proceeded to take money from both of the registers, before fleeing.
Smith was arrested on Sept. 19, 2016. When he was arrested, Smith was found to be in possession of a unique mask and bandana that surveillance video confirmed were used in the robberies. He has been in custody since his arrest. The guilty plea specified the offenses that were committed on Aug. 19, Sept. 6, and Sept. 12, 2016.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Acting Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Barker, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Scheming to Collect Compensation for Active-Duty Military Members Who Suffer Foreclosure LossesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – David Bernier, 52, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was sentenced today to six months in prison on a federal charge stemming from a scheme in which he forged military records and made false statements in an attempt to collect over $700,000 under a federal law meant to protect active duty military members from suffering losses through mortgage foreclosures.
The sentence was announced by Channing D. Phillips, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Lewe F. Sessions, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Fraud Detection Office, and James Springs, Inspector General for the National Archives and Records Administration.
Bernier pled guilty on June 20, 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to making a false statement. He was sentenced by the Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. Following his prison term, Bernier will be placed on two years of supervised release.
The scheme involved Bernier’s claims that he was entitled to protection under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a law that provides protections for military members as they enter active duty. Among other things, the law prohibits non-judicial foreclosures against service members who are in military service or within the applicable post-service period, as long as they originated their mortgages before their period of military service began.
In 2012, the United States settled two lawsuits against financial institutions accused of improperly foreclosing on mortgages of active duty military service personnel. The court agreements led to the creation of settlement funds out of which payments would be made to qualified individuals whose homes had been wrongfully foreclosed upon.
Bernier filed two such claims in 2014, involving foreclosures that took place in 2008 and 2009 of two condominiums he owned in Fort Lauderdale. In both claims, Bernier stated that the properties were foreclosed upon while he was on active duty in the U.S. Air Force in Iraq. He also provided documentation claiming he had received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Citation for conduct in Iraq from July 2008 to March 2010. Under the settlement agreements, if the claims were valid, Bernier could have received a total of $730,000.
However, the financial institutions were unable to substantiate Bernier’s claims, leading him to submit follow-up documents and make statements attesting to his service. In fact, an investigation determined that the documents Bernier had submitted were forgeries. At the time that Bernier supposedly was in Iraq, he was in fact working in the state of Washington. No money was paid to Bernier, whose actions became the subject of a criminal investigation.
“This defendant went to great lengths in his brazen attempts to defraud financial institutions of $730,000 that was meant to protect veterans from foreclosures while they were in service to our country,” said U.S. Attorney Phillips. “Fortunately, the banks and the Department of Justice fully vetted the defendant’s many forgeries on documents and he was never paid. We will continue to hold people accountable for attempting to cash in on benefits meant for others.”
“By falsely claiming mortgage relief benefits reserved for those on active duty, the defendant not only sought to defraud the government, his actions resulted in a delay of payments to those who actually deserved to receive them -- the brave men and women who lost their homes to foreclosure while serving their country overseas,” said Special Agent in Charge Sessions. “We will continue to investigate all those who try to cheat the system in this manner.”
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Inspector General Horowitz, and Inspector General Springs commended those who investigated the case from the Offices of Inspector General for the Department of Justice and the National Archives and Records Administration. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter C. Lallas, who prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Shooting and Assault in Downtown WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ryan Matthews, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on charges stemming from an incident in which he shot one person and assaulted two others in downtown Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Matthews pled guilty in October 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of assault with intent to kill, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault. He was sentenced by the Honorable Michael Ryan.
According to the government’s evidence, on Sept. 10, 2016, at about 3:15 a.m., Matthews approached a complete stranger in the 1300 block of Connecticut Avenue NW and punched him in the abdomen; the victim fell to the ground. Two of the victim’s friends, who were standing nearby, confronted Matthews and asked why he had punched their friend. At this point, Matthews said words to the effect of, “Do you want a piece, too?” and swung at one of the men with his fist, striking him in the neck. A man who was nearby approached Matthews to ask about what happened and Matthews declared words to the effect of, “I guess you want to fight, too.”
Matthews then beckoned the man to approach him, and the man told Matthews to come to him instead. At this point, Matthews drew a semi-automatic pistol, walked toward the man, and shot him once at close range in the right side of the chest. Other individuals, who were nearby at the time of the shooting, pursued Matthews and flagged down police officers. Matthews, meanwhile, discarded his shirt as he ran away and threw his gun into a dumpster in an alley off 18th Street NW. Police apprehended him and recovered the weapon. The shooting victim was taken to a hospital and is continuing to recover from his injuries.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who responded to the crime and investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Second District. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Romano, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Stealing Package Off Doorstep, Violating Court OrderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A man with a history of theft convictions was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for stealing a package last summer from a residence in the DuPont Circle area of Northwest Washington and then violating a court order to stay out of the neighborhood pending trial, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Wayne Bridgeforth, 60, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty in October 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of second-degree theft, with a felony enhancement, and felony contempt. He was sentenced by the Honorable Neal E. Kravitz, who also ordered that Bridgeforth get drug and mental health treatment. Following his prison term, Bridgeforth will be placed on three years of supervised release, during which time he must stay away from the area where his crimes took place.
Bridgeforth has a history of stealing mail since at least 1984 and has nine previous convictions for theft-related offenses.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 25, 2016, at about 4:45 p.m., a man who was walking his dog saw an individual, later identified as Bridgeforth, take a package off of the stoop of a residence in the 1500 block of Q Street NW. The man followed Bridgeforth and told him to drop the package or he would call the police. Bridgeforth dropped the package and ran. The package contained a camera, which was not damaged in the incident.
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department later determined that Bridgeforth had been seen in the neighborhood for the past seven months. On Aug. 10, 2016, officers observed Bridegeforth in the 1600 block of Church Street NW and placed him under arrest. Bridgeforth admitted to stealing packages and also wrote a letter of apology to the victim of the July 25 theft. Following his arrest, Bridgeforth was released from custody pending further court proceedings, with an order to stay away from the neighborhood including DuPont Circle. He violated that order and was once again in the area on Sept. 7, 2016, leading to the contempt charge.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Alysa Kociuruba, who prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to Prison for Armed Robbery of Couple at Gas Station in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ojahri Hart, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to four years in prison for robbing a couple at gunpoint of their car at a gas station in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Hart pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to armed robbery. He was sentenced by the Honorable Juliet McKenna. Judge McKenna sentenced Hart to a total of 72 months in prison, but suspended all but 48 months of that time on the condition that he complete three years of supervised probation following his release.
According to the government’s evidence, Hart and an accomplice, who were both armed with handguns, robbed the couple of their 2002 Cadillac DeVille at 2 a.m. May 20, 2016, at a gas station in the 7000 block of Blair Road NW. The male victim was pumping gas, and the female victim was inside the car. Hart and his accomplice seized the car at gunpoint and rode away.
The vehicle was found about 10 hours later in the 100 block of Longfellow Street NW, within three or four blocks of the defendant’s home. Two purses were missing from the vehicle, one from inside the car and one from the trunk. Latent fingerprints were recovered from the vehicle. An examination by the Latent Fingerprint Unit of the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences revealed that Hart was the source of a palm print found on the trunk of the vehicle and a fingerprint found on the inside back portion of the driver’s side door handle.
No one else has been arrested in the investigation.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who responded to the crime and investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fourth District. He also expressed appreciation for the work performed by the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Romano, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Pleads Guilty in Separate Cases to Sexually Assaulting His Two Daughters and Threatening Special Police OfficersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 33-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to first-degree child sexual abuse of his 14-year-old daughter and attempted first-degree child sexual abuse of his 12-year-old daughter, as well as attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and threats charges against two Special Police Officers, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
The man, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victims in the sexual assault case, pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for a sentence of 14 years in prison. The Honorable José M. Lopez set a hearing for March 17, 2017 to determine whether the plea and sentence will be accepted.
According to the government’s investigation in the sexual assault case, the defendant had sexually abused his older daughter several times in the past year, while he had been sexually abusing his younger daughter since she was approximately eight years old. On one occasion that took place on or around Sept. 1, 2016, the defendant penetrated his older daughter’s vagina with his penis while they were at her mother’s home. On another occasion, which took place on or about Oct. 2, 2016, the defendant was at their mother’s home when he had his younger daughter perform oral sex on him. The defendant asked his younger daughter if she “liked” performing oral sex, to which she responded, “No.” The defendant then met with both daughters and apologized to them for his actions. It was then that the girls learned they were both victims of the defendant’s sexual abuse. The girls then decided to disclose the incidents to their aunt, ultimately leading to the defendant’s arrest.
In the defendant’s other case, the government’s investigation revealed that the defendant had been barred from a homeless shelter in Northeast Washington on April. 29, 2016. The defendant entered the shelter on Aug. 29, 2016, and was immediately told by two Special Police Officers to leave the facility. The defendant left but returned moments later, at which point he pulled out a knife and threatened to fight and stab the Special Police Officers. After the Special Police Officers ordered the defendant several times to put down the knife, the defendant walked up the street, at which point an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department stopped the defendant and placed him under arrest.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips praised the work of detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Investigations Division, which investigated the sexual-assault case, and members of the MPD’s Fifth District who were involved in the threats case. He acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Angelina Slagle and Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson. Finally, he commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danny Nguyen and Maryam Adeyola, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
Husband of Former U.S. Embassy Official in Morocco Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing Household Staff MemberRead the Press Release
The husband of the former Deputy Chief of Mission in Rabat, Morocco, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for sexually abusing a former household staff member from 2010 to 2013.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia and Director Bill A. Miller of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) made the announcement.
Labib Chammas, 65, of McLean, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12, 2016, to one count of abusive sexual conduct before U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the District of Columbia. Judge Cooper also sentenced Chammas to a five-year term of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $15,000 fine. Chammas is required to register as a sex offender for a period of 15 years.
In pleading guilty, Chammas admitted that between August 2010 and February 2013, while living in State Department-owned housing in Rabat, he sexually abused a woman who had worked at the residence for 16 years. According to the plea agreement, Chammas supervised the staff at the residence and repeatedly threatened to fire staff members. Out of fear that she would lose her job, the victim complied with Chammas’s requests that she massage his legs, hip and back, and then with his subsequent demands that she “massage” his genitalia. On at least five occasions, Chammas took the victim by her head or hair and attempted to force her to perform oral sex.
DSS’s Office of Special Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Hertzfeld of the District of Columbia and Special Counsel Stacey Luck of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case.
Husband of Former U.S. Embassy Official in Morocco Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing Household Staff MemberRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The husband of the former Deputy Chief of Mission in Rabat, Morocco was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for sexually abusing a former household staff member from 2010 to 2013.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia, and Director Bill A. Miller of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) made the announcement.
Labib Chammas, 65, of McLean, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12, 2016, to one count of abusive sexual conduct before U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the District of Columbia. Judge Cooper also sentenced Chammas to a five-year term of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $15,000 fine. Chammas is required to register as a sex offender for a period of 15 years.
In pleading guilty, Chammas admitted that between August 2010 and February 2013, while living in State Department-owned housing in Rabat, he sexually abused a woman who had worked at the residence for 16 years. According to the plea agreement, Chammas supervised the staff at the residence and repeatedly threatened to fire staff members. Out of fear that she would lose her job, the victim complied with Chammas’s requests that she massage his legs, hip and back, and then with his subsequent demands that she “massage” his genitalia. On at least five occasions, Chammas took the victim by her head or hair and attempted to force her to perform oral sex.
DSS’s Office of Special Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Hertzfeld of the District of Columbia and Special Counsel Stacey Luck of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case.
Maryland Man Sentenced to Prison for Scheme that Used Stolen Identifying Information to Fraudulently Seek More Than $20 Million in Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
A Maryland man was sentenced today to 135 months in prison on federal charges stemming from his role as a key organizer and leader of an identity theft and tax fraud scheme involving the filing of fraudulent returns falsely seeking more than $20 million in refunds, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips for the District of Columbia, Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Field Office, Inspector in Charge Terrence P. McKeown of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division, and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations John L. Phillips of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
“Kevin Brown led a sprawling identity theft scheme that cost the government millions in fraudulently claimed income tax refunds, and caused substantial harm to those whose identities were stolen,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “Today’s significant prison sentence punishes Brown for his conduct and serves as a clear warning to those engaged in or considering similar conduct that the government will prosecute these crimes and will seek incarceration and restitution.”
“Although Kevin Brown owned a neighborhood barbershop, he was making most of his money through illegal means, as a key organizer and leader of a massive tax fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Phillips. “He and his many co-conspirators falsified tax returns in the names of some of the most vulnerable members of our society, including individuals who were elderly, infirm, disabled, incarcerated, and deceased, and then pocketed millions of dollars in tax refunds at a cost to hard-working taxpaying citizens. Thanks to a concerted effort by law enforcement, this defendant and the others in the scheme will be held accountable with prison terms and orders for restitution.”
“Criminal conspiracies involving fraudulent refund schemes are loathsome crimes that victimize our nation’s honest taxpayers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Holloman. “Today’s sentencing is a reminder that IRS-CI will remain vigilant in our investigation of these schemes and will continue to work with prosecutors to combat this type of criminal conduct.”
“Identity theft and fraud are a continuing problem in our society,” said Inspector in Charge McKeown. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service aggressively investigates these types of crimes when they involve the U.S. Mail. This case serves as another example of the significant positive results from collaborating with our law enforcement partners to achieve justice."
“This sentencing of Mr. Brown is reflective of the commitment by the Treasury’s Office of Inspector General and its law enforcement partners to pursue criminal charges against individuals and groups that prey on the public by stealing identities and fraud committed against the U.S. taxpayer and Treasury Department in their criminal schemes,” said Assistant Inspector General Phillips.
According to the government’s evidence, Brown, formerly of Capitol Heights, Maryland, and others participated in a massive and sophisticated stolen identity refund fraud scheme that involved an extensive network of more than 130 people, many of whom were receiving public assistance. Brown and his co-conspirators fraudulently claimed refunds for tax years 2005 through 2012, often in the names of people whose identities had been stolen, including the elderly, people in assisted living facilities, drug addicts and incarcerated prisoners. Returns were also filed in the names of, and refunds were issued to, willing participants in the scheme. The returns filed listed more than 400 “taxpayer” addresses located in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
The participants played various roles in the scheme: stealing identifying information; allowing their personal identifying information to be used; creating and mailing fraudulent federal tax returns; allowing their addresses to be used for receipt of the refund checks; cashing the refund checks; providing bank accounts into which the refund checks were deposited; and forging endorsements of identity theft victims on the refund checks. The false returns typically reported inflated or fictitious income from a sole proprietorship and claimed phony dependents to generate an Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable federal income tax credit for working families with low to moderate incomes.
According to the government’s evidence, Brown was a key organizer and leader of the scheme and recruited others to join in the illegal activities. Brown, who owns Classic Kutz, a barbershop in the 3200 block of 22nd Street SE in Washington, D.C., sometimes listed that establishment as the business name on the fraudulent returns. Among other things, he prepared and mailed fraudulent returns, and endorsed and deposited fraudulently obtained refund checks.
Brown pleaded guilty on Feb. 15, 2013, to conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, making false, fictitious or fraudulent claims for a tax refund, and fraud and related activity in connection with identification information (identity theft). In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Judge Ellen S. Huvelle for the District of Columbia ordered Brown to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $4,543,659 in restitution to the IRS.
Brown is among approximately 20 participants in this scheme who have pleaded guilty to charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. According to court documents, the overall case involves the filing of at least 12,000 fraudulent federal income tax returns that sought refunds of at least $20 million.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Acting Special Agent in Charge Holloman, Inspector in Charge McKeown, and Assistant Inspector General Phillips commended special agents who conducted the investigation and acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia, including former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Schornstein and Paralegal Specialists Donna Galindo, Julie Dailey, and Jessica Mundi. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Chubin Epstein of the District of Columbia’s Fraud and Public Corruption Section and Trial Attorneys Jeffrey B. Bender, Thomas F. Koelbl, and Jessica Moran of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Scheme That Used Stolen Identifying Information to Fraudulently Seek More Than $20 Million in Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Maryland man was sentenced today to 135 months in prison on federal charges stemming from his role as a key organizer and leader of an identity theft and tax fraud scheme involving the filing of fraudulent returns falsely seeking more than $20 million in refunds, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips for the District of Columbia, Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Field Office, Inspector in Charge Terrence P. McKeown of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division, and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations John L. Phillips of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Kevin Brown, formerly of Capitol Heights, Maryland, is among approximately 20 participants in this scheme who have pleaded guilty to charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. According to court documents, the overall case involves the filing of at least 12,000 fraudulent federal income tax returns that sought refunds of at least $20 million.
“Kevin Brown led a sprawling identity theft scheme that cost the government millions in fraudulently claimed income tax refunds, and caused substantial harm to those whose identities were stolen,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “Today’s significant prison sentence punishes Brown for his conduct and serves as a clear warning to those engaged in or considering similar conduct that the government will prosecute these crimes and will seek incarceration and restitution.”
“Although Kevin Brown owned a neighborhood barbershop, he was making most of his money through illegal means, as a key organizer and leader of a massive tax fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Phillips. “He and his many co-conspirators falsified tax returns in the names of some of the most vulnerable members of our society, including individuals who were elderly, infirm, disabled, incarcerated, and deceased, and then pocketed millions of dollars in tax refunds at a cost to hard-working taxpaying citizens. Thanks to a concerted effort by law enforcement, this defendant and the others in the scheme will be held accountable with prison terms and orders for restitution.”
“Criminal conspiracies involving fraudulent refund schemes are loathsome crimes that victimize our nation’s honest taxpayers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Holloman. “Today’s sentencing is a reminder that IRS-CI will remain vigilant in our investigation of these schemes and will continue to work with prosecutors to combat this type of criminal conduct.”
“Identity theft and fraud are a continuing problem in our society,” said Inspector in Charge McKeown. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service aggressively investigates these types of crimes when they involve the U.S. Mail. This case serves as another example of the significant positive results from collaborating with our law enforcement partners to achieve justice."
“This sentencing of Mr. Brown is reflective of the commitment by the Treasury’s Office of Inspector General and its law enforcement partners to pursue criminal charges against individuals and groups that prey on the public by stealing identities and fraud committed against the U.S. taxpayer and Treasury Department in their criminal schemes,” said Assistant Inspector General Phillips.
According to the government’s evidence, Brown and others participated in a massive and sophisticated stolen identity refund fraud scheme that involved an extensive network of more than 130 people, many of whom were receiving public assistance. Brown and his co-conspirators fraudulently claimed refunds for tax years 2005 through 2012, often in the names of people whose identities had been stolen, including the elderly, people in assisted living facilities, drug addicts and incarcerated prisoners. Returns were also filed in the names of, and refunds were issued to, willing participants in the scheme. The returns filed listed more than 400 “taxpayer” addresses located in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
The participants played various roles in the scheme: stealing identifying information; allowing their personal identifying information to be used; creating and mailing fraudulent federal tax returns; allowing their addresses to be used for receipt of the refund checks; cashing the refund checks; providing bank accounts into which the refund checks were deposited; and forging endorsements of identity theft victims on the refund checks. The false returns typically reported inflated or fictitious income from a sole proprietorship and claimed phony dependents to generate an Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable federal income tax credit for working families with low to moderate incomes.
According to the government’s evidence, Brown was a key organizer and leader of the scheme and recruited others to join in the illegal activities. Brown, who owns Classic Kutz, a barbershop in the 3200 block of 22nd Street SE in Washington, D.C., sometimes listed that establishment as the business name on the fraudulent returns. Among other things, he prepared and mailed fraudulent returns, and endorsed and deposited fraudulently obtained refund checks.
Brown pleaded guilty on Feb. 15, 2013, to conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, making false, fictitious or fraudulent claims for a tax refund, and fraud and related activity in connection with identification information (identity theft). In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Judge Ellen S. Huvelle for the District of Columbia ordered Brown to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $4,543,659 in restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Acting Special Agent in Charge Holloman, Inspector in Charge McKeown, and Assistant Inspector General Phillips commended special agents who conducted the investigation and acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia, including former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Schornstein and Paralegal Specialists Donna Galindo, Julie Dailey, and Jessica Mundi. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Chubin Epstein of the District of Columbia’s Fraud and Public Corruption Section and Trial Attorneys Jeffrey B. Bender, Thomas F. Koelbl, and Jessica Moran of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Defendant Sentenced to 88 Months in Prison for Providing Material Support to Islamic Movement of UzbekistanRead the Press Release
Irfan Demirtas, 58, a dual Dutch-Turkish citizen, was sentenced today to 88 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to providing material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The sentencing was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Demirtas pleaded guilty on Sept. 15, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The plea agreement called for Demirtas to be removed from the U.S. upon completion of his prison term. The defendant was sentenced by the Honorable Randolph D. Moss. The sentence accounts for 62 months’ credit for time served in France.
On Dec. 8, 2011, Demirtas was charged in a sealed four-count indictment for conduct occurring from at least January 2006 through May 2008, when Demirtas was a resident of the Netherlands and acted as an IMU fundraiser and facilitator. In January 2015, Demirtas was arrested in Germany based on an Interpol red notice that had been issued on these charges. He was detained and then extradited to the U.S. on July 17, 2015.
According to the government’s evidence, the IMU is a militant Islamic group which was formed in 1991 with the stated purpose to overthrow the government of Uzbekistan and to create an Islamic state under Sharia law. The IMU has conducted military operations in Uzbekistan and Pakistan and participated in combat operations against coalition forces in Afghanistan. The IMU was designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on Sept. 25, 2001.
Between January 2006 and May 2008, according to the government’s evidence, Demirtas acted on the IMU’s behalf in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Jordan, the Netherlands, France and elsewhere outside the U.S. During this period, he provided, attempted to provide and conspired to provide personnel and funding to the IMU, knowing that it is a designated terrorist organization that has engaged and engages in terrorism. Specifically, Demirtas admitted in his plea to providing funds to the leader of the IMU.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. DiLorenzo and Ari B. Redbord of the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Brian K. Morgan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
Defendant Sentenced to 88 Months in Prison for Providing Material Support to Islamic Movement of UzbekistanRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Irfan Demirtas, 58, a dual Dutch-Turkish citizen, was sentenced today to 88 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to providing material support to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The sentencing was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Demirtas pleaded guilty on Sept. 15, 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The plea agreement called for Demirtas to be removed from the U.S. upon completion of his prison term. The defendant was sentenced by the Honorable Randolph D. Moss. The sentence accounts for 62 months’ credit for time served in France.
On Dec. 8, 2011, Demirtas was charged in a sealed four-count indictment for conduct occurring from at least Jan. 2006 through May 2008, when Demirtas was a resident of the Netherlands and acted as an IMU fundraiser and facilitator. In Jan. 2015, Demirtas was arrested in Germany based on an Interpol red notice that had been issued on these charges. He was detained and then extradited to the United States on July 17, 2015.
According to the government’s evidence, the IMU is a militant Islamic group which was formed in 1991 with the stated purpose to overthrow the government of Uzbekistan and to create an Islamic state under Sharia law. The IMU has conducted military operations in Uzbekistan and Pakistan and participated in combat operations against coalition forces in Afghanistan. The IMU was designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on Sept. 25, 2001.
Between January 2006 and May 2008, according to the government’s evidence, Demirtas acted on the IMU’s behalf in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Jordan, the Netherlands, France and elsewhere outside the United States. During this period, he provided, attempted to provide and conspired to provide personnel and funding to the IMU, knowing that it is a designated terrorist organization that has engaged and engages in terrorism. Specifically, Demirtas admitted in his plea to providing funds to the leader of the IMU.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. DiLorenzo and Ari B. Redbord of the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Brian K. Morgan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
District Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing 11-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Robert Kelsey, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 50 years in prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl he met through Instagram when he was 26 years old, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), announced.
Kelsey was found guilty by a jury on Aug. 29, 2016, following a trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, and first-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. He was sentenced by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. Following his prison term, Kelsey will be placed on supervised release for the rest of his life. Also, Kelsey, a convicted felon, will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to the government’s evidence, Kelsey met the girl during the summer of 2014 on Instagram, concealing his true identity, posing as a 19-year-old and using a fictitious name. He suggested that they begin communicating by text via Kik Messenger. He flirted with her and told her that he wanted to have sex with her. On July 25, 2014, Kelsey arranged to pick up the girl from her summer camp, which was held at an elementary school in Bowie, Md. He told the camp staff that he was the child’s cousin so that he could take her from camp early that day.
Kelsey drove the victim to his house in Washington, D.C., where he sexually abused her, and then returned her to the vicinity of the camp. By that time, the victim’s father, who was at the camp to pick up his daughter, learned that she had been taken from the camp by a man, and the father summoned police. The victim disclosed what happened and Prince George’s County, Md. Police began an investigation. The case was referred to the Metropolitan Police Department, and an investigation by MPD and the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force led to Kelsey’s arrest. DNA analysis of evidence obtained from a medical examination of the victim also linked Kelsey to the crime.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD. 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.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Assistant Director in Charge Abbate, and Interim Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD’s Youth Investigations Division. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation; Elizabeth Trosman, Chief of the Appellate Division; Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharon Donovan; Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson; Paralegal Specialists Joyce Arthur, Troy Griffith, and Tiffany Jones; Litigation Technology Specialists Aneela Bhatia and Anisha Bhatia, and Intern Wendy Acquazzino. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea L. Hertzfeld and Kenya Davis, who prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Killing Man After Home InvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Joseph Jennings, Jr., 36, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 24 years in prison for killing a man this year after breaking into his condominium in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Jennings pled guilty in October 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of second-degree murder while armed. He was sentenced by the Honorable Michael Ryan. Following his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, Jennings spent the early morning of Jan. 22, 2016 getting high at his residence in Southeast Washington. Later that morning, according to the government’s evidence, Jennings joined with two other men in a plan to break into a condominium in the 400 block of M Street NW and steal marijuana. At about 9:48 a.m., Jennings used an object to forcibly pry open the locked front door to the building. One of his accomplices waited nearby, while Jennings and the other man continued inside. As they attempted to gain entry to the unit through a sliding glass balcony door, the victim, Matthew Shevlin, fled out of the front door and began screaming for help.
Jennings chased Mr. Shevlin, and a struggle ensued before Mr. Shevlin got away. The other man, meanwhile, took a mason jar of marijuana from the apartment. Mr. Shevlin threw a flower pot at the man’s head and got into a second struggle with Jennings. During this struggle, Jennings shot Mr. Shevlin, 37, who later died of multiple gunshot wounds.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate James Brennan and Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney David Misler, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
United States Files Complaint Seeking Forfeiture of Antiquities Associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The U. S. Department of Justice announced today that the United States has filed a civil complaint seeking the forfeiture of multiple antiquities associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Da’esh. The complaint alleges that ISIL, which is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, markets and sells antiquities to finance its terror operations.
The lawsuit marks the first time that the United States has filed an action to forfeit antiquities that are foreign assets of ISIL.
The action, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, specifically seeks the forfeiture of four archaeological items that were depicted in photographs found during a raid of a residence of Abu Sayyaf, a senior leader within ISIL, near Deir Ezzor, Syria, in May 2015. The items include a gold ring, two gold coins, and a carved stone. They date to ancient times and are believed to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The FBI is pursuing recovery of these items.
The lawsuit was filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia following an investigation into items seized in the raid. During the operation, Abu Sayyaf was killed when he engaged with U.S. military forces.
According to the civil complaint filed today, the United States recovered data from electronic media during the raid, including photographs of the four items at issue in the complaint. The complaint also makes public documents recovered from the raid that reveal significant information about the organizational structure of ISIL, and how ISIL created a sophisticated bureaucratic system for extracting wealth from sites containing materials that are important to the cultural heritage of the people of Syria and Iraq. For example, according to the lawsuit, excavation permits and receipts of collections written on ISIL letterhead (which are attached to the complaint) were passed among members of the Antiquities Department. Abu Sayyaf referred to himself in these documents as the President of the Ministry of Natural Resources Antiquities Department. There are also discussions of depositing the proceeds of ISIL’s antiquities trafficking into ISIL’s treasury.
According to analysis by antiquities experts, the documentary style, lighting, and focus of the photographs indicate that the photographed antiquities were prepared for marketing in order to sell the items internationally. The subsequent investigation has revealed that ISIL sold antiquities in U.S. dollars, including of at least one of the antiquities in the complaint.
Under United States law, all assets, foreign or domestic, of a terrorist or terrorist organization, and all assets, foreign or domestic, affording a source of influence over any such entity or organization, are subject to forfeiture.
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“This complaint demonstrates the United States government’s intent to diligently pursue actions that will limit the ability of ISIL and other terrorist organizations to generate revenue,” said Channing D. Phillips, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. “This complaint also serves as a warning to those who traffic in precious antiquities and who seek to profiteer from ISIL’s exploitation of the cultural heritage of areas under its control.”
“The documents unsealed today reveal that ISIL specifically directed its members to steal archaeological objects for purposes of selling them on the black market in order to use the proceeds to support this designated terrorist organization,” said Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “ISIL members extorted and threatened to arrest anyone outside of the terrorist organization who attempted to excavate, sell or transport antiquities from the territory under their control. It is essential for the FBI to recover these items so that we can stop the illegal flow of funds to support terrorist activity and repatriate these historical treasures.”
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Specifically, the complaint alleges that the following items are subject to forfeiture:
1) Gold ring with carved gemstone
This ring is believed to be from the Hellenistic/Roman period, dating approximately from 330 BC to 400 AD, and to have come from Deir Ezzor, Syria, which is near where the raid against Abu Sayyaf occurred.2) Gold coin featuring Antoninus Pius
This coin is believed to be Roman, dating to approximately 138-161 A.D., and is sourced to any large, urban Hellenistic or Roman city in Syria, including Apamea, Palmyra, Dura Europos, or Bosra.3) Gold coin featuring Emperor Hadrian Augustus Caesar
This coin is believed to be Roman, dating to approximately 125-128 AD, was probably minted in Rome, and is sourced to any large, urban Hellenistic or Roman city in Syria, including Apamea, Palmyra, Dura Europos, or Bosra.4) Carved Neo-Assyrian Stone
This is believed to be the upper portion of a round‐topped stone stela (upright stone slab bearing a relief design) carved with an image of a provincial official, most likely a eunuch, facing left, with his right forearm and hand raised. This item is believed to be from the archaeological site of Tell Ajaja in the Khabur region of northern Syria.Because civil forfeitures are suits against the property itself, the complaint names the four above antiquities as the defendants. The claims made in the complaint are only allegations and do not constitute a determination of liability.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with support from the U.S. Department of State. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arvind K. Lal, Zia M. Faruqui, Deborah Curtis, Brian P. Hudak, Christopher B. Brown, and Ari Redbord, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Toni Donato, all from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, are representing the government.
The FBI reminds the public to come forward with any information they may have about stolen art or cultural heritage items. Tips can be submitted to tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Art and cultural item buyers are recommended to review the FBI’s National Stolen Art File prior to a purchase to avoid civil forfeiture of stolen items.
In addition, the U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice program is offering rewards for information that will disrupt the trade of trafficking of antiquities that benefit ISIL. The Secretary of State has authorized a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the significant disruption of the sale and/or trade of antiquities by, for, on behalf of, or to benefit ISIL.
Singapore Man Pleads Guilty to Plot Involving Illegal Exports of Radio Frequency Modules from the U.S. to IranRead the Press Release
Lim Yong Nam, aka Steven Lim, 42, a citizen of Singapore, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge stemming from his role in a conspiracy that allegedly caused thousands of radio frequency modules to be illegally exported from the U.S. to Iran. At least 16 of the components were later found in unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia, Director Sarah Saldaña of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Executive Assistant Director Michael Steinbach of the FBI’s National Security Branch and Under Secretary Eric L. Hirschhorn of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Lim was extradited earlier this year from Indonesia, where he had been detained since October 2014 in connection with the U.S. request for extradition. He pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. by dishonest means. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison and potential financial penalties. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the parties have agreed that Lim faces a range of 46 to 57 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Lim remains in custody pending his sentencing, which was scheduled for XX before the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan.
Lim and others were indicted in the District of Columbia in June of 2010 on charges involving the shipment of radio frequency modules made by a Minnesota-based company. The modules have several commercial applications, including in wireless local area networks connecting printers and computers in office settings. These modules include encryption capabilities and have a range allowing them to transmit data wirelessly as far as 40 miles when configured with a high-gain antenna. These same modules also have potentially lethal applications. Notably, during 2008 and 2009, coalition forces in Iraq recovered numerous modules made by the Minnesota firm that had been utilized as part of the remote detonation system for IEDs. According to the plea documents filed today, between 2001 and 2007, IEDs were the major source of American combat casualties in Iraq.
In his guilty plea, Lim admitted that between August 2007 and February 2008, he and others caused 6,000 modules to be purchased and illegally exported from the Minnesota-based company through Singapore, and later to Iran, in five shipments, knowing that the export of U.S.-origin goods to Iran was a violation of U.S. law. In each transaction, Lim and others made misrepresentations and false statements to the Minnesota firm that Singapore was the final destination of the goods. At no point in the series of transactions did Lim or any of his co-conspirators inform the company that the modules were destined for Iran. Similarly, according to the statement of offense, Lim and others caused false documents to be filed with the U.S. government, in which they claimed that Singapore was the ultimate destination of the modules. Lim and his co-conspirators were directly aware of the restrictions on sending U.S.-origin goods to Iran.
Shortly after the modules arrived in Singapore, they were kept in storage at a freight forwarding company until being aggregated with other electronic components and shipped to Iran. There is no indication that Lim or any of his co-conspirators ever took physical possession of these modules before they reached Iran or that they were incorporated into another product before being re-exported to Iran.
According to the statement of offense, 14 of the 6,000 modules the defendants routed from Minnesota to Iran were later recovered in Iraq, where the modules were being used as part of IED remote detonation systems.
This investigation was jointly conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents in Boston and Los Angeles; FBI agents in Minneapolis; and Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security agents in Chicago and Boston. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the Office of International Affairs in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, the Justice Department Attaché in the Philippines and the FBI and HSI Attachés in Singapore and Jakarta.
U.S. law enforcement authorities thanked the governments of Singapore and Indonesia for the substantial assistance that was provided in the investigation of this matter.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord of the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Julie Edelstein of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Singapore Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge in Plot Involving Exports to Iran of U.S. ComponentsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lim Yong Nam, aka Steven Lim, 42, a citizen of Singapore, pled guilty today to a federal charge stemming from his role in a conspiracy that allegedly caused thousands of radio frequency modules to be illegally exported from the United States to Iran, at least 16 of which were later found in unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia, Director Sarah Saldaña of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Executive Assistant Director Michael Steinbach of the FBI’s National Security Branch, and Under Secretary of Commerce Eric L. Hirschhorn.
Lim was extradited earlier this year from Indonesia, where he had been detained since October 2014 in connection with the U.S. request for extradition. He pled guilty to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States by dishonest means. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison and potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the parties have agreed that Lim faces a range of 46 to 57 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Lim remains in custody pending his sentencing, which was scheduled for March 9, 2017, before the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan.
Lim and others were indicted in the District of Columbia in June of 2010 on charges involving the shipment of radio frequency modules made by a Minnesota-based company. The modules have several commercial applications, including in wireless local area networks connecting printers and computers in office settings. These modules include encryption capabilities and have a range allowing them to transmit data wirelessly as far as 40 miles when configured with a high-gain antenna. These same modules also have potentially lethal applications. Notably, during 2008 and 2009, coalition forces in Iraq recovered numerous modules made by the Minnesota firm that had been utilized as part of the remote detonation system for IEDs. According to the plea documents filed today, between 2001 and 2007, IEDs were the major source of American combat casualties in Iraq.
In his guilty plea, Lim admitted that between August 2007 and February 2008, he and others caused 6,000 modules to be purchased and illegally exported from the Minnesota-based company through Singapore, and later to Iran, in five shipments, knowing that the export of U.S.-origin goods to Iran was a violation of U.S. law. In each transaction, Lim and others made misrepresentations and false statements to the Minnesota firm that Singapore was the final destination of the goods; at no point in the series of transactions did Lim or any of his co-conspirators inform the company that the modules were destined for Iran. Similarly, according to the statement of offense, Lim and others caused false documents to be filed with the U.S. government, in which they claimed that Singapore was the ultimate destination of the modules. Lim and his co-conspirators were directly aware of the restrictions on sending U.S.-origin goods to Iran.
Shortly after the modules arrived in Singapore, they were kept in storage at a freight forwarding company until being aggregated with other electronic components and shipped to Iran. There is no indication that Lim or any of his co-conspirators ever took physical possession of these modules before they reached Iran or that they were incorporated into another product before being re-exported to Iran.
According to the statement of offense, 14 of the 6,000 modules the defendants routed from Minnesota to Iran were later recovered in Iraq, where the modules were being used as part of IED remote detonation systems.
This investigation was jointly conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents in Boston and Los Angeles; FBI agents in Minneapolis, and Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security agents in Chicago and Boston. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the Office of International Affairs in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, particularly the Justice Department Attaché in the Philippines, as well as the FBI and HSI Attachés in Singapore and Jakarta.
U.S. law enforcement authorities thanked the governments of Singapore and Indonesia for the substantial assistance that was provided in the investigation of this matter.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord of the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Julie Edelstein of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
District Man Sentenced to Prison Term for Shooting at Man Outside Carry-Out RestaurantRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Tyarn Thompson, 37, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to six years in prison on charges stemming from a shooting last spring outside a Southeast Washington carry-out restaurant, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Thompson pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of assault with intent to kill. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a prison term of four to six years. The Honorable Florence Pan accepted the plea today and sentenced Thompson accordingly. Following his prison term, Thompson will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on May 12, 2016, at approximately 11:40 a.m., Thompson encountered the victim at a carry-out restaurant in the 2900 block of Naylor Road SE. Thompson then confronted the victim regarding a fight they had earlier in the week over the victim’s girlfriend. As the victim was leaving the restaurant, Thompson approached him, brandished a gun, and fired several shots at him as the victim tried to run away. The victim stumbled and fell and Thompson fired additional shots. The victim’s sweatshirt was grazed by one of the bullets Thompson fired. Thompson then fled the scene before officers arrived.
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified Thompson as the shooter and an arrest warrant was issued on May 13, 2016. Thompson has been in custody since his arrest on June 6, 2016. As part of his plea, Thompson admitted to shooting at the victim and placing a call the day beforehand informing a witness that he intended to kill the victim.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocates Elsa Maltese and Lu Lan; Supervisor Security Specialist Michael Hailey; and Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Jones. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Sumit Mallick, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Home Invasion in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tremaine McDowell, 34, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 33-month prison term on charges stemming from a home invasion that took place earlier this year in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
McDowell was found guilty by a jury in October 2016 of second-degree burglary and felony credit card fraud. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced today by the Honorable Zoe Bush. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on one year of probation.
According to the government’s evidence, at about 3:30 a.m. on March 13, 2016, the victim went to sleep in his apartment in the 800 block of Quincy Street NW. He left his door unlocked. The victim woke about 8 a.m. to find that two laptops were missing from his apartment and three debit cards had been taken from his wallet.
The victim reported the burglary to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and as police were investigating, he began receiving fraud alerts from his banks. As it turned out, his three debit cards were used nearby, between 8 and 9 a.m. at a 7-Eleven, a Safeway, and at the Georgia Avenue / Petworth Metro Station. Security footage from each location showed the same person, in a red jacket, making purchases using the victim’s debit cards. At Safeway, the man also used a Safeway Rewards card, in the name of Tremaine McDowell, along with the victim’s debit card.
Several days later, a 7-Eleven employee notified detectives that he had seen the purchaser again, and when MPD detectives canvassed, they saw McDowell outside the Safeway. Detectives approached and spoke with him, ultimately putting him under arrest. McDowell was found to be in possession of a key fob that was used to access the victim’s apartment building on the night of the burglary, and key fob records specifically indicate that the fob was used to access the victim’s floor about two hours before the first debit card transaction took place.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Criminal Investigator Tommy Miller and Litigation Technology Specialist Ron Royal. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sonali Patel and Michael Romano, who prosecuted the case.
Maryland Woman Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Embezzlement Scheme Against Her EmployerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stacey Walters, 38, a former accountant at Howard University, was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison for a scheme in which she embezzled over $105,000 from her employer, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Walters, of Indian Head, Md., pled guilty in September 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to a charge of wire fraud. She was sentenced by the Honorable James E. Boasberg. Upon completion of her prison term, she will be placed on three years of supervised release. She also was ordered to pay $57,586 in restitution.
According to the government’s evidence, Walters was hired at Howard University in July 2010. Her responsibilities included preparing financial reports and performing general accounting and budget functions. She was terminated from the job in October 2011.
From December 2010 through May of 2011, according to the government’s evidence, Walters submitted a total of 13 forms authorizing payment from her employer to various vendors. However, she fraudulently listed the banking information for her own account on one of the forms, causing $9,388 to be transferred to her own account. In addition, Walters listed banking information for another individual, Shantel Brown, on 12 other forms, causing $96,398 to be transferred to Brown’s account. At the direction of Walters, Brown transferred half of the funds she had fraudulently received from Howard University to Walters.
Brown, 34, of Waldorf, Md., pled guilty on Feb. 22, 2016 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. She was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2016, also by Judge Boasberg, to a year and a day of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release. She also was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $128,072. In her guilty plea, Brown admitted taking part in the fraud against Howard University. She also admitted to carrying out a separate scheme from November 2011 through March 2013 in which she stole $79,874 from her employer, Defenders of Wildlife; Brown worked for the non-profit organization as a payroll/compliance specialist at the time.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), as well as Criminal Investigator Stephen Cohen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Swanton, Criminal Investigator Juan Juarez, and Paralegal Specialists Jessica Mundi, Christopher Toms, and Aisha Keys, all of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Finally, he acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Howie, who prosecuted both cases.
Iranian National Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export Products from the U.S. to IranRead the Press Release
Mansour Moghtaderi Zadeh, 56, an Iranian national, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release for taking part in a conspiracy involving the purchase and shipment of various products, including aviation parts and aviation supplies, from the U.S. to Iran without a license. Zadeh was also ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $69,159.00.
The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips for the District of Columbia, Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Etre of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Boston and Special Agent in Charge Michael Imbrogna of the Bureau of Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Boston. The sentence was ordered by Senior Judge Paul L. Friedman in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Zadeh, who had been living in Iran, pled guilty on October 27, to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully export goods, technology and services to Iran without the required license, and to defraud the U.S. In court documents filed at the time of the plea, Zadeh acknowledged that beginning in October 2005, Iranian companies requested that Zadeh through his company, Barsan, procure products including a fiber optic video transmitter and receiver, and aviation course indicators that would otherwise require a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to be exported to Iran. Members of the conspiracy arranged for the items to be sent from the U.S. to Iran, for which Zadeh received a commission.
In March 2007, Zadeh and co-conspirators attempted to export metal sheets and rods that are used in the aviation manufacturing industry from the U.S. to Iran without the required license from OFAC. Zadeh had arranged for his new corporation, Lavantia, to purchase the items. Zadeh also used an alias in his communications.
In September 2007, the shipment was detained by the U.S. Department of Commerce pending certification of the end user. In October 2007, the Department of Commerce issued a Temporary Denial Order (TDO) against Lavantia and Zadeh, under his alias. The TDO prohibited Lavantia and Zadeh from participating in any way in exporting commodities from the U.S. Notwithstanding the TDO, Zadeh and other conspirators exported and attempted to export numerous materials from the U.S., including resin, sealant, paint, pneumatic grease, film adhesive and polyurethane coating and thinner. The post-TDO conduct included more than $69,000 of exported goods.
In announcing the sentence, Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Special Agent in Charge Etre and Special Agent in Charge Imbrogna commended the work of the Special Agents who investigated the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorney George Varghese, now with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, and Paralegal Specialist Jorge Casillas. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frederick W. Yette and Jeffrey Pearlman, who prosecuted the case, as well as Trial Attorney Thea Kendler, of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Iranian National Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Export Products from the United States to IranRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—Mansour Moghtaderi Zadeh, 56, an Iranian national, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for taking part in a conspiracy involving the purchase and shipment of various products, including aviation parts and aviation supplies, from the United States to Iran without a license.
The sentencing, which took place in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, was announced by Mary B. McCord, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Channing D. Phillips, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Etre, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, and Special Agent in Charge Michael Imbrogna, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, Boston.
Zadeh, who had been living in Iran, pled guilty on Oct. 27, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully export goods, technology, and services to Iran without the required license, and to defraud the United States. He was sentenced by Senior Judge Paul L. Friedman. Following completion of his prison term, Zadeh will be placed on a year of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $69,159.
In court documents filed at the time of the plea, Zadeh acknowledged that beginning in October 2005, Iranian companies requested that Zadeh, through his company, Barsan, procure products, including a fiber optic video transmitter and receiver and aviation course indicators that would otherwise require a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to be exported to Iran. Members of the conspiracy arranged for the items to be sent from the United States to Iran, for which Zadeh received a commission.
In March 2007, Zadeh and co-conspirators attempted to export metal sheets and rods that are used in the aviation manufacturing industry from the United States to Iran, without the required license from OFAC. Zadeh had arranged for his new corporation, Lavantia, to purchase the items, and used an alias in his communications. In September 2007, the shipment was detained by the United States Department of Commerce pending certification of the end user. In October 2007, the Department of Commerce issued a Temporary Denial Order (TDO) against Lavantia and Zadeh (under his alias). The TDO prohibited Lavantia and Zadeh from participating in any way in exporting commodities from the United States. Notwithstanding the TDO, Zadeh and other conspirators exported and attempted to export numerous materials from the United States, including resin, sealant, paint, pneumatic grease, film adhesive, and polyurethane coating and thinner. The post-TDO conduct included more than $69,000 of exported goods.
In announcing the sentence, Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Special Agent in Charge Etre, and Special Agent in Charge Imbrogna commended the work of the Special Agents who investigated the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney George Varghese, now with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, and Paralegal Specialist Jorge Casillas. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frederick W. Yette and Jeffrey Pearlman, who prosecuted the case, as well as Trial Attorney Thea Kendler, of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Carjacking in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Donald Thompson, 23, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to charges stemming from a carjacking that took place earlier this year in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Thompson pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to charges of carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for a sentence of seven years in prison. The Honorable Zoe Bush scheduled sentencing for March 24, 2017.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 26, 2016, at approximately 11 p.m., Thompson and an accomplice approached the victim in the area of 16th and Gales Streets NE. The victim was waiting for a friend just outside a 2016 Dodge Ram truck that he rented earlier that day. The victim’s dirt bike was strapped into the back of truck. Thompson and his accomplice asked about the dirt bike and then walked away.
Moments later, however, Thompson and his accomplice returned to the scene. The accomplice pointed what appeared to be a dark-colored semiautomatic handgun at the victim, and Thompson snatched an iPhone from the victim’s hands. Thompson then entered the Dodge Ram and drove away, making a right onto Gales Street. The accomplice stayed with the victim, holding him at gunpoint and robbing him of approximately $1,000.
Minutes after the robbery and carjacking, Thompson and his accomplice met up in the 2000 block of D Street NE, where they attempted to remove the dirt bike from the Dodge Ram, leaving their fingerprints on the truck’s tailgate. After attempting, unsuccessfully, to remove the dirt bike, Thompson and his accomplice abandoned the Dodge Ram and the dirt bike.
Thompson was arrested on July 12, 2016 after his fingerprints were found on the Dodge Ram. He has remained in custody ever since.
Thompson’s alleged accomplice, 24, is awaiting trial on multiple counts, including conspiracy, armed carjacking, and armed robbery.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Barker, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Offense for Confrontation with Law Enforcement at U.S. CapitolRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Larry Russell Dawson, 67, of Antioch, Tenn., pled guilty today to a federal offense stemming from a confrontation with law enforcement while he was being screened on March 28, 2016, at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Matthew R. Verderosa, Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police.
Dawson pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a federal charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers while using a deadly or dangerous weapon.
The charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, and potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the charge carries a likely range of eight to 14 months in prison and a fine of up to $40,000. The Honorable James E. Boasberg scheduled sentencing for February 24, 2017.
Dawson has been in custody since his arrest on the day of the incident.
According to plea documents, on Monday, March 28, 2016, at about 2:37 p.m., Dawson entered the north security screening facility at the visitor center. He placed several personal items in a bowl in preparation for going through a metal detector. He then walked through a metal detector, which indicated the presence of metal at his waist level. Dawson was instructed to pass back through the detector, and metal again was detected.
A Capitol Police officer then ushered Dawson through the metal detector. In response to the officer’s request, Dawson spread his arms. The officer then scanned Dawson with a hand-held metal detector, which indicated the presence of metal in the area of Dawson’s right waistband. Suddenly, Dawson reached into the area of his waist with his right hand, and removed what appeared to be a black handgun. Dawson also raised his left hand between himself and the officer. The officer grabbed Dawson’s left upper arm. As Dawson moved away from the officer and to Dawson’s right, the officer placed the hand-held metal detector on Dawson’s torso. Dawson seized the hand-held metal detector from the officer and quickly moved further into the visitor center. While moving, he threw the hand-held metal detector onto the floor.
A few moments later, Dawson turned around, held the gun in his right hand, and pointed it at the officer who had screened him. Other Capitol Police officers ordered Dawson to drop the weapon and put his hands in the air. Dawson ignored their verbal commands and advanced toward the officer who had screened him, continuing to point the weapon. One of the other Capitol Police officers then shot Dawson. The entry doors into the screening facility as well as the doors leading into the Capitol Visitor Center were locked to contain the threat. Dawson was apprehended, searched, rendered first aid, and transported to a hospital.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Mobile Crime units recovered Dawson’s gun, a Daisy spring-loaded BB gun. In color, shape, weight, and other outward appearances, the gun resembled a semi-automatic handgun. Under federal law, an imitation gun, when used in circumstances such as those described in the plea documents, qualifies as a dangerous weapon.
At today’s proceedings, Dawson also pled guilty to a second charge arising from another matter. On October 22, 2015, Dawson was arrested after allegedly having disrupted Congress. He was charged in that case in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia with assaulting, resisting or interfering with a police officer and disorderly and disruptive conduct on U.S. Capitol grounds. He was released in that case with a court order to return for a hearing on December 8, 2015. Dawson failed to appear for that hearing. He pled guilty today to failing to appear in court, a District of Columbia offense that is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a potential fine. Judge Boasberg also will sentence him on this charge on February 24, 2017.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Chief Verderosa commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Capitol Police. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including former Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline Barkett and Nathan Charles. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney David Mudd, who is prosecuting the case.
District Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Attacking Woman at Southeast Washington ParkRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Tayshawn Sellers, 18, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for attacking a woman last spring at a Southeast Washington park, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Sellers pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, to a charge of assault with intent to kill while armed. He was sentenced by the Honorable Michael Ryan. Upon completion of his prison term, Sellers will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on the evening of April 21, 2016, Sellers and his 18-year-old cousin went with the victim to a wooded area behind the baseball field in Benning Park, in the 5100 block of Southern Ave SE. During their encounter with the victim, Sellers and his cousin started to kick, punch, and hit her all over her body. They left her lying naked from the waist down, badly injured, bleeding, and unable to move.
Sellers later returned to the crime scene, where the victim was still lying motionless in the wooded area where he had left her. Sellers repeatedly smashed a glass bottle into the victim’s face as she lay on the ground. When she was found by law enforcement at about 7:30 the next morning, she was naked from the waist down, bleeding, on broken glass. She could not communicate with the officers. She had severe trauma to her head and face, including major swelling and multiple lacerations to her face. She suffered extensive injuries from the defendant’s actions and remains disabled. Sellers was arrested April 22, 2016 and has remained in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of the detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit. He also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson, Paralegal Specialists Tierra Nanches and Angelina Slagle, and Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julianne Johnston, Kenya Davis, and Anwar Graves, who prosecuted the case.
Former Head of Non-Profit Organization Pleads Guilty in Theft of More Than $250,000Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Blair Wynkoop, 58, the former executive director of a non-profit organization, pled guilty today to a charge stemming from the theft of at least $250,000 from the charity, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Wynkoop, of Portland, Oregon, pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of interstate transportation of stolen property. The Honorable Reggie B. Walton scheduled sentencing for March 17, 2017. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Wynkoop faces a likely range of 24 to 46 months in prison and potential financial penalties. He has agreed to pay $425,249 in restitution to a number of charitable organizations and must pay a forfeiture money judgment.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Wynkoop became executive director of the charity, identified in court documents as “Company A,” in 2008. The non-profit sought to address the needs of people with HIV or AIDS. It operated as a consortium of independent charities and received charitable donations itself and functioned as a pass-through for donations to its member charities.
At the outset of his tenure as executive director, Wynkoop caused “Company A” to make many of the required distributions of contributions to the member charities. However, from 2010 through 2012, he did not distribute all of the money and used funds for his own benefit.
While he was executive director, Wynkoop wrote checks and made wire transfers from the bank accounts of “Company A” to himself. For some, but not all, of these payments, he provided the non-profit’s part-time bookkeeper with justifications for expenses; many of these justifications were fabricated and designed to conceal the fraud. In the course of the scheme, Wynkoop defrauded the non-profit of more than $250,000.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Deputy Inspector General Vint expressed appreciation for the work of Special Agent Christopher Sulhoff and others who assisted with investigating the case from the OPM Inspector General’s Office. They also commended the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including former Document Management Analyst John Lowell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Swanton, who is handling forfeiture issues. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Peter C. Lallas, who is prosecuting the case.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder While Armed in November 2015 StabbingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON -- Daniel Scott, 36, of Washington, D.C. pled guilty today to a charge stemming from an incident in November 2015 in which he stabbed another man in the face, causing the victim’s death, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Scott pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to second-degree murder while armed. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for a prison sentence of 15 years. The Honorable Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for Feb. 24, 2017.
According to the government’s evidence, during the early evening hours of Nov. 21, 2015, Scott became involved in an argument with a female panhandler over money she had received from a patron while standing outside of the 7-Eleven store in the 1100 block of South Capitol Street SW. At some point during this dispute, Scott obtained a knife and began swinging it at the female panhandler, who was also with a male companion. Shortly thereafter, the pair left the 7-Eleven property and began traveling towards M Street SE.
Unbeknownst to them, Scott followed the pair as they left the 7-Eleven and crossed the street. Scott then confronted them and lunged at the male, James Michael Neal, stabbing him once in the face with a butcher’s knife. Scott then threw the knife to the ground and fled the area. After a look-out was given, Scott was apprehended a short distance away at a nearby McDonald’s restaurant. Mr. Neal, 54, was transported to a local hospital to receive further medical treatment for the stab wound to the face, which was determined to have penetrated his nasal cavity, causing hemorrhaging throughout his brain and skull. Over the course of the night, his condition progressively deteriorated and on Nov. 22, 2015, he died from the injuries.
Scott has been in custody since his arrest.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Willoughby, Jr., who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to 7 1/2-Year Prison Term in Shooting of Off-Duty Security GuardRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Warren Bibbs, 34, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a prison term of 90 months on charges involving the shooting of an off-duty security guard in Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips.
Bibbs pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of aggravated assault while armed and one count of threats. He was sentenced by the Honorable Chief Judge Robert E. Morin. After his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on May 2, 2016, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Bibbs went to the Columbia Heights apartment building where his girlfriend was staying with family members. Bibbs and his girlfriend had been arguing since the prior evening. While outside of the building, Bibbs threatened to come in and blow up the building.
As Bibbs was pacing up and down the sidewalk on 14th Street NW, he encountered an off-duty security guard who was on break. Bibbs pulled out a .38-caliber special revolver and shot the off-duty security guard at close range in his right shoulder. Bibbs was under the influence of K2 at the time of the offense. A lookout for the shooter was broadcast and Bibbs was located by police within hours with the loaded revolver on his person.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work performed by those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Donville Drummond and Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Crane, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to 42 1/2 Years in Prison for 2014 Slaying in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gregory Green, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a prison term of 42 ½-years on charges stemming from the 2014 slaying of a man in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Green was found guilty by a jury in October 2016, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of charges of first-degree felony murder while armed and robbery while armed. He was sentenced by the Honorable Milton C. Lee. Following completion of his prison term, Green is to be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 29, 2014, shortly after midnight, the victim, Derrick Williams, returned from work to his home. After talking to his girlfriend for a few minutes, he left to go to buy something to drink. A short time later, a witness reported hearing gunshots in the area of the 1200 block of Eaton Place SE. The witness saw Green and another man standing over Mr. Williams, who was on the ground. Mr. Williams, 35, died almost instantly from one gunshot wound to the head. Green, wearing all black, went into Mr. Williams’s front pockets and then flipped the victim over before going into his back pockets. Green was arrested on April 2, 2014. No one else was arrested in the case.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Interim Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Lashone Samuels, Zekiah Wright, and Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie; Paralegal Supervisor Sharon Newman; Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Tonya Jones; Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator David Foster; Victim/Witness Program Specialist Wanda Queen; Supervisory Victim/Witness Program Specialist Michael Hailey; Information Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Criminal Investigator Mark Crawford; Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chrisellen Kolb, John Mannarino and Stephen Rickard, and Intern James Haynes. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrienne Dedjinou and Charles Willoughby, Jr., who prosecuted the case.
California Man Sentenced to 80 Months in Prison for Traveling into the District of Columbia to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Raymond Carter, 73 of Rancho Cordova, Calif., was sentenced today to 80 months in prison on a charge of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Carter pled guilty in September 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan. Upon completion of his prison term, Carter will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years upon his release from prison.
According to the government's evidence, on May 6, 2016, Carter began communicating with an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force who purported to have access to a juvenile. Carter then began a series of text message conversations with the undercover officer in which he indicated that he would be traveling to Washington, D.C. As their conversations continued, he arranged to meet on May 10, 2016. When he arrived at a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C., he was arrested. He has been in custody ever since.
During his conversations with the undercover officer, according to the government’s evidence, Carter made reference to a previous arrest that led to his conviction in another federal child exploitation case. In that case, which was filed in the Eastern District of California, Carter was sentenced in 2005 to a three-year prison term and ordered to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD. 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
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Assistant Director in Charge Abbate, and Interim Chief Newsham praised the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea L. Hertzfeld, who is prosecuting the case.
District Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison on Felony Drug Trafficking and Gun Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Marlon Haight, 37, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 12 years and eight months in prison on drug trafficking and gun possession charges relating to the maintenance of a drug house in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Michael Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Following a jury trial in July 2016 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Haight was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base in excess of 28 grams, and marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. He was sentenced by the Honorable James E. Boasberg. Upon completion of his prison term, Haight will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, in November 2014, Haight, along with his co-conspirators, controlled an apartment in the Lincoln Heights area of Northeast Washington. At the residence, Haight would process, package, and sell cocaine, crack, and marijuana. During a Nov. 20, 2014, search warrant, law enforcement recovered distribution quantities of narcotics from the residence, with a loaded firearm and a safe in which packaged narcotics, additional ammunition, and cash were stored. At the time of his arrest, Haight was on supervision for a prior assault with a dangerous weapon conviction.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Special Agent in Charge Boxler, and Interim Chief Newsham commended the work of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the Special Investigations Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Candace Battle, Mary Downing, and Teesha Tobias; former Paralegal Specialist Sentamu Kiremerwa; Legal Assistants Peter Gaboton, Brendan Coyne, Diane Brashears, and Latoya Wade; Victim/Witness Security Specialists Michael Hailey and Wanda Queen, Victim/Witness Coordinators Tonya Jones and David Foster; Information Technology Specialist Kimberly Smith; Budget Analyst Donna Proctor, and Administrative Services Specialist, Sallie Rynas. Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar Mohanty and Christopher Macchiaroli, who prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Series of Robberies and Home InvasionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Robert Williams, 23, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to a 19-year prison term on charges stemming from a series of robberies and home invasions that he carried out in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced today.
Williams was sentenced on Nov. 30, 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, by the Honorable Zoe Bush. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on 13 years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Dec. 19, 2014, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Williams and a second individual carried out a home invasion in the 1500 block of Oates Street NE. The victim, a 70-year-old man, was home alone at the time. During the ordeal, the victim was gagged, bound and placed in a closet. Williams and his accomplice took over $700, the victim’s car, and two flat-screen televisions. Williams pled guilty in October 2016 to a charge of second-degree burglary in this incident. No one else has been charged in this case.
The second incident took place on April 28, 2015, at approximately 12:50 p.m. According to the government’s evidence, Williams entered an apartment in the 1700 block of Benning Road NE as the two victims were in the process of moving out. Masked, he approached the first victim and, when he learned that she did not have any money, struck her in the face with his handgun, causing a significant wound to her forehead. He then robbed the second victim of approximately $150. Surveillance video captured Williams entering and running out of the apartment building. When apprehended hours later, Williams was wearing the same clothing that he wore when he committed the crime and on video. Williams was found guilty by a jury in July 2016 of armed robbery, first-degree burglary, assault with intent to rob, and various firearms offenses for the crimes committed that day.
The third incident occurred on Nov. 25, 2015, at approximately 9 a.m. Williams robbed a restaurant manager at gunpoint outside the establishment in the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue NE. He took about $200 in cash and the victim’s cellphone. Williams pled guilty in October 2016 to a charge of armed robbery for this attack.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Damien Diggs, who secured the indictment, and Litigation Technology Assistant Aneela Bhatia. Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kamil E. Shields, who prosecuted the case at trial and obtained the guilty pleas.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 7 1/2-Year Prison Term for Sexually Abusing 12-Year-OldRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Enrique Carbajal, 25, of Wheaton, Md., was sentenced today to 90 months in prison on a charge of first-degree sexual abuse of a child for sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl this year in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Carbajal pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, before the Honorable José M. Lopez. The plea, which was subject to the Court’s approval, called for a prison sentence of 90 months. Judge Lopez accepted the plea today and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Following his prison term, Carbajal will be placed on five years of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for ten years after his prison term and pay $1,000 in restitution.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 26, 2016, Carbajal contacted the victim’s mother to ask whether he could come to her house in Northwest Washington to have lunch with the child. When the mother told him that the child was not likely to be home, he went there regardless. At about noon that day, the child opened the door and allowed Carbajal to come inside. He then sexually assaulted the child inside of her parent’s bedroom. At the conclusion of the assault, Carbajal took the victim to his apartment in Wheaton.
Once inside the apartment, Carbajal approached his roommate with the victim and described her as “a piece of new meat.” According to the government’s evidence, the roommate then took the victim into a bedroom and sexually assaulted the child. Then, both Carbajal and the roommate took the child to a party in Alexandria, Va., where the roommate once again sexually assaulted the child inside a bedroom.
Both Carbajal and the roommate were arrested in Montgomery County, Md., on June 3, 2016, and have been held in jail during the pendency of their cases. The roommate pled guilty to one count of second-degree rape in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County on Aug. 17, 2016. He will be sentenced on Dec. 7, 2016, before the Honorable Mary McCormick.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work performed by those who investigated the case from the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division, the Special Victims Investigation Division of the Montgomery County, Md. Department of Police, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office in Maryland, and the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney in Alexandria, Va. He also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Tiffany Jones and Lashaune Briggs, Victim/Witness Advocate Yvonne Bryant, Witness Security Specialist Michael Hailey, and Computer Forensic Examiner John Marsh. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Suttenberg and Danny Nguyen, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Former Office Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $290,000 from Three Different EmployersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tinita Joyner, 52, of Rockville, Md., pled guilty today to embezzling nearly $290,000 from three companies where she had access to financial accounts while working as an office manager or as an executive assistant, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Joyner pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to wire fraud, an offense that is punishable by a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, she faces a likely range of 33 to 41 months in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. The plea agreement calls for her to pay a total of $289,640 in restitution. The Honorable James E. Boasberg scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7, 2017.
According to the government’s evidence, Joyner stole the money from September 2012 through September of 2015, while working a succession of three jobs in which she had access to her employer’s financial information and accounts. The companies, which are not identified by name in court documents, did not authorize Joyner to make credit card purchases outside of her responsibilities of paying office related expenses and bank transfers and withdrawals that she then used for the benefit of herself and others.” The losses took place as follows:
“Company A” – Joyner was hired as an office manager in July 2012 for this consulting firm, which assisted organizations that wanted to establish and elevate their presence with emerging economies across the globe. In September of 2012, she became director of internal affairs and was in charge of the company’s day-to-day operations. According to the government’s evidence, from September 2012 through February 2014, Joyner fraudulently obtained $187,682 through unauthorized purchases on corporate credit cards and unauthorized bank transfers. Meanwhile, as the company fell behind on rental payments and payments for employee health insurance, Joyner forged documents to secure a loan for the firm. Finally, in February of 2014, the company’s chief executive officer learned that Joyner had forged his name, giving her unlimited access to the company’s account, and that she had made unauthorized withdrawals. Soon after that, he told Joyner that her services would no longer be needed. At the time of her departure, the company owed $31,120 on the bank loan that she had taken out.
Total loss caused by these activities: $218,802.
“Company B” – In April 2014, Joyner began employment at a temporary agency and was assigned to work as an executive assistant to the president of this non-profit that is focused on empowering students to become leaders in the community. In September of 2014, she was hired as a permanent employee. From August until December 2014, according to the government’s evidence, Joyner made $6,964 in unauthorized purchases on the company’s credit card. She also used the personal information of the president to fraudulently obtain two additional credit cards. From September 2014 through February 2015, she made $23,753 in unauthorized purchases on these cards. She also made two unauthorized electronic transfers to the cards from the company’s account, totaling $10,523. She was terminated in December 2014.
Total loss caused by these activities: $41,240.
“Company C” – In February 2015, Joyner was hired as the executive assistant to this management consulting company, which primarily worked with the federal government on civilian programs. From March 2015 through September 2015, according to the government’s evidence, she made $20,638 in unauthorized charges to the company’s credit card, using the money to pay a relative’s tuition at a private high school and for various personal expenses. In addition, she created six fraudulent vouchers that cost the company an additional $8,960.
Total loss caused by these activities: $29,598
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Assistant Director in Charge Abbate commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Arvind K. Lal, Chief of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, Paralegal Specialists Kaitlyn Krueger, Jessica Mundi and Christopher Toms, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Howie, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Pair of Armed Robberies in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jamah Harris, 25, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 10-year prison term on charges involving a pair of armed robberies that he committed the same night in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips.
Harris was found guilty in August 2016 by a jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of two counts of armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced by the Honorable Zoe Bush. After his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, the robberies took place on Aug. 25, 2014. In the first incident, at approximately 8:10 p.m., the victim, a retired electrician who has lived his entire life in Washington D.C., was robbed at gunpoint outside his home on Bladensburg Road NE. Harris and an accomplice approached the man and demanded he empty his pockets. Scared for his life, he gave up his wallet and cash.
The second robbery took place less than 10 minutes later. This victim, a mechanic who runs a car repair shop, was robbed at gunpoint outside his business on Evarts Road NE. The victim reported that a 1997/1998 Mercedes Benz E32 had pulled up just past his shop. Harris and his accomplice got out of the Mercedes, pointed what appeared to be a shotgun and a small handgun at the victim’s face, and demanded his money. The victim gave Harris his money.
After Harris and his accomplice returned to their Mercedes, one of them dropped a wallet just before driving away. That wallet was later identified as the first victim’s wallet. Additionally, the entire second incident was captured on surveillance video, and evidence showed that the defendant’s 1997 Mercedes E32 was in the area of the robberies.
After the defendant was identified as the perpetrator, Metropolitan Police Department (MOD) detectives located Harris on Sept. 16, 2014, and attempted to stop him. Harris fled in his Mercedes and officers chased him to the Bladensburg, Md., Waterfront, where Prince George’s County, Md, police officers apprehended him after he jumped into the Anacostia River. A weapon similar to the description provided by the two victims was recovered from Harris’s house during the execution of a search warrant. Harris’s accomplice has not been apprehended.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips praised the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Prince George’s County Police Department. He also commended the work of those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kerkhoff, Kimberley Nielsen, Jeffrey Nestler, and Stephen Rickard; Elizabeth Trosman, Chief of the Appellate Division; Paralegal Specialists Zoe Antwi and Tiffany Fogle, and Litigation Technology Specialist Kimberly Smith. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Barker and J. Matt Williams, who prosecuted the case, and Nebiyu Feleke, who indicted the case.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics ChargeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Azeik Keys, 39, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to a federal narcotics offense stemming from a law enforcement search that uncovered drugs in a safe kept in his residence, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Michael Hughes, U.S. Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Keys pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Keys faces a likely range of 46 to 57 months in prison. The plea agreement calls for him to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $1,370. The Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2017.
The federal case is related to another matter in which Keys was found guilty of failing to register as a sex offender and felony threats, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Keys was sentenced in September 2016 to a six-year prison term on those charges.
Keys was convicted in 2004 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of first-degree sex abuse, sentenced to a six-year prison term, and ordered to register as a sex offender. He was required to register quarterly for the rest of his life. In 2013, he was convicted in the District of Columbia of failing to register as a sex offender. He registered the following year, using his parents’ address in Northeast Washington. Despite moving from that residence, he continued to register that address between November 2014 and April 2015 as his own.
The U.S. Marshals Service began an investigation in January 2015, and Keys’s true residence was ultimately located in an apartment building in Southeast Washington. He was apprehended on April 17, 2015, in a bedroom of that residence. Inside the bedroom, Deputy U.S. Marshals observed in plain view a small amount of marijuana and packaging materials. They subsequently obtained a warrant to search the bedroom and a safe located on the dresser. They found a loaded handgun, cocaine, and approximately $1,370 inside the safe, and an additional loaded handgun inside of the bedroom.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Marshal Hughes commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Marshals Service, particularly Deputy Marshals William Straw, Justin Bankert, and Jesse Miller. They expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Catherine O’Neal and Legal Assistant Peter Gaboton. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamila Hodge, who is prosecuting the federal case.
District Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Sexual Attack Against Woman in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Juwaun Evans, 21, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on charges involving a home invasion and sexual assault at an apartment building in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Evans pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count each of attempted first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree burglary. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a prison term of eight years. The Honorable Michael Ryan accepted the plea today and sentenced Evans accordingly. Upon completion of his prison term, Evans will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. Evans also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
During the plea proceedings, Evans admitted that on the afternoon of Aug. 17, 2014, he encountered the victim near her apartment building in the 3900 block of Georgia Avenue NW. Evans, whom the victim did not know and had never met, followed her into the building and to her floor. There, he forced his way into her apartment against her will, overcoming her as she attempted to stop him from entering. Evans admitted that he threatened the victim, sexually assaulted her, and then fled the apartment.
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified Evans as the suspect and an arrest warrant was issued on Feb. 23, 2016. As part of his plea, Evans admitted to sexually assaulting the victim and forcing his way into her apartment against her will.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of the detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson and Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Park and John Timmer, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Sexual Attacks Against Women in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Darius Nelson, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 40-year prison term on charges involving a series of sexual assaults in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Peter Newsham, Interim, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Nelson pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to three counts of first-degree sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a prison term of 40 years, to run consecutively to the 22-year sentence that Nelson is currently serving for other sexual assault convictions. The Honorable José M. López accepted the plea today and sentenced Nelson accordingly. Upon completion of his prison term, Nelson will be placed on supervised release for the rest of his life. He also must register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
In the earlier case, Nelson pled guilty in 2014 to sexually assaulting two women in separate attacks in Southeast Washington in October of 2013. In this case, in September, he pled guilty to assaulting three other women in separate incidents in 2012 and 2013.
In his guilty plea in this case, Nelson admitted that late in the evening on April 11, 2012, he was walking with the first victim when he put her into a chokehold and dragged her to the rear of a residence in the 1600 block of 21st Place SE. He threw her to the ground, punched her in the face, and sexually assaulted her. After the sexual assault, he again physically assaulted her.
Nelson further admitted that in the early morning hours of Aug. 18, 2012, the second victim was walking on Minnesota Avenue SE, near Pennsylvania Avenue, when he started a conversation with her. During that conversation, Nelson hit her in the face and put what he told the victim was a knife to her back. He then forced her to the rear of a gas station where he sexually assaulted her. Afterward, he ordered her to stay on the ground and not get up, and he fled.
Finally, Nelson admitted that late in the evening on Sept. 18, 2013, he grabbed the third victim from behind in a chokehold and forced her into an alley in the rear of the 2200 block of Nicholson Street SE. In the alley, he robbed her, then pushed her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. When finished, he told her to stay down and remain still, and he fled the scene.
The victims were all taken to Washington Hospital Center, where they each received a sexual assault examination. Swabs taken from two of the victims during their examinations were sent to Bode Technology for DNA testing. A male DNA profile found on the swabs was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a web of state and national databases containing DNA profiles from convicted offenders and crime scenes that is used as an investigative tool. Nelson was identified as a suspect through a CODIS search and DNA “cold hit.” His DNA profile had been loaded into the CODIS database following his 2014 convictions for sexually assaulting the other two women. During an interview with detectives from the MPD’s Sexual Assault Unit in November 2014, Nelson admitted to committing his crimes against the three women in the case that led to the plea today.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Interim Chief Newsham commended the work of the detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson and Paralegal Specialists Tierra Nanches, Angelina Slagle, and Wanda Trice. Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julianne Johnston, Jodi Lazarus, and Lindsay Suttenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Maryland Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Burglaries in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dana Dixon, 26, of Silver Spring, Md., was sentenced today to six years in prison for a pair of burglaries carried out in the middle of the day in Northwest Washington in September 2014, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Dixon pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to two counts of second-degree burglary. He was sentenced by the Honorable Zoe Bush. Upon completion of his prison term, Dixon will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also is required to pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $7,284.
According to the government’s evidence, Dixon committed two separate burglaries in Northwest Washington on Sept. 18, 2014. First, Dixon, with two accomplices, Ramone Laird and Emmanuel Sumo, broke into an apartment in the 2900 block of Adams Mill Road NW with a crowbar, stole electronics, cash, and clothing, and in the process ransacked the apartment and damaged the front door. Dixon and his accomplices attempted to enter another apartment inside the building, but were unsuccessful when they could not breach the door with their crowbar.
After leaving the building, Dixon, with his accomplices, broke into another apartment that same day in the 1800 block of Columbia Road NW, and again stole items from inside, ransacked the apartment, and damaged the front door. In response to a 911 call, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) apprehended Laird running from the residence with the stolen property from the second burglary in his possession. Sumo and Dixon successfully fled from the police. The police recovered surveillance video showing Dixon, Laird, and Sumo at both apartment complexes prior to the burglaries taking place.
Laird and Sumo, both 22 and both from Silver Spring, Md., were previously sentenced to prison terms for their roles in the burglaries. At the time of his arrest, Dixon was serving a sentence in Maryland after having been convicted of gun offenses.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Third District. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman, Paralegal Specialist Allison Daniels and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Macchiaroli and David Misler, who prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for Two Armed Robberies of Commercial Businesses in the Same WeekRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Malik Mingo, 20, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a prison term of 13 years and five months stemming from two separate armed robberies of commercial businesses in September 2015 in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Mingo pled guilty in August 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and one count of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence as to two separate offenses. He was sentenced by the Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer. Upon completion of his prison term, Mingo will be placed on 30 months of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Sept. 19, 2015, at approximately 12:50 p.m., Mingo, while masked, and with at least two additional masked individuals, entered Pizza Bolis, a pizza shop in the 1500 block of Alabama Avenue SE. During the robbery, a gun was placed at the head of the cashier and approximately $213 was stolen from the register. Mingo and his accomplices also stole $1,800 and a cellphone from a customer inside the pizzeria. The masked individuals were seen leaving the area in a black Infinity SUV.
Four days later, on Sept. 23, 2015, at approximately noon, Mingo and his accomplice, Jarred Thomas, entered the “Like That 2” barber shop in the 3300 block of Stanton Road SE, while wearing masks and brandishing loaded firearms. The barber shop was located around the corner from the Pizza Bolis that had been robbed four days earlier. At gunpoint, Mingo ordered everyone to the ground and demanded that they hand over their money. Numerous victims were robbed at gunpoint of cash and possessions. Present during the armed robbery was a small child. After the robbery, Mingo was observed leaving the area in a black Infinity SUV that matched the vehicle seen leaving the Pizza Bolis pizzeria. Mingo subsequently was apprehended by the police three blocks from the barber shop and a firearm was recovered in his flight path. The black Infinity SUV used by Mingo was located and identified as having been stolen in a separate armed robbery eight days earlier.
Thomas, 20, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty in May 2016, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to charges stemming from the barber shop robbery, including one count of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, one count of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle. He was sentenced on July 13, 2016 to a prison term of 121 months.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Assistant Director in Charge Abbate, and Interim Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Violent Crime Task Force of the FBI’s Washington Field Office and from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Candace Battle, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Macchiaroli, of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Trafficking Section, who prosecuted the matter.
Construction Company Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud GovernmentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michelle Cho, an officer of Far East Construction Corporation (Far East) and other construction companies, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of conspiring to commit wire fraud. Cho also agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $169,166 and pay a criminal fine in the amount of $35,000.
The plea agreement was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Renata Hesse of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division; U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA); Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Reihms of the Central Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and Director Frank Robey of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU).
According to court documents filed as part of the plea, Cho utilized two straw companies, including Far East, to conspire with MCC Construction Company (MCC) and others to defraud the SBA. Cho’s two companies were eligible to receive federal government contracts set asides for small, disadvantaged businesses. Cho and MCC understood that MCC would, illegally, perform all of the work on these contracts. In so doing, MCC was able to win 27 government contracts worth over $70 million from 2008 to 2011. The scope and duration of the scheme resulted in a significant number of opportunities lost to legitimate small and disadvantaged businesses.
“Michelle Cho knowingly participated in a long-standing scheme that manipulated federal contracts designated for small, disadvantaged businesses,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Hesse. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the procurement system.”
“Michelle Cho sought to unjustly enrich herself by participating in a fraudulent scheme that blatantly undermined a program to designate federal contracts for small disadvantaged businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Phillips. “Companies that benefit from the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program are expected to perform the agreed-upon work in return for taxpayer dollars. This prosecution shows our determination to maintain the integrity of federal contracting programs so that benefits go only to deserving businesses.”
“This conspiracy to deceive and defraud the federal government caused funds to be diverted illegally and cheated small businesses out of fair federal contracting opportunities,” said Assistant Director in Charge Abbate. “The FBI remains vigilant to such abuses of the system and will continue to work with our partners to bring to justice anyone who perpetrates fraud against the government.”
“Today’s guilty plea signifies our commitment to bringing individuals that conspire to fraudulently gain access to set-aside Federal contracting opportunities to justice,” said SBA Inspector General Gustafson. “Fraudulently passing work to ineligible businesses subverts the intent of SBA’s preferential contracting programs to assist small businesses as engines of economic development and job creation. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their leadership and dedication to serving justice.”
“We will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who game the government procurement process at the expense American taxpayers and legitimate small businesses,” said GSA Inspector General Ochoa.
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is committed to working with our partner agencies to combat fraud impacting the Department of Defense's vital programs and operations and maintain the integrity of the procurement system,” said Special Agent in Charge Reihms.
“Today's plea is a fitting end for those who conspire to defraud the government,” said Director Robey. “The Major Procurement Fraud Unit is proud to work with our federal law enforcement partners to protect the coffers of the U.S. government from those who break the law and threaten the readiness of the U.S. Army.”
Cho, 45, of Downers Grove, Illinois, was charged in a criminal information on October 12, 2016 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud. She waived the requirement of being charged by way of federal indictment, agreed to the filing of the information and accepted responsibility for her criminal conduct. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison and potential financial penalties.
The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2017.
The court documents state that Cho and MCC violated the provisions of the SBA 8(a) program, which is designed to award contracts to businesses that are owned by “one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.” To qualify for the 8(a) program, a business must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a U.S. citizen (or citizens) of good character who meets the SBA’s definition of socially and economically disadvantaged. The firm must also be a small business (as defined by the SBA) and show a reasonable potential for success. Participants in the 8(a) program are subject to regulatory and contractual limits. Also, under the program, the disadvantaged business is required to perform a certain percentage of the work. For the types of contracts under investigation here, the SBA 8(a)-certified companies were required to perform 15 percent or more of the work with its own employees.
Court documents also state Cho conspired with MCC and others for MCC to exercise impermissible control over Far East, to obstruct a U.S. Government Agency proceeding, and to reach an agreement whereby MCC would provide all labor, equipment, materials, safety, and supervision and, in return, receive 97 percent of the contract task order amount. This agreement by its terms meant that Cho’s company would violate SBA rules and regulations and would collect a 3 percent fee for allowing its small business status to be used.
Earlier this year, MCC pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud on the United States by illegally obtaining government contracts that were intended for small, disadvantaged businesses and agreed to pay $1,769,924 in criminal penalties and forfeiture. In June, Thomas Harper, another former officer and owner of MCC, pleaded guilty to conspiring to obstruct proceedings before a department or agency. In August, Walter Crummy, another former officer and owner of MCC, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Inspector General for the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Inspector General of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Central Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU).
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marston and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Graves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Kevin B. Hart, Justin P. Murphy and former Assistant Chief Craig Y. Lee of the Antitrust Division.
Former Federal Contract Employee Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Timesheets at Two AgenciesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Daniel J. Glauber, who worked as a federal contract employee, pled guilty today to a charge of making a false statement for falsifying timesheets while working at two separate federal agencies, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips, Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and Russell Decker, Acting Inspector General of the National Security Agency (NSA).
Glauber, 44, who now resides in Fort Worth, Texas, pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison and potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he faces a likely range of six to 12 months of incarceration and a fine of up to $20,000. The plea agreement calls for him to pay $70,646 in restitution. The Honorable Richard J. Leon scheduled sentencing for Feb. 17, 2017.
According to the government’s evidence, Glauber was hired in April 2012, under contract, as a systems administrator at OPM. He was required to perform his duties on-site and work a standard 40-hour work week. Additionally, and unbeknownst to OPM, in May of 2012, he was hired as a subcontractor to work at NSA on computer systems. Here, too, his duties called for him to work a standard 40-hour work week and on-site.
From May through August of 2012, Glauber worked at both OPM and NSA, but neither agency was aware that he was working for the other. OPM’s Office of the Inspector General reviewed building access reports and confirmed that Glauber billed 323.75 hours for the time period ranging from May through August 2012 in which he was not actually present at his work site. He was paid $43,706 for these hours, and subsequently was terminated by OPM. However, it was only after his termination that OPM learned of the other employment at NSA.
NSA investigators later reviewed building records and uncovered a discrepancy of 269.5 hours in which Glauber had submitted timesheets for hours in which he did not work on-site. He was paid $26,940 for these hours.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips, Deputy Inspector General Vint, and Acting Inspector General Decker commended the work of Special Agent Christopher Sulhoff, OPM, Office of the Inspector General, and the investigators who worked on the case from the National Security Agency, Office of the Inspector General. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Kaitlyn Krueger, Christopher Toms, and Jessica Mundi, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Howie, who is prosecuting the case.
District Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of 7-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A 37-year-old man from Washington, D.C. was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for sexually abusing a seven-year-old child, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips.
The man, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim, pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of attempted first-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances and one count of second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. He was sentenced by the Honorable José M. Lopez. Following his prison term, the man will be placed on five years of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
According to the government’s evidence, the defendant moved into his girlfriend’s home in Southeast Washington around December 2015, and sexually abused her daughter on multiple occasions until he was discovered by a family member on Aug. 14, 2016. When interviewed by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives, the defendant admitted to the abuse.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of the detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Division. He also commended those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Veronica Vaughan, Paralegal Specialist Angelina Slagle, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julianne Johnston, who prosecuted the case.