District of Columbia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia Secures over $180 Million in Financial Recoveries in Fiscal 2014Office Has Collected Nearly $2.3 Billion over Past Five Fiscal YearsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia collected nearly $180 million in criminal and civil actions and asset forfeitures during the most recent fiscal year, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.
All told, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has collected nearly $2.3 billion in criminal and civil actions and asset forfeitures over the past five fiscal years.
The totals for Fiscal Year 2014 include over $160.9 million collected in criminal actions and over $11.9 million in civil actions. Another $7.7 million was collected in criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect another $1.4 million in civil actions cases pursued jointly with these offices.
“The $2.3 billion that we have recovered in recent years is a measure of our commitment to taxpayers and victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “We have restored dollars robbed from the U.S. Treasury by corrupt public officials and shady government contractors, and have deprived drug traffickers and fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains. We will continue to use the full range of legal tools at our disposal to protect the taxpayer and do justice.”
Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced that the Justice Department collected $24.7 billionnationwidein civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014. The collections in FY 2014 represent nearly eight and a half times the appropriated $2.91 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.
“Every day, the Justice Department’s prosecutors and trial attorneys work hard to protect our citizens, to safeguard precious taxpayer resources, and to provide a valuable return on investment to the American people,” said Attorney General Holder. “Their diligent efforts are enabling us to achieve justice and recoup losses in virtually every sector of the U.S. economy.”
Additionally, the U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected over $4.5 billion in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2014.
The U.S. Attorneys offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting criminal and civil debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. In the District of Columbia, the Financial Litigation Unit in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office aggressively handles these responsibilities. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Collections in Civil Actions
The collections in civil actions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia included more than $1.3 million generated by a settlement with Deloitte Consulting LLP, together with its predecessors and successors. This matter involved billing the government for certain personnel in labor categories for which they did not qualify on work orders under a contract with the Department of Justice. Deloitte management responsible for these tasks orders learned of these inappropriate labor categorizations in May 2012. Nonetheless, Deloitte continued to bill certain personnel at inappropriate labor categories and rates until October 2012.
The amount also included $4.2 million, plus interest, paid by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), to resolve allegations that it filed false claims in connection with using federal funds to impermissibly award a contract for a financial management information technology project without using competitive procurement procedures.
In another case, Alliance Rehabilitation LLC, a Maryland limited liability company with an administrative office in Hanover, Maryland and a billing office in Fairfax, Virginia, paid the United States $2.4 million as part of a settlement of allegations that the firm’s billings to Medicare and the TRICARE health care program violated the False Claims Act. The company operates physical therapy clinics in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
Collections in Criminal Actions
The collections in criminal actions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia included $886,000 paid by a former senior policy advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency who pled guilty to carrying out a scheme in which he kept collecting pay and benefits even though he was not at work. John C. Beale pled guilty in September 2013 to theft of government property. Between January 2000 and April 2013, Beale was absent for about 2 ½ years. Among other things, he falsely claimed that he needed to be away while working on a project for the Central Intelligence Agency.
Beale also paid the government another $507,000 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgment in the same case.
Collections in Forfeiture Cases
Since taking office in February 2010, U.S. Attorney Machen has emphasized the importance of asset forfeiture to fight crime and criminal organizations and to seek justice for victims. Asset forfeiture is a powerful tool that can deprive criminals and criminal organizations of illegal proceeds and instrumentalities of crimes, recover property that may be used to compensate victims, and deter crime. Federal law provides authority to seize and forfeit the proceeds of virtually all serious federal offenses. Forfeited assets are deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund and Department of Treasury Asset Forfeiture Fund and are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
In addition to the $507,000 judgment involving Beale, other significant collections generated by the Office’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Unit in Fiscal 2014 included over $1.8 million from the sale of forfeited real property of Kerry F. Khan, a former program manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Khan is serving a prison sentence of 19 years and seven months following his guilty plea in an investigation of a ring of corrupt public officials and government contractors that engaged in bribery, kickbacks and other crimes. Participants in the scheme stole over $30 million through inflated and fictitious invoices.
The total also includes over $2.2 million in real property and funds seized from Min Jung Cho, the former president of Nova Datacom, LLC, a company involved in the scheme. She also pled guilty in the investigation involving Kerry Khan and others and is awaiting sentencing.
In addition, in a national security case, the government forfeited aviation equipment, valued at more than $90,000. This equipment was being procured by front companies on behalf of entities in Iran, in violation of U.S. sanctions. The front companies would launder money into the country in an attempt to conceal the true beneficiaries of the transactions. The forfeiture action led to a recovery of the equipment, and ultimately the sale of the equipment for the benefit of the United States.
Finally, in another case, the government collected $388,613 in forfeiture from Gezo G. Edwards, formerly of Silver Spring, Md., who was found guilty by a jury of conspiring to distribute large amounts of cocaine in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Edwards was sentenced in February 2014 to a life prison term. The money was seized as proceeds of the drug conspiracy.
14-267Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling into the District of Columbia to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with A Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Steven Sollera, Jr., 39, of Edgewood, Md., pled guilty today to charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Sollera entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan is to sentence him on April 7, 2015. Sollera faces a statutory maximum of 30 years of imprisonment for traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct and a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment for possession of child pornography, as well as a fine of $250,000 on each count.
According to the government's evidence, on June 5, 2014, Sollera contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, through a social network site. Over the next few days, Sollera engaged in communications with the undercover officer, whom the defendant believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this time, Sollera arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.
During the course of their communications, Sollera provided links containing 22 still images and 14 videos of child pornography. On June 10, 2014, he traveled from Maryland to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C to have sex with the purported child. When he arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested.
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 guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, and Chief Lanier 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 Ari Redbord, who is prosecuting the case.
14-268District Man Found Guilty of Murder and Other Charges in 2000 Slaying of Government Witness-Victim Was Kidnapped and Executed-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Anthony Gray, 36, has been found guilty by a jury of charges stemming from the July 2000 murder of a government witness, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Robert D. MacLean, Acting Chief of the United States Park Police.
Gray, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty on Dec. 2, 2014, of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, kidnapping, and felony murder while armed, as well as the aggravating circumstances that the murder was committed during the course of a kidnapping and was committed because the victim was a government witness. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Gray is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6, 2015 before the Honorable Rhonda Reid-Winston.
According to the government’s evidence, Gray was part of a violent crew that operated in the Alabama Avenue SE area, known as “Simple City,” in the mid to late 1990s-2000s. The crew focused on selling drugs, committing violent crimes, and intimidating witnesses. Gray played an active role in the crew and committed a number of crimes on its behalf.
Specifically, in 1999, a murder was committed by two crew members in the area of Texas Avenue SE. Robert McManus, 20, was a reluctant witness to this murder. On July 5, 2000, as trial was approaching for the two crew members, Anthony Gray and another crew member kidnapped Mr. McManus from his bicycle for the purpose of preventing him from testifying at the trial. After kidnapping Mr. McManus, Gray and the other crew member drove him to the 4800 block of E Street SE, marched Mr. McManus into the woods, and shot him one time in the head. The following day, Mr. McManus’s body was recovered in a wooded area, executed.
Two other members of the crew pled guilty in recent weeks to charges stemming from other murders. Cedrick Shuler, 38, and Keith Fogle, 42, both formerly of Washington, D.C., pled guilty to charges on Nov. 6, 2014, as they were about to stand trial along with Gray.
Shuler pled guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed for the March 1999 murder of Edward Gray and one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed for the February 1999 murder of Kelvin Howard. Fogle pled guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed for his role in the slaying of Mr. Gray. (Edward and Anthony Gray are not related).
According to the government’s evidence, Mr. Howard, 18, was not part of the feud involving rival crews. He was fatally shot as he was parked at a stop sign in his Chevrolet Tahoe. His car then crashed into a wooded area near 51st and C Streets SE. The jury acquitted Anthony Gray of charges related to Mr. Howard’s murder.
Like Mr. Howard, Edward Gray, 29, was an innocent victim of retaliatory violence by Shuler, who this time acted along with Fogle. Mr. Gray and his fiancé were attacked by gunfire at 8:45 p.m. on March 22, 1999, as they were in their Chevrolet Tahoe truck in the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue SE. According to the government’s evidence, because the Tahoe was moving so slowly, and circling the area, Shuler and Fogle mistakenly believed the occupants were members of a rival gang. They opened fire, killing Mr. Gray. The fiancé was not injured.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen, Chief Lanier, and Acting Chief MacLean commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Park Police. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Haines, who indicted the matter; Lead Paralegal Specialist Phil Aronson; Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman; Paralegal Specialists Meridith McGarrity, Fern Rhedrick, and Vanessa Trent-Valentine; Intelligence Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Supervisory Witness Security Specialist Michael Hailey; Witness Security Specialists Debra Cannon and Wanda Queen, and Information Technology Specialist Leif Hickling.
Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura R. Bach and Shana L. Fulton, who tried the case.
14-266Former Controller for Washington, D.C. Law Firm Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Theft of over $960,000-Defendant Shifted Money from Firm’s Bank Accounts-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Marc England, 45, was sentenced today to 20 months in prison on a federal charge stemming from his theft of over $960,000 from a Washington, D.C. law firm, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
England, of Covington, La., pled guilty in September 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of wire fraud. He was sentenced by the Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan. Upon completion of his prison term, England will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $652,641 in restitution; the firm had earlier received over $308,000 in restitution.
According to the government’s evidence, England worked at a small law firm in Washington, D.C., that is identified in court documents as “Company A.” He was the company’s controller. Beginning in August 2008, England began sending wire payments from the law firm’s bank account directly to various credit card accounts that he himself held. For some of the unauthorized transactions, England used the firm’s electronic accounts system to create fraudulent invoices appearing on their face to justify his unauthorized debits. Over the course of a four-year period, England caused the firm to execute 126 separate interstate wire transfers of monies from the firm’s checking account to various accounts held by England.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and Assistant Director in Charge McCabe 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 Donna Galindo, Corinne Kleinman, and Angela Lawrence; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine K. Connelly and Arvind K. Lal, who handled forfeiture issues, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard DiZinno, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
14-265Owner of Virginia-Based Company Pleads Guilty to Providing Gratuities to Federal Contracting OfficialCompany Agrees to Pay $300,000 Criminal Penalty for Its ConductRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Harry I. Martin, Jr., the owner, president, and chief executive officer of a Virginia-based information technology company, Intelligent Decisions, Inc., pled guilty this week to a federal charge stemming from gratuities that he and his company provided to a former contracting official with the U.S. Department of the Army in return for preferential treatment and government contracts.
In a related action, the company, Intelligent Decisions, Inc., has agreed to pay a $300,000 criminal penalty for its conduct. The company was charged in a criminal information with one count of paying a gratuity to a public official. Intelligent Decisions, Inc. agreed to the filing of the information, and is to make the payment and strengthen its internal controls as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with the government. In light of that payment, and the company’s willingness to acknowledge responsibility for its actions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia will recommend the dismissal of the information in 24 months, provided Intelligent Decisions, Inc. fully cooperates and abides by the agreement.
The developments were announced today by Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Peggy E. Gustafson, Inspector General of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA-OIG); Robert E. Craig, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU).
Martin, 56, of Great Falls, Virginia, and Intelligent Decisions, Inc., agreed to fully cooperate in an ongoing federal investigation. Martin entered the guilty plea on Nov. 24, 2014, before the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He is to be sentenced on March 6, 2015.
Martin is the 20th individual to plead guilty in an investigation into domestic bribery, bid-rigging, and federal contracting. His business colleague, Chae Shim, the Director of Acquisition Accounts, Asia/Pacific, for Intelligent Decisions, pled guilty on Nov. 6, 2014, to the same federal charge as Martin stemming from gratuities that Shim and others at Intelligent Decisions, including Martin, provided to the former Army contracting official in return for preferential treatment and government contracts. Shim, 47, of Reston, Va., is to be sentenced on March 20, 2015.
In addition to those individuals, one corporation, Nova Datacom, LLC, pled guilty to federal charges. Also, a South Korean-based corporation, Saena Tech Corporation, has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement and agreed to pay a $500,000 criminal penalty as part of the investigation.
In the overall investigation, to date, the United States has seized for forfeiture or recovered over $9 million in bank account funds, cash, and repayments, as well as 19 real properties, nine cars, and multiple pieces of fine jewelry.
The guilty plea and deferred prosecution agreement involve gratuities provided to In Seon Lim, a former contracting official for the U.S. Department of the Army. Lim pled guilty in July 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, to federal charges stemming from a scheme in which he accepted over $490,000 worth of benefits, including cash payments and vacations, from favored contractors, including Intelligent Decisions, Inc. In return, he helped these businesses obtain millions of dollars in federal contracts and subcontracts. Lim, 48, who pled guilty to bribery and two other federal offenses, was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2014 to a four-year prison term.
“A corporate CEO has now become the 20th person to plead guilty in this bribery and bid-rigging investigation,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “He joins a long list of public officials and government contractors held accountable for corrupting the integrity of the federal contracting system. This CEO and his company rigged the competition for military contracts by plying an Army official with meals, drinks, entertainment, and golf outings. The fate of this CEO and his company should encourage other contractors to steer clear of crooked dealings.”
“This plea demonstrates that those who engage in illegal gratuities will be held accountable for their actions,” said Assistant Director in Charge McCabe. “Both the company and the public official benefited when contracts were steered and increased almost $4 million. The FBI and our partner agencies will continue to investigate those who abuse the American taxpayer’s money and protect federal funds.”
“The defendant’s actions to pay and authorize the payment of illegal gratuities to a government official are an attack on the integrity of our system of government,” said Inspector General Gustafson of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “With our law enforcement partners, the SBA OIG will guard against such attacks and bring to justice those responsible for such despicable acts. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for its dedicated leadership and professionalism in bringing forth this guilty plea.”
“It is one of the highest priorities of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) to protect the integrity of the government procurement process so that taxpayer money is spent properly,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig. “As this case has again demonstrated, DCIS and our law enforcement partners will work together to uncover and fully prosecute any and all individuals and companies who are not willing to follow government contract and procurement laws.”
“This case should send a very loud and clear message to all who do business with the Department of the Army that if you intend on committing illegal acts for your own greed and personal gain, especially while our nation is at war, we will surely catch you and help bring you to justice,” said Director Robey of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit “We have a very robust group of highly-trained special agents in our fraud unit who are masters at combating and uncovering fraud, deception, bribery and other criminal acts associated with government contracting and purchasing.”
According to the government’s evidence, Martin, Shim, and the company provided Lim with thousands of dollars in meals, drinks, entertainment, golf outings, and golf equipment, in return for preferential treatment and the direction of Army subcontracts to the firm.
All told, Intelligent Decisions spent over $10,000 on a variety of expenses, including dinners, golf outings, and other events attended by Lim, who was joined by company officials and others, while one of its employees agreed to pay for a Lexus ES350 automobile worth over $30,000 for Lim.
At the time of this conduct, Lim was an assistant project manager and product director with the Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems, a part of the Army that provides infrastructure and informational management systems. Working in South Korea, Lim’s primary duties were to oversee and implement communications systems upgrades for the U.S. forces there, which included approximately 10 communications centers and various other special projects at military sites throughout the country. Among other things, Lim coordinated work on a major contract, which, in turn, had numerous sub-contracts.
According to the government’s evidence, prior to the awarding of the sub-contracts, Martin and Shim traveled to South Korea in January 2009 to meet with Lim. They provided him with a dinner, drinks, and entertainment. They followed up on the meeting with e-mails expressing their desire for Intelligent Decisions, Inc., to work with him.
Later in January 2009, with Lim’s assistance, the company was awarded two subcontracts. One had an initial value of $525,000, and the other had a value of $67,294.
Over the ensuing months, Martin, Shim, and the company provided Lim with additional meals, entertainment, golf outings, and other benefits. Meanwhile, modifications were made to the sub-contracts increasing their value. The lengths of the two sub-contracts were expanded, along with their value. The $525,000 contract eventually climbed to a value of $3.2 million, and the $67,294 contract later became worth $1.3 million.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office; the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; the Inspector General’s Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration; the Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Defense Contract Audit Agency, and the Army Criminal Investigation Command. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael K. Atkinson of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Saler of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
14-264Accused Member of Foreign Terrorist Organization Extradited to United States on Hostage-Taking ChargesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran, 42, an accused member of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) terrorist organization, has been extradited from Colombia to face hostage taking and terrorism charges in the United States.
The extradition was announced by John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Division.
Navarrete Beltran was extradited from Colombia to the United States this week to face charges in a superseding indictment returned in the District of Columbia on Feb. 22, 2011. The indictment, which names as defendants 18 members of the FARC, charges Navarrete Beltran specifically with one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking; three counts of hostage taking; one count of using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence; one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
A second defendant, Alexander Beltran Herrera, 38, a FARC commander, was extradited to the United States from Colombia in March 2012. He pled guilty on March 18, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to three counts of hostage-taking and he was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2014, to a 27-year prison term.
“Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran and his FARC accomplices are alleged to have been involved in the hostage-taking of three Americans in Colombia more than a decade ago,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Terrorists who target our citizens with violence anywhere in the world should know that we will pursue them and seek to bring them to justice, however long it takes.”
“In 2003, three U.S. citizens were taken hostage by Colombian terrorists and held captive with choke harnesses and chains for more than five years,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Last month, a commander of that Colombian terrorist organization was sentenced to nearly three decades in prison for his role in the hostage-taking. We have now extradited a second defendant to face charges for the role he allegedly played in their harrowing ordeal. These prosecutions are a reminder of our unwavering commitment to hold accountable anyone who harms American citizens abroad, no matter how long it takes.”
“Diego Alfonso Navarrete Beltran, a former member of the FARC terrorist organization, was extradited to the United States to face terrorism and hostage taking charges involving three U.S. Citizens,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Piro. “There is a message here for would be terrorist hostage takers; don’t do it, you will be brought to justice.”
Navarrete Beltran was arraigned today in federal court in the District of Columbia. If convicted of all charges against him, he faces a maximum potential sentence of life in prison.
According to the indictment, the FARC is an armed, violent organization in Colombia, which since its inception in 1964, has engaged in an armed conflict to overthrow the Republic of Colombia, South America’s longest-standing democracy. The FARC has consistently used hostage taking as a primary technique in extorting demands from the Republic of Colombia. Hostage taking has been endorsed and commanded by FARC senior leadership. The FARC has characterized American citizens as “military targets” and has engaged in violent acts against Americans in Colombia, including murders and hostage taking. The FARC was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. Secretary of State in 1997 and remains so designated.
The indictment alleges that Navarrete Beltran was a member of the 1st Front in the FARC’s Southern Block. He was allegedly involved in the hostage taking of three U.S. citizens, Marc D. Gonsalves, Thomas R. Howes and Keith Stansell. These three individuals, along with Thomas Janis, a U.S. citizen, and Sergeant Luis Alcides Cruz, a Colombian citizen, were seized on Feb. 13, 2003, by the FARC after their single engine aircraft made a crash landing near Florencia, Colombia. Janis and Cruz were murdered at the crash site by members of the FARC.
According to the indictment, Mr. Gonsalves, Mr. Howes and Mr. Stansell were held by the FARC at gunpoint and were advised by FARC leadership that they would be used as hostages to increase international pressure on the government of the Republic of Colombia to agree to the FARC’s demands.
The FARC at various times marched the hostages from one site to another, placing them in the actual custody of various FARC Fronts. At the conclusion of one 40-day march, in or about November 2004, the hostages were delivered to members of the FARC’s 27th Front, commanded by Daniel Tamayo Sanchez, who was responsible for the hostages for nearly two years, after which they were delivered to the FARC’s 1st Front. From approximately October 2006 through July 2008, according to the indictment, Navarrete Beltran and others kept the hostages under the control of the FARC’s 1st Front. In order to prevent the Colombian police and military from rescuing the hostages, he and other conspirators transported the hostages into the Republic of Venezuela.
Throughout the captivity of the hostages, FARC jailors and guards, including Naverrete Beltran, used choke harnesses, chains, padlocks and wires to restrain the hostages, and used force and threats to continue their detention and prevent their escape. The indictment also accuses Navarrete Beltran of using and carrying a military-type machine gun during the hostage taking and providing material support and resources to aid in the hostage taking and to aid the FARC.
In July 2008, the Colombian military conducted an operation which resulted in the rescue of the hostages. All told, members of the FARC held the Americans hostage for 1,967 days.
An indictment is merely a formal allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
This investigation is being led by the FBI’s Miami Field Division. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fernando Campoamor-Sanchez from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney David Cora from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Substantial assistance in the case was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Department’s Judicial Attachés in Colombia, the FBI’s Office of the Legal Attaché in Colombia, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains mere allegations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
14-263District Woman Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Stabbing Partner Repeatedly During Argument-Quick Police Work Prevented Victim from Bleeding to Death-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Maya Moore, 25, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on a charge of aggravated assault while armed stemming from an attack in which she repeatedly stabbed her girlfriend, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Moore pled guilty in September 2014 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for the eight-year prison term. The Honorable Robert E. Morin accepted the plea and sentenced Moore accordingly. Upon completion of her prison term, Moore will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s proffer of evidence, on Aug. 21, 2014, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Moore had been publicly arguing with her girlfriend in the 4400 block of C Street SE. In the midst of the argument Moore began to stab her girlfriend with a knife. Moore pursued her girlfriend when she tried to flee and continued to stab her until she fell to the ground. Moore did not stop stabbing her until police officers arrived on the scene. In total, Moore stabbed her girlfriend 14 times all over her body, including her chest, neck, abdomen, arm, and thigh, which required the application by police of a tourniquet to prevent her from bleeding out.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department detectives and officers who investigated the case, particularly the officers whose application of the tourniquet may have saved the victim’s life, and members of the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit who helped coordinate with the victim during the investigation. He also commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocates Meshall Thomas and Elsa Resendiz; Victim/Witness Security Specialist Tonya Via, and Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenechukwu Okocha, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
14-262District Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of University Student-Attack Took Place in Middle of Afternoon; Victim Was Headed to Class-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Sterling Walton, 46, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a seven-year prison term for an armed robbery of a university student that took place earlier this year in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Walton pled guilty in September 2014, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of armed robbery. He was sentenced by the Honorable William M. Jackson. The judge sentenced Walton to six years in prison for the armed robbery and an additional year for committing the crime while having been released earlier on unrelated misdemeanor charges. Upon completion of the prison time, Walton will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 3:45 pm on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, the 18-year-old victim, then a freshman at George Washington University, was walking to catch a shuttle to class when he was accosted at 22nd and F Streets NW. Walton demanded money, claimed he had a gun, and reached toward the waistband of his shorts as if he had a weapon. The victim gave Walton his wallet and Walton fled with the $25 contained in the wallet.
Believing Walton had a gun, the victim called 911. A look-out was broadcast by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and immediately re-broadcast by the U.S. Secret Service, which was in the area. Minutes later, uniformed Secret Service officers stopped Walton.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the excellent work and collaboration of the MPD and the U.S. Secret Service in quickly apprehending Walton. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Allison Daniels and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Macchiaroli and Katherine Earnest, of the Felony Major Crimes Trial Section, who prosecuted the matter.
14-261Washington Gas Energy Systems Agrees to Pay $2.5 Million in Fines and Penalties for Conspiring to Obtain Federal ContractsRead the Press Release
Washington Gas Energy Systems (WGESystems) has agreed to pay more than $2.5 million in fines and monetary penalties for conspiring to commit fraud on the United States by illegally obtaining contracts that were meant for small, disadvantaged businesses.
The court agreement was announced today by William J. Baer, Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division; Principal Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent H. Cohen Jr. of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; Robert C. Erickson, Acting Inspector General of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA); Peggy E. Gustafson, Inspector General for the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
WGESystems, based in Virginia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of WGL Holdings Inc. (WGL). WGL is the parent company for all of the corporations within the Washington Gas family. WGESystems plays no direct role in the delivery of natural gas, and it is not a utility. It is a design-build firm that specializes in providing energy efficiency and sustainability solutions to clients.
A criminal information was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia charging WGESystems with one count of knowingly and willfully conspiring to commit major fraud on the United States. WGESystems waived the requirement of being charged by way of federal indictment, agreed to the filing of the information, and has accepted responsibility for its criminal conduct and that of its employees.
In addition, as part of a deferred prosecution agreement reached with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Antitrust Division, WGESystems agreed to pay a fine of $1,560,000 and a monetary penalty of $1,027,261 within five days of the approval of the agreement by the court.
According to court documents filed today, WGESystems conspired with a company that was eligible to receive federal government contracts set aside for small, disadvantaged businesses with the understanding that the business would illegally subcontract all of the work on the projects to WGESystems. In this way, WGESystems was able to capture a total of eight contracts worth $17,711,405 that should have gone to an eligible company. These contracts, awarded in 2010, were focused on making federal buildings in the Washington, D.C., area more energy efficient.
Under the illegal agreement, the company that was awarded these government contracts was allowed to keep 5.8 percent of the value of the contracts for allowing WGESystems to use the company’s small business status to win these contracts.
“Conspiracies to violate federal procurement laws will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer for the Antitrust Division. “Taxpayers deserve to have contracting processes that are fair and competitive, and fully comply with applicable laws and regulations.”
“Time and time again, we have seen government contractors abuse and exploit programs designed to help minority and socially disadvantaged small businesses,” said Principal Assistant U.S. Attorney Cohen. “This Washington Gas subsidiary obtained millions of dollars in federal contracts by using a small business that had no ability to actually complete the contract as a front company. Even though the subsidiary lost money on these contracts, it is required to pay $2.5 million in fines and penalties under this agreement. This resolution should cause other contractors to think twice about playing fast and loose with federal contracting rules.”
“Cases like this are important for us to maintain the integrity of the federal contracting process,” said GSA Acting Inspector General Erickson. “Companies cannot cheat to win federal contracts and expect to get away with their ill-gotten gains.”
“SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program assists eligible socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in developing and growing their businesses,” said SBA Inspector General Gustafson. “Large businesses that fraudulently seek to gain access to contracts set aside for small businesses erode the public’s trust in this important program. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their professionalism and commitment to justice in this investigation.”
“Federal government contracting laws are in place to create a level playing field for small disadvantaged businesses whose work supports our country's diverse financial infrastructure,” said Assistant Director in Charge McCabe. “The FBI with our law enforcement partners will investigate those companies who fraudulently abuse federal contracting laws with the purpose of increasing their company's bottom line.”
According to the court documents, until 2010, GSA had an area-wide contract with WGESystems. This contract enabled GSA, without competition, to enter into contracts with WGESystems so that WGESystems could provide energy management services for federal buildings.
However, starting in 2010, the federal government changed its practices. The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act appropriated funds to make buildings in the District of Columbia and the surrounding area more energy efficient. These funds were to be awarded through the 8(a) program, which is administered by the SBA and which was created to help small, disadvantaged businesses access the federal procurement market.
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 meet the SBA’s definition of socially and economically disadvantaged. The firm also must 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 on subcontracting work from 8(a) set-aside contracts. The SBA regulations require, among other things, the 8(a) concern to agree that on construction contracts it “will perform at least 15 percent of the cost of the contract with its own employees (not including the costs of materials).”
As a result of this change, WGESystems – which was not certified to participate in the 8(a) program – faced the prospect of losing millions of dollars in revenue.
WGESystems, along with an 8(a) company it used to obtain these contracts, and others, engaged in and executed a scheme to defraud the SBA and GSA by, among other things: concealing that WGESystems, which was not eligible for the aforementioned SBA contracting preferences, exercised impermissible control over the 8(a) company’s bidding for and performance on GSA contracts; and misrepresenting that the 8(a) company was in compliance with SBA regulations pertaining to work on these contracts, including that the company’s employees had performed the required percentage of work on these contracts. Through these unlawful efforts, WGESystems and the 8(a) company with which it conspired obtained, at least, approximately $17,711,405 in U.S. government contracts related to work at eight different federal buildings. When these contracts were awarded, the 8(a) company’s registered place of business was the president of the company’s home, and the company had no employees who could provide design-build or contracting services.
WGESystems assisted the 8(a) company with identifying a project manager for the work at the eight buildings who was nominally an employee of the 8(a) company, but who, in actuality, took direction from WGESystems employees. For much of the relevant period, this project manager was the only employee of the 8(a) company performing work for any of the eight projects.
Under the agreement with WGESystems, the 8(a) company was entitled to 5.8 percent of the $17,711,405 total value of the contracts, which equals $1,027,261. To date, with all but one of the eight contracts completed or suspended, WGESystems has lost approximately $1,122,581 on the projects. WGESystems initially anticipated a profit margin that would have equaled about $1,560,000.
Since being informed of this investigation by the Justice Department, WGESystems has taken steps to enhance and optimize its internal controls, policies and procedures.
In light of the company’s remedial actions to date and its willingness to acknowledge responsibility for its actions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Antitrust Division will recommend the dismissal of the Information in two years, provided WGESystems fully cooperates with, and abides by, the terms of the deferred prosecution agreement.
This investigation was conducted by the Inspector General’s Offices of the U.S. General Services Administration and the Small Business Administration and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Graves of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Chief Craig Y. Lee and Trial Attorney Diana Kane, both of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section.
Washington Gas Statement of Offense
Washington Gas DPA
Washington Gas Information
Washington Gas Energy Systems Agrees to Pay $2.5 Million in Fines and Penalties for Conspiring to Illegally Obtain Federal ContractsScheme Involved Energy-Related Services at Government BuildingsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Washington Gas Energy Systems (WGESystems) has agreed to pay more than $2.5 million in fines and monetary penalties for conspiring to commit fraud on the United States by illegally obtaining contracts that were meant for small, disadvantaged businesses.
The court agreement was announced today by Principal Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent H. Cohen, Jr., of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; William J. Baer, Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division; Robert C. Erickson, Acting Inspector General of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA); Peggy E. Gustafson, Inspector General for the Small Business Administration (SBA); and Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
WGESystems, based in Virginia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of WGL Holdings, Inc. (WGL). WGL is the parent company for all of the corporations within the Washington Gas family. WGESystems plays no direct role in the delivery of natural gas, and it is not a utility. It is a design-build firm that specializes in providing energy efficiency and sustainability solutions to clients.
A Criminal Information was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia charging WGESystems with one count of knowingly and willfully conspiring to commit major fraud on the United States. WGESystems waived the requirement of being charged by way of federal indictment, agreed to the filing of the Information, and has accepted responsibility for its criminal conduct and that of its employees.
In addition, as part of a deferred prosecution agreement reached with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Antitrust Division, WGESystems agreed to pay a fine of $1,560,000 and a monetary penalty of $1,027,261 within five days of the approval of the agreement by the Court.
According to court documents filed today, WGESystems conspired with a company that was eligible to receive federal government contracts set aside for small, disadvantaged businesses with the understanding that the business would, illegally, subcontract all of the work on the projects to WGESystems. In this way, WGESystems was able to capture a total of eight contracts worth $17,711,405 that should have gone to an eligible company. These contracts, awarded in 2010, were focused on making federal buildings in the Washington, D.C., area more energy efficient.
Under the illegal agreement, the company that was awarded these government contracts was allowed to keep 5.8 percent of the value of the contracts for allowing WGESystems to use the company’s small business status to win these contracts.
**
“Time and time again, we have seen government contractors abuse and exploit programs designed to help minority and socially disadvantaged small businesses,” said Principal Assistant U.S. Attorney Cohen. “This Washington Gas subsidiary obtained millions of dollars in federal contracts by using a small business that had no ability to actually complete the contract as a front company. Even though the subsidiary lost money on these contracts, it is required to pay $2.5 million in fines and penalties under this agreement. This resolution should cause other contractors to think twice about playing fast and loose with federal contracting rules.”
“Conspiracies to violate federal procurement laws will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Baer. “Taxpayers deserve to have contracting processes that are fair and competitive, and fully comply with applicable laws and regulations.”
“Cases like this are important for us to maintain the integrity of the federal contracting process,” said GSA Acting Inspector General Erickson. “Companies cannot cheat to win federal contracts and expect to get away with their ill-gotten gains.”
“SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program assists eligible socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in developing and growing their businesses,” said SBA Inspector General Gustafson. “Large businesses that fraudulently seek to gain access to contracts set aside for small businesses erode the public’s trust in this important program. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their professionalism and commitment to justice in this investigation.”
“Federal government contracting laws are in place to create a level playing field for small disadvantaged businesses whose work supports our country's diverse financial infrastructure,” said Assistant Director in Charge McCabe. “The FBI with our law enforcement partners will investigate those companies who fraudulently abuse federal contracting laws with the purpose of increasing their company's bottom line.”
According to the court documents, until 2010, GSA had an areawide contract with WGESystems. This contract enabled GSA, without competition, to enter into contracts with WGESystems so that WGESystems could provide energy management services for federal buildings.
However, starting in 2010, the federal government changed its practices. The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act appropriated funds to make buildings in the District of Columbia and the surrounding area more energy efficient. These funds were to be awarded through the 8(a) program, which is administered by the SBA and which was created to help small, disadvantaged businesses access the federal procurement market.
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 meet the SBA’s definition of socially and economically disadvantaged. The firm also must 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 on subcontracting work from 8(a) set-aside contracts. The SBA regulations require, among other things, the 8(a) concern to agree that on construction contracts it “will perform at least 15 percent of the cost of the contract with its own employees (not including the costs of materials).”
As a result of this change, WGESystems – which was not certified to participate in the 8(a) program – faced the prospect of losing millions of dollars in revenue.
WGESystems, along with an 8(a) company it used to obtain these contracts, and others, engaged in and executed a scheme to defraud the SBA and GSA by, among other things: concealing that WGESystems, which was not eligible for the aforementioned SBA contracting preferences, exercised impermissible control over the 8(a) company’s bidding for and performance on GSA contracts; and misrepresenting that the 8(a) company was in compliance with SBA regulations pertaining to work on these contracts, including that the company’s employees had performed the required percentage of work on these contracts. Through these unlawful efforts, WGESystems and the 8(a) company with which it conspired obtained, at least, approximately $17,711,405 in U.S. government contracts related to work at eight different federal buildings. When these contracts were awarded, the 8(a) company’s registered place of business was the president of the company’s home, and the company had no employees who could provide design-build or contracting services.
WGESystems assisted the 8(a) company with identifying a project manager for the work at the eight buildings who was nominally an employee of the 8(a) company, but who, in actuality, took direction from WGESystems employees. For much of the relevant period, this project manager was the only employee of the 8(a) company performing work for any of the eight projects.
Under the agreement with WGESystems the 8(a) company was entitled to 5.8 percent of the $17,711,405 total value of the contracts, which equals $1,027,261. To date, with all but one of the eight contracts completed or suspended, WGESystems has lost approximately $1,122,581 on the projects. WGESystems initially anticipated a profit margin that would have equaled about $1,560,000.
Since being informed of this investigation by the Justice Department, WGESystems has taken steps to enhance and optimize its internal controls, policies, and procedures.
In light of the company’s remedial actions to date and its willingness to acknowledge responsibility for its actions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Antitrust Division will recommend the dismissal of the Information in two years, provided WGESystems fully cooperates with, and abides by, the terms of the deferred prosecution agreement.
This investigation was conducted by the Inspector General’s Offices of the U.S. General Services Administration and the Small Business Administration and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Graves of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Chief Craig Y. Lee and Trial Attorney Diana Kane, both of the Antitrust Division.
14-259District Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Broad Daylight Carjacking at Gas StationGood Samaritans Came to Victim’s Aid; Quick Police Work Led to ArrestRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Byron Dunn, 25, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to a seven-year prison term for a carjacking that took place earlier this year at a gas station in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Dunn pled guilty to a carjacking charge in September 2014, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced on Nov. 18, 2014 by the Honorable Anita Josey-Herring. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, Dunn approached the victim on May 20, 2014, at about 11:15 a.m., at a gas station in the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue NE. Dunn asked if he could take some photographs of the victim’s car, a silver 2006 Chrysler 300 with 24-inch chrome rims. The victim agreed, rolled up his windows, and went to pay for his fuel. When the victim returned and started pumping gas, Dunn stood next to him. Dunn brandished a handgun and ordered the victim to give up his keys. When the victim ran away from the gas station, Dunn gave chase, and caught up to the victim. Dunn ordered the victim back to his car, and threatened to shoot him unless he handed over the keys. Moments later, three people pulled into the station in a Chevy Suburban. One confronted Dunn while another urged the victim to drive away.
The victim managed to escape and he quickly flagged officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Police stopped Dunn a few minutes later and recovered a loaded .45-caliber handgun. Dunn has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark, Victim/Witness Security Specialists Michael Hailey and Debra Cannon, and Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Gilbert. Finally he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Eckert, Jr., who investigated and prosecuted the case.
14-260Three Members of Northeast Washington Crew Sentenced on Charges Related to Three SlayingsCrew Operated in Area of 21st and Maryland Streets NE; Shootings Took Place in 2007 and 2011Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jekwan Smith, Anthony Hatton, and James L. Harris, all members of a crew that operated in and near 21st Street and Maryland Avenue in Northeast Washington, were sentenced today to prison terms on charges stemming from a series of murders that took place in the area, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Smith, 23, Hatton, 21, and Harris, 22, all of Washington, D.C., pled guilty on Sept. 8, 2014, on the day their trial was to begin in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. According to the government’s evidence, the defendants and other crew members sold drugs and carried guns in the area of 21st and Maryland NE and committed violent crimes, including killing those whose interests were contrary to those of the crew.
The plea agreements, which were contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for Smith to be sentenced to 17 ½ years in prison, Hatton to be sentenced to 15 years, and Harris to 10 years of incarceration. The Honorable Lynn Leibovitz accepted the pleas today and sentenced the defendants accordingly.
Smith and Harris pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for the shooting death of Isaiah Sheffield, which took place at about 1:45 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2011. Mr. Sheffield, 24, was shot in the 1100 block of 21st Street NE.
Smith also pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for the shooting death of Michael Pearson, which took place at about 8:20 p.m. on Oct. 29, 2007. Mr. Pearson, 27, was shot in the 2100 block of I Street NE.
Hatton pled guilty to a charge of second-degree murder while armed for the murder of Tyrell Fogle, which took place at about 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2011. Mr. Fogle, 17, was shot multiple times and collapsed in front of a building in the 1900 block of Bennett Place NE.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the investigative work of the Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Park Police, and the U.S. Marshal Service. He also expressed appreciation for the work of Dr. Lois Goslinoski and Dr. Marie Pierre-Louis of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia. He acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Alesha Matthews and Meridith McGarrity; Intelligence Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Criminal Investigator Durand Odom; Witness Security Specialists Debra Cannon, David Foster, Michael Hailey, and Tanya Via; Litigation Services Specialists Ron Royal, William Henderson and Paul Howell; and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker.
Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura R. Bach and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin O. Lyons, who investigated and prosecuted the cases.
14-258South Carolina Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Second-Degree Murder and Attempted Robbery in 1992 Slaying Near Hains PointAdmitted Taking Part in Memorial Day Killing of ManRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lamont Terry, 40, formerly of Columbia, S.C., was sentenced today to 20 years in prison after earlier pleading guilty to killing a man during an attempted robbery on Memorial Day of 1992 in East Potomac Park, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Terry pled guilty in September 2014 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Robert E. Morin. The judge sentenced Terry to a prison term of 15 years to life on a charge of second-degree murder and another five to 15 years in prison for attempted robbery while armed. He suspended all but 15 years of the murder sentence and all but five years of the attempted robbery sentence, resulting in a total 20-year prison term.
According to the government’s evidence, on May 25, 1992, Terry and other individuals drove from Arlington, Va. to the District of Columbia, looking for someone to rob. In preparation for the robbery, Terry retrieved a sawed-off shotgun, which he brought with him. At approximately 11 p.m., Terry and his friends entered the Hains Point area of East Potomac Park in Southwest Washington. At that time, they came upon the victim, Chet Matthews, 27, who was seated in a parked vehicle on Ohio Drive.
Terry forcibly removed Mr. Matthews from the car, made him get down on his knees, and began demanding money and jewelry from him. Mr. Matthews pleaded that he had nothing and struggled to remove his rings. While his accomplices searched Mr. Matthews’s car for anything of value, Terry suddenly pulled the trigger on the sawed-off shotgun. He shot Mr. Matthews one time through his chest at close range. All of the men then fled the park. Mr. Matthews, an Army veteran who was employed as a postal carrier, was pronounced dead a short time later.
Terry’s plea is among a series of successful prosecutions of older homicide cases following investigations by the Cold Case Squad of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Working with the MPD and other law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has a specially designated Cold Case Unit that prosecutes these older cases. Through these efforts, more than 20 defendants have been convicted of older homicides since 2009.
In this case, new evidence was obtained that led to the filing of the murder charge against the defendant in January 2012.
“More than two decades ago, Chet Matthews was killed in a senseless robbery near Hains Point, said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Thanks to the resolve of our office and the Metropolitan Police Department, Lamont Terry today is finally paying the price for that crime. This case represents our commitment to bringing murderers to justice, no matter how much time has passed. The message to criminals and the families of the victims is clear – we will not waver in our commitment to investigate and prosecute cold case homicides.”
“This case demonstrates the commitment of the Metropolitan Police Department to pursue cases no matter how old and to bring justice to the families who have lost their loved ones to senseless violence,” said Police Chief Lanier. “I commend the Cold Case Squad for their efforts.”
Terry was arrested in Columbia, S.C., in January 2012 by a fugitive apprehension task force of the U.S. Marshals Service. He has remained in custody ever since. Three other men also have pled guilty to charges in the case as a result of the renewed investigation. Norman Henderson, 41, pled guilty to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed. George Booth, 39, and Anthony Orr, 41, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter. All are awaiting sentencing. Like Terry, Henderson, Booth and Orr are formerly from Arlington, Va.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and Chief Lanier commended the work of those who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service in the District of South Carolina, as well as the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force in Washington, D.C. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Fern Rhedrick, Debra Joyner, and Alesha Matthews Yette; Victim/Witness Security Specialists David Foster and Katina Adams-Washington; Victim/Witness Advocates Tamara Ince and Marcia Rinker; and Litigation Technology Specialists Joshua Ellen, Kimberly Smith, Thomas Royal, Anisha Bhatia, and Aneela Bhatia.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Vinét Bryant, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
14-257District Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery at Northwest Washington Laundromat-Defendant Attacked Victim with A Box-Cutter Knife -Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Saleem Elamin, also known as Tariq El-Amin, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for an armed robbery of a woman he attacked and cut with a knife at a Northwest Washington laundromat, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Elamin, 33, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury in September 2014, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. At sentencing, the Honorable William M. Jackson called the defendant’s violence in cutting the victim with the knife “gratuitous.” Following completion of his prison term, Elamin will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on May 6, 2014, at about 2:30 p.m., Elamin walked into a laundromat in the 1200 block of Underwood Street NW. The victim, a customer, was sitting and waiting for her clothes to finish washing. Elamin had a box-cutter knife concealed in the sleeve of his jacket. Without saying anything, he cut the victim’s arm, grabbed her purse off her lap, and ran out. A witness followed him out of the laundromat, and chased him as he fled into a nearby alley.
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) later found Elamin in a stairwell off the alley, with the knife and purse at his feet. The victim and eyewitness identified him at the scene. Elamin also gave a statement to police in which he admitted the crime.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Melissa Milam; Paralegal Specialists Nicole McGhee and Wanda Trice, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Bruckmann, of the Felony Major Crimes Trial Section, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
14-256Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Admits Taking Cash to Smuggle Contraband into FacilitySecond Former Officer Earlier Pled Guilty in Related CaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Lenard Fleming, 34, a former corrections officer who worked for the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), pled guilty today to a bribery charge for accepting money to smuggle contraband into the District of Columbia’s Correctional Treatment Facility.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr.; Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Thomas N. Faust, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Corrections.
Fleming, of District Heights, Md., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of bribery. The Honorable Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 12, 2015. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Fleming faces a likely range of 24 to 37 months of incarceration, as well as a fine of up to $60,000. Fleming is subject to forfeiture money judgment for money taken in the bribery scheme.
According to the government’s evidence, Fleming had worked for the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) as a corrections officer at the Correctional Treatment Facility. CCA, a private company, has a contract to provide services to the D.C. Jail.
During the investigation, the FBI recovered contraband from an inmate at the Correctional Treatment Facility in January 2014. Fleming admitted that he smuggled items for the same inmate through that inmate’s contacts outside of the Correctional Treatment Facility. Fleming received cash payments in exchange for smuggling cigarettes and, on one occasion, an iPhone, into the Correctional Treatment Facility for delivery to the inmate.
Fleming was terminated by CCA in February 2014 following a complaint that he was smuggling contraband into the facility for another inmate. CCA was presented with allegations that Fleming met several times with the wife of another inmate. On each occasion, the inmate’s wife provided Fleming cash in exchange for Fleming smuggling cigarettes and synthetic marijuana into the facility and delivering it to the inmate. Fleming was arrested April 30, 2014.
In a related investigation, another former corrections officer at the Correctional Treatment Facility, Darren Malry, 52, pled guilty on Oct. 17, 2014, to a bribery charge. According to the government’s evidence, on March 11, 2014, Malry smuggled contraband into the facility for an inmate. Malry was arrested that day. Malry is to be sentenced Feb. 6, 2015.
In announcing today’s plea, U.S. Attorney Machen and Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, and Director Faust commended the work of those who jointly worked the case, including agents from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, investigators from the District of Columbia Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services, and investigators from the Corrections Corporation of America. They also commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Donna Galindo, Corinne Kleinman, and Angela Lawrence; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melinda Williams, Todd Gee, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Dillon, who assisted in the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine K. Connelly, Allessandra Stewart, and Arvind Lal, who assisted with forfeiture issues. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard DiZinno, who prosecuted the case.
14-254Florida Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – David Mario Riley, 38, of Tampa, Fla., was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Riley pled guilty to the charge in July 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Christopher R. Cooper. Upon completion of his prison term, Riley will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for 15 years.
According to the government's evidence, on Dec. 10, 2013, Riley contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, who had posted an ad on a social network site. Over the next few days, Riley engaged in e-mail and instant message conversations with the undercover officer about child pornography and a shared sexual interest in children. During their communications, Riley sent the undercover officer eight still images of child pornography.
Pursuant to a search of electronic equipment in Riley’s hotel room in Crystal City, Va., law enforcement recovered about 14 videos and 40 still images of child pornography.
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 Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, and Chief Lanier 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 Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.
14-253District Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Sexually Assaulting His WifeDefendant Shocked Spouse with TaserRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 49-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to two years in prison for a recent attack in which he shocked his wife with a Taser at their apartment, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
The man, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim, pled guilty in September 2014 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of aggravated assault. He was sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan. Upon completion of his prison term, the man will be placed on three years of supervised release. During this time, he will be supervised by the Sex Offender Unit of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency.
According to the government’s evidence, on Aug. 3, 2014, the defendant became angry with his wife and began shocking her with a Taser, knocking her to her knees in the bedroom of their Southeast Washington apartment. He then pushed her onto the floor, sat on her chest and continued shocking her face and head. When her head began swelling up, the defendant left the room to get ice and a towel. Upon returning to the bedroom, he discovered that she was trying to crawl away. He then went to another room, retrieved a baseball bat, and began striking her in the head. He pulled the victim to her feet and began punching her in the face. Finally, he ordered the victim onto her bed, where he sexually assaulted her.
The victim suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured cheek. She pleaded with her husband to call an ambulance. Fearing that she’d report what he’d just done, he refused to do so. After the victim promised not to tell on him, he agreed to drive her to the hospital. At the hospital, when the defendant stepped away briefly, the victim reported what he had done to her. An officer with the Metropolitan Police Department, who was at the hospital on another matter, was notified and the defendant was arrested.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key and Victim/Witness Advocate Veronica Vaughan. Finally, he commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Taylor, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
14-252District Man Found Guilty of Numerous Felony Charges in Two Home Invasions in Northeast Washington-Defendant Sexually Assaulted A Woman in One of the Burglaries-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tavon Barber, 19, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury today of charges stemming from a pair of home invasions he committed within a roughly 20-hour period in Northeast Washington, including one in which he sexually assaulted a woman, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Barber was found guilty following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of a total of 21 counts, including first-degree burglary, first-degree burglary while armed, assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse while armed, three counts of third-degree sexual abuse while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and related offenses. The Honorable Russell F. Canan scheduled sentencing for Feb. 5, 2015.
According to the government’s evidence at trial, on June 4, 2013, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., Barber broke into a home in the 1100 block of 6th Street NE through an unlocked kitchen window. At the time, two people were inside the house asleep. Once inside, Barber stole two laptops, a book bag full of stuff and car keys. He then used the car keys to steal the car, which belonged to one of the residents.
Approximately 20 hours later, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Barber and an accomplice broke into a home in the 2400 block of Second Street NE, armed with a loaded .40-caliber, semi-automatic pistol. Wearing something to conceal their faces, they went upstairs to the bedroom where the owners of the home, a husband and wife, were sleeping.
Barber turned on the lights and woke the homeowners from sleep. He demanded money, and told them to put their heads under their pillows. Barber then sexually assaulted the wife, while holding the husband hostage at gunpoint. As Barber sexually assaulted the wife, the husband lunged at him, enabling his wife to escape. Barber and the husband struggled from the second floor, down the stairs to the back of the house. Once there, Barber fired a shot at the husband’s head and then fled, with his accomplice, out the back of the house.
Barber was arrested on June 29, 2013 and has been in custody ever since. The second man earlier pled guilty to charges in the case.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation; Paralegal Specialists Jason Manuel and Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie; Victim/Witness Advocate Veronica Vaughan; Victim/Witness Security Specialists Katina Adams-Washington, David Foster, and Wanda Queen, and Litigation Technology Specialist Thomas R. Royal. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon Donovan and Lindsay Suttenberg, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
14-255Former College Student Sentenced to One Year in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Unregistered Possession of Ricin
-Toxin Found Last Winter in His Dorm Room-WASHINGTON – Daniel Milzman, 20, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison on a federal offense stemming from the discovery of a plastic bag of lethal ricin in a dormitory room where he was staying while he was a student at Georgetown University.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Milzman, of Bethesda, Md., pled guilty in September 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of unregistered possession of a biological agent or toxin. He was sentenced by the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a prison sentence falling somewhere within the range of a year and a day to two years of incarceration.
Following the prison term, Milzman will be placed on three years of supervised release. Judge Jackson ordered that Milzman complete 400 hours of community service during that time, to be focused on tutoring underprivileged students in math and physics. She also required him to participate in a mental health program.
According to a statement of offense submitted to the Court at the time of the plea, when law enforcement discovered Milzman’s ricin during the early morning of March 18, 2014, he was a student at Georgetown and shared a dormitory room in McCarthy Hall with a roommate.
Prior to law enforcement’s recovery of Milzman’s ricin, on the night of March 17, 2014, Milzman contacted a friend, a student Resident Advisor, and asked whether they could meet; subsequently, the two met in the friend’s dormitory room. When meeting with his friend, Milzman asked if they could have a “confidential” conversation. The Resident Advisor agreed.
During their conversation, Milzman produced a double-wrapped plastic bag containing an off-white powdery substance from his backpack and tossed it on the floor. He told the Resident Advisor that the bag contained ricin, and said that he had made the substance over a period of four days, while on a school break.
The Resident Advisor directly asked Milzman if he intended to use the ricin on another undergraduate student with whom the defendant had a previous personal relationship. Milzman simply shrugged. After Milzman left his friend’s dormitory room, law enforcement officials were notified of the possible presence of ricin in Milzman’s room.
In response to receiving information regarding the possible presence of ricin in Milzman’s dormitory room, on March 18, 2014, at about 2:30 a.m., members of the District of Columbia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and law enforcement officers went to Milzman’s room.
Milzman was taken to a lobby on the first floor of the dormitory, where he voluntarily spoke with law enforcement officers. He admitted that he had made ricin and said that he had placed it in a plastic bag inside his desk. A small plastic bag containing a powdery substance was located in Milzman’s desk drawer, exactly where Milzman had said it would be. When speaking with law enforcement, Milzman claimed that he intended to use the ricin on himself.
During the investigation, law enforcement confirmed that between Feb. 13 and Feb. 19, 2014, Milzman used key words when searching the Internet that are associated with ricin. Law enforcement also confirmed that from Jan. 1, 2014, through March 18, 2014, Milzman watched various episodes of the television show, “Breaking Bad;” in approximately 13 of the episodes, ricin was used as a weapon to injure or kill someone.”
According to calculations discussed in the Textbook of Military Medicine, Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare, a publication of the U.S. Army, and in light of the tests performed on the ricin in this case, the ricin toxin produced by Milzman could have been lethal to an average person weighing 220 pounds, if either inhaled or injected.
Milzman has been in custody since his arrest last March. He will receive credit for his time served as part of the sentence.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and Assistant Director in Charge McCabe commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance that was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the District of Columbia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences; the Georgetown University Police Department; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Bioforensic Analysis Center. They acknowledged the work of those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney David Mudd; Paralegal Specialist Rayneisha Booth; Legal Assistant Donice Adams, and former Summer Law Clerks Ryan Sellinger and Samantha Goldberg-Seder.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maia L. Miller and Frederick W. Yette, of the National Security Section, who prosecuted the matter.
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Three District Men Sentenced to Decades in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Shootings That Left 13 People Wounded
On North Capitol Street
Shots Fired From Two Cars in Drive-By Shootings;
Violence Followed Incident at NightclubWASHINGTON – Three men, all from Washington, D.C., were sentenced today to prison terms for their roles in a drive-by shooting on North Capitol Street early March 11, 2013, that injured a total of 13 people, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Andrew D. Allen, 20, Keith D. Bobb, 22, and Arnell L. Smith, 21, pled guilty on July 3, 2014, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to 13 counts of assault with intent to kill and one count each of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and tampering with physical evidence. Their plea agreements, which were contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for Allen to be sentenced to 25 years of incarceration and for Bobb and Smith each to be sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Honorable John Ramsey Johnson accepted the plea agreements today and sentenced the defendants accordingly: Allen, to 25 years, and Bobb and Smith, to 20 years each. Upon completion of their prison terms, the men will be placed on three years of supervised release.
“These three men will spend decades behind bars for the terror and chaos they unleashed on North Capitol Street,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “They left behind 13 victims when they sprayed gunfire into a crowd of innocent people. These prison sentences are a reminder that purveyors of violence and mayhem will be punished harshly.”
“This was a senseless act of violence perpetuated by rival crews,” said Police Chief Lanier. “It is our hope that the sentencing today of these criminals will bring some comfort and closure to the numerous victims who were injured.”
According to the government’s evidence, the violence stemmed from a longstanding conflict between rival groups. The defendants, who had ties to a Northeast Washington neighborhood, were engaged in disputes with a group of individuals associated with the Sursum Corda neighborhood near where the shootings occurred, and also with the area near 10th and G Streets NE. Over the years, various violent crimes between members of the two groups were committed. Specifically, soon before the shootings, a dispute took place at the Fur Nightclub.
Allen, Smith, and other individuals were among those at the nightclub late March 10, 2013 and early March 11, 2013, when the dispute took place. Afterward, Allen, Smith, and a third individual met with Bobb and, armed, they traveled in two cars to the Sursum Corda neighborhood in search of retaliation. A fifth individual, not responsible for the shootings, also was in one of the cars.
Shortly after 2 a.m., driving in caravan-style, one car behind the other, they traveled to the 1200 block of North Capitol Street NW, near the Tyler House Apartments, adjacent to the Sursum Corda neighborhood. Smith drove one car, Allen’s black 1999 Mercedes Benz, and Allen fired a Taurus 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, with an extended magazine, from the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Bobb drove the other car, a light blue 1999 Mercedes Benz, close behind Smith and Allen, and his passenger likewise opened fire, using a Glock 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, which also had an extended magazine.
After Allen began to shoot, some individuals, using .40-caliber semi-automatic firearms, shot back at the two cars. The defendants fled the area at a high rate of speed, turning right on H Street NW and running a red light. Red light cameras at the intersection of North Capitol and H Streets NW photographed the license tags of both cars.
The victims included seven men and six women, ranging in age from their late teens to their 30s. One man was shot in the abdomen and back and required multiple surgeries. One woman was shot multiple times in the left side of her body. Another man suffered a graze wound to the chest. Others were shot in the legs, thighs, buttocks and feet.On the afternoon of March 11, 2013, Allen grew concerned and agitated about televised news accounts of the shootings. The newscasts had footage from the crime scene in which Allen could recognize his car. He decided that he needed to “torch” his vehicle, which had been damaged by gunfire, because it could be identified by law enforcement. He and other defendants headed to the 3000 block of Stanton Road SE, where the vehicle was set on fire to devalue or destroy it as evidence. Following a series of 9-1-1 calls reporting the blaze, District of Columbia emergency personnel responded to the burning car. The remains of the car were seized by law enforcement, and evidence was recovered that later tied the vehicle to Allen’s family.
In the late afternoon of March 11, 2013, after the car had been destroyed, Allen, Bobb, and Smith resolved to get rid of the guns used in the shootings on North Capitol Street. The three received a ride to an apartment complex in Northeast Washington, D.C. There, Allen and Bobb met with another individual and traded away the Taurus and Glock pistols used in the North Capitol Street shootings in return for two Ruger semi-automatic pistols.
The defendants have been in custody since their arrests. Bobb and Allen were arrested on May 23, 2013. An arrest warrant also was issued for Smith at that time, but he was in custody to another jurisdiction and was not moved to the District of Columbia until early this year.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Machen and Chief Lanier commended the work of the detectives, mobile crime scene officers, intelligence officers, and others who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Christopher Brophy, Tommy Miller, Derek Starliper, Durand Odom, Steve Cohen, Melissa Matthews, Mark Crawford, John Marsh, Nelson Rhone, Juan Juarez, and Matthew Kutz, all of the Criminal Investigation Unit; Jelahn Stewart, Michael Hailey, Wanda Queen, Jennifer Clark, and James Brennan, all of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit; former Victim/Witness Advocate Kristina Rose, and Paralegal Specialist Debra Joyner. They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Flynn and Jocelyn Ballantine, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas A. Bednar and James E. Smith, who assisted in the investigation.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Brittin, who prosecuted the case.
14-249
District Man Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Armed Carjacking in Northwest Washington
-Took Scooter at Gunpoint in Broad Daylight –WASHINGTON - Donnell Thomas, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for an armed carjacking that took place last year in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Thomas was found guilty by a jury in August 2014 of armed carjacking and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Thomas was sentenced by the Honorable Ronna L. Beck. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on five years of superviced release. Under District of Columbia law, armed carjacking carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years of incarceration.
According to the government’s evidence, on Aug. 2, 2013, at about 8 p.m., Thomas and his juvenile accomplice carjacked the victim’s motor scooter at gunpoint at 14th and Belmont Streets NW. The victim got a good look at both of the carjackers, who rode off on the scooter. Grainy surveillance video also showed the two carjackers walking down the street a couple blocks from the site of the crime shortly before it occurred.
Over the course of the following 24 hours, Thomas sent texts and Facebook messages, bragging about obtaining a scooter. Thomas also received a Facebook message from his accomplice concerning their plans to meet on the following day, Aug. 3, 2013.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Aug. 3, a U.S. Capitol Police officer spotted both carjackers on the scooter in the 200 block of H Street NW. When the officer went to pull the scooter over, Thomas moved away from the scooter, attempted to walk away from arresting officers, and falsely claimed the scooter was a gift from a relative.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Tamaya Reid and Donville Drummond; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Carroll, John Giovannelli, Suzanne Curt, and John Mannarino, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Cannon. Finally, he thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Spence and Christine Macey, of the Felony Major Crimes Trial Section, who prosecuted the matter.
14-250
Real Estate Agent Indicted on Fraud and Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
In Alleged Scam Involving Clients’ Deposits
-Defendant Allegedly Used Clients’ Money for Own Expenses-WASHINGTON – Mark Alan Wall, 56, a real estate agent and broker from Washington, D.C., has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges stemming from a scheme in which he allegedly stole over $300,000 from clients who were seeking to purchase homes and other clients who loaned him money for real estate closings and other reasons.
The indictment, returned on Nov. 4, 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, was announced today by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The grand jury indicted Wall on three federal offenses, including one count each of mail fraud, interstate transportation of money taken by fraud, and money laundering. The indictment also includes two counts of first-degree theft, which are District of Columbia offenses. The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation seeking all proceeds from the crimes.
Wall was arrested today and pled not guilty at a court appearance this afternoon.
According to the indictment, Wall owned and operated a business by the name of “Woof Real Estate,” and advertised himself as capable in assisting buyers in finding and purchasing residential real estate. As a licensed real estate agent and broker, Wall would from time to time receive clients’ money to be held for them in trust. Brokers must keep such funds in a separate escrow bank account. Typically, when buyers of real estate make offers, they put down some money as a deposit as a show of their earnest interest in purchasing the property. This money, referred to as an “earnest money deposit,” is to go into an escrow account. If the offers are accepted, the money then becomes part of the buyers’ down payments.
From in or about July 2010 through at least May 2013, according to the indictment, Wall convinced his clients to provide amounts greater than typically used as their earnest money deposits, claiming that he would hold the money in escrow for their benefit to demonstrate that they had sufficient money to close on future sales. At times, he convinced them to make additional deposits, saying that would strengthen their negotiating power for future offers.
The indictment alleges that Wall did not maintain his clients’ money for their benefit. Instead, the indictment alleges, he spent it on himself and his expenses within a few weeks or months of receiving the funds.
An indictment is merely a formal allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
In announcing the indictment, U.S. Attorney Machen and Chief Lanier commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Arvind K. Lal, who is assisting with forfeiture issues, Paralegal Specialist Kristy Penny, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Cheatham, who is prosecuting the case.
14-248
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
And Traveling to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct With a Minor
WASHINGTON – Ryan Chord, 35, of Virginia Beach, Va., pled guilty today to federal charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Chord entered the plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Christopher R. Cooper is to sentence him on March 3, 2015. Chord faces a statutory maximum of 30 years of imprisonment for traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct and up to 10 years for possession of child pornography, as well as potential financial penalties.
According to the government's evidence, on Feb. 21, 2014, Chord contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, through a social network site. Over the next few days, Chord engaged in instant messaging with the undercover officer, whom he believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this period, Chord arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with that child.
During the course of their communications, Chord also sent the undercover officer approximately 17 images of child pornography. On March 7, 2014, Chord traveled from Virginia Beach to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C. When he arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested.
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 guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, and Chief Lanier 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 Ari Redbord, who is prosecuting the case.
14-247
U.S. Attorney Machen Announces Appointment of Election Day OfficerRead the Press Release
Part of Department of Justice Efforts
To Protect the Right to Vote and Prosecute Ballot FraudWASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. today announced the appointment of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Hooks to lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day program for the Nov. 4, 2014 general election.
Mr. Hooks will serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Columbia. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in the District of Columbia, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters.
“Over the past several years, we have been aggressive in our efforts to protect the integrity of elections in the District of Columbia,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Ensuring free and fair elections depends on citizens coming forward with information about discrimination or election fraud. We ask that citizens remain vigilant about protecting the democratic process and immediately make any specific information available to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur.
The Justice Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are being done to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballots or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Mr. Hooks will be on duty in the District of Columbia while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 202-252-6801.
Nationally, the FBI has Special Agents in each Field Office and Resident Agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses. In the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office can be reached at 202-278-2000.
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington. Civil Rights Division staff will be available by phone to receive complaints related to voting rights (1-800-253-3931 toll free or 202-307-2767) or by TTY (202-305-0082). In addition, individuals may also report complaints, problems, or concerns related to voting by fax to 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected], and, by complaint forms that may be submitted through a link on the Department’s website, at http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot.
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Member of FARC Terrorist Organization Sentenced to 27 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
On Hostage-Taking Charges in 2003 Capture of U.S. Citizens
Hostages Were Held in Colombia for More Than Five YearsWASHINGTON – Alexander Beltran Herrera, 38, a commander of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) terrorist organization, was sentenced today to 27 years in prison on federal hostage-taking charges stemming from the 2003 capture of three U.S. citizens in Colombia. All told, members of the FARC held the Americans hostage for 1,967 days.
The sentence was announced by John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Division.
Beltran Herrera, aka Jhon Alexander Beltrain Herrera, aka Rodrigo Pirinolo, pled guilty on March 18, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to three counts of hostage-taking. He was sentenced by the Honorable Senior Judge Royce C. Lamberth.
“In February 2003, the FARC – a Colombian terrorist organization – kidnapped three American citizens and held them captive for nearly 2,000 days,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. With the sentence handed down today, Alexander Beltran Herrera is being held accountable for his role in those offenses. This case underscores our resolve to pursue and bring to justice those who target our citizens with violence anywhere in the world. I want to thank all of the prosecutors, agents, and analysts who made this result possible.”
“This Colombian terrorist will spend the next 27 years in an American prison for his role in holding three U.S. citizens captive overseas,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Our fellow citizens were held hostage for more than five years under brutal conditions. This extradition, prosecution, and incarceration should chasten terrorists who doubt our resolve to serve justice on those who harm American citizens on foreign soil.”
“Alexander Beltran Herrera, a former terrorist commander for the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), will now be held accountable for his role in holding three U.S. citizens hostage in Colombia for 1,967 days,” said Kelly M. Darden, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Division. “Essential to bringing Beltran Herrera to justice was our close cooperation with the Colombian National Police.”
According to the government’s evidence, the FARC is an armed, violent organization in Colombia. Since its inception in 1964, it has engaged in an armed conflict to overthrow the Republic of Colombia, South America’s longest-standing democracy. The FARC has consistently used hostage taking as a primary technique in extorting demands from the Republic of Colombia, and hostage taking has been endorsed and commanded by FARC senior leadership. The FARC has characterized American citizens as “military targets” and has engaged in violent acts against Americans in Colombia, including murders and hostage taking. The FARC was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. Secretary of State in 1997 and remains so designated.
Beltran Herrera, a commander in the FARC, was involved in the hostage taking of three United States citizens: Marc D. Gonsalves, Thomas R. Howes, and Keith Stansell. These three, along with Thomas Janis, a United States citizen, and Sergeant Luis Alcides Cruz, a Colombian citizen, were seized on Feb. 13, 2003, by the FARC, after their single-engine aircraft made a crash landing in the Colombian jungle.
Members of the FARC murdered Janis and Cruz near the crash site. Gonsalves, Howes, and Stansell were held by the FARC at gunpoint and were advised by FARC leadership that they would be used as hostages to increase pressure on the government of Colombia to agree to the FARC’s demands. At various times, the FARC marched the hostages from one site to another, placing them in the actual custody of various FARC fronts.
At the conclusion of one 40-day long march, in or about November 2004, the hostages were delivered to members of the FARC’s 27th Front, who imprisoned the hostages for nearly two years. During part of this period, Beltran Herrera was responsible for moving the hostages and keeping them imprisoned. Throughout the captivity of these three hostages, FARC jailors and guards used choke harnesses, chains, padlocks and wires to restrain the hostages, and used force and threats to continue their detention and prevent their escape. In July 2008, the Colombian military conducted a daring operation which resulted in the rescue of the hostages.
Beltran Herrera was indicted in February 2011 and was extradited to the United States from Colombia in March 2012.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Miami Division. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Asuncion and Fernando Campoamor-Sanchez from the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney David Cora, from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The case was indicted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Kohl, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The FBI’s Miami Division partnered in the investigation with the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Department’s Judicial Attachés in Colombia, and the FBI’s Office of the Legal Attaché in Bogota, Colombia. The Directorate of Intelligence (DIPOL) and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (GAULA) of the Colombian National Police also provided valuable support during the investigation.
14-241Former Army Contracting Official Sentenced to Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
In Bribery and Kickback Scheme
Defendant Accepted Over $490,000 in Benefits
From Companies He Helped Win Favorable Treatment and Government ContractsWASHINGTON – In Seon Lim, a former contracting official for the U.S. Department of the Army, was sentenced today to four years in prison for his role in a scheme in which he accepted over $490,000 worth of benefits, including cash payments and vacations, from favored contractors. In return, he helped these businesses obtain millions of dollars in federal contracts.
The sentencing was announced by Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Peggy E. Gustafson, Inspector General for the Small Business Administration (SBA); Robert E. Craig, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU).
Lim, 48, of Fairfax Station, Va., also known as InSeon Lim, pled guilty in July 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to three offenses: conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud; bribery; and attempting to interfere with and impede tax laws. He was sentenced by the Honorable Leonie M. Brinkema.
Upon completion of his prison term, Lim will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also must pay restitution, including $250,000 to the Department of Defense and nearly $125,000 to the IRS. In addition, he must pay a forfeiture money judgment of $490,262.
Lim is among 18 individuals and one corporation, Nova Datacom, LLC, to plead guilty to federal charges in an investigation that uncovered the largest domestic bribery and bid-rigging scheme in the history of federal contracting cases. Overall, participants in the scheme stole over $30 million in government money through inflated and fictitious invoices.
According to a statement of offense, signed by Lim as well as the government, Lim was a public official until April 2012. The charges involve his activities as an assistant project manager and product director with the Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems, a part of the Army that provides infrastructure and informational management systems.
Until June 2010, Lim resided and worked in Seoul, South Korea. While in South Korea, his primary duties were to oversee and implement communications systems upgrades for the U.S. forces there, which included approximately 10 communications centers and various other special projects at military sites throughout the country. Among other things, Lim coordinated work on a major contract, which, in turn, had numerous sub-contracts.
From June 2010 until his resignation in April 2012, Lim worked as a product director at Fort Belvoir, Va.
In the statement of offense, Lim admits that he secretly used his official position to enrich himself by soliciting and accepting gifts, payments and other things of value from government contractors – totaling more than $490,000 -- in return for favorable official action. Among other things, the statement of offense notes, Lim received payments personally and to accounts that he controlled; payments for travel, vacation, vehicles, cellphones and cellular service for himself and family members; ownership interests in two companies, and other benefits.
In exchange, Lim now admits, he provided favorable official action on subcontracts obtained and retained by the favored government contractors as requested and as opportunities arose. He also disclosed confidential bid information to the favored government contractors.
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“This Army official sold the public trust for a half-million dollars in bribes,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Lim is now headed to prison along with many other corrupt officials and government contractors brought down in this sweeping investigation. His fate is a warning shot for other government officials tempted to sell out the American people to line their own pockets that they should think twice. The prison sentences handed out in this case make clear that government officials and business people who corrupt the contracting process put their own freedom at risk.”
“In his role as a federal contracting officer, In Seon Lim betrayed the trust that was placed in him by fellow citizens by taking bribes in exchange for providing favorable action on government contracts,” said Assistant Director in Charge McCabe. “The FBI, with our partners, will continue to investigate and expose fraudulent kickback schemes that tarnish the good and ethical work that procurement officers carry out on behalf of the U.S. government each and every day.”
“The kickback scheme in which In Seon Lim participated disrespected the hard work and dedication of thousands of government employees who are committed to providing honest services in the federal contracting process,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly. “IRS-Criminal Investigation stands committed to weeding out individuals, who abuse the privilege of their positions as a public official, for their personal gain.”
“Today’s sentencing is a reminder that public servants are accountable for their actions, and individuals who violate the public’s trust will be brought to justice,” said Small Business Administration Inspector General Gustafson. “The actions of In Seon Lim and his conspirators grossly undermine the honest work being done every day by Federal employees and government contractors. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for its dedicated leadership and professionalism in pursuit of justice served today.”
“As a contracting official for the Department of Defense, In Seon Lim disregarded his duty, lived a lie at the expense of the American taxpayers, and completely violated the trust placed in him by his position,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig. “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our law enforcement partners are fully committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting this kind of illegal activity within the federal procurement process.”
“Mr. Lim admitted that he secretly used his official position to 'enrich himself' when committing these selfish criminal acts,” said Director Robey, of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit. “That attitude and the related criminal actions will not be tolerated in the Department of the Army. Let this again be a warning to all who work with and for the U.S. Army: if you commit contract fraud, we will catch you and do everything within our power to see you brought to justice, just like Mr. Lim.”
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The court documents provide details about numerous contracts and payments. For example:
-Nova Datacom: According to the statement of offense, two former employees of the Northern Virginia company - Alex N. Cho, also known as Young N. Cho, and Nick Park - paid Lim $40,000 in cash in 2007. In addition, Park paid for Lim’s travel, lodging, meals and entertainment during a trip to the Philippines in 2007, and Cho paid for Lim’s lodging, $10,000 cash, and a $1,000 casino chip during a trip later that year to Las Vegas. Lim, meanwhile, agreed to use his official position to recommend the company for a contract valued at nearly $330,000.
-Avenciatech: According to the statement of offense, former officials of Avenciatech, Inc., a government contractor based in Annandale, Va., provided Lim with cash payments; payments for hotel stays for Lim and family members, including a trip to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas; payments to finance the purchase of a 2010 Lexus automobile, and payments for other things of value. One of the officials, Oh Sung Kwon, also known as Thomas Kwon, also assisted Lim in obtaining financing for the purchase of a home in Fairfax Station, Va., where Lim resided following his reassignment in 2010 to a position at Fort Belvoir. Lim, meanwhile, assisted the company in obtaining more than $3 million in contracts.
-UEI:Nick Park left Nova Datacom in 2007 and co-founded another government contractor, Unisource Enterprise Inc. (UEI), based in Annandale, Va. According to the statement of offense, in exchange for favorable treatment, Lim was given a secret ownership in UEI. Among other things, Lim provided Park with sensitive procurement information. He also assisted the company in obtaining a government sub-contract worth over $1.1 million.
Cho, Park, and Kwon are among those who earlier pled guilty to charges in the case.
In addition to pleading guilty to the conspiracy and bribery charges, Lim admitted that he failed to report the bribes he received on tax returns for the years 2007 through 2011. He also failed to keep records that would allow him to file accurate records for 2012 and 2013.
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In announcing today’s sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, U.S. Attorney Boente, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, Special Agent in Charge Kelly, Inspector General Gustafson, Special Agent in Charge Craig, and Director Robey thanked those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office; the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General for the Small Business Administration; the Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Defense Contract Audit Agency, and the Army Criminal Investigation Command. They also expressed thanks to the U.S. Marshals Service for its assistance on the forfeiture matter.
They also praised the efforts of those who prosecuted the case, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael K. Atkinson of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Saler of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Hanly, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Finally, they expressed thanks for assistance provided by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Seeley; former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Dana; Forensic Accountant Maria Boodoo; Paralegal Specialists Tasha Harris, Krishawn Graham, and Taryn McLaughlin; and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick, all of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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District Woman Sentenced to Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Death of Her Infant Son
Defendant Admitted Drug Use, Also Pled Guilty to Insurance FraudWASHINGTON – Tisheena Louise Brown, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to four years in prison on a charge of voluntary manslaughter in the death last year of her seven-week-old son, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
In a related matter, Brown was sentenced to three months in prison on a charge of second-degree insurance fraud. That sentence will run concurrently with the manslaughter term.
Brown pled guilty to both charges in May 2014 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. She was sentenced by the Honorable Lynn Leibovitz. Upon completion of her prison term, Brown will be placed on five years of supervised release. Judge Leibovitz ordered that Brown receive mental health treatment and drug treatment while she is incarcerated and then while she is on supervised release.
According to a proffer of facts presented at the plea hearing, Brown has a history of prescription drug abuse, which began in 2007 or 2008. Her reported prescription drugs of choice were Percocet (Oxycodone) and Dilaudid (Hydromorphone), both of which are Schedule II controlled prescription drugs. She also used Promethazine (a non-controlled prescription drug).
Brown admitted frequenting local hospitals in an effort to unlawfully obtain drug prescriptions (including Oxycodone, Dilaudid, and Promethazine) while using fraudulent identifiers. She would also go to multiple hospitals, using her own name and obtaining prescriptions, which would then be filled and paid by Medicaid. While using her own name, Brown secured prescriptions for drugs without advising the doctor that she had obtained the same prescription on the same date for the same medicine from another doctor and hospital. When purchasing her drugs, she used Medicaid to pay for the drugs.
In a four-month period from September 2013 through December of 2013, Brown had over 1,700 pills prescribed to her from a variety of doctors.
On Sept. 17, 2013, Brown was at her home in the 2900 block of Akron Place SE. She reported that, around 10:30 p.m., her seven-week old son, Hakeem, was fussy and so she provided him Promethazine, a drug which had been prescribed for her. She provided the infant with this drug even though the label warned that it was not to be administered to children under the age of two. Sometime after 2 a.m., on Sept. 18, 2013, Brown looked over at her son and noticed that he was “blue and wasn’t breathing.” She then called 911. The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department arrived at her home, where they found the infant unconscious and not breathing. Hakeem was taken by ambulance to a hospital, and pronounced dead at about 3:20 a.m. Brown initially told police the only thing she gave her son was an “over the counter” gas relief medication, which was not true.
On Sept. 19, 2013, the District of Columbia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy. The cause of death was ruled a homicide and the manner of death was a lethal dose of Promethazine. In October 2013, the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Forensic Toxicology Unit determined that the autopsy drug screen was positive for Promethazine. Promethazine, commonly referred to by the brand name Phenergan, is a non-controlled prescription medication which is prescribed for allergy, motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, nighttime sedation, pain relief following surgery, and to help certain narcotic pain relievers work better. It is prescribed with the warning that it should not be used in children younger than two years old because it may cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing.
Brown has been in custody since her arrest in January 2014.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the detectives, officers, and others who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, as well as an agent from the FBI who assisted with investigation of the insurance fraud. He also expressed appreciation to the District of Columbia Office of the Medical Examiner and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences for assistance in the investigation. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Kelly Blakeney and Mia Beamon, Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia G. Wright, who prosecuted the case.
14-242District Man Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Attacking Woman Inside Her Northwest Washington Home
-Defendant Approached Victim as She Was Locking Outside Security Gate-WASHINGTON – Omar Rimmer, 39, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for an early-morning attack in which he forced his way into a woman’s residence and attempted to sexually assault her, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Rimmer was found guilty by a jury in August 2014 of assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual assault, attempted first-degree sexual assault, first-degree burglary, and kidnapping. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan. Upon completion of his prison term, Rimmer will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to the government’s evidence, on Feb. 5, 2011, at about 3:15 a.m., the victim was walking home in the 500 block of Florida Avenue NW. Rimmer approached her from behind and began making small talk. When she reached her home, Rimmer continued walking. The victim unlocked the security gate and door. When she turned to close the security gate, Rimmer reappeared and asked the victim if he knew her. She did not.
As the victim turned the key to lock the security gate, Rimmer pulled the gate open, breaking the key off in the lock. Rimmer then forced his way inside the residence and pushed the victim to the floor. He got on top of the victim and began choking her while trying to remove her clothing. The victim was able to scream her male roommate’s name, which caused Rimmer to hesitate. The victim seized that opportunity to escape and lock herself in an upstairs bathroom and call 911.
In his haste to flee, Rimmer left behind a cigarette butt and a scarf inside the residence. These items contained his DNA, which led to his arrest.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work performed by those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Elsa Resendiz; Criminal Investigator Nelson Rhone; Paralegal Specialist Jason Manuel; David Foster and La June Thames, of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; and Information Technology Specialist Anisha Bhatia. Finally, he praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff T. Cook, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
14-243Utah Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling into the District of ColumbiaRead the Press Release
To Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct With a Minor
WASHINGTON – Marc Val Singleton, 35, of Salt Lake City, Utah, pled guilty today to traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Singleton entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer is to sentence him on Jan. 23, 2015. Singleton faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison as well as a fine of $250,000.
According to the government's evidence, on or about June 10, 2014, Singleton contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, through a social network site. Over the course of that one day, Singleton engaged in an instant message conversation with the undercover officer, whom the defendant believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During the course of this conversation, Singleton arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.
On June 10, 2014, Singleton traveled from a hotel in Bethesda, Md., where he was staying for a conference, to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C. When he arrived at the meeting place he was arrested.
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 guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director McCabe and
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Chief Lanier commended the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who is prosecuting the case.Former Campaign Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Felony Charges, Admits Diverting Money from Campaign’s Bank AccountRead the Press Release
-Defendant Worked on Unsuccessful Campaign of D.C. Council Candidate-WASHINGTON - Hakim J. Sutton, 33, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to evading income taxes and violating campaign finance laws while working as the treasurer and custodian of records for a District of Columbia political campaign.
The guilty plea, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr.; Larry J. Wszalek, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division; Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Sutton pled guilty to one count of income tax evasion, a federal offense, and one count of knowingly filing a false and misleading campaign finance report, a violation of District of Columbia law. The Honorable Richard J. Leon scheduled sentencing for Feb. 4, 2015. Under the applicable sentencing guidelines, the parties have agreed that Sutton faces a likely range of 10 to 16 months in prison and a fine of up to $30,000 for federal income tax evasion, and a likely range of six to 24 months in prison for knowingly filing a false or misleading campaign finance report. The plea agreement also calls for Sutton to pay full restitution of $18,231 in taxes and interest to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Sutton was the principal owner of the Sutton Group, which performed political consulting services in the District of Columbia and elsewhere. In 2011 and 2012, Sutton served as the treasurer and custodian of records for the campaign of Michael A. Brown, a candidate seeking re-election to an at-large seat on the Council of the District of Columbia. Mr. Brown ultimately lost in the November 2012 election.
Between July 2011 and May 2012, Sutton diverted approximately $115,250 from the campaign bank account to himself by depositing the funds drawn from the campaign bank account into his own personal bank accounts, and converting funds drawn from the campaign bank account to cash. All told, Sutton wrote 36 checks payable to himself.
According to the statement of offense, some, but not all, of the money that Sutton diverted was compensation for Sutton’s work on the campaign. However, Sutton failed to file income tax returns for calendar years 2011 and 2012. He owes a total of $17,180 in federal income taxes for those years, along with an additional $1,051 in interest.
Sutton also omitted references to the checks that he had written to himself in a series of six reports he filed in 2011 and 2012 with the District of Columbia Office of Campaign Finance.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Last and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Seeley, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Kenneth C. Vert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. Assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Saler, of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, Legal Assistant Angela Lawrence, Paralegal Specialist Tasha Harris, former Paralegal Specialist Nicole Wattelet, and Criminal Investigator John Marsh, all of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
14-238Eritrean National Sentenced to Seven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Sexually Abusing an 11-Year-Old Child
While Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderWASHINGTON – Abraham Ayele-Sium, 26, of Eritrea, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old child and committing a crime of violence while failing to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Michael Hughes, U.S. Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Ayele-Sium has one prior misdemeanor conviction in California for a sex offense involving minor victims, which requires him to register as a sex offender. According to the government’s evidence, Ayele-Sium moved from California to Maryland and registered as a sex offender in Maryland in 2012. However, he then moved to the District of Columbia and did not register his new address with the District of Columbia Sex Offender Registry. While failing to register as a sex offender in the District of Columbia, Ayele-Sium then committed a new sex offense involving a child who he molested while walking her to a District store to get a snack.
Ayele-Sium pled guilty in May 2014 in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of failure to register as a sex offender with an enhancement for committing a crime of violence while failing to register as a sex offender in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). He also pled guilty to one count of second degree child sexual abuse. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a seven-year prison sentence. The Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan accepted the plea agreement on Oct. 22, 2014, and sentenced Ayele-Sium accordingly. Upon completion of his prison term, Ayele-Sium is to be placed on five years of supervised release. He also is subject to deportation.
As part of an overall strategy to combat child exploitation, the U.S. Marshals Service launched a nationwide operation in 2010 to target sex offenders who violate SORNA by knowingly failing to comply with their sex offender registration requirements. SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. The Adam Walsh Act also provides for the use of federal law enforcement resources, including the U.S. Marshals Service, to assist states in locating and apprehending non-compliant sex offenders.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and U.S. Marshal Hughes praised the work of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), as well as Senior Inspector Floriano Whitwell and other members of the D.C. Superior Court Sex Offender Investigations Section of the U.S. Marshals Service, who investigated the case. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Metro as well as former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heide Herrmann and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah McClellan, who prosecuted the case.
14-237Four Former Blackwater Employees Found Guilty of ChargesRead the Press Release
In Fatal 2007 Shootings at Nisur Square in Iraq
Jury Verdicts Follow 2 ½-Month TrialWASHINGTON – Four former security guards for Blackwater USA were found guilty today of charges stemming from the Sept. 16, 2007, shooting at Nisur Square in Baghdad, Iraq, that resulted in the killing of 14 unarmed civilians and the wounding of numerous others.
The jury verdicts, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
The defendants include Nicholas Abram Slatten, 30, of Sparta, Tenn.; Paul Alvin Slough, 35, of Keller, Texas; Evan Shawn Liberty, 32, of Rochester, N.H.; and Dustin Laurent Heard, 33, of Maryville, Tenn. Slatten, who was accused of firing the first shots, was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder. Slough was found guilty of 13 counts of voluntary manslaughter, 17 counts of attempted manslaughter, and one firearms offense. Liberty was found guilty of eight counts of voluntary manslaughter, 12 counts of attempted manslaughter, and one firearms offense. Heard was found guilty of six counts of voluntary manslaughter, 11 counts of attempted manslaughter, and one firearms offense.
“This verdict is a resounding affirmation of the commitment of the American people to the rule of law, even in times of war,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Seven years ago, these Blackwater contractors unleashed powerful sniper fire, machine guns, and grenade launchers on innocent men, women, and children. Today they were held accountable for that outrageous attack and its devastating consequences for so many Iraqi families. I pray that this verdict will bring some sense of comfort to the survivors of that massacre. I want to thank the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who have fought for the past seven years to bring justice to the memories of those who were gunned down in Nisur Square.”
“Today’s verdict demonstrates the FBI's dedication to investigating violations of U.S. law no matter where they occur,” said Assistant Director in Charge McCabe. “International investigations such as this one are very complex and frequently dangerous. This case took a tremendous amount of coordination to bring over a large number of foreign witnesses in support of this prosecution. I commend the FBI Special Agents, Task Force Officers, Intelligence Analysts and Language Specialists and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for working to bring those responsible to justice and conveying some measure of comfort to the victims’ families in Iraq.”
The verdicts came on the 28th day of jury deliberations and followed more than two months of trial. The Honorable Senior Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered that the four defendants be detained pending sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The murder charge against Slatten calls for a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Each of the voluntary manslaughter counts against the other defendants carries a statutory maximum of 15 years in prison. Each of the attempted manslaughter counts carries a statutory maximum of seven years of incarceration. The weapons offense carries a mandatory 30-year prison sentence.
Another Blackwater security guard, Jeremy P. Ridgeway, pled guilty in December 2008 to voluntary manslaughter and attempt to commit manslaughter. Ridgeway, who testified as a government witness in the trial, has not yet been sentenced.
The defendants worked for Blackwater USA, a private security contractor that was paid by the U.S. government to provide protective services to U.S. officials.
The trial began June 17, 2014. Over the next 10 weeks, the government presented testimony from 71 witnesses, including 30 from Iraq. This represented the largest group of foreign witnesses ever to travel to the United States for a criminal trial. The witnesses included 13 people who were wounded in the shootings, as well as relatives of many of those who died. The government’s witnesses also included nine members of “Raven 23,” the Blackwater team that was on the scene on the day of the shootings.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately noon on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, several Blackwater security contractors, including the four defendants, opened fire in and around Nisur Square, a busy traffic circle in the heart of Baghdad. When they stopped shooting, 14 Iraqi civilians were dead. Those killed included 10 men, two women, and two boys, ages 9 and 11. Another 18 victims were injured.
The four defendants and 15 other Blackwater security contractors were assigned to a convoy of four heavily-armed trucks known as a Tactical Support Team, using the call sign “Raven 23.” Shortly before noon, Raven 23 learned that a car bomb had detonated in central Baghdad near a location where a U.S official was being escorted by a Blackwater personal security detail team. Raven 23 team members promptly reported to their convoy vehicles, and the convoy drove to a secured checkpoint between the Green Zone and Red Zone.
Once there, in disregard of an order from Blackwater’s command, the team’s shift leader directed Raven 23 to leave the Green Zone and establish a blockade in Nisur Square, a busy traffic circle that was immediately adjacent to the Green Zone. While occupying the southern part of the traffic circle, seven of the 19 members of Raven 23, including the four defendants and Ridgeway, fired their weapons, resulting in the deaths or injury of the unarmed Iraqi civilians there. While leaving the traffic circle, Slough continued to fire his weapon, resulting in additional deaths and injuries.
Finally, further away, north of the traffic circle, Slough and Ridgeway again fired their weapons, resulting in the injury of three more unarmed Iraqi civilians.
The first to be killed was Ahmed Haithem Ahmed Al Rubia’y, 21, an aspiring doctor, who was driving his mother to an appointment. His mother, Mahassin Mohssen Kadhum Al-Khazali, 44, a medical doctor, also was killed. Others who died included Ali Mohammed Hafedh Abdul Razzaq, 9, who was traveling with his family; Osama Fadhil Abbas, 52, a businessman who sold used cars and who was enroute to a business meeting; Mohamed Abbas Mahmoud, 47, a delivery truck driver, and his 11-year-old son, Qasim Mohamed Abbas Mahmoud; Sa’adi Ali Abbas Alkarkh, 52, a businessman; Mushtaq Karim Abd Al-Razzaq, 18, an Iraqi soldier who was standing at a military checkpoint; Ghaniyah Hassan Ali, 55, who was traveling with her daughter on a public bus, and who was in the area to get documentation for a trip to holy sites; Ibrahim Abid Ayash, 77, a gardener, who was traveling in another bus; Hamoud Sa’eed Abttan, 33, and his cousin, Usday Ismail Ibrahiem, 27, who were out looking for work with the Iraqi Army; Mahdi Sahib Nasir, 26, a taxi driver, and Ali Khalil Abdul Hussein, 54, a motorcyclist who was commuting to work.
The jury considered charges involving injuries to 14 men and three women. Because of travel issues, witnesses to support an 18th charge of attempted manslaughter did not appear at the trial, and the charge related to that victim’s injuries was dismissed by the government.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior and the Iraqi National Police provided cooperation and assistance in the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Asuncion, John Crabb, Jr., Christopher R. Kavanaugh, T. Patrick Martin, and David Mudd, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was originally indicted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan M. Malis and Kenneth Kohl.
14-235Four Former Blackwater Employees Found Guilty of ChargesRead the Press Release
In Fatal 2007 Shootings at Nisur Square in Iraq
Jury Verdicts Follow 2 ½-Month TrialWASHINGTON – Four former security guards for Blackwater USA were found guilty today of charges stemming from the Sept. 16, 2007, shooting at Nisur Square in Baghdad, Iraq, that resulted in the killing of 14 unarmed civilians and the wounding of numerous others.
The jury verdicts, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
The defendants include Nicholas Abram Slatten, 30, of Sparta, Tenn.; Paul Alvin Slough, 35, of Keller, Texas; Evan Shawn Liberty, 32, of Rochester, N.H.; and Dustin Laurent Heard, 33, of Maryville, Tenn. Slatten, who was accused of firing the first shots, was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder. Slough was found guilty of 13 counts of voluntary manslaughter, 17 counts of attempted manslaughter, and one firearms offense. Liberty was found guilty of eight counts of voluntary manslaughter, 12 counts of attempted manslaughter, and one firearms offense. Heard was found guilty of six counts of voluntary manslaughter, 11 counts of attempted manslaughter, and one firearms offense.
“This verdict is a resounding affirmation of the commitment of the American people to the rule of law, even in times of war,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Seven years ago, these Blackwater contractors unleashed powerful sniper fire, machine guns, and grenade launchers on innocent men, women, and children. Today they were held accountable for that outrageous attack and its devastating consequences for so many Iraqi families. I pray that this verdict will bring some sense of comfort to the survivors of that massacre. I want to thank the prosecutors and law enforcement agents who have fought for the past seven years to bring justice to the memories of those who were gunned down in Nisur Square.”
“Today’s verdict demonstrates the FBI's dedication to investigating violations of U.S. law no matter where they occur,” said Assistant Director in Charge McCabe. “International investigations such as this one are very complex and frequently dangerous. This case took a tremendous amount of coordination to bring over a large number of foreign witnesses in support of this prosecution. I commend the FBI Special Agents, Task Force Officers, Intelligence Analysts and Language Specialists and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for working to bring those responsible to justice and conveying some measure of comfort to the victims’ families in Iraq.”
The verdicts came on the 28th day of jury deliberations and followed more than two months of trial. The Honorable Senior Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered that the four defendants be detained pending sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The murder charge against Slatten calls for a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Each of the voluntary manslaughter counts against the other defendants carries a statutory maximum of 15 years in prison. Each of the attempted manslaughter counts carries a statutory maximum of seven years of incarceration. The weapons offense carries a mandatory 30-year prison sentence.
Another Blackwater security guard, Jeremy P. Ridgeway, pled guilty in December 2008 to voluntary manslaughter and attempt to commit manslaughter. Ridgeway, who testified as a government witness in the trial, has not yet been sentenced.
The defendants worked for Blackwater USA, a private security contractor that was paid by the U.S. government to provide protective services to U.S. officials.
The trial began June 17, 2014. Over the next 10 weeks, the government presented testimony from 71 witnesses, including 30 from Iraq. This represented the largest group of foreign witnesses ever to travel to the United States for a criminal trial. The witnesses included 13 people who were wounded in the shootings, as well as relatives of many of those who died. The government’s witnesses also included nine members of “Raven 23,” the Blackwater team that was on the scene on the day of the shootings.
According to the government’s evidence, at approximately noon on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, several Blackwater security contractors, including the four defendants, opened fire in and around Nisur Square, a busy traffic circle in the heart of Baghdad. When they stopped shooting, 14 Iraqi civilians were dead. Those killed included 10 men, two women, and two boys, ages 9 and 11. Another 18 victims were injured.
The four defendants and 15 other Blackwater security contractors were assigned to a convoy of four heavily-armed trucks known as a Tactical Support Team, using the call sign “Raven 23.” Shortly before noon, Raven 23 learned that a car bomb had detonated in central Baghdad near a location where a U.S official was being escorted by a Blackwater personal security detail team. Raven 23 team members promptly reported to their convoy vehicles, and the convoy drove to a secured checkpoint between the Green Zone and Red Zone.
Once there, in disregard of an order from Blackwater’s command, the team’s shift leader directed Raven 23 to leave the Green Zone and establish a blockade in Nisur Square, a busy traffic circle that was immediately adjacent to the Green Zone. While occupying the southern part of the traffic circle, seven of the 19 members of Raven 23, including the four defendants and Ridgeway, fired their weapons, resulting in the deaths or injury of the unarmed Iraqi civilians there. While leaving the traffic circle, Slough continued to fire his weapon, resulting in additional deaths and injuries.
Finally, further away, north of the traffic circle, Slough and Ridgeway again fired their weapons, resulting in the injury of three more unarmed Iraqi civilians.
The first to be killed was Ahmed Haithem Ahmed Al Rubia’y, 21, an aspiring doctor, who was driving his mother to an appointment. His mother, Mahassin Mohssen Kadhum Al-Khazali, 44, a medical doctor, also was killed. Others who died included Ali Mohammed Hafedh Abdul Razzaq, 9, who was traveling with his family; Osama Fadhil Abbas, 52, a businessman who sold used cars and who was enroute to a business meeting; Mohamed Abbas Mahmoud, 47, a delivery truck driver, and his 11-year-old son, Qasim Mohamed Abbas Mahmoud; Sa’adi Ali Abbas Alkarkh, 52, a businessman; Mushtaq Karim Abd Al-Razzaq, 18, an Iraqi soldier who was standing at a military checkpoint; Ghaniyah Hassan Ali, 55, who was traveling with her daughter on a public bus, and who was in the area to get documentation for a trip to holy sites; Ibrahim Abid Ayash, 77, a gardener, who was traveling in another bus; Hamoud Sa’eed Abttan, 33, and his cousin, Usday Ismail Ibrahiem, 27, who were out looking for work with the Iraqi Army; Mahdi Sahib Nasir, 26, a taxi driver, and Ali Khalil Abdul Hussein, 54, a motorcyclist who was commuting to work.
The jury considered charges involving injuries to 14 men and three women. Because of travel issues, witnesses to support an 18th charge of attempted manslaughter did not appear at the trial, and the charge related to that victim’s injuries was dismissed by the government.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior and the Iraqi National Police provided cooperation and assistance in the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Asuncion, John Crabb, Jr., Christopher R. Kavanaugh, T. Patrick Martin, and David Mudd, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was originally indicted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan M. Malis and Kenneth Kohl.
14-235District Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder While Armed in 2012 Shooting on Crowded Southeast Washington BlockRead the Press Release
-Defendant Shot Victim Repeatedly-WASHINGTON - Demonta Chappell, 23, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury today of first-degree murder while armed and other charges stemming from a slaying that took place in 2012 in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Chappell was found guilty of the murder charge, related weapons offenses, and three counts of obstruction of justice. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Rhonda Reid Winston scheduled sentencing for Jan. 27, 2015.
According to the government’s evidence, on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, shortly after 9 p.m., Chappell approached the victim, Stevann Moorer, 26, who was standing in the 500 block of Parkland Place SE. The block was crowded that evening with people celebrating a local horseshoes team championship in a nearby park. When Chappell reached Mr. Moorer, he pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and shot him. Chappell then stood over Mr. Moorer and shot him several more times. Following the shooting, Chappell fled through a nearby alley.
After his arrest in the case, Chappell made several attempts to contact witnesses from the jail in an effort to persuade them to testify falsely on his behalf.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work performed by those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the FBI. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Criminal Investigators Mark Crawford, Durand Odom, and John Marsh; Paralegal Specialists Mia Beamon and Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie; David Foster, M. Laverne Forrest, Debra Cannon, and Michael Hailey of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; and Information Technology Specialist Leif Hickling. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie.
Finally, he praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Kravis and Veronica Sanchez, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
14-236Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling into the District of Columbia to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with A MinorRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Angel Gutierrez, 50, of Lorton, Va., pled guilty today to a federal charge of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Gutierrez entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable James E. Boasberg scheduled sentencing for Jan. 8, 2015. Gutierrez faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
According to the government's evidence, on Aug. 28, 2014, Gutierrez contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, who had posted an ad on a social network site. Over the next few days, Gutierrez engaged in e-mail, phone, and text message conversations with the undercover officer, whom the defendant believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this period of time, Gutierrez arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.
On Sept. 3, 2014, Gutierrez traveled from his apartment in Virginia to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C. When he arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested.
This case was brought was 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 guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, and Chief Lanier 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 Ari Redbord, who is prosecuting the case.
14-234Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling into the District of Columbia to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with A MinorRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Angel Gutierrez, 50, of Lorton, Va., pled guilty today to a federal charge of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Gutierrez entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable James E. Boasberg scheduled sentencing for Jan. 8, 2015. Gutierrez faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
According to the government's evidence, on Aug. 28, 2014, Gutierrez contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, who had posted an ad on a social network site. Over the next few days, Gutierrez engaged in e-mail, phone, and text message conversations with the undercover officer, whom the defendant believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this period of time, Gutierrez arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.
On Sept. 3, 2014, Gutierrez traveled from his apartment in Virginia to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C. When he arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested.
This case was brought was 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 guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, and Chief Lanier 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 Ari Redbord, who is prosecuting the case.
14-234Former Caregiver Pleads Guilty to Criminal Abuse of A Vulnerable AdultDefendant Struck and Dragged Woman with Cognitive DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A former direct care giver, Sherifat Kofo Yusuff, has pled guilty to criminal abuse of a 50-year-old vulnerable adult, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr. and District of Columbia Interim Inspector General Blanche L. Bruce announced today.
Yusuff, 53, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty on Oct. 16, 2014, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult. The Honorable Senior Judge Susan R. Winfield sentenced Yusuff to 30 days in jail. The judge suspended the time on the condition that Yusuff successfully completes six months of probation.
According to the government’s evidence, on Feb. 19, 2014, Yusuff worked for Marjul Homes, Inc. (Marjul), which operated a residential group home for individuals with developmental disabilities. Yusuff was a direct support professional with responsibility for caring for vulnerable adults diagnosed with severe developmental and cognitive disabilities. On that day, she transported and accompanied one of the adults to MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, where the woman was scheduled to undergo a sleep study.
Shortly after medical staff placed electrodes and sensors on the vulnerable adult, the woman became agitated and attempted to remove those items from her body. Yusuff admitted that she became frustrated with this behavior, struck the woman with an open hand, and dragged her across the floor. These actions were captured on a camera used for the sleep study, and the video was subsequently used by law enforcement in its investigation of the case.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen and Interim Inspector General Bruce praised the work of former Investigator Tracey Chambers, of the Office of the Inspector General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Schurmann and Scott Ray, who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Wolfingbarger of the MFCU, who jointly prosecuted the case.
14-233Maryland Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Stealing over $200,000 in Scam Targeting People Who Thought He Was A Taxicab Driver-Defendant Stole ATM Cards, PIN Numbers from Unsuspecting Passengers-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Nyerere Mitchell, 50, was sentenced today to 40 months in prison for a scheme in which he offered rides to people who had been drinking, talked them into letting him withdraw cash with their ATMS and pin numbers, and then secretly held onto their bank cards to generate more than $200,000 for himself, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
More than 60 people, mostly young adults, were conned in the scheme, which continued from at least April 2009 through November 2013. Many of them thought that Mitchell was a taxicab driver. Mitchell, who typically drove a silver-colored SUV Range Rover, often wore a woman’s wig and padded breasts so that many of his passengers believed he was a woman.
Mitchell, of Clinton, Md., pled guilty in August 2014 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to five counts of first-degree felony fraud. He was sentenced by the Honorable Milton C. Lee. Upon completion of his prison term, Mitchell will be placed on five years of probation. He also must pay $228,036 in restitution.
According to the government’s evidence, Mitchell frequented areas such as Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Foggy Bottom, Chinatown, and other busy neighborhoods in the District of Columbia and Arlington, Va., offering rides to individuals he believed had been drinking. The victims, in general, were intoxicated, and would give Mitchell their bank cards and pin numbers and allow him to obtain cash for the rides that they were getting. Mitchell generally took the passengers to drive-through ATMs on Wisconsin Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. He created situations in which the passengers would need to provide him with the pin numbers and cards because the ATM machines were located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Unbeknownst to the victims, Mitchell often withdrew hundreds of dollars from the ATMs -- as opposed to what they thought would be $10 to $40 fees. Often he would switch the victim’s ATM card with another one that he had earlier stolen from someone else. In fact, Mitchell maintained so many stolen cards that he could easily substitute a similar-looking card so that the victims didn’t notice the switch until much later.
Over the course of the next few days, Mitchell would use the stolen ATM card without authorization or permission to purchase money orders, many of which he deposited into his credit union account or used to make large purchases at various stores in the area.
An investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) led to a search in November 2013 of Mitchell’s home. Law enforcement recovered 205 stolen credit cards in plastic bags inside a shoe box. They also found a wig that Mitchell can be seen wearing in bank surveillance video. Mitchell was arrested Nov. 27, 2013.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Prince George’s County, Md., Police Department, Citibank, BB & T Bank, Sun Trust Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Corinne Kleinman, Legal Assistant Chris Samson, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie G. Miller, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
14-232Omar Gonzalez Indicted on Additional Charges Stemming from Recent Intrusion on White House GroundsGrand Jury Returns Superseding Indictment as Investigation ContinuesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a superseding indictment today charging Omar Gonzalez with three additional offenses stemming from a recent incident in which he ran into the White House while armed with a folding knife.
The superseding indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Kathy A. Michalko, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, U.S. Secret Service.
Gonzalez, 42, formerly of Copperas Cove, Texas, initially was indicted on Sept. 30, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was charged at that time with unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds, while carrying a deadly or dangerous weapon, a federal offense; carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business, a District of Columbia offense, and unlawful possession of ammunition, also a D.C. offense.
The superseding indictment includes those three charges. It also adds two federal counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, and one District of Columbia count of unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.
According to the government’s evidence, on Sept. 19, 2014, at about 7:19 p.m., Gonzalez climbed over the north fence of the White House. An officer with the U.S. Secret Service ran toward him and yelled at him to stop. Gonzalez, however, ran toward the White House. Moments later, he went through the north doors and entered the building.
He was apprehended inside the White House after he allegedly assaulted, resisted, or impeded two U.S. Secret Service officers, the basis for the new federal charges filed today. Gonzalez was searched and a black folding knife was discovered in his right front pants pocket. The knife had a serrated blade that was three and one-half inches long.
After Gonzalez’s arrest, he gave oral consent to search his vehicle, which was located on Constitution Avenue NW. The vehicle contained hundreds of rounds of ammunition, both in boxes and in magazines, two hatchets, and a machete. The newly filed District of Columbia charge involves the recovery of gun magazines that held more than 10 rounds.
Gonzalez is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 21, 2014. He has been in custody since his arrest on Sept. 19, 2014.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Mudd and Thomas A. Gillice, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
14-231Ahmed Abu Khatallah Indicted on Additional Charges for September 2012 Attack in Benghazi, LibyaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a superseding indictment today charging Ahmed Abu Khatallah, aka Ahmed Mukatallah, with numerous additional offenses arising from his alleged participation in the September 11 through 12, 2012, terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya, which resulted in the deaths of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
Khatallah, 43, a Libyan national, was initially indicted on June 26, 2014, on the charge of conspiracy to provide material support and resources to terrorists resulting in death. That charge, which is included in the superseding indictment, carries a potential life sentence. The superseding indictment includes a total of 17 new charges, including some that could be punishable by death.
“These additional charges reflect Ahmed Abu Khattalah’s integral role in the attack on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, which led to the deaths of four brave Americans,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “We will never relent in pursuing justice against those who commit heinous acts of terrorism against the United States. Those who would do harm to our citizens—no matter how far away—should understand that our nation’s memory is long and our reach is far.”
“This superseding indictment charges Ahmed Abu Khatallah for his role in the attacks on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in the deaths of four U.S. government personnel,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin. “This case reminds us of the continued threat the United States faces abroad from terrorism, but it also highlights our resolve to find and hold terrorists accountable wherever they may hide.”
“We have no higher priority than bringing to justice terrorists who kill U.S. citizens serving our country on foreign soil,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. for the District of Columbia. “With this 18-count indictment, a grand jury in our nation’s capital has charged Ahmed Abu Khatallah with the murders of four brave Americans in Benghazi. We will press forward with our efforts to hold accountable all those who are responsible for this cowardly act.”
“With additional charges being announced today, Ahmed Abu Khatallah’s role in the Benghazi attack is even clearer,” said Assistant Director in Charge George Venizelos of the FBI’s New York Field Office. “As the charges allege, he was the leader of an extremist militia group who carried out this brutal act of violence that took the lives of four honorable Americans. The Benghazi investigation remains one of the FBI’s top priorities and we will work tirelessly until all of those responsible are brought to justice.”
The superseding indictment describes Khatallah’s alleged role in the attacks at a U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi and a second U.S. facility there, known as the annex. According to the superseding indictment, Khatallah was a leader of an extremist militia group and he conspired with others to attack the facilities, kill U.S. citizens, destroy buildings and other property, and plunder materials, including documents, maps and computers containing sensitive information.
The offenses that could carry death sentences include one count of murder of an internationally protected person; three counts of murder of an officer and employee of the United States; four counts of killing a person in the course of an attack on a federal facility involving the use of a firearm and a dangerous weapon; and two counts of maliciously damaging and destroying U.S. property by means of fire and an explosive causing death.
The seven other new charges in the superseding indictment include one count of providing material support and resources to terrorists resulting in death; three counts of attempted murder of an officer and employee of the United States; two counts of maliciously destroying and injuring dwellings and property, and placing lives in jeopardy within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and attempting to do the same; and one count of using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Khatallah will be arraigned on the new charges at a hearing Oct. 20, 2014, before the Honorable Christopher R. Cooper in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. At an earlier hearing, he pleaded not guilty to the terrorism conspiracy charge.
The investigation is continuing.
According to the superseding indictment, Khatallah was the commander of Ubaydah Bin Jarrah (UBJ), an Islamist extremist militia in Benghazi, which had the goal of establishing Sharia law in Libya. In approximately 2011, UBJ merged with Ansar al-Sharia (AAS), another Islamist extremist group in Libya with the same goal of establishing Sharia law in the country. Khatallah was a Benghazi-based leader of AAS.
The attack at the diplomatic mission, which took place on the night of Sept. 11, 2012, led to the deaths of Ambassador Stevens and Smith, who was an Information Management Officer for the U.S. Department of State; a second State Department employee was injured in this violence. The attack at the annex took place early Sept. 12, 2012. Woods and Doherty, who were security officers working on the U.S. government’s behalf, were killed in the attack at the annex, and another security officer and a State Department employee were wounded in the violence there.
In June 2014, Khatallah was taken into custody, and he initially was charged in a criminal complaint that was filed under seal on July 15, 2013, which became public on June 17, 2014. The earlier indictment became public on June 28, 2014, the date of his first court appearance.
An indictment is merely a formal allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI New York Field Office's Joint Terrorism Task Force with substantial assistance from various other government agencies. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
14-230Former MPD Officer Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Pandering A Minor and Possession of Child Pornography-Defendant Admitted to Offenses Involving Three Teenage Girls-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Linwood Barnhill, 48, a former officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), was sentenced today to seven years in prison after earlier pleading guilty to two counts of pandering a minor and one count of possession of child pornography.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Barnhill, who was assigned to the Seventh Police District, pled guilty in June 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He has resigned from the department. His plea agreement, which was subject to the Court’s approval, called for a seven-year prison sentence.
The Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer accepted the plea and sentenced Barnhill today. Upon completion of his prison term, Barnhill will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to the government's evidence, on Dec. 3, 2013, officers with the MPD’s Youth Investigations Division located a missing 16-year-old girl at Barnhill’s residence in Washington, D.C. Over the course of the previous two weeks, the government’s evidence showed, Barnhill had begun the process of cultivating the juvenile to engage in prostitution, including taking clothed and unclothed photographs of her. During this time-frame, he stated that he was going to send the photos to a man who was interested in “an appointment” with her. Barnhill further explained that he was going to set up a “date” for her to engage in sexual acts with this man, who would pay her $80. The juvenile was to provide Barnhill with $20 after the completion of the “date.” Barnhill arranged to have the juvenile’s hair done in preparation for the date. The 16-year-old never actually engaged in prostitution for the defendant.
During the course of the ensuing investigation, MPD officers and members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force learned that the defendant was involved in prostitution-related activities with other adult and juvenile females, including a 15-year-old.
According to the government’s evidence, the 15-year-old met Barnhill in September 2013, when he pulled up to her at a bus stop and asked if she was interested in modeling for him. The 15-year-old agreed to model for the defendant and went back to his apartment to “take modeling pictures.” Barnhill, who asked her to escort for him, took a series of clothed and unclothed photographs of the girl. Later that night, he contacted her by cell phone and told her that he had somebody that wanted to meet her for a “date.” Barnhill collected the money and paid the 15-year-old a portion of that money once she was finished with the “date.”
In addition, during the course of the investigation, law enforcement identified a 17-year-old female who also met the defendant in October 2013 when he pulled up to her at a bus stop in Washington, D.C. and asked her if she wanted to model. Sometime later, the 17-year-old went to Barnhill’s residence. He brought her into his bedroom, where he took multiple photographs of her, clothed and unclothed. After taking the photos, Barnhill asked the 17-year-old to perform oral sex on him. While she performed oral sex, Barnhill held his cellular phone and video-recorded the session. That video was recovered from a cell phone seized from the defendant’s residence pursuant to a search warrant.
Barnhill has been in custody since his arrest in December 2013.
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 Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe and Chief Lanier commended the work of the MPD detectives and Special Agents of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.
14-227Florida Businessman Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Conspiring to Defraud InvestorsRead the Press Release
Over 100 Investors Lost More Than $13 Million in Scheme
ORLANDO, FLA. – Blayne S. Davis, 33, formerly of Naples, Fla., has been sentenced to a nine-year prison term on a federal charge stemming from an investment fraud scheme in which more than 100 investors lost over $11 million, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Tampa Field Office of IRS- Criminal Investigation.
Davis pled guilty on July 28, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, to a charge of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. He was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2014, by the Honorable Carlos E. Mendoza.
Davis also will be required to pay restitution of between $11,894,776 and $13,215,874 to the investors who lost money. The Court will determine the final amount at a restitution hearing on Oct. 20, 2014. The Court is also expected to enter an order of forfeiture in a similar amount. In addition, following his prison term, Davis will be placed on three years of supervised release.
Davis has agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation. A co-defendant, Donovan G. Davis, Jr., 33, of Palm Bay, Fla., has pled not guilty and is awaiting trial in the case; trial is currently scheduled for May 4, 2015. (The two Davises are not related.) A third defendant, Damien L. Bromfield, 38, of Ocoee, Fla., pled guilty on Nov. 14, 2013, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is awaiting sentencing.
According to a Statement of Offense, signed by Blayne Davis as well as the government, and filed with the Court, Blayne Davis was the director of trading for Capital Blu Management, LLC, a Florida-based corporation that purported to offer investment and managed account services for investors in the off-exchange foreign currency, or “forex,” marketplace. Donovan Davis, Jr. was the managing member of Capital Blu, and Bromfield was the director of operations.
Blayne Davis and Bromfield formed Capital Blu in January 2007. In 2007, according to the statement of offense, Donovan Davis, Jr. solicited relatives, friends, and associates to invest in Capital Blu, resulting in substantial amounts being placed under the company’s management. Donovan Davis, Jr., became a managing member of Capital Blu in August 2007, working out of an office in Melbourne, Fla.
In or about September 2007, according to the statement of offense, the three men formed the CBM FX Fund, LP, which pooled investors’ money into a common fund to be traded by Capital Blu Management. Many of Capital Blu’s managed-account investors transferred their investments into the CBM FX Fund.
By January 2008, according to the statement of offense, the three partners knew that the CBM FX Fund sustained significant trading losses, resulting in large losses for its investors. At or about that time, the statement of offense states, the men began defrauding investors by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. These included, according to the statement of offense, a series of misrepresentations about Capital Blu’s trading performance, the value of the fund, and the risks of the fund.
According to the statement of offense, the men conspired to post positive monthly returns to the CBM FX Fund’s investors from January through August of 2008, even though the fund and its investors had sustained net losses. In addition, the men diverted investors’ money from the fund to pay for Capital Blu’s operational expenses and personal expenses, including their salaries and payments for the use of a private airplane.
In or about September 2008, the National Futures Association, an independent self-regulatory organization that oversees commodities and futures trading in the United States, conducted a surprise audit of Capital Blu and suspended its operations. As of September 2008, according to the statement of offense, investors had invested over $16 million into the CBM FX Fund; the investors had lost over $11 million.
This case was transferred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia from the Middle District of Florida.
The case is being investigated by a task force consisting of agents from the IRS- Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Brevard County, Fla., Sherriff’s Office. Related civil litigation was pursued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Assistance on the criminal case was provided by Paralegal Specialists Donna Galindo and Corinne Kleinman; former Paralegal Specialist Diane Hayes; Legal Assistant Angela Lawrence; Forensic Accountant Crystal Boodoo; Information Technology Specialist Thomas (Ron) Royal; and Victim Witness Advocates Yvonne Bryant and Tasheeka Hawkins, all of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine K. Connelly and Anthony Saler, of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, have assisted with guidance on asset forfeiture matters.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Hooks of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Ephraim (Fry) Wernick of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, who are designated as Special Attorneys in the Middle District of Florida.
14-228District Man Pleads Guilty to Carrying Out Two Robberies Within 36 Hours in D.C. and Maryland-Defendant’s Two Brothers and Sister Awaiting Trial in Case-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alex Alexander, 21, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to federal charges stemming from a pair of robberies that took place within a 36-hour period of a convenience store in Montgomery County, Md. and a bank in the District of Columbia.
The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Alexander pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery and one count of bank robbery. The Honorable Senior Judge Paul L. Friedman scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2015. The charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison, as well as restitution to the victims.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Alexander and two of his brothers entered the Colombo Bank, in the 1300 block of 9th Street NW, at approximately noon on May 12, 2014. After leaving the bank, he and his brothers decided that they were going to return at some point to rob it.
On May 13, 2014, and continuing into May 14, 2014, according to the statement of offense, Alexander, his two brothers, and one of his sisters were riding around the District of Columbia, in the sister’s vehicle, when they decided they were going to rob a convenience store located at a gas station in the 8300 block of Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Md.
When the four siblings arrived at the convenience store at approximately 2:55 a.m. on May 14, 2014, they entered the establishment and robbed the attendant of about $158 before fleeing the scene and returning to the District of Columbia.
On May 15, 2014, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Alexander and the same two brothers returned to the Colombo Bank on 9th Street NW, in their sister’s vehicle. According to the statement of offense, Alexander and his two brothers entered the bank while their sister waited inside her vehicle. Alexander and his brothers robbed the teller of approximately $800 before fleeing to the waiting vehicle. In fleeing the scene, they dropped the money.
The brothers – Allante Alexander, 20, and Alvin Alexander, 23 – and the sister – Allesha Alexander, 25 – also are charged with federal offenses in the case. They have pled not guilty.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, and Chief Lanier commended the investigative work of the Special Agents from the FBI’s Washington Field Office who worked on the case and the entire joint FBI/MPD Violent Crimes Task Force. In addition, they acknowledged the work of Legal Assistant Candice Sisco, Paralegal Specialist Starla Stolk, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Kent, who is prosecuting the case.
14-229District Man Pleads Guilty to Charges in Shooting That Seriously Wounded 8-Year-Old GirlGunfire Followed Attempted Robbery in Middle of Afternoon at Southeast Washington Apartment BuildingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Karie Brown, 20, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to charges stemming from a shooting this year at an apartment building in Southeast Washington that seriously wounded an eight-year-old girl, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Brown pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to charges of aggravated assault while armed; assault with intent to rob while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for a sentence of 14 ½ to 21 ½ years in prison. The Honorable Rhonda Reid Winston scheduled sentencing for Dec. 18, 2014.
A co-defendant, Nathaniel Patten, 21, also of Washington, D.C., is awaiting trial. He has pled not guilty to charges.
According to the government’s evidence, Brown and Patten decided on the afternoon of Feb. 14, 2014 to rob an individual they believed sold marijuana. Brown and Patten were armed with a .22-caliber Ruger semi-automatic pistol, which Brown was carrying. The men headed to the 1200 block of Valley Avenue SE, an area they knew that the individual had frequented.
Brown and Patten pretended to be waiting to gain access to a locked apartment building on the block. The eight-year-old girl – who was going outside to play in the snow -- held the door open for them. Brown and Patten then followed the individual who they were targeting into the building as he went upstairs. They then attempted to rob him and gain access to an apartment that he was about to enter. The individual escaped and ran downstairs. Brown shot once at the individual while inside the building and then fired multiple shots at him outside.
The shots missed the individual, but hit the girl in the torso.
The bullet that hit the child caused severe bleeding, and she was rushed to an emergency room and placed in critical care. She required immediate surgery and could have died but for the timely intervention of medical assistance.
According to the government’s evidence, Brown and Patten fled together, and Brown discarded the firearm, which was found by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The defendants were both found and arrested soon after the shooting in the 3500 block of Wheeler Road SE.
The firearms charge stemmed from the fact that Brown had previously been convicted of a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery, in an unrelated case.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Theresa Nelson, Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark, and Victim/Witness Security Specialist Tanya Via. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal S. Chawla and Kendra Briggs, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
14-226Maryland Man Sentenced to 14-Year Prison Term for Sexually Abusing Subordinate Food Services EmployeeAttacks Took Place at Federal Building in Washington, D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alexander Hughes, 35, of Odenton, Md., was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing a subordinate employee in the cafeteria of a federal building where they worked in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Hughes was found guilty in May 2014, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of one count of kidnapping, one count of first-degree sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, three counts of second-degree sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, and numerous counts of misdemeanor sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. He was sentenced by the Honorable John Ramsey Johnson. Upon completion of his prison term, Hughes will be placed on five years of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to the government’s evidence, Hughes was a contract employee who worked as a food services supervisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Nebraska Avenue NW. The victim was one of the food preparation employees. Between December 2011 and December 2012, Hughes engaged in numerous acts of sexual abuse in various locations within the cafeteria, including an employee changing room and restroom.
Hughes engaged in this conduct by force, as well as by telling the victim on numerous occasions that he could have her fired if she did not submit to his sexual acts. The victim, who felt totally helpless, eventually got the courage to report the sexual abuse, leading to a law enforcement investigation and Hughes’s arrest. According to the government’s evidence, Hughes also had sexually abused the victim and two other female subordinate employees by hitting them on the buttocks with various items, including cooking utensils, while they worked.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit and Mobile Crime Division, and law enforcement officers with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He also praised the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Melissa Milam; Victim/Witness Security Specialists Katina Adams-Washington and David Foster; Paralegal Specialists Jason Manuel and Joyce Arthur; Joshua Ellen, Joseph Calvarese, Kimberly Smith, and the Litigation Services team, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Zubrensky, who investigated and tried the case, and Rebekah Holman, who co-tried the case.
14-225Former HUD Employee Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge in Theft of $843,000 of Government MoneyDefendant Sold HUD Properties, Kept A Portion of the Proceeds for HimselfRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Brian E. Thompson, 53, a former loan guarantee specialist for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, pled guilty today to a charge stemming from a scheme in which he stole $843,000 of government money.
The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Gary R. Barksdale, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Cary A. Rubenstein, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD-OIG).
Thompson, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of wire fraud. The Honorable Senior Judge Paul L. Friedman scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2015. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the parties have agreed that Thompson faces a likely range of 33 to 41 months in prison and a fine of up to $75,000. The plea agreement calls for Thompson to pay $843,000 in restitution to the federal government. He also is subject to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $645,700.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Thompson carried out his scheme from May 2013 until March 2014, while he was working for HUD’s Office of Loan Guarantee for Native American programs. This Office handles the reselling of properties that have been acquired by HUD after borrowers defaulted on their HUD-guaranteed mortgages. Thompson was a loan guarantee specialist. His duties included selling these HUD real estate owned properties for the best possible price in order to reimburse the government for the payments made to the mortgage lender for the insured loan. He advised supervisors of the progress of reselling properties, and he also coordinated with the title and escrow agents at settlements.
From June 2013 until March 2014, Thompson sold parcels of such real estate properties on behalf of HUD. For five of those parcels, he made materially false misrepresentations to third parties and diverted $843,000 of the sales proceeds to bank accounts under his control. In order to conceal these thefts from HUD, Thompson used and submitted fictitious settlement statements that falsely listed the buyer, and/or the contract sales prices, and/or the seller proceeds.
“Brian Thompson exploited his government job to rob the American taxpayer of more than $800,000,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “This crooked HUD employee diverted the proceeds of real estate sales from the U.S. Treasury to his own pockets through lies and trickery. He now faces serious prison time as a result of criminal breach of the public trust.”
“Postal Inspectors are proud to join with our federal law enforcement partners at HUD-OIG to bring this case to a successful resolution,” said Inspector in Charge Barksdale. “By joining forces, we are able to bring justice to those who would misuse the U.S. mail in order to defraud the US government.”
“The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General is tasked with investigating allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse in HUD-sponsored programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Rubenstein. “When we learn of HUD employees who engage in fraud, and in this instance elect to enrich themselves at the expense of a HUD program designed to ensure that Native Americans are provided the American dream of home ownership, we vigorously investigate these allegations in order to bring the employees to justice and remove them from current and future employment with HUD and the Federal Government. We wish to thank our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and United States Attorney’s Office for their steadfast efforts, hard work and dedication. This was a truly collaborative effort that led to the guilty plea earlier today.”
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Inspector in Charge Barksdale, and Special Agent in Charge Rubenstein commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and HUD’s 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 Specialist Kristy Penny, the Asset Forfeiture Section’s staff, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane Lucas and Virginia Cheatham.
14-223Foreign Subsidiary of Texas Oil Firm Pleads Guilty to Illegally Exporting Drilling Equipment to SyriaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robbins & Myers Belgium, S.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Robbins & Myers, Inc., pled guilty today to four counts of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Administration Regulations.
The plea was announced by John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and Eric L. Hirschhorn, U.S. Department of Commerce Under Secretary for Industry and Security.
The guilty plea stemmed from actions by Robbins & Myers Belgium that, in 2006, caused four illegal exports, reexports and/or transshipments of stators—important components of oil extraction equipment—that had been made from steel that had been milled in the United States to a customer operating oil fields in Syria.
As part of its plea agreement Robbins & Myers Belgium agreed to pay a total of $1 million in criminal fines ($250,000 for each violation) and to serve a term of corporate probation. The gross proceeds received by Robbins & Myers Belgium for these four illegal exports was $31,716. As part of its plea agreement, Robbins & Myers Belgium has forfeited the entire $31,716 to the government. Robbins & Myers Belgium has also entered into a civil settlement with the Department of Commerce requiring the company to pay $600,000 in civil penalties.
Robbins & Myers Belgium entered the guilty plea this afternoon and was sentenced this afternoon in accordance with the terms of the plea agreement by the Honorable Judge Beryl A. Howell in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
“This case shows that the United States will vigorously enforce its export laws against companies doing business with Syria, a state-sponsor of terrorism and home to one of the most brutal regimes on earth,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “The Department of Justice will hit companies that do business with Syria where it hurts most: the bottom line. This company will pay fines, penalties, and forfeitures more than 50 times greater than the proceeds of its sales.”
“The significant civil and criminal penalties in this case show our resolve to pursue and prosecute those who flout our export control laws,” said Under Secretary of Commerce Hirschhorn. “We will continue to work in concert with our partner agencies to ensure that U.S. technology stays out of the wrong hands.”
According to court documents, in or about May 2006 an internal auditor with Robbins & Myers, Inc. (the U.S. parent company of Robbins & Myers Belgium which was acquired by National Oilwell Varco in 2013) discovered that the company’s Belgian subsidiary had shipped stators made from U.S.-origin steel to a customer in Syria. The internal auditor informed senior management at Robbins & Myers, Inc., of the shipments; management then confirmed that those shipments had occurred and that they were likely in violation of U.S. law which prohibited trade in U.S.-origin goods with Syria. Although the U.S.-based parent directed Robbins & Myers Belgium to stop such shipments, the subsidiary continued to make shipments of stators to Syria between August 2006 and October 2006. Following those illegal shipments, employees of the Belgian subsidiary attempted to hide documents related to those shipments from the government’s investigators.
In announcing the guilty plea and sentencing, U.S. Attorney Machen and Under Secretary Hirschhorn commended Special Agents Richard Jereski and Joseph Bankins, who worked under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Nasir Khan, as well as Attorney Advisor R. Elizabeth Abraham of the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security. They also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert and the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department's National Security Division for their roles in prosecuting this matter.
14-224Virginia Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault in Southeast Washington-Defendant Laughed as EMTs Carried Unconscious Victim Out of Apartment-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jose Santos, Jr., 24, of Falls Church, Va., was sentenced today to 12 years in prison on charges stemming from a sexual assault of a woman in June of 2013, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Santos was found guilty by a jury in March 2014, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of first-degree sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. He was sentenced by the Honorable Rhonda Reid Winston. Following his prison term, Santos will be placed on five years of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to the government’s evidence, Santos and the victim met during the week of the attack and had gotten together twice. On June 27, 2013, they agreed to get together a third time, and they socialized at an apartment in Southeast Washington with friends. In the midst of a consensual sexual encounter between Santos and the victim, Santos forcefully, and without the victim’s consent, grew violent and sexually assaulted her.
The victim’s injuries required several immediate surgeries, and she nearly died from having lost so much blood due to internal trauma. After the assault, Santos was seen bragging about what he had done by the emergency medical personnel who responded to the scene.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit. He also praised those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson, Paralegal Specialists D’Yvonne Key and Jason Manuel, and Litigation Technology Specialist Kimberly Smith. Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mervin A. Bourne, Jr., and Jeff Cook, who prosecuted the case at trial.
14-222Virginia Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Traveling to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with A Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Chad Pyles, 23, of Arlington, Va., was sentenced today to 11 years in prison on federal charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Andrew G. McCabe, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Pyles pled guilty in February 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Richard J. Leon. Upon completion of his prison term, Pyles will be placed on 25 years of supervised release.
According to the government's evidence, on Aug. 7, 2013, Pyles contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, who had posted an ad on a social network site. Over the next few days, Pyles engaged in e-mail and text message conversations with the undercover officer, whom he believed was the father of an under-aged girl. Pyles arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with that child.
During their communications, Pyles also sent the undercover officer five images of child pornography. On Sept. 10, 2013, Pyles traveled from Virginia to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C. When he arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested. Pursuant to a search of Pyles’s computer, law enforcement recovered several videos of child pornography.
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 Machen, Assistant Director in Charge McCabe, and Chief Lanier 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 Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.
14-220Omar Gonzalez Indicted on Federal and Local Charges for Entering White House Grounds with A WeaponCharges Follow Sept. 19, 2014 IncidentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Omar Gonzalez, 42, formerly of Copperas Cove, Texas, was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges stemming from an incident on Sept. 19, 2014, in which he climbed a fence and ran toward and into the White House while armed with a folding knife.
The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Kathy A. Michalko, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, U.S. Secret Service.
The grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a three-count indictment against Gonzalez, who has been in custody since his arrest on Sept. 19, 2014. Following his arrest, Gonzalez was charged with unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds, while carrying a deadly or dangerous weapon. The grand jury today indicted him for that federal offense, as well as two additional charges alleging violations of District of Columbia law: carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The federal charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison. The D.C. charge of carrying a dangerous weapon carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison, and the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition carries a potential maximum of a year of incarceration.
According to the government’s evidence, on Sept. 19, 2014, at about 7:19 p.m., Gonzalez climbed over the north fence of the White House. An officer with the U.S. Secret Service ran toward him and yelled at him to stop. Gonzalez, however, ran toward the White House. Moments later, he went through the north doors and entered the building. He was apprehended inside the White House. Gonzalez was searched and a black folding knife was discovered in his right front pants pocket. The knife had a serrated blade that was three and one-half inches long.
After Gonzalez’s arrest, he gave oral consent to search his vehicle, which was located on Constitution Avenue NW. The vehicle contained hundreds of rounds of ammunition, both in boxes and in magazines, two hatchets, and a machete.
Gonzalez is scheduled to appear on Oct. 1, 2014, before Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Mudd and Thomas A. Gillice, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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