District of Columbia

WASHINGTON - Joseph Clifford Reel, 33, of Kettering, Ohio, was sentenced today to 35 months in prison on a federal charge stemming from an incident in which he rigged his Jeep to travel, unattended, toward the White House.

     The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Kathy A. Michalko, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service.

     Reel pled guilty in October 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of assaulting, impeding, intimidating, and interfering with an officer or employee of the United States with a dangerous weapon. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for Reel to be sentenced to 35 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The plea agreement also called for Reel to pay $5,345 in restitution to the U.S. Park Service for the damage he caused in the incident. The Honorable Rudolph Contreras accepted the plea agreement today and sentenced Reel accordingly.

     According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Reel left his residence in Ohio on June 6, 2013, in his 2008 Jeep Patriot, heading to Washington, D.C. for the purpose of spray-painting the “Don’t Tread on Me” snake on the White House residence, believing the action would lead others to “stand up against government.”

     On June 9, 2013, shortly after 3 a.m., Reel rigged his Jeep to crash into the White House complex. The vehicle was traveling at about 40 mph upon impact.

     Reel, who was not in the Jeep, had affixed a wooden block to the accelerator and reached into the vehicle to shift it into drive. The vehicle, which Reel had parked on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, then began moving toward the White House complex, specifically, a Secret Service guard post. At the time, an officer was on-duty and inside the guard booth. At collision, the Jeep hit a light post, a steel bollard, and a steel bike rack, causing $5,345 in damage to property of the U.S. Park Service.

     Just before he set the Jeep in motion, Reel called 911 and warned that something was about to be staged at the White House. He made the call in hopes of causing members of law enforcement to convene at the White House complex, intending to create a distraction that would increase his chances of gaining access to the White House residence and spray-painting the “Don’t’ Tread on Me” snake on the building. Instead, Reel was arrested inside the White House Complex, within minutes of the Jeep’s impact.

     As part of the investigation, law enforcement searched the Jeep and found hundreds of rounds of ammunition, eight knives of various sizes, two machetes, a hand-held spotting scope, and other items. A spray-paint can was found on the White House complex grounds, near the area where Reel was apprehended.

     Reel has been in custody since his arrest.

     “Joseph Reel is lucky to be alive after his terribly dangerous decision to launch his unmanned Jeep at a Secret Service guard post in the hopes of causing a distraction that would allow him to spray-paint a political message on the side of the White House,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “Reel now faces three years behind bars because of his foolish behavior.  This prosecution should send a clear message to individuals considering political stunts that risk the safety of public servants seeking to protect our national treasures.”

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Secret Service, which swiftly responded to the incident and investigated the case. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Dayton Resident Agency of the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Legal Assistants Ashley Kellam and Donice Adams, Paralegal Specialist Selena Zuhoski, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maia L. Miller, who prosecuted the case.

14-005

WASHINGTON – William Hogan, 28, of Oxon Hill, Md., was sentenced today to a prison term of 15 years for killing a man last year in Southwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Hogan pled guilty in November 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to second-degree murder while armed. He was sentenced by the Honorable Ronna L. Beck. Upon completion of his prison term, Hogan will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence, on Sept. 17, 2013, at about 10 p.m., Hogan was in a courtyard in the 100 block of Irvington Street SW. He had engaged in an earlier conflict with individuals in the area, and had armed himself with a loaded shotgun. Hogan walked out of the courtyard and approached the victim, Robert Spencer, 21, and another individual who was in the area. Hogan pointed the shotgun, made a comment, and then fired one shot that hit Mr. Spencer. Mr. Spencer died as a result of numerous gunshot wounds, as the shotgun was loaded with buckshot. Hogan then fled the area and discarded the weapon.

     Hogan was arrested Sept. 29, 2013 and interviewed by detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He told police that he shot Mr. Spencer and that he discarded the shotgun after the murder. By all accounts, Mr. Spencer was not the target of the earlier conflict that took place in the area, and by Hogan’s own admission, he was not his intended target.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended those who worked on the case from the MPD. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Worm, who prosecuted the matter.

14-008

WASHINGTON – A former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, Alexander Rodriguez, was ordered today to perform 40 hours of community service and placed on six months of probation for stealing $962 in money orders from a woman who was under arrest, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Rodriguez, 33, pled guilty in November 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of second-degree theft. He was sentenced by the Honorable John McCabe. The judge sentenced Rodriguez to 90 days of incarceration, but suspended the jail time provided that the defendant successfully completes a six-month term of probation.

     As a condition of his plea agreement, Rodriguez, who had worked for more than five years for MPD, resigned his position. He also paid the victim $1,200 in restitution, covering the value of the two money orders and related costs and the dollar equivalent of a day of lost pay for which she was not compensated by her employer.

     According to the government’s evidence, on July 4, 2013, at about 2:30 a.m., Rodriguez responded to the area of Benning Road and Southern Avenue SE to investigate a traffic accident involving the woman. After she was placed under arrest for driving under the influence, Rodriguez took possession of her purse, which contained two money orders.

     While at the Sixth District police station, Rodriguez searched the woman’s purse and found a loaded handgun. He then amended the charges against her and continued his inventory of the purse. He listed several items, including credit cards, a phone, $2.01, a driver’s license, and multiple smaller purses. However, he did not list the money orders.

     After the woman’s release from jail, she returned to the Sixth District to retrieve her property. She found that the two money orders were missing and initiated a trace of them through Western Union. The trace found that both money orders had been cashed and were made out to “Alexander Rodriguez Photograph.” The money orders were cashed by a person later identified as Rodriguez in Alexandria, Va., and the signatures on both the front and back of the cashed money orders matched those on his lease agreement and related checks.

     In announcing the sentence, 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 Criminal Investigator Matthew Kutz, Paralegal Specialist Krishawn Graham, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jean Sexton, who prosecuted the matter.

14-006

WASHINGTON – Michael McBride, 23, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for stabbing a transgender woman last year in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     McBride pled guilty in October 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of aggravated assault while armed. He was sentenced by the Honorable Patricia A. Broderick.  Judge Broderick also ordered McBride to serve five years of supervised release after completion of his prison term, and to receive mental health services. 

     According to the government’s evidence, McBride and the victim had been exchanging text messages and phone calls prior to the attack. On June 21, 2013, at about 1 a.m., they agreed to meet outside an abandoned home in the 3000 block of Stanton Road SE. McBride went to the location with the intention of having sex with the victim. He and the victim went inside the abandoned home and then got into a verbal dispute about sex. A struggle ensued, and, without warning, McBride produced a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times. The knife blade broke as McBride was stabbing the victim in the collarbone.

     The victim collapsed on a couch in the living room area. McBride fled.  The victim suffered more than 40 stab wounds to the body, and was transported to a hospital. She suffered significant blood loss and would have died but for the timely provision of medical care. McBride, who was on supervised release in another case, was arrested a short time after the attack and he has remained 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 (MPD). He also praised the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Lynette Briggs, Victim/Witness Advocate James Brennan, and Witness Security Specialist M. Laverne Forrest.  Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kendra Briggs and Tejpal S. Chawla, who prosecuted the case.

14-007

WASHINGTON – Rashad Slye, 23, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to a charge of second-degree murder while armed for the 2011 killing of a taxicab driver during a robbery in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Slye entered the plea in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea agreement, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for a sentence of 17 years in prison. The Honorable Jennifer Anderson scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2014.

     According to the government’s evidence, on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at about 2:50 a.m., Slye and a friend called for a taxicab at the Morgan Boulevard Metro station in Landover, Md.  Within a few minutes, the victim, Domingo Ezirike, 40, arrived in his taxicab and picked up Slye and his friend. Slye asked to be taken to Ponds Street NE in the District of Columbia. Mr. Ezirike asked Slye and his friend for $20, and the friend gave Mr. Ezirike $20. Within minutes, Slye began arguing with Mr. Ezirike about the fare and about the lack of heat or music in the cab. 

     Mr. Ezirike drove the cab to the 4300 block of Ponds Street NE and he asked for an additional $7.75 in fare. Slye’s friend gave him $5 and Slye gave him $2. However, Mr. Ezirike insisted on the additional 75 cents, and he and Slye argued over the money. 

     After Slye’s friend got out of the cab and left the immediate area, Slye continued to argue over the fare.  He pulled out a 9mm handgun and demanded the $20 back. He also ordered Mr. Ezirike out of the cab and onto the ground. At that point, he stood over Mr. Ezirike and began to rifle through his pockets, asking where the money could be found.

     Slye struck Mr. Ezirike in the head with the gun and continued searching him, insisting he was hiding the money. Mr. Ezirike offered to remove his pants and while still on the ground, did so.  Slye then entered the vehicle, still holding Mr. Ezirike on the ground at gunpoint, as he searched the front passenger compartment. He then ordered Mr. Ezirike back into the taxicab and insisted that he search for money.  Then, as Mr. Ezirike sat in the driver's seat, Slye fired a single shot that struck him in the arm, causing him to immediately fall back into the seat and remain still. Slye immediately fled the scene towards the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue NE. 

     Mr. Ezirike placed the vehicle in reverse and drove it backwards and onto grass on Anacostia Avenue.  He died on the scene, as the bullet traveled from his arm and into his chest cavity.  

     In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the detectives, officers and crime scene technicians who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Meridith McGarrity, Mia Beamon, Phaylyn Hunt, Paralegal Supervisor Sharon Newman, Victim Advocate Tamara Ince, Information Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Gorman and Kacie M. Weston. 

14-009

More Than $26,000 from Naval Research Laboratory
-Defendant Sold Stolen Equipment to Pawn Shops-

     WASHINGTON – Joyce Dawn Ferrell, 42, a former secretary at the Naval Research Laboratory, pled guilty today to stealing more than $26,000 in equipment from her employer and then selling the items to pawn shops, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Ferrell, of Indian Head, Md., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of theft of government property. The Honorable Rudolph Contreras scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2014. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the parties have agreed that the likely range is a sentence of up to six months of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. As part of the plea agreement, Ferrell has agreed to pay $26,029 in restitution to the Naval Research Laboratory. She also has agreed to a forfeiture money judgment, also of $26,029.

     According to the government’s evidence, Ferrell was a secretary in the Optical Sciences Division of the Naval Research Laboratory in the District of Columbia. In July 2012, she took responsibility for making authorized purchases with her government-wide commercial purchase card. Starting that month, and continuing until about May 2013, she made a number of unauthorized purchases with the card at the Naval Research Laboratory’s commissary. Among other things, she bought computer equipment, drills, and thermal imagers. She then sold these items to pawn shops in Virginia and Maryland. In an effort to cover up her activities, Ferrell submitted falsified order forms to her supervisors at the Naval Research Laboratory.

     In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which investigated the case. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Intelligence Specialist Sharon Johnson and Paralegal Specialists Donna Galindo and Shanna Hays. Finally, he thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Connelly, who assisted with forfeiture issues, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Selden, who is prosecuting the case.

14-4

Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing
More Than $26,000 from Naval Research Laboratory

     WASHINGTON – Joyce Dawn Ferrell, 42, a former secretary at the Naval Research Laboratory, pled guilty today to stealing more than $26,000 in equipment from her employer and then selling the items to pawn shops, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Ferrell, of Indian Head, Md., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of theft of government property. The Honorable Rudolph Contreras scheduled sentencing for April 7, 2014. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the parties have agreed that the likely range is a sentence of up to six months of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. As part of the plea agreement, Ferrell has agreed to pay $26,029 in restitution to the Naval Research Laboratory. She also has agreed to a forfeiture money judgment, also of $26,029.

     According to the government’s evidence, Ferrell was a secretary in the Optical Sciences Division of the Naval Research Laboratory in the District of Columbia. In July 2012, she took responsibility for making authorized purchases with her government-wide commercial purchase card. Starting that month, and continuing until about May 2013, she made a number of unauthorized purchases with the card at the Naval Research Laboratory’s commissary. Among other things, she bought computer equipment, drills, and thermal imagers. She then sold these items to pawn shops in Virginia and Maryland. In an effort to cover up her activities, Ferrell submitted falsified order forms to her supervisors at the Naval Research Laboratory.

     In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which investigated the case. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Intelligence Specialist Sharon Johnson and Paralegal Specialists Donna Galindo and Shanna Hays. Finally, he thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Connelly, who assisted with forfeiture issues, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Selden, who is prosecuting the case.

14-004

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is joining the District of Columbia government and other partners to sponsor an upcoming forum for community and government leaders on diversity and criminal justice issues.

     The free event, in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, will be from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2014. The program will be held at the old District of Columbia Council chambers, 441 4th St. NW.  The event is especially tailored for faith-based, civic, non-profit and community leaders and others who serve people in the District of Columbia.

     The program, called “Protecting Our Diversity - a Criminal Justice Forum,” will focus on addressing criminal justice issues, including hate crimes that affect the various diverse communities and affinity groups in the District of Columbia. The program will be a unique opportunity for the community to come together to discuss the issues affecting civil rights and the ways that people and organizations can work together to understand and protect them.

     U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. will deliver the keynote address. Panel discussions and speakers will cover topics such as factors in the designation of hate crimes; the impact of hate crimes and domestic violence on various communities and affinity groups;keeping houses of worship safe; the process involving visas for non-immigrant witnesses, and transgender issues. 

     Also, notable remarks and specialized knowledge will be shared by leaders and representatives in the fields that protect diversity, such as the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other local and national community organizations. Information tables from related organizations and agencies will also provide resources and materials. 

     The event is being organized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice; the Washington, D.C. Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League; the D.C. Hate-Bias Task Force; the District of Columbia Mayor’s Office on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs; D.C. Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs; the Metropolitan Police Department; the FBI, Casa Ruby, and the American University Law School.

     For more information, to RSVP, and/or request interpretative services or special accommodationsto attend“Protecting Our Diversity - a Criminal Justice Forum” please contact [email protected]  or Melanie Howard at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 202-252-6930.   The program’s location is easily accessible via Metro’s Red Line stop at Judiciary Square. 

14-003

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is joining the District of Columbia government and other partners to sponsor an upcoming forum for community and government leaders on diversity and criminal justice issues.

     The free event, in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, will be from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2014. The program will be held at the old District of Columbia Council chambers, 441 4th St. NW.  The event is especially tailored for faith-based, civic, non-profit and community leaders and others who serve people in the District of Columbia.

     The program, called “Protecting Our Diversity - a Criminal Justice Forum,” will focus on addressing criminal justice issues, including hate crimes that affect the various diverse communities and affinity groups in the District of Columbia. The program will be a unique opportunity for the community to come together to discuss the issues affecting civil rights and the ways that people and organizations can work together to understand and protect them.

     U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. will deliver the keynote address. Panel discussions and speakers will cover topics such as factors in the designation of hate crimes; the impact of hate crimes and domestic violence on various communities and affinity groups;keeping houses of worship safe; the process involving visas for non-immigrant witnesses, and transgender issues. 

     Also, notable remarks and specialized knowledge will be shared by leaders and representatives in the fields that protect diversity, such as the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other local and national community organizations. Information tables from related organizations and agencies will also provide resources and materials. 

     The event is being organized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice; the Washington, D.C. Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League; the D.C. Hate-Bias Task Force; the District of Columbia Mayor’s Office on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs; D.C. Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs; the Metropolitan Police Department; the FBI, Casa Ruby, and the American University Law School.

     For more information, to RSVP, and/or request interpretative services or special accommodationsto attend“Protecting Our Diversity - a Criminal Justice Forum” please contact [email protected]  or Melanie Howard at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 202-252-6930.   The program’s location is easily accessible via Metro’s Red Line stop at Judiciary Square. 

14-003

WASHINGTON – Total Care Services and its owner have agreed to pay $187,500 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing Medicaid for patient services for which they had no, insufficient, or inaccurate documentation. 

     The settlement, signed Jan. 2, 2014, was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Irvin B. Nathan, Attorney General for the District of Columbia, and Charles J. Willoughby, Inspector General for the District of Columbia. The agreement calls for $131,250 to be paid to the United States and for $56,250 to be paid to the District of Columbia.

     Total Care Services, a non-profit company based in Northeast Washington, is a Medicaid provider under the District of Columbia’s Medicaid program. Drucella Wheeler Ndoye is the company’s owner, chief executive officer, and president.

     Under the Medicaid program, the company provides services to individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities.  Such services include adult companion services, respite care, nutrition services, and speech, hearing and language services. 

     Total Care Services has a provider agreement with the District of Columbia.  The agreement requires the company to maintain all relevant records for a period of six years or until audits are completed, whichever is longer.  Such records include all documents originated or prepared pursuant to performance under the provider agreement. These include, for example, financial records, medical records, charts and other documents pertaining to costs, payments received and made, and services provided to Medicaid recipients. 

     The settlement agreement resolves allegations that Total Care Services and Ndoye billed the District of Columbia Medicaid program for patient services over a significant period knowing that they did not have adequate documentation for doing so.  The agreement is neither an admission of liability by the company or Ndoye nor a concession by the United States that the claims are not well-founded. The parties agreed to resolve the matters without litigation.

     In announcing the agreement, U.S. Attorney Machen, Attorney General Nathan, and Inspector General Willoughby commended the efforts of those who worked on the case, including Criminal Investigator Sandra Adams, of the District of Columbia’s Office of the Inspector General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; Civil Enforcement Investigator Karen Caudill, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Accountant Charles Ross, also of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Beverly M. Russell, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Attorney Stuart Silverman, of the District of Columbia’s Office of Inspector General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Public Advocacy Section of the
District of Columbia's Office of the Attorney General.

14-002

WASHINGTON – Total Care Services and its owner have agreed to pay $187,500 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing Medicaid for patient services for which they had no, insufficient, or inaccurate documentation. 

     The settlement, signed Jan. 2, 2014, was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Irvin B. Nathan, Attorney General for the District of Columbia, and Charles J. Willoughby, Inspector General for the District of Columbia. The agreement calls for $131,250 to be paid to the United States and for $56,250 to be paid to the District of Columbia.

     Total Care Services, a non-profit company based in Northeast Washington, is a Medicaid provider under the District of Columbia’s Medicaid program. Drucella Wheeler Ndoye is the company’s owner, chief executive officer, and president.

     Under the Medicaid program, the company provides services to individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities.  Such services include adult companion services, respite care, nutrition services, and speech, hearing and language services. 

     Total Care Services has a provider agreement with the District of Columbia.  The agreement requires the company to maintain all relevant records for a period of six years or until audits are completed, whichever is longer.  Such records include all documents originated or prepared pursuant to performance under the provider agreement. These include, for example, financial records, medical records, charts and other documents pertaining to costs, payments received and made, and services provided to Medicaid recipients. 

     The settlement agreement resolves allegations that Total Care Services and Ndoye billed the District of Columbia Medicaid program for patient services over a significant period knowing that they did not have adequate documentation for doing so.  The agreement is neither an admission of liability by the company or Ndoye nor a concession by the United States that the claims are not well-founded. The parties agreed to resolve the matters without litigation.

     In announcing the agreement, U.S. Attorney Machen, Attorney General Nathan, and Inspector General Willoughby commended the efforts of those who worked on the case, including Criminal Investigator Sandra Adams, of the District of Columbia’s Office of the Inspector General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; Civil Enforcement Investigator Karen Caudill, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Accountant Charles Ross, also of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Beverly M. Russell, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Attorney Stuart Silverman, of the District of Columbia’s Office of Inspector General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Public Advocacy Section of the
District of Columbia's Office of the Attorney General.

14-002

WASHINGTON - Charles Link, 53, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to nine years in prison on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from the stabbing of a man in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Link was found guilty by a jury in October 2013, following 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, Link will be placed on three years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence at trial, the victim and Link were close friends for more than four years.  They socialized together and played chess, and the victim even helped Link at his job at a funeral home. From time to time, Link would loan the victim small amounts of money. In the fall of 2012, the two men got into a disagreement over the repayment of a $20 loan.  The victim had given Link his food assistance card and had told Link to use it to buy $40 of food, to cover the $20 debt.  When Link never used the card and failed to return it, the victim cancelled the card so that he could get a new one and access his food benefits.

     On the evening of Nov. 13, 2012, as the victim was walking near his home, he encountered Link and the two began arguing over the debt.  When the victim reached the entrance to an alley off the 500 block of Newton Place NW, he was pushed from behind by an unidentified man and fell to the ground.  Link joined in the attack and kicked and punched the victim, stating “get me my money.”  Link then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim five times - twice in the chest and rib cage. He and the unidentified man fled, leaving the victim bleeding in an alley.

     In sentencing the defendant, Judge Canan took note of that fact that Link was convicted in 1993 of second-degree murder while armed in another stabbing in the District of Columbia. In that case, he and another person stabbed a man to death in an alley over a petty disagreement about moving trash. Link was sentenced to 15 years in prison for that attack.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, including detectives from the Fourth Police District. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Wanda Trice and Debra McPherson. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Vivien Cockburn and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor N. McFadden, who assisted in the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittain Shaw, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

14-001

WASHINGTON - Charles Link, 53, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to nine years in prison on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from the stabbing of a man in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Link was found guilty by a jury in October 2013, following 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, Link will be placed on three years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence at trial, the victim and Link were close friends for more than four years.  They socialized together and played chess, and the victim even helped Link at his job at a funeral home. From time to time, Link would loan the victim small amounts of money. In the fall of 2012, the two men got into a disagreement over the repayment of a $20 loan.  The victim had given Link his food assistance card and had told Link to use it to buy $40 of food, to cover the $20 debt.  When Link never used the card and failed to return it, the victim cancelled the card so that he could get a new one and access his food benefits.

     On the evening of Nov. 13, 2012, as the victim was walking near his home, he encountered Link and the two began arguing over the debt.  When the victim reached the entrance to an alley off the 500 block of Newton Place NW, he was pushed from behind by an unidentified man and fell to the ground.  Link joined in the attack and kicked and punched the victim, stating “get me my money.”  Link then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim five times - twice in the chest and rib cage. He and the unidentified man fled, leaving the victim bleeding in an alley.

     In sentencing the defendant, Judge Canan took note of that fact that Link was convicted in 1993 of second-degree murder while armed in another stabbing in the District of Columbia. In that case, he and another person stabbed a man to death in an alley over a petty disagreement about moving trash. Link was sentenced to 15 years in prison for that attack.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, including detectives from the Fourth Police District. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Wanda Trice and Debra McPherson. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Vivien Cockburn and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Trevor N. McFadden, who assisted in the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittain Shaw, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

14-001

     WASHINGTON Cydrisse Alvin, 33, of Washington, D.C. has been found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder while armed for the June 2012 stabbing of her next-door neighbor, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Alvin was found guilty by a jury on Dec. 19, 2013, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Ronna L. Beck scheduled sentencing for Feb. 21, 2014. Alvin faces a potential sentence of 60 years in prison.

     According to the government’s evidence, on June 4, 2012, at about 9 a.m., Alvin knocked on the door of the victim, 28-year-old Amber Kent, her next-door neighbor and former friend. Ms. Kent answered the door in her pajamas. Within seconds, Alvin entered and stabbed Ms. Kent three times – once in the chest and twice in the back. The murder happened in the presence of Ms. Kent’s six-year-old daughter.

     After stabbing Ms. Kent, Alvin quickly fled the scene and was apprehended hours later. 

     In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of 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 Specialists Marian Russell, Fern Rhedrick, Phil Aronson, Ethel Noble, Sharon Newman, and Mia Beamon; Litigation Technology Specialist Joshua Ellen; Investigative Analyst Sharon Johnson, and David Foster and Tamara Ince of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit. Finally, U.S. Attorney Machen recognized the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Worm, who investigated and prosecuted the case.                

13-427

WASHINGTON - A 49-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty of sexually abusing a nine-year-old male relative, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     The man, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim and his family, was found guilty by a jury on Dec. 18, 2013, of first-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Russell F. Canan scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2014.

     According to the government’s evidence, the defendant repeatedly sexually abused the victim in 2009 during a six-month period in which he and the victim lived together in Laurel, Md. One incident took place in Washington D.C., at the defendant’s place of employment.

     In announcing the jury’s verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the agencies that investigated the case, including the Laurel, Md., Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)’s Youth Investigations Division. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the Department of Justice, as well as the Children’s Advocacy Center, which provided critical services and treatment to the victim. In addition, he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Child Forensic Interview Specialist Karen Giannakoulias; Paralegal Specialist Donhue Griffith; the Litigation Support Unit, including Litigation Technology Specialists Paul Howell and Joseph Calvarese, and the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, including Victim/Witness Advocates Melissa Milam and Elsa Resendiz. Finally, he praised the work of Criminal Investigator Mark Crawford and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay Suttenberg, who indicted and prosecuted the case. 

13-428

WASHINGTON – John C. Beale, a former senior policy advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was sentenced today to 32 months in prison for carrying out a long-running scheme that cheated the government of nearly $900,000 in pay and expenses.

     The sentencing, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, was announced by
U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Arthur A. Elkins, Jr., Inspector General for the EPA.

     Beale, 65, of New York, N.Y., pled guilty in September 2013 to a federal charge of theft of government property. He was sentenced by the Honorable Ellen S. Huvelle. Under terms of his plea agreement, Beale agreed to pay a total of $886,186 to the EPA in restitution and to a forfeiture money judgment of another $507,207.

     According to the government’s evidence, for more than a dozen years, Beale engaged in a pattern and scheme of deception during which he lied to the U.S. government, his supervisors, friends, and his family to avoid performing his job at the EPA. Among other things, Beale kept collecting pay from the EPA after claiming he was working on a project for the CIA’s Directorate of Operations and on other efforts that kept him out of the office. In fact, Beale was not working for the CIA or for the EPA on the many days he was away.

     All told, between January 2000 and April 2013, Beale was absent from his duties at the EPA for about 2 ½ years in which he was drawing a salary and benefits.

     "John Beale spent a decade telling one fantastic lie after another to steal our tax dollars," said U.S. Attorney Machen.  "At some point, his commitment to public service warped into a sense of entitlement fueled by greed.  Through this prison sentence John Beale will pay the price for his years of deception."

     "Today’s sentencing closes the sordid chapter of John Beale's numerous and egregious fraudulent actions perpetrated against the federal government over a very long period of time," said Inspector General Elkins.  "While that chapter has ended, we have started a new one in which the OIG is actively looking at the EPA’s sloppy internal controls and management actions that enabled Mr. Beale’s frauds to occur. Last week we issued two reports related to Mr. Beale’s audacious pay and travel frauds. Expect to see the results of more audits from us in the coming months. I truly hope that this extraordinary case will encourage federal employees — at all levels — to immediately approach the OIG with any allegations of fraud, waste and abuse. Let this case also serve as a cautionary tale to those individuals who would take advantage of the system."

     According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Beale was employed by the EPA from 1989 until April 30, 2013. He was assigned to the Office of Air and Radiation, a division responsible for the development of national programs, policies and regulations designed to control air pollution and radiation exposure. For much of his time at the EPA, Beale was a senior policy advisor. His duties included assisting in the planning, policy implementation, direction, and control of EPA programs. He also attended and participated in several international conferences regarding air quality issues, many in foreign countries.

     In August 2000, Beale was promoted to a senior-level employee, making him among the highest-paid non-elected federal government employees.

     According to the statement of offense, Beale collected $886,186 that he was not entitled to receive in various ways:

            Unauthorized Absences:

     From in or around 2000, continuing until April 30, 2013, Beale failed to report to work for extended periods of time and failed to submit required requests for leave for these absences. Rather, Beale falsely claimed that he was working on a project at the CIA and other matters.

      According to the statement of offense, starting in approximately 2000 until in or around June 2008, Beale took about 102 days off under the auspices of his work with the CIA. From 2005 to 2007, Beale claimed to be working on a research project for the EPA. For example, the statement of offense details payments of $57,235 in travel expenses for five trips to the Los Angeles area. Beale did not need to travel to California, where he visited family members, and could have done the research work at home or at his EPA office. In fact, he never produced any written work regarding the research project, which was never completed.

     Starting in June 2008, Beale failed to report to the EPA offices for about six months, either claiming to be working on the research project or spending time working for "Langley." He never submitted a leave request for this time and continued to receive his EPA salary.

     From in or around January 2010 until in or around May 2011, Beale failed to report to work at the EPA for approximately nine days, claiming he was working with the CIA. He never submitted a leave request for these days, but was paid his salary from the EPA.

     In or around May 2011, Beale announced that he was retiring from the EPA. In September 2011, he and two other long-term EPA employees celebrated a retirement party on a dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Following the party, an EPA manager believed that Beale had actually retired, and the manager did not see him at the EPA offices afterward.

     However, in November 2012, the manager discovered that Beale was still receiving a paycheck.

            Retention Incentive Bonus:

     In or around June 2000, Beale was awarded a 25 percent retention incentive bonus for three years. The purpose of the bonus was to ensure that Beale remained with the EPA, rather than leave the federal government and seek employment elsewhere. It was supposed to expire after 2003, but Beale continued to receive it through 2013.

            Fraudulently Obtained Parking Benefits:

     In or around January 2002, Beale claimed that, because he had contracted malaria while serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, he needed a parking space for work. He was awarded a parking spot, and the EPA subsidized payment for it at a rate of about $200 a month. In fact, Beale never served in Vietnam and never contracted malaria. He held onto and used the parking spot until about June 2005, at a cost of about $8,000 to the EPA.>

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and Inspector General Elkins expressed appreciation for the work of those who investigated the case from the EPA Office of Inspector General, including lead investigator Special Agent Mark Kaminsky. They also commended the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Donna Galindo. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Smith, who prosecuted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Connelly, who assisted with forfeiture aspects of the investigation.

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WASHINGTON – John C. Beale, a former senior policy advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was sentenced today to 32 months in prison for carrying out a long-running scheme that cheated the government of nearly $900,000 in pay and expenses.

     The sentencing, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, was announced by
U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Arthur A. Elkins, Jr., Inspector General for the EPA.

     Beale, 65, of New York, N.Y., pled guilty in September 2013 to a federal charge of theft of government property. He was sentenced by the Honorable Ellen S. Huvelle. Under terms of his plea agreement, Beale agreed to pay a total of $886,186 to the EPA in restitution and to a forfeiture money judgment of another $507,207.

     According to the government’s evidence, for more than a dozen years, Beale engaged in a pattern and scheme of deception during which he lied to the U.S. government, his supervisors, friends, and his family to avoid performing his job at the EPA. Among other things, Beale kept collecting pay from the EPA after claiming he was working on a project for the CIA’s Directorate of Operations and on other efforts that kept him out of the office. In fact, Beale was not working for the CIA or for the EPA on the many days he was away.

     All told, between January 2000 and April 2013, Beale was absent from his duties at the EPA for about 2 ½ years in which he was drawing a salary and benefits.

     "John Beale spent a decade telling one fantastic lie after another to steal our tax dollars," said U.S. Attorney Machen.  "At some point, his commitment to public service warped into a sense of entitlement fueled by greed.  Through this prison sentence John Beale will pay the price for his years of deception."

     "Today’s sentencing closes the sordid chapter of John Beale's numerous and egregious fraudulent actions perpetrated against the federal government over a very long period of time," said Inspector General Elkins.  "While that chapter has ended, we have started a new one in which the OIG is actively looking at the EPA’s sloppy internal controls and management actions that enabled Mr. Beale’s frauds to occur. Last week we issued two reports related to Mr. Beale’s audacious pay and travel frauds. Expect to see the results of more audits from us in the coming months. I truly hope that this extraordinary case will encourage federal employees — at all levels — to immediately approach the OIG with any allegations of fraud, waste and abuse. Let this case also serve as a cautionary tale to those individuals who would take advantage of the system."

     According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Beale was employed by the EPA from 1989 until April 30, 2013. He was assigned to the Office of Air and Radiation, a division responsible for the development of national programs, policies and regulations designed to control air pollution and radiation exposure. For much of his time at the EPA, Beale was a senior policy advisor. His duties included assisting in the planning, policy implementation, direction, and control of EPA programs. He also attended and participated in several international conferences regarding air quality issues, many in foreign countries.

     In August 2000, Beale was promoted to a senior-level employee, making him among the highest-paid non-elected federal government employees.

     According to the statement of offense, Beale collected $886,186 that he was not entitled to receive in various ways:

            Unauthorized Absences:

     From in or around 2000, continuing until April 30, 2013, Beale failed to report to work for extended periods of time and failed to submit required requests for leave for these absences. Rather, Beale falsely claimed that he was working on a project at the CIA and other matters.

      According to the statement of offense, starting in approximately 2000 until in or around June 2008, Beale took about 102 days off under the auspices of his work with the CIA. From 2005 to 2007, Beale claimed to be working on a research project for the EPA. For example, the statement of offense details payments of $57,235 in travel expenses for five trips to the Los Angeles area. Beale did not need to travel to California, where he visited family members, and could have done the research work at home or at his EPA office. In fact, he never produced any written work regarding the research project, which was never completed.

     Starting in June 2008, Beale failed to report to the EPA offices for about six months, either claiming to be working on the research project or spending time working for "Langley." He never submitted a leave request for this time and continued to receive his EPA salary.

     From in or around January 2010 until in or around May 2011, Beale failed to report to work at the EPA for approximately nine days, claiming he was working with the CIA. He never submitted a leave request for these days, but was paid his salary from the EPA.

     In or around May 2011, Beale announced that he was retiring from the EPA. In September 2011, he and two other long-term EPA employees celebrated a retirement party on a dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Following the party, an EPA manager believed that Beale had actually retired, and the manager did not see him at the EPA offices afterward.

     However, in November 2012, the manager discovered that Beale was still receiving a paycheck.

            Retention Incentive Bonus:

     In or around June 2000, Beale was awarded a 25 percent retention incentive bonus for three years. The purpose of the bonus was to ensure that Beale remained with the EPA, rather than leave the federal government and seek employment elsewhere. It was supposed to expire after 2003, but Beale continued to receive it through 2013.

            Fraudulently Obtained Parking Benefits:

     In or around January 2002, Beale claimed that, because he had contracted malaria while serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, he needed a parking space for work. He was awarded a parking spot, and the EPA subsidized payment for it at a rate of about $200 a month. In fact, Beale never served in Vietnam and never contracted malaria. He held onto and used the parking spot until about June 2005, at a cost of about $8,000 to the EPA.>

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and Inspector General Elkins expressed appreciation for the work of those who investigated the case from the EPA Office of Inspector General, including lead investigator Special Agent Mark Kaminsky. They also commended the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Donna Galindo. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Smith, who prosecuted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Connelly, who assisted with forfeiture aspects of the investigation.

13-426

WASHINGTON – Akshay Rajashekar, 19, of Salisbury, Md., has been sentenced to a five-year prison term on federal charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced today. 

     Rajashekar pled guilty to the charges in June 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Thomas F. Hogan sentenced him on Dec. 16, 2013. Upon completion of his prison term, Rajashekar will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of 15 years.

     According to the government's evidence, on March 18, 2013, Rajashekar 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, the defendant engaged in online e-mail and instant messaging with the undercover officer, who the defendant believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this period of time, Rajashekar arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with that child. 

     During the communications, Rajashekar also sent the undercover officer six images of child pornography.  On March 25, 2013, Rajashekar traveled from College Park, Md. to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C.  When he arrived, he was arrested. 

     At the time of his arrest, Rajashekar had a pending case in Wicomico County, Md. for possession of child pornography. One of the two child pornography counts in the plea agreement covers that matter, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Wicomico County Md. agreed to dismiss the pending case in Wicomico County at the time of the defendant’s sentencing.

     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 Parlave and Chief Lanier praised the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance of Assistant State's Attorney Pamela Correa of the Office of the State’s Attorney for Wicomico County, Md. Finally they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.

13-423

WASHINGTON – Vanessa Edwards-Hamm, a former officer with the Prince George’s County Police Department, pled guilty today to a federal charge that she unlawfully disclosed information about a wiretap being used on a target of a law enforcement investigation.

     The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

     Edwards- Hamm, 38, pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of making an unlawful disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications. The Honorable Chief Judge Richard W. Roberts scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2014. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison and financial penalties.

     As a condition of the plea, Edwards-Hamm agreed to resign from the Prince George’s County Police Department.

     Edwards-Hamm was among 17 people indicted in July 2013 on federal charges in connection with an investigation into a network that allegedly distributed heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and prescription pills in the Washington, D.C. area. She was indicted on one count each of tampering with documents or proceedings and unlawful notice of electronic surveillance. The other 16 defendants were charged with taking part in a drug conspiracy.

     According to the government’s evidence, Edwards-Hamm received information on Feb. 22, 2013, that Aaron Vaughn, the brother of one of her close friends, was under investigation for illegal drug trafficking. She also learned that federal agents had a wiretap on Vaughn’s telephone number and that they previously had wiretaps on other numbers associated with him. Finally, she learned that agents felt they had collected enough evidence for an indictment against Vaughn.

     In her guilty plea, Edwards-Hamm acknowledged that she called Aaron Vaughn’s brother on Feb. 22 or Feb. 23, 2013; at the time, Vaughn’s brother was serving a prison sentence. She acknowledged that she talked to him in a way that informed him that his brother, Aaron Vaughn, was under investigation; that law enforcement had a wiretap on Aaron Vaughn’s telephone, and that it was too late to help Aaron Vaughn avoid arrest. Furthermore, she acknowledged informing her own brother, Mark Edwards, that law enforcement was listening to Aaron Vaughn’s telephone conversations and that he should be careful and stay away from him.

     She acknowledged these actions were conducted with the intent to interfere or impede with the FBI investigation. At the time of this conduct, Edwards-Hamm was serving as a task force officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Maryland.

     According to the government’s evidence, Aaron Vaughn got a call from his brother on Feb. 26, 2013 and was told to stop dealing with those he was involved with and to change his telephone number. Aaron Vaughn’s brother also advised him to consider moving out of the area.

     Aaron Vaughn, 35, and Mark Edwards, 40, were among the 16 defendants indicted on federal narcotics charges in July 2013. They have pleaded not guilty to charges.

     This prosecution grew out of a long-term FBI/MPD alliance called the Safe Streets Task Force that targets violent drug trafficking gangs in the District of Columbia.  The Safe Streets Initiative is funded in part by the Baltimore Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area as well as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The initiative involves more than 150 Safe Streets Task Forces across the country that combat street gangs by combining federal, state and local police resources. The task forces, which began in 1992 in Los Angeles and the District of Columbia, address gang activity, including drug-related crimes.

     In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director Parlave and Chief Lanier expressed appreciation for those who pursued the investigation from the FBI/MPD Safe Streets Task Force. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Prince George's County, Md., and Culpeper, Va. police departments, as well as the U.S. Marshals Service and the Charlottesville Resident Agency of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office.

     In addition, they acknowledged the efforts of those who are working on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Teesha Tobias and Starla Stolk; Legal Assistant Niya Attucks; Program Specialist Kim Hall, and Legal Assistants Diane Brashears and Jessica Moffatt, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arvind K. Lal, Catherine K. Connelly and Zia Faruqui, of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section. Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth F. Whitted and David B. Kent of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section, who are prosecuting the case.

13-424

WASHINGTON – Robert Paul Dickey, 74, a pediatrician from Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

     Dickey pled guilty in September 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Robert L. Wilkins. Upon completion of his prison term, Dickey will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for 15 years following his release from prison. Also, Dickey must forfeit a computer hard-drive that was seized by law enforcement during the investigation. Finally, Judge Wilkins ordered him to pay a $10,000 fine.

     According to the government's evidence, on April 10, 2013, law enforcement received a “cyber tip” from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  That “cyber-tip” contained information that Dickey uploaded 14 images of child pornography using a Microsoft account.

     Based on that “cyber-tip,” on May 8, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Dickey’s home office in Southeast Washington. Pursuant to that search warrant, law enforcement recovered various electronic devices. After a forensic review of those items, law enforcement recovered approximately 132 images of child pornography. Dickey was arrested on May 8, 2013, and has remained in custody ever since.

     “This case is extremely troubling because a beloved pediatrician was downloading child pornography in the same home where he was providing medical treatment to children,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “He provided care to many children during his career, but also obsessively collected images of children of the same ages being sexually exploited.  Dr. Dickey’s prosecution is a concrete demonstration of our commitment to hold accountable anyone who would seek to exploit the innocence of our children.”

     “By downloading images of child pornography, Dr. Dickey took advantage of unwitting victims,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The FBI is committed to apprehending offenders who sexually exploit children through sharing images of child pornography and we will continue to work together with our partners to identify these predators and their innocent victims.”

     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 Parlave 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.

13-425

WASHINGTON - James R. Revell, 47, of Springfield, Va., pled guilty today to mail fraud for scheming to cheat his employer of more than $100,000, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

     Revell pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2014. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the likely range is a sentence of 12 to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $30,000.

     According to the government’s evidence, Revell carried out a scheme between at least November 2011 and January 2012 to defraud his then-employer, the Advisory Board Company. At the time, Revell was the firm’s director for information technology. Without informing any member of the Advisory Board Company’s staff, he incorporated another company, GTM Tech. This company was set up solely to send software to the Advisory Board Company.

     From November 2011 through January 2012, Revell initiated three separate and unnecessary purchase orders on behalf of the Advisory Board Company to GTM Tech that totaled $104,642. None of the programs actually provided any service or benefit.

     Revell has since paid $104,642 in restitution to the company.

     In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Chief Lanier commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI and MPD. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Donna Galindo and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Selden, who is prosecuting the case.

13-418

WASHINGTON – Deonte Bryant, 22, and Terrance Bush, 21, both of Washington, D.C., were found guilty by a jury today of first-degree murder while armed and other charges for shooting and killing a man and wounding two other people during a shoot-out at a street festival in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     In addition to the murder charge, the jury found Bryant and Bush guilty of three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and related gun charges. The verdicts followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable John Ramsey Johnson scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2014.

     According to the government’s evidence, in the late afternoon of June 25, 2011, Bryant and Bush provoked and then participated in a shootout with a member of a rival neighborhood group, striking and injuring the rival, as well as three innocent bystanders who were hit by gunfire as they tried to run away. The shooting took place in broad daylight, during the Caribbean Festival, in the area of the 700 block of Gresham Place NW.

     In total, Bryant and Bush fired about a dozen shots into the crowd. One of the innocent bystanders, Robert Foster, Jr., 43, was killed.  Another innocent bystander was gravely wounded but survived.  The third innocent bystander was shot in the leg and the side but also survived.

     The rival, Terry Jimenez, 22, earlier pled guilty to charges in the case.

     In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of those who worked on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).  U.S. Attorney Machen also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Kelly Blakeney and Mia Beamon; Victim/Witness Advocate Meshall Thomas, and Litigation Technology Specialists Leif Hickling and Anisha Bhatia.

     Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kerkhoff and Kate Rakoczy, who tried the case, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Snyder and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Hegyi, who indicted the case.

13-422

     WASHINGTON –Eleven men have been arrested on federal charges stemming from an ongoing investigation into a drug trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of heroin and cocaine in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  To date, over 3.5 kilograms of cocaine and over two kilograms of heroin have been seized as a result of the investigation, along with more than $68,000 in cash and at least five firearms. Two men remain at large.

     The arrests, on Dec. 12, 2013, followed the return of an indictment by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. They were announced today by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

     The arrests came as authorities executed 26 search warrants on Dec. 12, 2013, in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.  Several firearms, cocaine and heroin, jewelry worth over $60,000 and thousands in cash were seized during the law enforcement activities.  Also recovered from within one residence was evidence of an apparent identity theft operation involving hundreds of credit cards, social security cards and driver’s licenses.  

     The indictment also includes a forfeiture count against all of those now charged in the investigation, which seeks all proceeds from the crimes. All 11 defendants made their first court appearances this week and are being held without bond pending detention hearings.

     “This investigation shows our resolve to target organizations that are bringing cocaine, heroin and other dangerous drugs into the District of Columbia,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Law enforcement was able to remove guns, drugs and dangerous people from the streets and take another step toward making our community safer.”

     “These arrests are a result of the concentrated efforts by Special Agents and Detectives from the FBI Washington, Baltimore and Los Angeles Field Offices, MPD and Prince George's County, Maryland, Police Department who partner together to disrupt and dismantle drug networks that threaten our neighborhoods,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “Together, we are focused on stopping the movement and sale of drugs on our streets and we will bring those who profit from it to justice.”

     “This investigation spanned the region including Washington, D.C., Prince George's County, Md., Baltimore, and Stafford, Va.,” said Police Chief Lanier. “This is a great example of us working with our federal partners to arrest those who supply our neighborhoods with illicit drugs.”

     The charges arose from a year-long investigation by the FBI into people suspected of acting as wholesale distributors of heroin and cocaine in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The investigation determined that from at least January 2013 through November 2013, the defendants maintained a drug trafficking organization that supplied distribution amounts of heroin and cocaine to drug dealers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. During the course of the investigation, agents seized three separate packages found to contain large quantities of both heroin and cocaine, which had been shipped or were destined to arrive in the Washington, D.C., area from sources located in California.

     Those arrested include Lester Pryor, 62, of Washington, D.C., who is alleged to have supplied cocaine and heroin to the other defendants named in the indictment. The others include Patrick Avent, 45, of Stafford, Va.; George Ball, 65, of Washington, D.C.; Brandon Beale, 58, of Washington, D.C.; Aubrey Bennett, 61, of Washington, D.C.;  James Burkley, 59, of Washington, D.C; Anthony McDuffie, 50, of Washington, D.C.; Chris Merriweather, 47, of Washington, D.C.; Earl Owens, 56, of Bowie, Md.; Tyrone Payton, 55, of Temple Hills, Md.; and Kevin Whitman, 54, of Washington, D.C.

     The prosecution grew out of the efforts of the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a multi-agency team that conducts comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the nationwide program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. 

     An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

     In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Chief Lanier commended the work of the agents at the FBI, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who investigated the case. They also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Maryland, the Eastern District of Virginia and the Central District of California, the FBI’s Baltimore and Los Angeles Divisions, MPD and the Prince George’s County police and sheriff’s departments, which provided assistance.

     Finally they cited the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven B. Wasserman, Anthony Scarpelli, Jin Park, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia A. Stewart, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Saler, who assisted with the forfeiture aspects of the investigation.

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WASHINGTON – Chavez Myers, 18, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for first-degree murder while armed in the slaying of 18-year-old Olijawon Griffin at the Woodley Park Metro station, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Ron Pavlik, Chief of the Metro Transit Police.

     Five co-defendants were also sentenced today, to prison terms ranging from 15 to 19 years.

     Myers, of District Heights, Md., pled guilty in September 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for the 30-year prison sentence for the crime. The Honorable Ronna L. Beck approved the plea this morning and sentenced Myers accordingly.

     Myers, who was 17 at the time of the murder, is among numerous defendants to plead guilty to charges in the murder and related crimes. The others include Muquan Cawthorne, 17, of Mount Ranier, Md.; Deon Jefferson, 18, of Landover, Md.; Gary Maye, 18, of Hyattsville, Md.; Immanuel Swann, 18, of Brentwood, Md., and Gary Whittaker, 20, of Hyattsville, Md. Cawthorne, Jefferson, Maye and Swann, like Myers, were under 18 at the time of the murder; the U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained their indictments after deciding to prosecute them as adults.

     Cawthorne was sentenced today to 17 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed, armed robbery, and a firearms offense. Jefferson was sentenced to 16 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed and armed robbery. Maye was sentenced to 19 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed, armed robbery, and robbery. Swann was sentenced to 19 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed and two counts of armed robbery. Whittaker was sentenced to 15 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, and a firearms offense.

     All of the defendants have been in custody since their arrests. Upon completion of their prison terms, each defendant will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence, Myers and the other defendants were part of a group of 10 people who conspired on Nov. 16, 2012 and Nov. 17, 2012 to commit robberies in the District of Columbia. Plans called for robbing people of their iPhones and other items of value. The group took a Metro train on the night of Nov. 16, 2012, from the West Hyattsville, Md. station to the Gallery Place/Chinatown station in Northwest Washington. From there, they took another train to the Woodley Park Metro station to begin their crimes. Within a matter of hours, Mr. Griffin would become a victim of the group twice: once, during a robbery in the Adams Morgan area, and finally, the attack at the Metro Station that ended with his death.

     “Today justice is served on the group of teenagers who murdered Olijawon Griffin for having the audacity to stand up to them after they robbed him of his coat and brutally assaulted his best friend,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “Chavez Myers, who buried the knife in Mr. Griffin’s chest on a Metro Station platform, will serve 30 years behind bars.  Five other participants in this attack, none of whom struck the fatal blow, will each serve at least 15 years in prison. Today’s proceedings should open the eyes of other young people thinking about committing street robberies to the deadly consequences and lengthy prison sentences that can easily result.”

     “A young man lost his life, and now the young men who are responsible for that crime must face the consequences of their actions,” said Police Chief Lanier. “The Metropolitan Police Department and our law enforcement partners continue to demonstrate that criminals will be held accountable.”

     “I want to commend the work and cooperation of the Metro Transit and Metropolitan Police Departments as well as the D.C. Attorney General and U.S. Attorney’s Office’ in this year-long effort to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the events of Nov. 16 and 17, 2012,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Pavlik. “We continue to send a clear message to those who wish to threaten or bring harm to Metro customers that such activity will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

     According to the government’s evidence, the group targeted Mr. Griffin shortly after midnight, early Nov. 17, 2012, attacking him near a gas station in the 1800 block of Adams Mill Road NW. Mr. Griffin was robbed of his Helly Hansen coat, hat, and iPhone. The assailants then walked back toward the Woodley Park Metro station, intending to take a train back to West Hyattsville.

     Mr. Griffin and his two companions arrived at the Metro station shortly after the assailants. They approached the assailants in an attempt to get Mr. Griffin’s property back. According to the government’s evidence, the various assailants repeatedly punched, kicked and stomped one of Mr. Griffin’s companions while he was lying prone and defenseless on the floor of the station platform. Once this friend rose to his feet, the group again took him to the ground and repeatedly punched, kicked and stomped him.

     Shortly after the attack on the friend ended, Myers went up to the mezzanine level of the station, where the kiosk and fare machines are located. Jefferson, Maye, Whittaker and Swann were among those who also went to the mezzanine level. Mr. Griffin had been attempting to draw the defendants to that level in an effort to get them away from his injured friend. As the confrontation continued, Myers came up from behind Mr. Griffin and stabbed Mr. Griffin, who was unarmed, once in the heart. Mr. Griffin died a short time later.

     In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Machen, Chief Lanier and Chief Pavlik commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Metro Transit Police Department. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General, including Deputy Attorney General Andrew Fois; Jennifer White, Chief of the Juvenile Section; Barbara Chesser and Linda Monroe, Assistant Chiefs of the Juvenile Section; Assistant Attorney General Marybeth Manfreda, and former Assistant Attorney General Anthony Crispino. The District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General handled the part of this case that involved charges against some of the juveniles who were apprehended after the attack.

     U.S. Attorney Machen, Chief Lanier and Chief Pavlik also acknowledged the efforts of those who provided assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Alesha Matthews, Kwasi Fields, and Ethel Noble; Criminal Investigator John Marsh; Litigation Technology Specialists Leif Hickling, Will Henderson, and Paul Howell; Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark, and former interns Ryan Lipes, Flynn Burke, and Lauren Sparks. 

     Finally, they thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Dillon, Kathleen A. Connolly, and Kevin F. Flynn, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – A 21-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 28 months in prison on charges stemming from a sexual assault against a five-year-old relative, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     The defendant, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim, pled guilty in August 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count each of attempted second-degree child sexual abuse and violating the Bail Reform Act. The Honorable Robert E. Morin sentenced him. Upon completion of his prison term, the defendant will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

     According to the government’s evidence, on May 9, 2013, at approximately 8:50 p.m., the defendant was at the home of a relative in Northeast Washington. During this time, the child and her mother were living temporarily with the same relative and were also in the apartment.  The child’s mother, who had momentarily left the home, returned to find the defendant under a blanket with her daughter.  The child made an immediate report regarding sexual acts the defendant engaged in with her while her mother was gone. 

     While this case was pending, the court released the defendant, placing him in the high-intensity supervision program on June 14, 2013. After the June court date, the defendant removed his GPS device, and he did not appear in court as scheduled for a hearing on July 15, 2013.  He was re-arrested on a bench warrant on July 26, 2013.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Youth Division who were involved in the arrest and investigation of this case.  He also expressed his appreciation to Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key, Victim/Witness Advocate Tracey Hawkins, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mervin A. Bourne, Jr., who investigated and prosecuted the case.

13-420

WASHINGTON – Carlito Bailey and Rickey Watkins, both 22 and from Washington D.C., were sentenced today to more than a decade in prison on charges stemming from a shooting last year in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Bailey and Watkins were found guilty by a jury in October 2013, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of aggravated assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, and related firearms offenses. The Honorable Robert I. Richter sentenced Bailey to a prison term of 16 ½ years and sentenced Watkins to 11 years and nine months of incarceration.

     According to the government’s evidence, on the night of May 5, 2012, Bailey, Watkins, and a third unidentified shooter traveled to Northwest Washington armed with firearms.  The three men approached the intersection of Johnson Avenue and R Street NW, where they opened fire, shooting at least ten bullets into a block crowded with adults and children gathered to celebrate a birthday party.  One of the adults was shot several times in the legs. After firing the shots, the men fled on Johnson Avenue.

     Bailey and Watkins were apprehended approximately 24 minutes after the shooting in a car with two firearms. One of the firearms was a ballistics match to six shell casings and a bullet from the crime scene, and a swab from the slide of that weapon yielded DNA that matched the DNA profile of Bailey.  Cell site data placed Watkins at the scene of the shooting.

     In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the Metropolitan Police Department Second District officers who apprehended the defendants and recovered the key evidence shortly after the shooting, as well as the Third District detectives who investigated the case.  He also expressed appreciation to FBI Special Agent Kevin Horan for his valuable work analyzing cell phone records and testifying as a government expert at trial. 

     In addition, U.S. Attorney Machen commended those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Litigation Technology Specialists Joe Calvarese, Kimberly Smith and Ron Royal and Paralegal Specialists Allison Daniels and Mia Beamon.  Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ephraim (Fry) Wernick and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie, who indicted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Carroll and Jonathan Kravis, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Eric Justin Toth, 31, a former private school teacher and camp counselor, pled guilty today to three counts of production of child pornography and other felony charges following an investigation that began more than five years ago with the discovery of pornographic images on a school camera that had been in his possession.

     The guilty plea was announced by Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Rod J. Rosenstein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; John W. Vaudreuil, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin; Robert L. Pitman, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas; Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; John S. Leonardo, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona; John R. Marti, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota; John McCarthy, State’s Attorney for Montgomery, County, Md.; Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and J. Thomas Manger, Chief of the Montgomery County, Md. Police Department.

     Toth pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In addition to the child pornography charges, he pled guilty to one count each of misuse of a Social Security number and identity theft. The plea agreement, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for Toth to be sentenced to between 22 and 30 years in prison. Following completion of the prison term, the plea agreement calls for Toth to be placed on at least 25 years of supervised release. He also would be required to register as a sex offender for at least 25 years. If he approves the plea, the Honorable Rudolph Contreras is to sentence Toth on March 11, 2014.

     The guilty plea resolves charges and potential charges in several jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, Wisconsin, Texas, Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida.

           
**

     “Eric Toth is every parent’s worst nightmare: a serial predator who took advantage of his position as a camp counselor and a teacher to sexually exploit children in his care,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “After five years of eluding justice, Toth was captured in Nicaragua, where he was living under an alias, with more than 1,000 child pornography images on his computer.  For all his efforts to run away from his crimes, today Toth faces the justice he deserves: up to 30 years in prison.”

     “Today, Eric Toth took responsibility for producing pornographic images of children who were entrusted to his care,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The unfortunate reality is that Toth, an audacious and prolific child predator, is representative of many abusers in our communities who prey upon children in places where we believe they are safe. Together as a society, we must be vigilant observers of a child’s behavior and talk to children about how to come forward when they feel in danger.”

     “It is important that this defendant be held accountable,” said State’s Attorney McCarthy. “His reprehensible acts scar children for life. By entering a global plea, the victims of this child predator will not be further traumatized. Today is an important first step towards healing for the victims and their families.”

     The investigation of Toth began in June 2008 with the discovery of images depicting child pornography on a camera at a private school in the District of Columbia, where he had been teaching. School administrators called the police, and security officers immediately escorted Toth from the school campus. Toth left the area soon thereafter, while the law enforcement investigation was continuing. Federal charges were filed against him in 2008 in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Toth, meanwhile, remained at large, traveling to multiple places.

     Toth was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in April 2012 and finally apprehended in Nicaragua in April 2013.

     The three child pornography charges included in the guilty plea stem from photographs and videos that Toth took of children while working in 2005 as a camp counselor in northwest Wisconsin; as a teacher in 2006 at the private school in the District of Columbia; and at a private home in Maryland in 2007. These photographs and videos were located on a camera and media card found at the school in June 2008 and on a thumb drive found in Toth’s car when it was located at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in August 2008. Additionally, Toth pled guilty to misuse of a Social Security number for using someone else’s identifying information while working in Texas from 2009 until 2012. The identity theft charge stems from Toth’s use, in Texas, Florida, and elsewhere, of yet another person’s identifying information to obtain and travel with a false passport.

     As part of the plea agreement, Toth will not face charges for additional images of child pornography that were found on computers that Toth used.  In June 2009, after law enforcement learned that Toth had been living and working at homeless shelter in Phoenix, authorities discovered a laptop computer that Toth had been using that contained images depicting child pornography. Toth had already left Phoenix at the time of this discovery. In addition, after Toth’s arrest, law enforcement discovered images and videos depicting child pornography on a laptop computer that Toth used when he lived in Texas and Nicaragua.

     This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office; the Metropolitan Police Department; the Montgomery County, Md., Police Department, and other agencies.

     This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassidy Kesler Pinegar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Marie Freitas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Fenton of the Montgomery County, Md. State’s Attorney’s Office.

     Assistance during the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices from the Western District of Wisconsin; the Western District of Texas; the Southern District of Florida; the District of Arizona, and the District of Minnesota; the Montgomery County, Md. State’s Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Embassy Managua Regional Security Office; the Diplomatic Security Service Criminal Investigative Liaison Branch; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the U.S. Marshals Service's National Sex Offender Targeting Center; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - Sex Offender Tracking Team.

     The Nicaraguan National Police (NNP) Commissioner's Office, the NNP Trafficking in Persons Unit, and the Nicaraguan Immigration Service performed crucial work in securing Toth’s apprehension.

     Those assisting from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julieanne Himelstein, Catherine K. Connelly, David Johnson and Virginia Cheatham, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Schmidt and Michelle Zamarin. Paralegal Specialist Toni Donato also provided assistance.

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WASHINGTON – Dontrace Blaine, 26, formerly of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 24 years in prison on charges stemming from a gun battle in 2006 that led to the death of an innocent bystander, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Blaine was found guilty by a jury in September 2013, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced by the Honorable Robert E. Morin.

     According to the government’s evidence, Blaine took part in a gun battle at 11 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2006 outside an apartment complex in the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road SE.  During the gunfire, an innocent bystander, 25-year-old Adegoke Adenikinju, was struck in the chest by a stray bullet as he attempted to exit his vehicle in hopes of seeking cover. Mr. Adenikinju died in the parking lot from his injuries. Witnesses later identified Blaine as among the shooters.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the officers, detectives and evidence technicians from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who investigated the case. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Fern Rhedrick , Sandra Lane, Alesha Matthews Yette and Sharon Newman,; Litigation Technology Specialists Jeannie Latimore-Brown and Anisha Bhatia, and Investigative Analysts Lawrence Grasso and Zachary McMenamin. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Vinét Bryant, who prosecuted the case.

13-415

WASHINGTON - Patrick Brightwell, 47, of Bogart, Ga., has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he orchestrated the discharge of waste into the Potomac River at Hains Point from 2009 through 2011, during the same period his company was hired by the National Park Service to clean out the storm water sewer system on the National Mall.

     The indictment was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Robert G. Dreher of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice; Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, David G. McLeod, Jr. Special Agent in Charge of the Environmental Protection Agency’s criminal enforcement program for the Middle Atlantic States, and Teresa Chambers, Chief of the U.S. Park Police.

     The eight-count indictment of Brightwell was unsealed following his arrest in Georgia on Dec. 5, 2013. It was filed on Nov. 15, 2013, by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  It charges Brightwell with conspiracy, a Clean Water Act violation, false claims, and obstructing the investigation of these offenses by tampering with witnesses and making false statements.

     “This indictment alleges that Patrick Brightwell ripped off the taxpayer and polluted the Potomac River by illegally dumping waste he was being paid to dispose of properly,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “According to the indictment, Brightwell tried to cover up his crimes by lying to the police and encouraging someone else to lie as well.  This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to enforcing criminal laws designed to protect our precious natural resources.” 

     “Illegally discharged wastewater presents a danger to public health and a threat to our environment,” said Special Agent in Charge McLeod. “This indictment demonstrates EPA’s resolve to collaborate with our partners to vigorously investigate any credible allegation that a company or individual is treating our nation's environmental laws with contempt.”

     “We are pleased to have taken part in the initial discovery and investigation of this crime,” said Chief Chambers. “It is through collaborative efforts such as this that law enforcement sends a strong message that we take environmental crimes seriously and that violators will be prosecuted.”

     According to the indictment, from in or about 2008 through 2011, Brightwell’s company had a contract with the National Park Service to clean the storm water sewer system on the National Mall.  The contract required that waste removed from the Mall’s storm drains and oil-water separators be disposed of at a proper disposal facility in compliance with District of Columbia regulations and federal law.  Brightwell hired employees to work under the contract in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and hired a subcontractor, B&P Environmental LLC, to perform the work in 2011.  Each year, Brightwell supervised the work: collecting waste in a vacuum truck, a vehicle designed to gather, store, and transport such waste.

     As alleged in the indictment, in 2009, 2010, and 2011, Brightwell directed his employees and subcontractors to discharge waste from the vacuum truck at a storm drain on Hains Point, where the waste would flow into the Potomac River; Brightwell also directed his employees to conceal these discharges from the National Park Service and police. 

     During this period, Brightwell continued to invoice the National Park Service for cleaning services, but concealed and did not disclose that Brightwell’s company was not properly disposing of the waste, as required by the contract.  Brightwell’s company received approximately $533,000 between 2008 and 2011, according to the indictment.

     The indictment further alleges that, on June 6, 2011, after the U.S. Park Police stopped the vacuum truck at Hains Point, Brightwell sought to obstruct the investigation by making false statements himself, by telling a subcontractor to make false statements to the police, and by telling an employee to leave the area to prevent police from interviewing him.

     If convicted, Brightwell faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on each of the conspiracy and false claims charges, as well as a $250,000 fine; a maximum sentence of three years in prison on the Clean Water Act violation and a fine of up to $50,000 per day; a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison on the witness tampering counts; and a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison on the false statement count.  The case is assigned to the Honorable James E. Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

     Earlier this year, the subcontractor, B&P Environmental LLC, and a B&P employee working on June 6, 2011, both pled guilty to violations of the Clean Water Act before the U.S. District Court.  As part of their pleas, both the company and employee agreed to cooperate with the government’s investigation.  Both the company and employee are awaiting sentencing.

     An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

     The case is being investigated by Special Agent Socrates Michael of the EPA and Detective Jon Crichfield of the U.S. Park Police. It is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Lana Pettus of the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Hooks of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistance was provided by Paralegal Specialist Ashleigh Nye of DOJ’s Environmental Crimes Section and Paralegal Specialist Krishawn Graham of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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WASHINGTON – William G. VanSant, 51, of Alexandria, Va., was sentenced today to 70 months 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., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

     VanSant pled guilty to the charges in August 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Robert L. Wilkins. Upon completion of his prison term, VanSant will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for at least 15 years after his release from prison.

     According to the government's evidence, on March 20, 2013, VanSant contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, who had posted a message on a website that is frequented by individuals who have a sexual interest in children. Over the next two days, Vansant continued to engage in online conversations with the undercover officer, whom he believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this period, VanSant arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.

     In addition, during the course of their communications, VanSant sent the undercover officer several images of child pornography.  On March 22, 2013, VanSant traveled from Virginia to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C.  When he arrived, he was arrested.

     Pursuant to a warrant, VanSant’s residence was searched on March 28, 2013. Law enforcement seized two laptop computers, including one that contained seven videos and eight images depicting 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 Parlave and Chief Lanier praised the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Connelly, of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassidy Kesler Pinegar, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Richard Williams, 43, was found guilty by a jury today of second-degree murder while armed in the slaying of an acquaintance along the border of the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County, Md., U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Williams, who has no fixed address, was found guilty following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the murder charge, the jury found him guilty of one count of carrying a dangerous weapon after having been convicted a felony, and two counts of committing offenses while on release in a pending criminal case. The Honorable Robert E. Morin scheduled sentencing for Jan. 31, 2014. Williams faces up to 70 years in prison for the murder count alone, and up to 30 years for each of the other three charges.

     According to the government’s evidence, Williams and the victim, Sean West, 37, knew each other and often spent time together at a gas station in Oxon Hill, Md., just over the border from the District of Columbia. On Aug. 27, 2010, at about 11:30 p.m., they got into an argument and shoving match at the gas station, for reasons that remain unclear. A mutual acquaintance broke up the fight, and Mr. West walked across the street into the 4300 block of Wheeler Road SE, headed home.

     Williams, however, proceeded to run after Mr. West.  Upon catching up to him, he stabbed Mr. West once in the chest.  Mr. West ran back across the street, into Oxon Hill, and collapsed inside a liquor store.  He died about two hours later.

     Williams fled the scene on foot and was arrested on Oct. 18, 2010.  At the time of the murder, the defendant, a previously convicted felon, had a pending misdemeanor case for which he had been released on bond.  He has been held without bond since his October 2010 arrest.

     In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen expressed appreciation for the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also commended those who worked on the case from the Prince George’s County, Md., Police Department and the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Litigation Technology Specialist Josh Ellen, Paralegal Specialist Sandra Lane, Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Liebman, who prosecuted the matter.

13-413

WASHINGTON – A former medical doctor was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors in Kenya, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., and Assistant Director in Charge Valerie Parlave of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. 

     John D. Ott, 68, pled guilty in May 2013 before the Honorable Reggie B. Walton in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place.  Upon completion of his prison term, Ott will be placed on supervised release for the rest of his life. In addition, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

     According to filed court documents and proceedings, Ott was a former medical doctor who worked for non-governmental organizations and hospitals in Kenya.  Court records show that Ott also started an orphanage in Kenya. Ott admitted that between approximately January 2004 and September 2012, he engaged in illicit sexual conduct in Muhuru Bay, Sori and Kendu Bay, Kenya, with at least 14 minors, who ranged in age from approximately nine to 17 years old when the illicit sexual conduct began.  Ott admitted that he frequently paid for schooling and provided other financial support, including housing, for minors with whom he engaged in illicit conduct.

     Ott has been in federal custody since he was arrested in December 2012, following his deportation from Tanzania. 

     The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Keith A. Becker of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord of the District of Columbia.  The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office.  Significant assistance was provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs as well as by personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Targeting Center.

     This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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WASHINGTON – Three men, all from the Washington D.C. area, were sentenced today to prison terms for multiple robberies and other crimes committed in a series of attacks on city streets and at a Metro station, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

     The men - Anthony J. Doggett, 21, Desean Floyd, 19, and Dominique C. Jones, 20 – pled guilty to conspiracy, robbery, and other charges in September 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. They were sentenced by the Honorable Stuart G. Nash. Doggett was sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison. Floyd was sentenced to eight years of incarceration, and Jones was sentenced to a seven-year prison term. Upon completion of their prison terms, the men will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     Doggett, Floyd and Jones admitted actively participating in a group that committed crimes in the Adams Morgan, L’Enfant Plaza, and Stadium Armory areas. Since at least Jan. 1, 2013, the group’s members canvassed the areas looking for targets of opportunity and teamed up to rob their victims. Members went out in groups of two or more and looked for potential victims who might have expensive cell phones, such as iPhone5s, or other property of value. The men would then work together as a team to steal the property. When they encountered resistance, the men assaulted the victims until someone in the group escaped with the property. The defendants sold stolen phones for a profit, on the street or to an Eco-ATM machine, and split the proceeds.

     Doggett, of Suitland, Md., pled guilty to one count each of conspiracy, robbery, attempted robbery, accessory after the fact to armed robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and contempt. Floyd, of Oxon Hill, Md., pled guilty to one count each of conspiracy, robbery, attempted robbery, accessory after the fact to armed robbery, and attempted perjury. Jones, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty to one count each of conspiracy, robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted robbery.

     As part of their plea agreements, the defendants admitted participating in various crimes, including these incidents:

     -Jan. 20, 2013: Robbery in the 1400 Block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE

     Jones admitted to taking part in the robbery of a woman during the late morning hours in the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. As the victim was about to get into her car, Jones and another individual approached and cornered her. They then demanded that she give them her purse and her car keys. The woman did so against her will, and Jones and the other individual then fled with her property. About a week later, Doggett and another individual returned to the area with the woman’s stolen car keys and stole her car.

     Jones pled guilty to attempted robbery and Doggett pled guilty to unauthorized use of a vehicle for their roles in these crimes.

     -Feb. 3, 2013: Robbery in the 1300 Block of Q Street NW

     Doggett and Floyd admitted to taking part in the robbery of a man in the 1300 Block of Q Street NW. As the victim was walking down the street, Doggett, Floyd and another individual decided to rob him. The defendants approached the victim and began to assault him, causing him to fall to the ground. When the victim attempted to defend himself, the defendants repeatedly punched him in his head and body. They then took the victim’s iPhone and wallet and fled the scene. Doggett sold the stolen iPhone to an Eco-ATM machine at the Pentagon City Mall and received $300 for the phone. The defendants split the proceeds from the sale of the stolen phone.

     Doggett and Floyd each pled guilty to robbery for their roles in this crime.

     -Feb. 5, 2013: Armed Robbery at 19th Street and Constitution Avenue NE

     Doggett, Floyd, and Jones admitted to taking part in crimes related to the armed robberies of multiple victims at 19th Street and Constitution Avenue NE. Jones and another individual went out into the street with a gun at about 8 p.m. and began to look for targets they could rob. They observed a young couple walking down the street. Jones and the other individual held the young couple at gunpoint, ordering them to get down on their knees and to surrender their property. A third victim was walking down the street and walked into this armed robbery-in-progress. Jones and the other individual robbed the third victim at gunpoint as well. Jones and the other individual then fled the scene with the property of the three victims.

     Jones and the other individual went to a nearby abandoned house, where they met Doggett and Floyd. Jones told Doggett and Floyd that they had just committed an armed robbery. Doggett and Floyd then began to help Jones and the other individual “wipe” the stolen phones, meaning that they cleared the personal settings on the phones and set the phones back to factory settings. Doggett and Floyd also served as look-outs to see whether the police were following them. Doggett and Floyd did this in order to prevent the arrest of Jones and the other individual and ensure that the police would be unable to track the stolen property.

     Jones pled guilty to robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and Doggett and Floyd each pled guilty to accessory after the fact to armed robbery for their roles in these crimes.

     -Feb. 10, 2013: Robbery at L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station

     Doggett and Floyd admitted to taking part in an early-morning robbery at L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station, located at 600 Maryland Avenue SW. The men saw the victim, who was on the platform waiting for the Metro and looking at his iPhone, which he held in his hand. The men decided to steal the phone from the victim. One of the men snatched the phone out of the victim’s hands, while others intentionally got in his way. When the victim attempted to follow them, a third individual began to punch him. Doggett later sold the victim’s stolen iPhone to an Eco-ATM machine at the Pentagon City Mall and received $300 for the phone. Doggett, Floyd and the third individual split the proceeds from the sale of the stolen phone.

     Doggett and Floyd pled guilty to attempted robbery for their role in this crime.

     -Feb. 10, 2013: Contempt of Court

     Doggett was under court order to observe a 24-hour home confinement on Feb. 10, 2013. On that same date, he intentionally left his home to commit the above robbery at L’Enfant Plaza, and then traveled to Virginia to sell the stolen phone to an Eco-ATM machine. Doggett pled guilty to contempt of court for his role in this crime.

     -March 14, 2013: Perjury

     Floyd testified before a grand jury of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on March 14, 2013. He took an oath that he would testify truthfully. Floyd willfully and knowingly testified about matters which were not true and which he knew or believed to be false, including that he denied knowing about particular crimes in which he was involved and denied knowing one of his co-conspirators. Floyd pled guilty to attempted perjury for his role in this crime.

     In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Machen and Chief Lanier commended the work of the officers, detectives and crime scene technicians who worked on the case for the MPD. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Metro Transit Police Department, which assisted in the investigation. Finally, they praised the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Pozos, who prosecuted the matter.

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WASHINGTON – Michael Poth, 22, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury today of manslaughter while armed in the fatal stabbing of a fellow U.S. Marine Corps enlistee, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Poth was found guilty following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Russell F. Canan scheduled sentencing for Feb. 7, 2014. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 60 years in prison.

     According to the government’s evidence, Poth and the victim, Philip Bushong, 24, were active duty U.S. Marine Corps enlistees.  At the time of the incident, the defendant was a private first class and was assigned to the Marine Barracks Washington, while the victim, a lance corporal, was a few days away from receiving an honorable discharge and was in the District of Columbia visiting friends. The men did not know one another. In the early morning hours of April 21, 2012, both were in the area near the 700 block of Eighth Street SE, near the Marine Barracks. Multiple bars and restaurants are in the area.

     Poth walked by Lance Cpl. Bushong, who was with a group of friends. Shortly after he passed by the group, Lance Cpl. Bushong yelled something at the defendant.  Poth took offense, took out a small pocket knife from his pocket, and waved it in the air toward Lance Cpl. Bushong and his group of friends.  Poth also muttered out loud that he was going to “cut someone’s (expletive) lungs out.”

     About 10 minutes later, Poth, after circling the block, aggressively walked toward Lance Cpl. Bushong, who was still in the area talking to a friend.  Poth walked up to Lance Cpl. Bushong, uttered an anti-gay slur, and then kept walking. Lance Cpl. Bushong proceeded to follow Poth, and the two began to argue.  As Lance Cpl. Bushong drew back his fist to punch Poth, Poth stated, “I’m going to stab you.” He then drew his knife and stabbed Lance Cpl. Bushong once in chest. Lance Cpl. Bushong died about two hours later.

     “Today a District of Columbia jury held Michael Poth accountable for stabbing a fellow Marine to death on a public street near their barracks,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Their guilty verdict makes clear that our community will not tolerate the deadly violence that so often arises from petty disputes.  We hope that this decision brings some measure of comfort to the family and friends of the young Marine killed that night.”

     In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and thanked the U.S. Marine Corps for their cooperation. He also expressed appreciation for the work of the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences and the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In addition, he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Sandra Lane and Alesha Matthews; Victim/Witness Advocate Tamara Ince; David Foster, Katina Adams-Washington, and La June Thames, all of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, and Litigation Technology Specialists Will Henderson and Paul Howell. Finally, he praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Liebman, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Deandre Kelly, 31, formerly of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on federal narcotics charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Mark A. Magaw, Chief of the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Department.

     Kelly pled guilty in July 2009 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to charges filed in two separate cases. In one, he pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute PCP. In the other, he pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. While awaiting sentencing and other hearings in that case, Kelly disappeared. A warrant was issued for his arrest in September 2009 after he failed to appear for a court hearing.

     Kelly remained a fugitive until Jan. 22, 2011, when he was arrested in Garrett County, Md., after leading police on a high-speed car chase. During that chase, he lost control of a vehicle several times, striking a guardrail and a bridge pillar, before ultimately becoming disabled in a snow embankment. Law enforcement discovered marijuana and a loaded firearm in the vehicle, and Kelly was arrested. However, the following evening, he made an armed escape from the Garrett County Detention Center, aided by associates waiting for him in the parking lot.

     The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Kelly on May 13, 2011 in Lynchburg, Va., and he has been in custody ever since. The actions in Maryland remain under investigation.

     The 15-year sentence, imposed Nov. 14, 2013 by the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan, was made public by the Court this week. The sentence was for the earlier drug offenses, involving crimes in the District of Columbia and Maryland. One case involved a search of Kelly’s residence in February 2009 that led to the recovery of PCP, a revolver and ammunition. As part of his plea, Kelly admitted to possessing the narcotics, firearm and ammunition, and to conspiring with others to distribute PCP. The second case, transferred to the District of Columbia from Maryland, involved the recovery of crack cocaine from Kelly’s vehicle following a traffic stop in Prince George’s County in July 2008.

     Kelly has three previous convictions involving narcotics, as well as a conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Chief Lanier and Chief Magaw commended the work of those who investigated the drug offenses for the MPD and Prince George’s County Police Department. They also expressed appreciation to the U.S. Marshals Service for its work in locating and arresting the defendant, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland for its work on the case. Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen A. Connolly and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Costello, Jr., who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON -  Ephonia M. Green, 44, of Upper Marlboro, Md., pled guilty today to federal charges stemming from her embezzlement of more than $5 million from her former employer, the Association of American Medical Colleges, a non-profit corporation.

     The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.

     Green pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of engaging in illegal monetary transactions. The Honorable Beryl A. Howell scheduled sentencing for Feb. 28, 2014.

     As part of the plea agreement, Green agreed to criminal forfeiture and restitution in the amount of roughly $5.1 million. Under the voluntary federal sentencing guidelines, she faces between 41 and 51 months of incarceration. 

     According to the government’s evidence, from Jan. 5, 1998, through July 15, 2013, Green was employed by the Association of American Medical Colleges as an administrative assistant.  The association, located in Washington, D.C., represents all of the accredited medical schools in the United States and Canada and is responsible for administering the Medical College Admission Test or MCAT.  

     Green’s duties included processing invoices from the association’s vendors.  Separately, Green owned a bridal shop in Upper Marlboro, Md. that conducted business under the name Fabulous Concepts Inc. or FCI. 

     From July 15, 2005, through July 1, 2013, Green created and submitted false invoices to the Association of American Medical Colleges in the name of three entities – The Brookings Institution, FCI, and the University Health System Consortium, also known as UHC. In doing so, she was seeking payment for services that were never provided and without the association’s knowledge that Green would be the actual recipient of the payments. 

     Through this fraudulent scheme, Green embezzled approximately $5.1 million from her employer. Although the association received federal program funds each calendar year, none of the money that was embezzled came from federal program funds.

     The Brookings Institution is a private, non-profit policy organization based in Washington, D.C., and UHC is an alliance of academic medical centers and hospitals.  Green is not affiliated with either entity.  Green’s bridal shop, FCI, was never entitled to receive any money from the association. For the false invoices in the name of The Brookings Institution and UHC, Green registered similar trade names with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and then opened bank accounts in those names. 

     “This part-time wedding planner created bogus businesses and phony bank accounts to defraud her nonprofit employer out of more than $5 million,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “Her lucrative and long-running scheme came crashing down when her employer discovered her deception and informed law enforcement.  She now faces years in prison as a result of the millions she stole for her own self-indulgence that were initially intended to benefit educational programs.”

     “Today, Ms. Green admitted her participation in a scheme to defraud her employer for her own personal gain,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave.  “The FBI remains committed to investigating those who hide behind financial fraud schemes and to working to protect employers from the damages caused by these deceptive scams.”

     In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen and Assistant Director in Charge Parlave thanked the Association of American Medical Colleges for promptly reporting its discovery of the embezzlement to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in July 2013, and for its full cooperation with the investigation that followed. U.S. Attorney Machen and Assistant Director in Charge Parlave also commended the investigative work of agents and analysts of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Finally, they praised the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Corinne Kleinman, Deputy U.S. Marshal Wayne Rollock, Assistant U.S. Attorney Zia Faruqui, who is working on forfeiture issues, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Johnson, who is prosecuting the case.

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WASHINGTON - Diana Lalchan, 28, of Washington, D.C., has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the slaying earlier this year of her husband, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.

     A grand jury returned the indictment on Nov. 21, 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Lalchan pled not guilty to the charges at her arraignment today. The Honorable Ronna L. Beck has set a trial date of March 3, 2014. If convicted, Lalchan faces a potential sentence of life in prison.

     According to the government’s evidence, on March 28, 2013, at approximately 12:05 a.m., Lalchan called 911 and reported that she had just shot her husband inside their apartment in the 1200 block of Fourth Street SW. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the scene and found her inside the apartment, holding a cell phone. Police found her husband, Christopher Lalchan, 36, lying on the floor, unconscious and unresponsive. Mr. Lalchan was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head.  The defendant was placed under arrest.  A search of the residence revealed a semi-automatic handgun and three shell casings on the floor.

     Lalchan had been married to Mr. Lalchan since October of 2008. After the shooting, Lalchan told police that her husband had asked her to come home on the evening of March 27, 2013, so that the two could have a meeting regarding their marriage. After having dinner, Lalchan said that an argument ensued that escalated and de-escalated for several hours. Ultimately, according to the government’s evidence, she fired three shots at Mr. Lalchan. According to the forensic evidence, the first shot was fired into the kitchen.  The second shot was fired into the back of Mr. Lalchan’s head.  A third shot was fired next to his head.

     An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

     In announcing the indictment, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the MPD detectives and officers who investigated the case. He also 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; Criminal Investigators Nelson Rhone, John Marsh, and Tommy Miller; Victim/Witness Advocates Tamara Ince and Marcia Rinker, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Wright, who is prosecuting the matter.

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WASHINGTON – A 38-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on a charge that stemmed from his sexual abuse of an eight-year-old girl at whose home he was staying temporarily, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     The defendant, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim and her family, pled guilty in July 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of second-degree child sexual abuse.  He was sentenced by the Honorable John Ramsey Johnson.  In addition to the prison term, the defendant will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.  He already was a convicted sex offender, having been previously convicted of the misdemeanor sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in 2001. 

     According to the government’s evidence, the defendant was a trusted family friend, who frequently stayed overnight in the victim’s home in Southeast Washington.  On June 20, 2013, while the girl’s mother was asleep in another room, he was alone with the victim, and used the opportunity to sexually assault her.  The victim immediately ran to her mother and disclosed the abuse.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Investigations Division. He also acknowledged the work of the Children’s Advocacy Center and the Children’s National Medical Center, which provided critical services to the victim.  In addition, he praised the efforts of those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Child Forensic Interview Specialist Karen Giannakoulias and Victim/Witness Advocate Melissa Milam.  Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Heide L. Herrmann, who prosecuted the matter.

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WASHINGTON – Cornell “Man” Shumate, 30, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 6 ½ years in prison on charges stemming from the kidnapping and sexual assault of a woman in March of 2012, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Shumate was found guilty in September 2013 by a jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of charges of kidnapping, attempted sexual abuse, and assault.  He was sentenced by the Honorable John Ramsey Johnson. Upon completion of his prison term, Shumate will be placed on five 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, in March 2012, the victim met Shumate’s friend and they exchanged phone numbers. A few days later, on March 25, 2012, the victim agreed to get together with Shumate’s friend. The friend brought the victim to Shumate’s house in Northeast Washington, and they, along with several others, drank and had casual conversation. 

     Unbeknownst to the victim, Shumate and his friend were using her as part of a game to see if they could get a woman to have sex with every man in the apartment. After a night of drinking and socializing, the victim had consensual sex with Shumate’s friend in the apartment.  After she rejected the defendant, he pushed her into his bedroom, locked the door and started to rape her. After she was able to get away, he threw her out of the apartment and down two flights of stairs. The victim reported the assault immediately and Shumate was apprehended that night.

     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 from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Veronica Vaughan, Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key, and Litigation Technology Specialist Kimberly Smith.  Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy H. Zubrensky, who indicted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mervin A. Bourne, Jr., who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Paul Smith, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a prison term of 24 years for kidnapping two men and assaulting a police officer last Christmas morning, all while armed, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Smith pled guilty in September 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of kidnapping while armed, assaulting, resisting, or interfering with a police officer, and a firearms offense. He was sentenced by the Honorable William M. Jackson. Upon completion of his prison term, Smith will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence, on Dec. 25, 2012, at approximately 1 a.m., Smith approached three men who were traveling in a vehicle near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Sumner Road SE. He asked them for a ride home, and directed them to a building on Chesapeake Street SE.

     Once at the building, Smith pulled out a firearm and ordered the men out of the vehicle.  One ran away. Smith pointed a gun at the two others and demanded their money.  The victims emptied their pockets, and one had an ATM card.  Smith ordered the men back into the vehicle at gunpoint, and directed them to drive to a bank in the 4100 block of South Capitol Street SE.

     Once they arrived at the bank, Smith ordered one of the men to go to the ATM, withdraw money, and give him the money. While this victim was at the ATM, Smith pointed the firearm at the second man, who remained in the vehicle. Once the victim returned from the ATM and handed Smith $300, an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) pulled up. The two victims told the officer that Smith was robbing them. 

     The officer ordered Smith to drop his gun. Instead, Smith pointed his gun at the officer, and told the officer “No you drop your gun!”  Smith then ran away, and the officer followed, ordering him to stop and drop his weapon.  Smith refused to comply with the officer’s demands, and continued to run away towards Chesapeake Street SE.  While on Chesapeake Street SE, Smith pointed the firearm at the officer.  The officer discharged his firearm, striking Smith twice.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of 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 Lynette Briggs; Litigation Support Specialists William Henderson, Paul Howell, and Kimberly Smith, and Victim/Witness Advocate James Brennan. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Demian S. Ahn, who investigated the case, and Kendra Briggs, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.

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WASHINGTON – Beata Edina Wagnerne Abonyi, 55, of Budapest, Hungary, has been sentenced to a year in prison on a federal charge stemming from her participation in an international Internet-based fraud scheme that obtained more than $350,000 from people who thought they were buying cars, trucks, and motor homes.

     The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Niall Meehan, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service.

     Abonyi pled guilty on Aug. 28, 2013 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud and false use of a passport.  She was sentenced on Nov. 19, 2013, by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton.  The judge also ordered Abonyi to pay $355,107 in restitution and ordered her to forfeit $1,245 in U.S. currency and a $395,485 money judgment, which represents the proceeds she obtained through the scheme.  Upon completion of her prison term, Abonyi will be placed on three years of supervised release. 

     According to a statement of offense signed by the defendant, Abonyi and others conspired to carry out the scheme from on or about late February 2013 through the beginning of May 2013.  Members of the conspiracy falsely advertised and purported to sell motor vehicles, trucks, and motor homes on websites, targeting buyers located mainly in the United States.  With assistance from her co-conspirators, Abonyi used false passports and false driver’s licenses to open bank accounts at four different financial institutions in Virginia.  During the course of the scheme, Abonyi came to understand that buyers were being induced to wire money and funds into these accounts for the intended purpose of purchasing the vehicles. She fraudulently withdrew funds from the accounts before the buyers, financial institutions, and law enforcement detected the scheme.  Abonyi then wired the falsely obtained funds to co-conspirators here in the United States and overseas.  Abonyi admitted that the bank accounts she fraudulently opened received over $350,000 from victims.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Special Agent in Charge Meehan praised those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.  They also commended the efforts of Paralegal Specialists Lenisse Edloe, Tasha Harris, and C. Rosalind Pressley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael K. Atkinson and Diane Lucas, who prosecuted the case.  

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WASHINGTON – Congressman Trey Radel, 37, pled guilty today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a misdemeanor charge of possession of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Division Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

     Radel, who represents the 19th Congressional District of Florida, appeared before the Honorable Senior Judge Robert S. Tignor. As a first-time offender, Radel was able to ask the Court, under District of Columbia law, to defer entering a judgment of guilty and place him on probation. Judge Tignor placed Radel on one year of probation. If the probation is successfully completed, the Court could then dismiss the case without an adjudication of guilt.

     According to a statement of offense submitted as part of the plea, Radel came to the attention of the FBI and DEA in the fall of 2013, during an investigation into cocaine trafficking in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Agents learned that Radel would purchase cocaine for his personal use and sometimes share it with others.

     The statement of offense says that, on Oct. 29, 2013, Radel met with an undercover police officer at a restaurant in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. At this time, Radel agreed to buy about 3.5 grams of cocaine from the undercover officer.  He and the undercover officer went outside, and Radel handed over $260. The undercover officer provided Radel with a package of cocaine. Federal agents then approached Radel and the cocaine was recovered.

     Radel agreed to speak with the agents about what had taken place and invited them to his apartment. There, he voluntarily admitted that he had purchased the cocaine. He also retrieved and provided to the agents a vial of cocaine that he had in his apartment.

     “Today’s guilty plea emerges from a broader narcotics investigation that brought to light information that a sitting Member of Congress was routinely using and buying cocaine.  Once this information was confirmed, law enforcement could not ignore this illegal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “Mr. Radel’s guilty plea is similar to those entered every year by hundreds of other drug offenders in the District of Columbia who possess illegal narcotics. We appreciate his willingness to promptly accept responsibility for his conduct.”

     “Today’s announcement demonstrates that illegal drugs continue to be present in our communities, and do not discriminate by age, gender, socio-economic group or profession,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “Along with our law enforcement partners at the DEA, the FBI remains focused on stopping the movement and sale of drugs on our neighborhood streets.”

     “Drug traffickers and abusers respect no boundaries or limits and our neighborhoods and communities often pay the price,” said Special Agent in Charge Colder.  “DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to relentlessly pursue these drug trafficking networks and their criminal associates at every level.  They pose a direct threat to the safety and security of our community here in the D.C. metro area. We want young people to see the price people pay for drug abuse and trafficking in cases like this so they will resolve to live drug-free lives.”   

     In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Special Agent in Charge Colder commended the work of those who investigated the case. They also expressed appreciation for the work of the Fairfax County, Va., Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Finally, they commended those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar R.  Mohanty and Jennifer Kerkhoff, who are prosecuting the matter.

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WASHINGTON – Seventeen people were arrested today following their indictments on federal charges in connection with an ongoing investigation by the FBI/Metropolitan Police Department Safe Streets Task Force into a network that trafficked heroin, cocaine, and marijuana from Texas to the Washington, D.C. area.  The drugs were then distributed in the Washington, D.C. area.

     In addition to the arrests today, in the Washington, D.C. area, two defendants already were in custody. Seven others were apprehended in McAllen, Texas on Nov. 18, 2013.

     The arrests and charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

     The defendants are among those named in two indictments returned on Nov. 7, 2013, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The indictments, partially unsealed, charge the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Some of the defendants also are charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.  Both indictments also include a forfeiture allegation seeking all proceeds derived from the crimes, as well as assets used to commit the offenses. If convicted, the defendants face a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

     The FBI’s Washington Field Office and MPD were joined in the law enforcement action this week by the FBI San Antonio Field Office’s McAllen Resident Agency; the U.S. Park Police; the U.S. Marshals Service; the U.S. Bureau of Prisons; the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Department; the Hidalgo County, Texas Sheriff’s Office, and the San Juan, Texas Police Department.

     A total of 17 locations and four vehicles locations were searched today in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Authorities seized 18 guns, heroin, PCP and cash.

     The indictments allege that the defendants conspired to carry out the drug operation from October 2012 through October of this year, when it was broken up by law enforcement. The network allegedly operated in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Texas. 

     “These indictments were designed to dismantle a drug ring that trafficked heroin and cocaine from Texas into the District of Columbia,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “We all owe a debt of gratitude to the more than 200 agents and officers whose courage today resulted in 17 arrests and the seizure of more than a dozen firearms and heroin and PCP. The District of Columbia is a safer place today with these guns and drugs off the street.”

     “The arrests that were carried out this week in the Washington, D.C., region and in Texas once again show that we will not tolerate drug dealers who attempt to root their network within our communities and afflict our neighborhoods with their illegal trade,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave.  “Along with our partners on the Safe Streets Task Force, the FBI is focused on pursuing those who pose a threat to our communities through the sale of illegal drugs.”

     “These are significant arrests, and the volume of drugs and weapons seized highlight the potentially devastating impact this criminal enterprise had on the D.C. metropolitan area and various communities across the country,” said Chief Lanier. “The Metropolitan Police Department along with our local and federal law enforcement partners continue to work together to make our communities safer by locating and disrupting criminal organizations intent on wreaking havoc on our neighborhoods for their own personal gain. We are sending a message to criminals nationwide that we will find you and arrest you.”

     A total of 12 men and five women were arrested in the area today.

     Those arrested in the Washington, D.C. area include several members of one family: Juan Floyd, 45, of Temple Hills, Md., an alleged leader of the enterprise; his brother, John Floyd, 51, of Washington, D.C., and his daughter, Juanita N. Culbreth, 27, of Oxon Hill, Md.

     Others arrested today include: Lisa Adona, 50, of Fort Washington, Md.; Rodney Kirk Carter, 50, of Washington, D.C.; Derek L. Gadsden, 54, of Washington, D.C.; Donald Johnson, 51, of Washington, D.C.; Mike Johnson, 30, of Deale, Md.; Albert P. Jones, 44, of Temple Hills, Md.; Vincent J. Jones, 45, of Washington, D.C.; Roxanne Matthews-Baker, 47, of Washington, D.C.; Maurice P. Mercer, 38, of Washington, D.C.; Lawrence E. Proctor, 54, of Washington, D.C.; Darnell S. Rogers, 50, of Fort Washington, Md.; Bruce Settles, 48, of Washington, D.C.; Delshawn A. Wrice, 53, of Washington, D.C., and Jeri Wright, 60, of Suitland, Md.

     Jeffrey Coachman, 39, and Gary Price, 47, already were in custody.

     An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.

     This prosecution grew out of a long-term FBI/MPD alliance called the Safe Streets Task Force that targets violent drug trafficking gangs in the District of Columbia.  The Safe Streets Initiative is funded in part by the Baltimore Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area as well as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. The initiative involves more than 150 Safe Streets Task Forces across the country that combat street gangs by combining federal, state and local police resources. The task forces, which began in 1992 in Los Angeles and the District of Columbia, address gang activity, including drug-related crimes.

     This investigation also was sponsored and supported by the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

     U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Chief Lanier thanked those who pursued the investigation from the FBI/MPD Safe Streets Task Force and other agencies. They also expressed appreciation to the Prince George’s County Police Department, the U.S. Park Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Maryland State Police, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the McAllen Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, for their assistance in the investigation.

     Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the investigation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Paralegal Specialists Catherine O’Neal, Jeannette Litz, Reagan Gibson, Rommel Pachoca, Teesha Tobias, Kim Hall, Niya Attucks, and Mary Downing, and Legal Assistants Priscilla Hutson and Jessica Moffatt.

     They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karla-Dee Clark and Thomas A. Gillice, who are prosecuting the case; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zia Faruqui of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, which is assisting with the forfeiture action, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Debra Long-Doyle and Suzanne Clement Libby who assisted with the investigation and prosecution. 

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WASHINGTON - Delonte Smith, 20, of Capitol Heights, Md., was sentenced today to a prison term of 11 ½ years on charges stemming from a shooting that took place last year in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Smith, also known as “Unc,” was found guilty in July 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of one count of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of simple assault. The verdicts followed a two-week trial. Smith was sentenced by the Honorable Heidi M. Pasichow. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence, at about 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2012, Smith approached a vehicle that was parked in the 5000 block of H Street SE and told the man in the driver’s seat, Christopher Ballard, to get out. When Mr. Ballard refused, Smith tried to open the car door, which was locked.  He then walked around the vehicle to the passenger’s side and told the woman in the front passenger’s seat to get out of the car. 

     In the meantime, Smith’s best friend and accomplice, Jeffrey Ray Tyson, 20, also known as “Baby Boy,” approached the driver’s side door and produced a handgun.  Tyson tapped several times on the driver’s side window with the handgun and ordered Mr. Ballard out of the car.  Mr. Ballard refused, put the car into drive, and attempted to drive away from the area.  Tyson fired six shots at the vehicle, at least two of which hit the car.  Although neither of the people in the car was hit, the two rounds that struck the vehicle were in the direction of the driver’s head.  The car’s occupants flagged down patrol officers just a few blocks away.

     Tyson died as the result of a homicide five days later, in an unrelated incident.

     In a related matter, Smith’s brother, Antoine Mayhand, 28, was sentenced Nov. 15, 2013 to a five-year prison term for obstruction of justice. According to the government’s evidence, on May 28, 2013, Mayhand confronted Mr. Ballard in Southeast Washington and stated, “I should put a knife on you and stab you.” Mr. Ballard called 911 and got away unharmed. Mayhand was arrested on the day of the threat and has been in custody ever since.

     On July 8, 2013, less than 48 hours before he was scheduled to testify in the trial against Smith, Mr. Ballard, 38, was murdered in Southeast Washington. The murder of Mr. Ballard remains under investigation and no arrests have been made.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen expressed appreciation for the work of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) which investigated the case. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Antoinette Sakamsa and Tony Griffith; Litigation Technology Specialists Leif Hickling and Claudia Gutierrez; Victim/Witness Advocate Jim Brennan, Victim/Witness Supervisor Michael Hailey, Victim/Witness Security Specialist Tanya Via, and Victim/Witness Services Coordinator David Foster. Finally, he praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard E. DiZinno, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Raymond Jones, 23, has been sentenced to serve nine years and eight months in prison for a pair of robberies that targeted women in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.

     Jones, whose last known address was in Prince George’s County, Md., pled guilty in July 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to robbery in one case and attempted robbery in the other.  The Honorable Michael Ryan sentenced him on Nov. 15, 2013, to 17 years in prison for the crimes, but suspended some of that time on the condition that he successfully complete three years of supervised probation following his release from prison. Jones also must pay $610 in restitution to the victims.

     According to the government’s evidence, on May 29, 2012, at about 6 p.m., Jones was seen pulling open a locked door to an apartment building in the 6100 block of 16th Street NW. He then attacked the victim as she walked through a fourth-floor hallway. He approached her from behind, put his right arm around her neck, and began choking her.

     The victim fell and was pinned against the ground and the wall, while being choked by Jones, who then snatched her purse and an iPod from her hand. Believing that she would be killed, the victim reached back and pulled out one of Jones’s dreadlocks in the hopes that the police might find it and her attacker.  Jones eventually released her and fled.

     In the second attack, on Aug. 7, 2012, at 6:30 a.m., Jones accosted another woman as she walked to a bus stop in the 1500 block of Missouri Avenue NW. He struck the woman from behind, causing her to fall to the ground.  Then he struggled with her, trying to wrestle away her purse.  Jones then stole her purse and other items, which included a cell phone, cash, and earrings.  The victim in this case suffered a fractured jaw. The injury required surgery and the victim’s jaw was shut for six weeks.

     Jones previously was convicted of robbery in two other incidents, which took place in 2006 and 2007. Both times, he attacked victims from behind. During the investigation of the 2007 robbery, Jones admitted to police that he had carried out similar attacks.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the crimes from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Todd McClelland, Lynda Randolph, and Lynette Briggs; Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark; Information Technology Specialists Kimberly Smith and Anisha Bhatia; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Adam Meinero, who investigated the case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rickard, of the Appellate Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Selden, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Steven Warren, 20, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to six years in prison on charges stemming from an assault that took place in June 2013 and a home invasion that occurred several weeks later, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Warren pled guilty in September 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to first-degree burglary, carrying a pistol outside the home or place of business, and assault with significant bodily injury. He was sentenced on Nov. 15, 2013 by the Honorable Patricia A. Broderick. Following his prison term, Warren will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence, the first crime took place about 3:20 a.m. on June 9, 2013, when Warren and two other men assaulted two people who were waiting at a bus stop in the 1900 block of West Virginia Avenue NE.  While the assault was taking place, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) entered the block, and Warren and the others fled on foot. The officers caught Warren about a block away. Warren punched one of the victims during the attack. The victim suffered a fracture of the left orbital bone of his eye.

     Following his arrest, Warren was placed on high-intensity release pending further court proceedings. He was on release on Aug. 1, 2013, when he staged the home invasion. That day, at about 10:30 a.m., Warren attacked a man as he was leaving an apartment in the 1600 block of Montello Avenue NE. The man had been visiting another man, still inside the apartment.

     Warren, who was standing in the foyer with a handgun by his waist, ordered the man back into the apartment. Once inside, he pointed the gun at the man’s face, and demanded money. The man handed over some cash, but Warren demanded more.

     At that point, Warren forced the man into a bedroom. The second victim, meanwhile, had been hiding in this room, and he had managed to call 911 to report the break-in. Warren encountered this man in the bedroom, and he forced both of the victims to sit on the bed. Warren’s cellphone then rang and the victims heard Warren talking to an unknown individual about the fact that the police were surrounding the premises. Warren put the gun in the waist of his pants and went out of the back door, only to be arrested by quick-responding officers from the MPD. He has been in custody ever since.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen recognized the outstanding efforts of the detectives and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department who investigated the case, as in both instances the quick actions of the first arriving officers were critical.  He also acknowledged the efforts of Paralegal Specialist Todd McClelland.  Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ewing, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Antoine Mayhand, 28, of Capitol Heights, Md., was sentenced today to five years in prison for obstructing justice by confronting a witness in a criminal case that was pending at the time against his brother, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Mayhand was found guilty in September 2013 following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Stuart G. Nash. Upon completion of his prison term, Mayhand will be placed on three years of supervised release.

     At trial, the government’s evidence established that on Dec. 11, 2012, Christopher Ballard reported to the police that two men had tried to steal his car and then, when he resisted, shot at him.  Mr. Ballard informed the police that he knew one of the assailants as “Unc.” Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted an investigation, and Mr. Ballard identified a man named Delonte Smith as “Unc.”

     As a result, on Jan. 30, 2013, Smith was arrested, charged with armed carjacking, and ordered held without bond pending trial. Smith and Mayhand are brothers. They grew up in and frequented the Benning Park area of Southeast Washington, which is where Mr. Ballard lived. 

     On May 28, 2013, at about 7:15 a.m., Mayhand encountered Mr. Ballard on Benning Road SE.  Mayhand said, “I should put a knife on you and stab you!”  Mr. Ballard called 911 and reported the threat while he walked up Benning Road to the Sixth District police station.  During the following 17 minutes, Mr. Ballard stayed on the line with the dispatcher and Mayhand followed Mr. Ballard down the street.  Moments before the police arrived on scene, Mayhand charged at Mr. Ballard as if he was going to assault him.  When the police officers stopped Mayhand, and asked him what was going on, he responded, “Man, I don’t have time to f--- with that snitch!” He also told police that Mr. Ballard “got my brother locked up over some bull---.” 

     The criminal case against Mayhand stemmed from the May 28, 2013 confrontation. Mayhand has been in custody since his arrest that day.

     On July 8, 2013, less than 48 hours before he was scheduled to testify in the trial against Delonte Smith, Mr. Ballard, 38, was murdered in Southeast Washington. Smith, 20, was nonetheless convicted of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and multiple related firearms offenses.  He is awaiting sentencing.

     The murder of Mr. Ballard is under investigation and no arrests have been made.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen recognized the outstanding efforts of the detectives and officers from the Metropolitan Police Department who investigated the case. He also acknowledged the efforts of Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Anthony Griffith as well as Paralegal Specialists Antoinette Sakamsa and Theresa Nelson.  Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Lallas, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON - Christopher Martin, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 29 years in prison on charges stemming from the May 2010 murder of his mother and a subsequent attack on his brother, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Martin was found guilty in June 2013, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of second-degree murder while armed, assault with a deadly weapon, and simple assault. He was sentenced by the Honorable Ronna L. Beck.

     According to the government’s evidence, on May 20, 2010, Martin’s younger brother, Demetrius Martin, escaped from a second-floor window of a home in the 4200 block of Fourth Street SE. He alerted a neighbor that he had been beaten by his brother, Christopher, who had also stabbed their mother.  When police finally gained entry to the locked apartment, they found the body of Patricia Ann Martin, 58, in an advanced stage of decomposition spurred on by the heat in the apartment and the fact that the defendant had covered her with multiple blankets. 

     Upon entering the apartment, it became apparent that Martin had attempted to conceal his crime from discovery by covering his mother’s body with cleanser and dryer sheets and using odor-eating gels, and various perfumes, room deodorizers and bleach to cover her scent. Later that day, when Martin was arrested, police discovered that he had a long, deep gash to the palm of his hand, consistent with his hand having slid down the blade of a knife. 

     At trial, the defendant proceeded on an insanity defense, calling experts to establish that   because of mental illness, he lacked the substantial capacity to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law or lacked a substantial capacity to recognize the wrongfulness of his conduct.   The government countered with experts to establish that, although the defendant does have a diagnosed mental illness (schizo-affective disorder), there was no evidence that his criminal conduct resulted from his mental illness.  The jury found Martin guilty of all charges and rejected the defense of insanity.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the efforts of those who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also extended his appreciation to Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Paralegal Specialists Alesha Matthews Yette, Sandra Lane, Fern Rhedrick and Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie, and Litigation Technology Specialists Jeanie Latimore-Brown, Kimberly Smith, and Paul Howell. He also expressed thanks for the assistance provided by Patricia A. Riley, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Kennedy. Finally, he praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Vinét Bryant, who indicted the case and prosecuted the case at trial.    

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WASHINGTON- James Brewer, 27, and Stephen Page, 20, of Washington, D.C., have pled guilty to charges of second-degree murder while armed in the 2011 slaying of a 71-year-old man in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.

     Both men entered the guilty pleas on Nov. 13, 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. scheduled sentencing for Jan. 10, 2014.

     According to a proffer of facts presented during the plea hearing, on June 27, 2011, at about 9:15 p.m., Brewer, Page, Anthony Thomas, and a fourth man walked into an apartment building in the 2300 block of Good Hope Road SE. They entered the front lobby and gathered at the elevator. Then they took the elevator to the seventh floor.

     Minutes later, Brewer, Page and Thomas entered the apartment of Solomon Reese, 71, a Vietnam veteran who supplemented his retirement income by selling cigarettes to neighbors in the area. Mr. Reese was known by many neighbors as the “cigarette man.”

     While the men were inside, Mr. Reese’s wife, meanwhile, returned to the apartment from the building’s trash room. Upon hearing scuffling, she began to scream. At that point, Brewer pulled her inside the apartment and threw her toward the front room sofa. Then, as she continued to scream, Thomas placed a blanket over her mouth. Mr. Reese, who initially struggled with Page over a pistol that Page was holding, grabbed Thomas. Page warned him to let go. Then, when Mr. Reese reached into his pocket, Page shot him several times.

     Brewer, Page and Thomas left the apartment, taking two bags containing cigarettes and travelers’ checks. Mr. Reese was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. He had been shot multiple times, with bullets hitting him in the chest, abdomen and thigh.

     Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) obtained surveillance video showing Brewer, Page, Thomas, and the fourth man entering the building and getting onto the elevator. Footage from approximately seven minutes later showed Brewer, Page and Thomas moving quickly out of the stairwell on the basement level, with Brewer carrying two bags.

     On July 14, 2011, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Brewer in Newport News, Va., and transported him to the District of Columbia for presentment on a charge of first-degree murder while armed. While awaiting presentment in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Brewer switched armbands with another arrestee and pretended to be that person. He then signed release papers under that arrestee’s name and left the courthouse. Marshals discovered the ruse and searched for Brewer, who surrendered the following day.

     Thomas, 25, earlier pled guilty to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed and is awaiting sentencing.

     In announcing the pleas, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the MPD detectives, officers, crime scene technicians, and forensic specialists who worked on the case. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service. In addition, he praised those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Alesha Matthews Yette; Litigation Technology Specialists Kimberly Smith, Leif Hickling, and Joshua Ellen; Jelahn Stewart, chief of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, and Victim/Witness staff members Maria Shumar, Marcia Rinker, Michael Hailey, Katina Adams-Washington, M. Laverne Forrest, Tanya Via, and David Foster. Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Wheeler, and Scott Sroka, who secured the indictment in the case and handled the prosecution which led to the plea.

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WASHINGTON - Wendel Palmer, 45, a former officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), was found guilty today of sexually abusing a child on numerous occasions between 2004 and 2006, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Palmer was found guilty by a jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of three counts of first-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, two counts of second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, and two counts of enticing a child with aggravating circumstances. The Honorable J. Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. scheduled sentencing for Jan. 31, 2014.

     According to the government’s evidence, at the time of the offenses, Palmer was an MPD officer who was also the youth choir director at the Bethuel Temple Church of Christ Apostolic, Inc., in the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Avenue SE.  The defendant’s family founded and operated the church.  The victim’s family belonged to the church, and the victim was a member of the choir.  The abuse began when the victim was 10 or 11 years old, and occurred at the defendant’s home in Maryland, at the church during breaks in choir rehearsals, and at other locations in the District of Columbia and in Maryland.  The victim was afraid to report the abuse while it was occurring, in part because the defendant was a police officer.  The victim reported the abuse in 2012, after she turned 18. 

     In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division and Mobile Crime Division.  He also expressed appreciation for the work of Victim/Witness Advocate Tracey Hawkins, Paralegal Specialists Jason Manuel and Kristy Penny, and the Litigation Support Staff. Lastly, he acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Zubrensky, who investigated, indicted and tried the case, and Sarah McClellan, who also investigated the case.

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