District of Columbia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Idaho Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism and Weapons Offenses in Connection with November 2011 Shooting at the White House-Defendant Arrested Within Days of Attack-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez, a 22-year-old man from Idaho Falls, Idaho, who traveled to the District of Columbia and fired at least eight rounds at the White House in November 2011, pled guilty today in federal court to terrorism and weapons offenses.
Ortega-Hernandez pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of injury to a dwelling and placing lives in jeopardy within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, as well as one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Additionally, he admitted that the attack was a terrorist act, and therefore, a sentencing enhancement under the United States Sentencing Guidelines is applicable.
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 Kathy A. Michalko, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service.
As a result of his plea, Ortega-Hernandez will face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of incarceration, and a total of 24 to 27 ½ years of imprisonment pursuant to the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The plea agreement also provides that the United States will dismiss the 17 remaining counts charged in the indictment at the time of sentencing. The Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer scheduled sentencing for Jan. 10, 2014.
“Firing an assault rifle at the White House to make a political statement is terrorism, plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “As we have seen this week, gunmen who come to the nation’s capital bent on violence can inflict terrible damage. This act of cowardice put lives at risk. Today’s plea demonstrates that those who come to the District of Columbia, planning to use violence to send a message, should expect to spend decades behind bars.”
“Through the extensive efforts of the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force and Evidence Response Team, the bullets that Mr. Ortega-Hernandez has admitted to shooting were recovered from the White House,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “This expert team's examination of impact points allowed for the FBI to identify the trajectory of the shots, which furthered our investigation into Mr. Ortega-Hernandez and held him responsible for this crime of violence.”
“The collaborative effort between the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Secret Service helped ensure the successful outcome of this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Michalko. “It is through effective partnerships such as these that we are able to accomplish our shared goal of ensuring the safety and security of the public.”
According to the government’s evidence, the events unfolded like this:
Beginning in 2010, Ortega-Hernandez made repeated statements to many friends and associates in Idaho about his contempt for the federal government, and he espoused numerous theories regarding how the federal government was seeking to control Americans through Global Positioning System chips, fluoride, and aspartame. He also criticized the federal government for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, claiming that the United States was “bullying” other countries to obtain oil. He made numerous statements vilifying the President of the United States, calling him “the devil” and “the anti-Christ,” among other things. On numerous occasions, he told friends and associates that “he was on a mission from God to take out Obama.”
On March 19, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez purchased a Romanian Cugir SA semi-automatic (AK-47-style) assault rifle from an individual in Idaho for $550. He also purchased more than 1,200 rounds of ammunition to use with the weapon. In August 2011, Ortega-Hernandez purchased a scope kit on the Internet and asked a friend to install it on the weapon for him. Over the course of six months, Ortega-Hernandez repeatedly practiced firing the weapon at a desolate crater located on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management outside of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
On Oct. 23, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez made two short videos at the home of one of his friends. In the videos, he praised Osama bin Laden for having the courage to stand up to the United States, and called for a revolution against the federal government. Ortega-Hernandez described himself as a “cold-hearted warrior of God” and declared, “it’s time for Armageddon.”
After making the two videos, Ortega-Hernandez departed Idaho Falls and drove more than 2,000 miles, armed with his Romanian Cugir SA semi-automatic assault rifle with the attached scope, and more than 180 rounds of ammunition.
On Nov. 11, 2011, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Ortega-Hernandez drove southbound on 15th Street NW and made a right turn onto Constitution Avenue NW. Shortly after passing the entrance to the Ellipse, he stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road. With the passenger-side window of his car lowered, he pointed his assault rifle out the passenger-side window of the car and aimed directly at the White House. He fired at least eight rounds at the White House.
Following the shooting, Ortega-Hernandez fled the scene, driving erratically and at a high rate of speed westbound on Constitution Avenue. Moments later, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed near the ramp from Constitution Avenue to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge in front of the United States Institute of Peace. After efforts to restart the vehicle failed, Ortega-Hernandez fled from the vehicle on foot.
Following the crash, law enforcement launched a multi-jurisdictional search for Ortega-Hernandez. On Nov. 14, 2011, he was photographed riding inside an empty hopper car on a cargo train in the area of Shenandoah Junction, W. Va. The train was headed in a northwest direction away from Washington, D.C. The following day, he was identified standing outside a car wash in South Greensburg, Pa., and asking for a ride. A witness drove him to a store in Greensburg, Pa., where he purchased some items. He appeared on the store’s surveillance video. On Nov. 16, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez returned to the hotel in Indiana, Pa., where he had previously stayed with friends. Upon his return, the hotel staff notified the Secret Service, and the Secret Service coordinated his arrest by the Pennsylvania State Police.
The FBI examined the area around the White House and located approximately eight bullet impact points on the south side of the building on or above the second story. Two bullets were recovered from the White House: one from a window frame on the Truman Balcony and one found on the ground east of the South entrance. The FBI determined that both of those bullets were fired from Ortega-Hernandez’s assault rifle. The FBI also recovered a bullet jacket that was found in the window sill of the Truman Balcony, which was also fired from Ortega-Hernandez’s assault rifle.
At the time of the shooting, two U.S. Secret Service officers were stationed on the northeast section of the roof of the White House. One of the bullets fired by Ortega-Hernandez struck the roof of the White House within approximately 20 feet of where the officers were stationed. The officers each reported hearing approximately six shots fired. In addition, another U.S. Secret Service Officer was stationed at the South Portico underneath the Truman balcony at the time of the shooting. Several of the bullets fired by Ortega-Hernandez struck the Truman balcony directly above where this officer was stationed. This officer heard approximately six to eight shots and the sound of what appeared to be debris falling from above. The officer took cover behind the stairwell, drew a firearm, and readied a shotgun.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Special Agent in Charge Michalko expressed their appreciation to all those who diligently investigated this case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Park Police. They also acknowledged the assistance provided by the Pennsylvania State Police; the Arlington County, Va. Police Department; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; the FBI Laboratory at Quantico, Va.; FBI field offices in Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City, including the Idaho Falls Resident Agency, and Secret Service field offices in Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, and Boise, Idaho. Additionally they thanked those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Paralegal Specialists Jenifer Rowe and Devron Elliott, Victim/Witness Coordinator Dawn Tolson-Hightower, and Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling.
Finally, they commended the efforts of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessio D. Evangelista of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, who are prosecuting the case.
13-320District Man Sentenced to 28 ½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Sexually Abusing Stepdaughter and Other Crimes
-Defendant Also Violated Court Orders, Assaulted Police Officer With a Knife-
WASHINGTON – A 47-year-old man from Washington, D.C. was sentenced today to a prison term of 28 ½ years for sexually abusing his stepdaughter, sending letters and making phone calls to her and her mother in violation of court orders not to do so, unlawfully entering the family’s house after being ordered to stay away, and assaulting a police officer who had come to assist the family in the unlawful entry, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
The defendant, who is not named here to protect the privacy of the victim, pled guilty to charges in June 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He pled guilty to first-degree child sexual abuse, attempted first-degree child sexual abuse, violating a civil protection order, criminal contempt, unlawful entry, and felony assault on a police officer. He was sentenced by the Honorable Patricia A. Broderick. Upon completion of his prison term, the defendant must register for 10 years as a sex offender.
The defendant is the ex-husband of the girl’s mother. At the plea hearing, he admitted that in the spring of 2012, when the victim was 14, he sexually abused the girl at their home in the District of Columbia. As a result of the sexual abuse, the victim became pregnant. The defendant told the victim to say that the baby’s father was a boy from school. Early this year, the victim revealed to her mother that the baby’s father was in fact the defendant. The victim further disclosed to law enforcement that the defendant had sexually abused her over a period of time beginning in at least 2010.
Early this year, the victim’s mother filed for and was granted a civil protection order from the defendant. On or about Feb. 5, 2013, he sent the victim’s mother a text message indicating that he knew who she was with. Alarmed that the defendant was nearby and watching her, the victim’s mother contacted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Officers met her outside her house and went inside to make sure the defendant was not there. Two uniformed officers went into the basement. The defendant jumped out from beneath the stairway, brandished a knife, and stabbed one of the officers in the torso, cutting through his shirt and bullet-resistant vest. The defendant was placed under arrest. He later violated court orders by mailing a hand-written letter to the victim’s mother and calling the victim numerous times.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the MPD, especially the detectives who led the investigation of the case. U.S. Attorney Machen also praised the work of Victim/Witness Advocates Shawn Slade and Veronica Vaughn, as well as Paralegal Specialist Jason Manuel. Finally, he commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy H. Zubrensky and Jeff T. Cook, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
13-319High-Level Colombian Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 194 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jose Maria Corredor-Ibague, aka “Boyaco,” a high-level drug trafficker and supporter of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), has been sentenced in Washington, D.C., to serve 194 months in prison. Corredor-Ibague was the first person in the nation to be indicted under the federal narco-terrorism statute, which became law in March 2006.
The sentencing was announced today by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Carlin of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. of the District of Columbia; Michele M. Leonhart, Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Steinbach of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Special Agent in Charge Alysa D. Erichs; and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office.
“Jose Maria Corredor-Ibague was an international drug lord who moved cocaine around the world through a close, criminal partnership with the FARC,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman. “This narco-terrorism case was the first of its kind. As this 194-month sentence demonstrates, the Justice Department is firmly committed to working with its counterparts to hold accountable anyone who uses narco-trafficking to support, assist and enable terrorism.”
“This defendant led a drug transportation network that distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine to destinations in the United States and other countries, often acting in concert with the FARC terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “He was a leader of a broader conspiracy that engaged in narco-terrorism, and his apprehension, prosecution and 194-month prison sentence show that law enforcement is committed to combatting drug traffickers and those who provide support to terrorist groups.”
Corredor-Ibague’s sentence was unsealed today in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. On Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, Corredor-Ibague, 46, a Colombian National, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler. In addition to his prison term, Corredor-Ibague was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release.
Corredor-Ibague was arrested in Colombia on Oct. 15, 2006. He was extradited to the United States in October 2008 and subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine while knowing and intending that the cocaine would be imported into the United States, one count of narco-terrorism and one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents, Corredor-Ibague was the leader of an extensive drug manufacturing and transportation network that processed and manufactured cocaine in Colombian laboratories and used airplanes to fly multi-hundred kilogram loads of cocaine from clandestine airstrips in Colombia to various countries, including Brazil, Guyana, Mexico, Paraguay, Suriname and Venezuela. From these countries, which were often used as transshipment points, the cocaine was sent to destinations in the United States and Europe. Corredor-Ibague controlled the clandestine airstrips used by his organization and also owned and operated the laboratories used to manufacture and package the cocaine. Corredor-Ibague and his associates also transported cocaine owned by other drug trafficking organizations, including cocaine belonging to the FARC.
Corredor-Ibague’s drug trafficking activities were conducted with the protection of the FARC. In particular, the FARC’s “First Front” combat group profited from the activities of Corredor-Ibague and his associates. Corredor-Ibague paid taxes to the FARC using U.S. currency and weapons. Additionally, Corredor-Ibague provided material support, assistance and resources to the FARC, including assault-type weapons, machine guns, ammunition, uniforms and sophisticated communications equipment. Corredor-Ibague conducted these activities with knowledge that the FARC engaged in terrorist activity and terrorism in Colombia and elsewhere.
“This narco-terrorist illegally exported sophisticated US military weapons and communications equipment to support criminal activities by a designated terrorist organization,” said DCIS Special Agent in Charge Khin. “Joint investigations such as these highlight the success of multi-agency partnerships in protecting America’s national security interests in this region.”
This case was investigated by the DEA, the ICE Miami Field Office, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office and the FBI Miami Field Office. Additionally, the U.S. government expresses its grateful appreciation to the government of Colombia for their assistance and support during the investigation, arrest and extradition.
The case was jointly prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Robert Raymond and Jamie Perry of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS); Trial Attorney Glenn Alexander, formerly of NDDS and now with the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Asuncion of the District of Columbia; and Trial Attorney David Cora of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in the provisional arrest and extradition of Corredor-Ibague.
13-318District Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Confrontation Ending with Slaying of 22-Year-Old Stepson-Shooting Followed Argument in Family’s Northeast Washington Home-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ronald Page, 61, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for second-degree murder while armed and other charges in a confrontation that ended with the slaying of his adult stepson, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Page was found guilty by a jury in June 2013 following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the murder charge, the jury found him guilty of charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and firearms offenses. He was sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan.
According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 5, 2011, shortly after 7 p.m., Page was engaged in verbal argument with his 17-year-old son inside their family home in Northeast Washington. The defendant’s two adult stepsons were present during the argument. At one point, Page attempted to pick up a dining room chair and strike his son. However, one of the stepsons, Nicholas Satcher, 22, stopped him from doing so and told Page that he would not permit him to strike his little brother. Page then left the argument.
Rather than let the argument go, Page retrieved a gun. He pointed it at his son and one of his stepsons, Nicholas Satcher, 22. Then he ordered Nicholas Satcher to leave the room. Nicholas Satcher agreed to leave, but his stepfather followed him and fired the gun, fatally wounding him.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the officers, detectives and others who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Mia Beamon, Kelly Blakeney, Kendra Johnson, Sharon Newman and Marian Russell; Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Information Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Criminal Investigator Christopher Brophy. He also expressed appreciation to Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Cobb, who investigated the case and secured the indictment. Finally, he thanked Jeffrey Ragsdale, Chief of the office’s Homicide Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Worm, who prosecuted the case.
13-317District Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for 2011 Murder in Southeast Washington-Defendant Repeatedly Shot Victim Outside Birthday Party-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Antonio Jones, 21, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 19 years in prison for killing a man who he encountered at a birthday party in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Jones pled guilty in April 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of second-degree murder while armed. The plea, which called for a sentence of 16 to 19 years of incarceration, was contingent upon the approval of the Honorable Herbert B. Dixon Jr., who accepted it and sentenced the defendant today. Upon completion of his prison term, Jones will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on the night of Oct. 15, 2011, Jones encountered the victim, Davon Gray, 21, at a birthday party in the 2500 block of High Street SE. During the party, Jones socialized with Mr. Gray. However, outside of Mr. Gray’s presence, Jones stated that he had a problem with him. The two men, and others, remained outside even after people went indoors to sing happy birthday. Then, when Mr. Gray was about to leave, Jones stood a few feet across from him in a small group of people in the sidewalk area.
Jones then fired a semi-automatic pistol at Mr. Gray. Mr. Gray held his hands and forearms up in front of his face, turned and ran. Jones continued shooting at Mr. Gray’s back until he slowed and dropped to the ground. Jones than fled the scene on foot. An autopsy determined that Mr. Gray suffered a total of eight gunshot wounds to the body.
Mr. Gray did not have a weapon and had not threatened, assaulted, or otherwise provided Jones in any manner before the shooting. The government’s investigation showed no animosity on the part of Mr. Gray toward Jones. Jones was arrested on Oct. 21, 2011.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of detectives, officers and crime scene technicians who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Marian Russell and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Miller, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
13-315District Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Fatal Shooting in Northeast Washington-Defendant Shot Victim During Argument in Edgewood Terrace Area -Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Decordre Franklin, 25, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 15 years in prison on a charge stemming from a fatal shooting that took place earlier this year in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Franklin pled guilty in June 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to voluntary manslaughter while armed in the slaying of Irving Jones. He was sentenced by the Honorable John Ramsey Johnson. Upon completion of his prison term, Franklin will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning of March 30, 2013, Franklin was seen in a yard at Edgewood Terrace, within the 600 block of Edgewood Street NE, carrying and playing with a handgun. Afterward, Franklin and Mr. Jones, 33, hung out together with others in the same vicinity. During that time, Mr. Jones and Franklin engaged in a brief physical altercation, which has been described by some witnesses as horseplay. After the altercation ended at approximately 2:10 a.m., Franklin then argued verbally with Mr. Jones.
While yelling at Mr. Jones, Franklin pulled out a handgun and shot him in the chest at close range. He then fled. Mr. Jones collapsed to the ground and died shortly afterward.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the detectives of the Criminal Investigations Division, crime scene officers, and the Fifth Police District of the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim Witness Program Specialist Marcia Rinker and Paralegal Specialist Marian Russell. He also praised the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana L. Fulton, who prosecuted the case.
13-316District Pediatrician Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography-Doctor Arrested After Search of His Office in May 2013-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Robert Paul Dickey, 74, a pediatrician from Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to a federal charge of 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 entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Robert L. Wilkins is to sentence him on Dec. 17, 2013. Dickey faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, as well as a fine of $250,000. 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.
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.
“Dr. Dickey was entrusted to care for the well-being of children, but he instead chose to collect images of their sexual exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Victims of child pornography are harmed when images of their abuse are swapped over the Internet for years, haunting the victims long after their initial abuse. We thank the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and our law enforcement partners from the FBI and MPD for their vigilance on behalf of those victims.”
“Dr. Dickey was entrusted to care for our most precious resource, our children, but today he admitted to violating that trust by uploading child pornography to a shared website,” said Assistant Director Parlave. “The FBI will continue to actively investigate crimes against children and pursue those who victimize innocent children.”
“It is unthinkable that someone whose profession involved caring for children, would exploit children,” said Police Chief Lanier. “The Metropolitan Police Department and our local law enforcement partners are committed to bringing criminals who exploit the vulnerable to justice.”
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director 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
13-314
Redbord, who is prosecuting the case.Maryland Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderDefendant Worked at Multiple Churches in the District of ColumbiaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gary Darrell Mabry, 34, of Baltimore, Md., was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for failing to register as a sex offender at a time when he was working at three churches in the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Michael Hughes, U.S. Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Mabry pled guilty in May 2013 to the federal offense of failing to register as a sex offender. He was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by the Honorable Beryl A. Howell. Upon completion of his prison term, Mabry will be placed on five years of supervised release. During that time, he must comply with all sex offender registration requirements, undergo sex offender assessment and treatment, and abide by limitations regarding contact with minors.
Mabry has three prior convictions in Maryland and the District of Columbia for sex offenses involving minor victims, ages 13 and 14, which require him to register as a sex offender. He was required by law to register as a sex offender in any jurisdiction where he resides, where he is an employee, whether compensated or not, and where he is a student.
According to the government’s evidence, from March 2009 until his arrest Feb. 26, 2013, Mabry had registered as a sex offender in Maryland, stating that is where he lived and worked. Specifically, he informed the Maryland registry that he was a self-employed freelance musician and he provided his home address as the employment address.
In fact, between March 2009 and October 2012, Mabry worked at three different churches in the District of Columbia, all in music-related positions, without registering that employment with the D.C. sex offender registry or the Maryland sex offender registry.
As part of an overall strategy to combat child exploitation, the U.S. Marshals Service launched a nationwide operation to target sex offenders who knowingly fail to comply with their sex offender registration requirements. The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. The Adam Walsh Act also provides for the use of federal law enforcement resources, including the U.S. Marshals Service, to assist the states in locating and apprehending non-compliant sex offenders.
In announcing today’s sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and U.S. Marshal Hughes praised the members of the D.C. Superior Court Sex Offender Investigations Section of the U.S. Marshals Service, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassidy Kesler Pinegar and Sarah McClellan, who prosecuted the case.
13-311Former Background Investigator for Federal Government Sentenced for Making A False StatementRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ramon S. Davila, 59, a former background investigator under contract with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), was sentenced today to four years of probation, during which time he must serve 60 days in community detention and perform 200 hours of community service, on a charge stemming from his falsification of work on background investigations of federal employees and contractors.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Patrick E. McFarland, Inspector General for the Office of Personnel Management.Davila, of Homestead, Fla. and Fredericksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, pled guilty in June 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to making a false statement. He was sentenced by the Honorable Amy Berman Jackson, who ordered that his detention be served in a residential re-entry program. In addition, as part of his plea agreement, Davila must pay $79,468 in restitution to the federal government.
According to a statement of offense submitted to the Court, Davila worked for three contractors that did federal background investigations on behalf of OPM’s Federal Investigative Services.
Between August 2006 and August 2007, in multiple Reports of Investigations on background investigations, Davila represented that he had interviewed a source or reviewed a record regarding the subject of the background investigation. In fact, he had not conducted the interviews or obtained the records of interest. His reports were utilized and relied upon by the agencies requesting the background investigations to determine whether the subjects were suitable for positions having access to classified information, for positions impacting national security, or for receiving or retaining security clearances.
Davila’s false representations have required Federal Investigative Services to reopen and rework numerous background investigations that were assigned to him during the time period of his falsifications, at an estimated cost of at least $79,468 to the U.S. government.
Federal Investigative Services has a robust integrity assurance program which utilizes a variety of methods to ensure the accuracy of reported information. The falsification of investigative case work by the defendant was detected through the program.
This is one of numerous cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia since 2008 involving false representations by background investigators and record checkers working on federal background investigations. In addition to Davila, 16 other background investigators and two record checkers have been convicted of charges.
Federal Investigative Services, through its workforce of approximately 7,600, including 6,100 field investigators, is responsible for conducting background investigations for numerous federal agencies and their contractors, on individuals either employed by or seeking employment with those agencies or contractors. Federal Investigative Services conducted more than 2.1 million investigations during the 2012 fiscal year. More than 770,000 of these investigations involved applicants for access or continued access to classified information.
In performing background investigations, the investigators conduct interviews of individuals who have information about the person who is the subject of the review. In addition, the investigators seek out, obtain, and review documentary evidence, such as employment records, to verify and corroborate information provided by either the subject of the background investigation or by persons interviewed during the investigation. After conducting interviews and obtaining documentary evidence, the investigators prepare a Report of Investigation containing the results of the interviews and document reviews, and electronically submit the material to OPM in Washington, D.C. OPM then provides a copy of the investigative file to the requesting agency, which can use the information to determine an individual’s eligibility for employment or a security clearance.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and Inspector General McFarland praised the efforts of Special Agents Nunzio Orlando, OPM, Office of the Inspector General, and Philip Kroop and David Newcomer, OPM, Federal Investigative Services. They also acknowledged the work of Paralegal Specialist Diane Hayes and Legal Interns Lindsey Frye, Julie Jacocks and Brian Nistler. Finally, they expressed appreciation to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ellen Chubin Epstein and Maia L. Miller, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie, who investigated and prosecuted this matter.
13-312Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Charge, Failed to Report Income His Company Received for Work It Provided During the 2008 Presidential Election Cycle Company Received More Than $600,000 in Corporate Money for Providing Services in Support of ARead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Troy White, the owner of a marketing company based in New York, pled guilty today to a federal tax charge stemming from his failure to file corporate income tax returns over several years, including failing to report more than $600,000 his company received for services it provided in support of a 2008 presidential campaign.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
White, 48, of New York, N.Y., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of failing to file corporate income tax returns for Wytehouse from 2008 through 2011. The Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a status hearing for Dec. 16, 2013. The charge carries a statutory maximum of one year of imprisonment and financial penalties. As part of the plea agreement, White has agreed to cooperate in a continuing investigation.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, during the relevant time period of the offense, White was the sole owner and operator of Wytehouse Marketing, Inc., a for-profit corporation registered in New York. The company provided marketing services to various clients, including political campaigns, with an emphasis on marketing in urban areas through the use of “street teams.”
During a period that spanned over its 2007 and 2008 fiscal years, Wytehouse received approximately $608,750 in gross receipts related to services it provided in support of a 2008 presidential campaign. The money, however, did not come from the campaign but was funneled to Wytehouse through a corporation in the District of Columbia named Belle International, Inc. from companies tied to a private individual, identified in the court filings as “Executive A.”
“Today’s guilty plea reveals for the first time a secret effort to funnel $600,000 in corporate money into the 2008 presidential primary campaign in a number of states,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “We are grateful to Mr. White for quickly acknowledging his role in that effort and taking responsibility for his actions. Our investigation into this matter is continuing.”
“All income is taxable, whether earned at the local convenience store or for work done on a national election,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly. “IRS-CI is focusing investigative efforts on individuals and entities who contribute to the tax gap, regardless of the business they conduct. We, along with our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, will continue to identify those that do not comply with the law and circumvent the legal process.”
“Today, Mr. White took responsibility for failing to file federal tax returns for more than $600,000 in earnings received for services provided in support of a presidential campaign,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “Together with our law enforcement partners at the IRS, the FBI will work to ensure that those who attempt to exploit our democratic process for their own profit and those who choose to evade tax laws will be held accountable for their actions.”
The statement of offense details activities by White and others, including:
-A campaign identified as “Campaign-1,” a political committee whose candidate was running for President of the United States during the 2008 federal primary election cycle.
-A person identified as “Individual A,” a resident of the District of Columbia who was affiliated with the campaign during the 2008 federal primary election cycle.
-A person identified as “Executive A.”
-A firm identified as “Company A.” This was a company, owned and operated by “Executive A,” that provided accounting, management, consulting, and tax services.
-A firm identified as “Company B.” This was a company that served as a holding company for other companies owned by “Executive A.”
-Belle International, Inc., a corporation based in the District of Columbia.
According to the statement of offense, in January 2008 White marketed Wytehouse to ”Campaign-1” in an effort to have the campaign pay for “street team” services during the 2008 federal primary election cycle. A series of e-mails followed, with the correspondence including White, a senior official with “Campaign-1”, and “Individual A.” On Jan. 29, 2008, the senior campaign official informed White and “Individual A” that “Campaign-1” would not be able to use Wytehouse’s street teams. Two days later, White sent a follow-up e-mail to the senior campaign official and “Individual A,” once again offering the company’s services. Later that day, “Individual A” wrote back and promised to fight on the company’s behalf to get the work.
In or about February 2008, “Individual A” introduced White to “Executive A,” who “Individual A” described as a business owner in the District of Columbia who wanted to organize an effort to support “Campaign-1”. “Executive A” and White agreed that “Executive A” would pay White to provide street team services in support of “Campaign-1” during the Texas federal primary and caucus election. The paid street team workers and canvassers then began disseminating and distributing “Campaign-1’s” prepared materials.
Following the Texas federal primary and caucus election, “Executive A” agreed to continue financing Wytehouse’s paid street team workers in support of “Campaign-1” during several upcoming federal primary elections, and the efforts continued.
All told, from in our about February 2008 through and including in or about May 2008, Wytehouse received approximately $608,750 from Belle International to support “Campaign-1’s” efforts during several federal primary elections. During this same period, Belle International received approximately $611,500 from “Company A” and “Company B.”
According to the statement of offense, White failed to file Wytehouse’s Form 1120 corporate income tax return with the IRS for its 2007 and 2008 fiscal years, which would have included gross receipts that Wytehouse was paid for its work in support of “Campaign-1” during the 2008 federal primary election cycle. White also failed to file Wytehouse’s Form 1120 corporate income tax returns with the IRS for the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Special Agent in Charge Kelly, and Assistant Director in Charge Parlave commended those who investigated the case from IRS-CI and the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan W. Haray, Ellen Chubin Epstein, Lionel André, Jonathan Hooks and Ted L. Radway; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie, and Paralegal Specialists Anne Riopelle, Shanna Hays, Krishawn Graham, Lenisse Edloe, Nicole Wattelet, Corinne Kleinman, and Angela Lawrence.
Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Loyaan A. Egal and Ephraim (Fry) Wernick, who are prosecuting the case.
13-313
Maryland Man Found Guilty of Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
For Threatening Witness in Confrontation on Street
Witness Was Murdered Weeks Later;
Slaying Remains Under InvestigationWASHINGTON – Antoine Mayhand, 20, of Capitol Heights, Md., was found guilty by a jury today of obstruction of justice for confronting a witness in a criminal case that was pending at the time against his brother, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Stuart G. Nash scheduled sentencing for Nov. 15, 2013.
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 verdict, 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.
13-310District Man Sentenced to 3 ½-Year Prison TermRead the Press Release
For Possession of Child PornographyWASHINGTON – Keith Dietterle, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 42-month prison term 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).
Dietterle, a former intelligence analyst at the FBI, pled guilty to the charge in April 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Amy Berman Jackson. Upon completion of his prison term, Dietterle will be placed on 10 years of supervised release.
According to the government's evidence, on Nov. 7, 2012, Dietterle contacted a man he believed to be the father of an under-aged girl on a social network site. That man turned out to be an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force. Over the next several days, Dietterle engaged in online e-mail and instant message conversations with the undercover officer.
During this period of time, Dietterle sent the undercover officer three images of child pornography which depicted, among other things, adult men engaged in sexual acts with children. In addition, Dietterle sent the undercover officer various links to videos depicting graphic child pornography. Dietterle was arrested on Nov. 29, 2012.
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 MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julieanne Himelstein and Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.
13-309District Man Sentenced to 3 ½-Year Prison TermRead the Press Release
For Possession of Child PornographyWASHINGTON – Keith Dietterle, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 42-month prison term 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).
Dietterle, a former intelligence analyst at the FBI, pled guilty to the charge in April 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Amy Berman Jackson. Upon completion of his prison term, Dietterle will be placed on 10 years of supervised release.
According to the government's evidence, on Nov. 7, 2012, Dietterle contacted a man he believed to be the father of an under-aged girl on a social network site. That man turned out to be an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force. Over the next several days, Dietterle engaged in online e-mail and instant message conversations with the undercover officer.
During this period of time, Dietterle sent the undercover officer three images of child pornography which depicted, among other things, adult men engaged in sexual acts with children. In addition, Dietterle sent the undercover officer various links to videos depicting graphic child pornography. Dietterle was arrested on Nov. 29, 2012.
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 MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julieanne Himelstein and Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.
13-309District Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Two Attacks, Including One That Ended in Murder-Crimes Took Place over Three-Day Period in 2010-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Monquel Cook, 23, of Washington, DC, was sentenced today to a 22-year prison term for his role in the killing of a man during a robbery, as well as a separate attempted robbery of two other men, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Cook pled guilty in April 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of second-degree murder while armed and two counts of assault with intent to rob. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a sentencing range of 14 to 22 years of incarceration. The Honorable John Ramsey Johnson accepted the plea today and sentenced Cook to the 22-year term. Upon completion of his prison term, Cook will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, the first of the two attacks occurred on Aug. 19, 2010. At about 11:30 p.m., Cook and his cousin, Jovon Clay, entered an apartment in the 2300 block of Good Hope Road SE. The men were familiar with a female occupant of the apartment, and they entered with the intent to rob anyone inside. Once inside the apartment, Clay brandished a 9mm handgun and demanded that a man who was there give them his belongings.
The male refused, however, and was able to get Cook in a headlock. At this time, another man entered the apartment. Clay took this man to the couch, had him lie face down, and searched his pockets. Clay then returned to the other victim, who still had Cook in a headlock. Cook screamed for Clay to shoot the victim, and Clay fired multiple rounds, hitting the man in the leg. Cook then searched the man’s pockets for money, but found none. Both Cook and Clay then fled the apartment.
The murder took place at about 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2010, Cook and Clay decided to rob the victim, Michael Wilson, 47, whom they believed had a large amount of cash and narcotics in his home. The two men waited for Wilson inside Wilson’s building located in the 4200 block of South Capitol Street SE. When Wilson returned home, the two men forced their way into the apartment. Clay had the same 9mm firearm used in the Aug. 19 crimes, and pointed it at Mr. Wilson. Cook, meanwhile, searched the apartment for money and/or narcotics.
While Cook started looking around the apartment, Mr. Wilson approached Clay and began a struggle with him, during which Clay dropped the firearm. Cook ran over and joined the fight. During the struggle, Mr. Wilson was shot several times. Also during the struggle, Cook was grazed behind his ear by either a bullet or a bullet fragment. After shooting Mr. Wilson, Cook and Clay fled the apartment.
Mr. Wilson struggled out of his apartment to the front door of his building, where he collapsed, and he died a short time later. Cook and Clay stopped a short distance away to call for an ambulance. Cook told police that he had been shot while walking in an alley; however, swabbings of blood found outside of Mr. Wilson’s door and leading to a trail in the rear of the building matched the DNA profile obtained from the Cook’s swab sample.
Clay, 21, of Washington, D.C., earlier pled guilty to charges of second-degree murder, assault with intent to rob while armed, and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the Metropolitan Police Department for its work on the investigation. He also commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Sandra Lane and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Pearlman, who investigated and indicted the case, and Michelle Bradford who prosecuted the case after indictment.
13-308District Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Two Attacks, Including One That Ended in Murder-Crimes Took Place over Three-Day Period in 2010-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Monquel Cook, 23, of Washington, DC, was sentenced today to a 22-year prison term for his role in the killing of a man during a robbery, as well as a separate attempted robbery of two other men, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Cook pled guilty in April 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of second-degree murder while armed and two counts of assault with intent to rob. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a sentencing range of 14 to 22 years of incarceration. The Honorable John Ramsey Johnson accepted the plea today and sentenced Cook to the 22-year term. Upon completion of his prison term, Cook will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, the first of the two attacks occurred on Aug. 19, 2010. At about 11:30 p.m., Cook and his cousin, Jovon Clay, entered an apartment in the 2300 block of Good Hope Road SE. The men were familiar with a female occupant of the apartment, and they entered with the intent to rob anyone inside. Once inside the apartment, Clay brandished a 9mm handgun and demanded that a man who was there give them his belongings.
The male refused, however, and was able to get Cook in a headlock. At this time, another man entered the apartment. Clay took this man to the couch, had him lie face down, and searched his pockets. Clay then returned to the other victim, who still had Cook in a headlock. Cook screamed for Clay to shoot the victim, and Clay fired multiple rounds, hitting the man in the leg. Cook then searched the man’s pockets for money, but found none. Both Cook and Clay then fled the apartment.
The murder took place at about 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2010, Cook and Clay decided to rob the victim, Michael Wilson, 47, whom they believed had a large amount of cash and narcotics in his home. The two men waited for Wilson inside Wilson’s building located in the 4200 block of South Capitol Street SE. When Wilson returned home, the two men forced their way into the apartment. Clay had the same 9mm firearm used in the Aug. 19 crimes, and pointed it at Mr. Wilson. Cook, meanwhile, searched the apartment for money and/or narcotics.
While Cook started looking around the apartment, Mr. Wilson approached Clay and began a struggle with him, during which Clay dropped the firearm. Cook ran over and joined the fight. During the struggle, Mr. Wilson was shot several times. Also during the struggle, Cook was grazed behind his ear by either a bullet or a bullet fragment. After shooting Mr. Wilson, Cook and Clay fled the apartment.
Mr. Wilson struggled out of his apartment to the front door of his building, where he collapsed, and he died a short time later. Cook and Clay stopped a short distance away to call for an ambulance. Cook told police that he had been shot while walking in an alley; however, swabbings of blood found outside of Mr. Wilson’s door and leading to a trail in the rear of the building matched the DNA profile obtained from the Cook’s swab sample.
Clay, 21, of Washington, D.C., earlier pled guilty to charges of second-degree murder, assault with intent to rob while armed, and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the Metropolitan Police Department for its work on the investigation. He also commended the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Sandra Lane and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Pearlman, who investigated and indicted the case, and Michelle Bradford who prosecuted the case after indictment.
13-308District Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery Outside Restaurant-Security Footage and Citizens’ Tips Helped Lead Police to Defendant-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - James E. Wade, 30, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to an armed robbery charge stemming from a hold-up that took place last spring outside a Northwest Washington restaurant, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Wade pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He is to be sentenced Nov. 7, 2013 by the Honorable Robert I. Richter. He faces a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison.
According to the proffer of evidence, signed by the defendant as well as the government, on May 17, 2013, at approximately 9:20 p.m., the two victims were dining at a table in front of a restaurant in the 1400 block of 12th Street NW when Wade approached them. He was brandishing what appeared to be a handgun. Wade demanded the victims’ property, and the two men turned over their cash, wallet, and cell phone. After taking the property, Wade fled.
Footage from the restaurant’s security camera was released to the public through various media outlets, along with a number for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The police received many calls from citizens on the tip line identifying the suspect in the video as Wade. Others who were familiar with Wade also identified him as the perpetrator of the robbery. On June 8, 2013, police officers located Wade and placed him under arrest.
U.S. Attorney Machen expressed his appreciation to those who investigated the case for the MPD as well as the citizens who came forward with information. He also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Sroka, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
13-307District Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery Outside Restaurant-Security Footage and Citizens’ Tips Helped Lead Police to Defendant-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - James E. Wade, 30, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to an armed robbery charge stemming from a hold-up that took place last spring outside a Northwest Washington restaurant, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Wade pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He is to be sentenced Nov. 7, 2013 by the Honorable Robert I. Richter. He faces a statutory maximum of 30 years in prison.
According to the proffer of evidence, signed by the defendant as well as the government, on May 17, 2013, at approximately 9:20 p.m., the two victims were dining at a table in front of a restaurant in the 1400 block of 12th Street NW when Wade approached them. He was brandishing what appeared to be a handgun. Wade demanded the victims’ property, and the two men turned over their cash, wallet, and cell phone. After taking the property, Wade fled.
Footage from the restaurant’s security camera was released to the public through various media outlets, along with a number for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The police received many calls from citizens on the tip line identifying the suspect in the video as Wade. Others who were familiar with Wade also identified him as the perpetrator of the robbery. On June 8, 2013, police officers located Wade and placed him under arrest.
U.S. Attorney Machen expressed his appreciation to those who investigated the case for the MPD as well as the citizens who came forward with information. He also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Sroka, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
13-307Fourteen Area People Charged with First-Degree Felony Fraud for Stealing Unemployment BenefitsDefendants Submitted Claims Even Though They Were WorkingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Fourteen people from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have been charged separately with fraudulently obtaining thousands of dollars each in unemployment benefits from the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services. All told, the defendants are alleged to have generated more than $250,000 in fraudulent benefits.
The charges were announced today by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Bill Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Washington Regional Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, and Charles J. Willoughby, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
The defendants, who were arrested today, are charged in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia with first-degree felony fraud. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and financial penalties.
Each defendant is accused of submitting fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation to the D.C. Department of Employment Services. In fact, according to the charging documents, they were not entitled to the benefits because they were employed. The amounts they received ranged from $13,343 to $23,220, the charging documents stated.
“Unemployment benefits provide basic assistance to people who have fallen on hard times while they search for new work,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Cheaters who lie to obtain those benefits undermine our ability to help those who are truly in need. The arrests and charges announced today demonstrate our resolve to protect the taxpayer from abuse of critical public programs.”
“Today’s numerous arrests highlight the Office of Inspector General's commitment to safeguarding the Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance Programs. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of alleged schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones.
“I am proud of the role that the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General has played and continues to play in conjunction with its law enforcement partners in the protection of the District’s fisc as well as in the maintenance of the integrity of District operations,” stated Inspector General Willoughby.
Those charged include: Charlene Adams, 48, of Stafford, Va.; Jeffrey Barton, 46, of Washington, D.C.; Joyce Garnes, 63, of Hyattsville, Md.; Crystal Hamlin, 41, of Washington, D.C.; Alhagi Jabbie, 36, of Silver Spring, Md.; Shaunte Kent, 31, of Middle River, Md.; Laurence Liggins, 46, of Washington, D.C.; Karentina McCoy, 39, of Suitland, Md.; Sean Pettus, 44, of Washington, D.C. ; Donna Queen, 35, of Washington, D.C.; Joseph Sackie, 53, of Silver Spring, Md.; Cherylene Smith, 54, of Suitland, Md.; Erica Smith, 44, of Silver Spring, Md., and Anthony White, 48, of Washington, D.C.
The fraudulent claims covered various time periods, depending on the defendant. Overall, the time-frame includes benefits sought from 2007 through 2012. The amount of fraudulent unemployment benefits alleged in the charging documents varied among defendants:
Adams: $17,214
Barton: $18,000
Garnes: $19,147
Hamlin: $15,825
Jabbie: $17,760
Kent: $19,752
Liggins: $13,343
McCoy: $23,220
Pettus: $20,861
Queen: $18,203
Sackie: $16,259
Cherylene Smith: $17,664
Erica Smith: $18,052
White: $17,899The filing of a criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
The arrests followed an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie G. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
13-305Fourteen Area People Charged with First-Degree Felony Fraud for Stealing Unemployment BenefitsDefendants Submitted Claims Even Though They Were WorkingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Fourteen people from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have been charged separately with fraudulently obtaining thousands of dollars each in unemployment benefits from the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services. All told, the defendants are alleged to have generated more than $250,000 in fraudulent benefits.
The charges were announced today by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Bill Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Washington Regional Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, and Charles J. Willoughby, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
The defendants, who were arrested today, are charged in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia with first-degree felony fraud. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and financial penalties.
Each defendant is accused of submitting fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation to the D.C. Department of Employment Services. In fact, according to the charging documents, they were not entitled to the benefits because they were employed. The amounts they received ranged from $13,343 to $23,220, the charging documents stated.
“Unemployment benefits provide basic assistance to people who have fallen on hard times while they search for new work,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Cheaters who lie to obtain those benefits undermine our ability to help those who are truly in need. The arrests and charges announced today demonstrate our resolve to protect the taxpayer from abuse of critical public programs.”
“Today’s numerous arrests highlight the Office of Inspector General's commitment to safeguarding the Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance Programs. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of alleged schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones.
“I am proud of the role that the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General has played and continues to play in conjunction with its law enforcement partners in the protection of the District’s fisc as well as in the maintenance of the integrity of District operations,” stated Inspector General Willoughby.
Those charged include: Charlene Adams, 48, of Stafford, Va.; Jeffrey Barton, 46, of Washington, D.C.; Joyce Garnes, 63, of Hyattsville, Md.; Crystal Hamlin, 41, of Washington, D.C.; Alhagi Jabbie, 36, of Silver Spring, Md.; Shaunte Kent, 31, of Middle River, Md.; Laurence Liggins, 46, of Washington, D.C.; Karentina McCoy, 39, of Suitland, Md.; Sean Pettus, 44, of Washington, D.C. ; Donna Queen, 35, of Washington, D.C.; Joseph Sackie, 53, of Silver Spring, Md.; Cherylene Smith, 54, of Suitland, Md.; Erica Smith, 44, of Silver Spring, Md., and Anthony White, 48, of Washington, D.C.
The fraudulent claims covered various time periods, depending on the defendant. Overall, the time-frame includes benefits sought from 2007 through 2012. The amount of fraudulent unemployment benefits alleged in the charging documents varied among defendants:
Adams: $17,214
Barton: $18,000
Garnes: $19,147
Hamlin: $15,825
Jabbie: $17,760
Kent: $19,752
Liggins: $13,343
McCoy: $23,220
Pettus: $20,861
Queen: $18,203
Sackie: $16,259
Cherylene Smith: $17,664
Erica Smith: $18,052
White: $17,899The filing of a criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
The arrests followed an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie G. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
13-305Former Bank Employee Sentenced to 41-Month Prison Term for Embezzling More Than $2 Million-Defendant Was A Private Banking Associate, Stole from Client Accounts-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jonathan Weir, 45, a former bank employee, was sentenced today to 41 months in prison on a federal mail fraud charge stemming from his embezzlement of more than $2 million from client accounts, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Weir, of Laurel, Md., pled guilty in May 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Rudolph Contreras. The judge also ordered Weir to pay $2,166,500 in restitution and forfeit $1,469,510 in a money judgment. Upon completion of his prison term, Weir will be placed on three years of supervised release, and, during that time, he must perform 200 hours of community service.
According to the statement of offense signed by the defendant at the plea hearing and agreements made at the sentencing hearing, from 1992 to 2012, Weir was employed at a bank as a private banking associate, assisting with the management of high net-worth clients and their bank accounts. At least from 2000 to 2012, Weir worked with various clients, among them a married couple with accounts at the bank where Weir worked.
From May 2005 to August 2012, Weir withdrew a total of $2,166,500 from bank accounts belonging to the married couple without their permission or authority. Primarily, Weir would debit the clients’ accounts and issue a cashier’s check to one of three individuals, who would ordinarily deposit the money and then return a portion of the money to Weir. On occasion, Weir took cash or money orders, in addition to the cashier’s checks.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and Assistant Director in Charge Parlave commended the work of the Special Agents from the FBI’s Washington Field Office who investigated the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including: Paralegal Specialist Donna Galindo, Assistant U.S. Attorney Arvind K. Lal of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Cheatham, who prosecuted the case.
13-306Former Bank Employee Sentenced to 41-Month Prison Term for Embezzling More Than $2 Million-Defendant Was A Private Banking Associate, Stole from Client Accounts-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jonathan Weir, 45, a former bank employee, was sentenced today to 41 months in prison on a federal mail fraud charge stemming from his embezzlement of more than $2 million from client accounts, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Weir, of Laurel, Md., pled guilty in May 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Rudolph Contreras. The judge also ordered Weir to pay $2,166,500 in restitution and forfeit $1,469,510 in a money judgment. Upon completion of his prison term, Weir will be placed on three years of supervised release, and, during that time, he must perform 200 hours of community service.
According to the statement of offense signed by the defendant at the plea hearing and agreements made at the sentencing hearing, from 1992 to 2012, Weir was employed at a bank as a private banking associate, assisting with the management of high net-worth clients and their bank accounts. At least from 2000 to 2012, Weir worked with various clients, among them a married couple with accounts at the bank where Weir worked.
From May 2005 to August 2012, Weir withdrew a total of $2,166,500 from bank accounts belonging to the married couple without their permission or authority. Primarily, Weir would debit the clients’ accounts and issue a cashier’s check to one of three individuals, who would ordinarily deposit the money and then return a portion of the money to Weir. On occasion, Weir took cash or money orders, in addition to the cashier’s checks.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and Assistant Director in Charge Parlave commended the work of the Special Agents from the FBI’s Washington Field Office who investigated the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including: Paralegal Specialist Donna Galindo, Assistant U.S. Attorney Arvind K. Lal of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Cheatham, who prosecuted the case.
13-306Maryland Woman Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison in Mortgage Fraud Scheme That Cost Lenders More Than $900,000-She and Others Used Straw Buyers to Generate Fraudulent Loans; - Actions Led to Evictions of Some Tenants-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - LaFrances Dudley O’Neal, 49, of Clinton, Md., was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for her part in a mortgage fraud scheme that cost lenders more than $900,000. She was ordered to begin serving her sentence immediately.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Gary R. Barksdale, Inspector in Charge, Washington Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Cary Rubenstein, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and William P. White, Commissioner of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.
O’Neal was found guilty by the jury on March 27, 2013 of four felony charges, including conspiracy and bank fraud, after a two-week trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was sentenced by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. Judge Walton also ordered her to pay $964,503 in restitution and the same amount in a money judgment of forfeiture. In addition, he ordered 60 months of supervised release following the prison term.
According to the government’s evidence at trial, from June 2006 to August 2009, O’Neal and others identified District of Columbia area homes and straw buyers to obtain mortgages through false loan applications, forged documents, and fraudulent settlements. Co-conspirators acted as a mortgage broker, title and escrow agent, and other professionals to assist O’Neal with tricking the mortgage lenders and banks into lending $2.6 million in mortgage loans on the belief that the straw buyers had the means and the willingness to pay the mortgages.
Every one of the mortgages fell into default, and the lenders were forced to foreclosure with an aggregate loss to the lenders in excess of over $900,000.
According to the government’s evidence, the title and escrow companies paid O’Neal from the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds, at times using fraudulent “invoices” which falsely stated that renovation work had recently been completed and that money was due at settlement. As a result of these false invoices and inaccurate settlement statements, title and escrow agents turned over more than $400,000 of fraudulent loan proceeds to O’Neal.
In spite of promising the straw buyers that she would pay the mortgage and in spite of receiving rental income from the D.C. Housing Authority and their client tenants, O’Neal failed to pay the mortgages on all of these properties and the lenders foreclosed on the houses with the result being the tenants were evicted.
Four others earlier pled guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail fraud for their roles in the scheme and related schemes.
“Ms. O’Neal defrauded lenders out of $900,000 in a mortgage fraud scheme that left behind a trail of foreclosed homes and evicted tenants,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “She conspired with crooked mortgage brokers and title agents to rip off lenders and banks to stuff her own pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars. This prison sentence is just punishment for a crime that inflicts tremendous economic damage on everyone pursuing the dream of homeownership and threatens the stability of our financial system.”
Fraud schemes such as this one negatively impact individuals, banks and mortgage lenders, and even our nation's economy,”said Inspector in Charge Barksdale. “By investigating mortgage fraud, Postal Inspectors seek justice for these victims, shield others from falling prey to fraudsters, and ensure the integrity of the U.S. mail.”
“What we have here is a group of mortgage industry professionals that perpetrated a sophisticated mortgage fraud for profit scheme that was designed to enrich themselves at the expense of lenders,” said Cary Rubenstein, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Office of the Inspector General. “The efforts that brought us the verdict in this case demonstrate that when law enforcement is made aware of such despicable schemes, we will commit the necessary resources to make sure that the fraudsters are brought to justice and are no longer in a position to engage in fraud. We wish to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI and the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking for their steadfast efforts.”
“In concert with her co-conspirators and through false loan applications, forged documents and fraudulent statements, Ms. O’Neal acted as a con artist when she caused a loss of more than $900,000 to mortgage lenders and banks who were supporting homeownership in the District of Columbia,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The FBI recognizes the negative impact that mortgage fraud and foreclosures have on our local economy and in our community and, together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and stop those who seek to defraud lenders, banks and homeowners.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that if you deceive District residents into fraudulent mortgages, you will be caught and there are serious consequences,” said Commissioner White. “I applaud the joint efforts by the investigators in our department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal agencies to bring down this scheme and prosecute these bad actors.”
The others who pled guilty include: Akinola George, 44, of Washington, D.C.; Orpel Tucker, 44, of Washington, D.C., Donald M. Ramsey, 46, a mortgage broker from Alexandria, Va., and Tania Firmani, 46, a title and escrow agent from Chesapeake Beach, Md.
George was sentenced in January 2012 to a 40-month prison term. Tucker was sentenced in May 2013 to a 37-month prison term. Ramsey was sentenced in August 2013 to five years of probation, including 20 weekends in jail; restitution of $535,435; 200 hours community service; and an order of forfeiture for $366,000. Firmani was sentenced in May 2013 to 15 months of incarceration.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Inspector in Charge Barksdale, Special Agent in Charge Rubenstein, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Commissioner White praised those who worked on the case from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking, and the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including: Financial Analyst Crystal Boodoo; Paralegal Specialists Donna Galindo, Corrine Laxman, Diane Hayes, Lenisse Edloe, Shanna Hays, and Nicole Wattelet; former Paralegal Specialist Sarah Reis; Litigation Services Specialist Kimberly Smith; Law Interns Nicole Audet and Jason Navia, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Cheatham, who prosecuted the case.
13-304Maryland Woman Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison in Mortgage Fraud Scheme That Cost Lenders More Than $900,000-She and Others Used Straw Buyers to Generate Fraudulent Loans; - Actions Led to Evictions of Some Tenants-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - LaFrances Dudley O’Neal, 49, of Clinton, Md., was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for her part in a mortgage fraud scheme that cost lenders more than $900,000. She was ordered to begin serving her sentence immediately.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Gary R. Barksdale, Inspector in Charge, Washington Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Cary Rubenstein, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and William P. White, Commissioner of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.
O’Neal was found guilty by the jury on March 27, 2013 of four felony charges, including conspiracy and bank fraud, after a two-week trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was sentenced by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. Judge Walton also ordered her to pay $964,503 in restitution and the same amount in a money judgment of forfeiture. In addition, he ordered 60 months of supervised release following the prison term.
According to the government’s evidence at trial, from June 2006 to August 2009, O’Neal and others identified District of Columbia area homes and straw buyers to obtain mortgages through false loan applications, forged documents, and fraudulent settlements. Co-conspirators acted as a mortgage broker, title and escrow agent, and other professionals to assist O’Neal with tricking the mortgage lenders and banks into lending $2.6 million in mortgage loans on the belief that the straw buyers had the means and the willingness to pay the mortgages.
Every one of the mortgages fell into default, and the lenders were forced to foreclosure with an aggregate loss to the lenders in excess of over $900,000.
According to the government’s evidence, the title and escrow companies paid O’Neal from the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds, at times using fraudulent “invoices” which falsely stated that renovation work had recently been completed and that money was due at settlement. As a result of these false invoices and inaccurate settlement statements, title and escrow agents turned over more than $400,000 of fraudulent loan proceeds to O’Neal.
In spite of promising the straw buyers that she would pay the mortgage and in spite of receiving rental income from the D.C. Housing Authority and their client tenants, O’Neal failed to pay the mortgages on all of these properties and the lenders foreclosed on the houses with the result being the tenants were evicted.
Four others earlier pled guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail fraud for their roles in the scheme and related schemes.
“Ms. O’Neal defrauded lenders out of $900,000 in a mortgage fraud scheme that left behind a trail of foreclosed homes and evicted tenants,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “She conspired with crooked mortgage brokers and title agents to rip off lenders and banks to stuff her own pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars. This prison sentence is just punishment for a crime that inflicts tremendous economic damage on everyone pursuing the dream of homeownership and threatens the stability of our financial system.”
Fraud schemes such as this one negatively impact individuals, banks and mortgage lenders, and even our nation's economy,”said Inspector in Charge Barksdale. “By investigating mortgage fraud, Postal Inspectors seek justice for these victims, shield others from falling prey to fraudsters, and ensure the integrity of the U.S. mail.”
“What we have here is a group of mortgage industry professionals that perpetrated a sophisticated mortgage fraud for profit scheme that was designed to enrich themselves at the expense of lenders,” said Cary Rubenstein, Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Office of the Inspector General. “The efforts that brought us the verdict in this case demonstrate that when law enforcement is made aware of such despicable schemes, we will commit the necessary resources to make sure that the fraudsters are brought to justice and are no longer in a position to engage in fraud. We wish to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI and the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking for their steadfast efforts.”
“In concert with her co-conspirators and through false loan applications, forged documents and fraudulent statements, Ms. O’Neal acted as a con artist when she caused a loss of more than $900,000 to mortgage lenders and banks who were supporting homeownership in the District of Columbia,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The FBI recognizes the negative impact that mortgage fraud and foreclosures have on our local economy and in our community and, together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and stop those who seek to defraud lenders, banks and homeowners.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that if you deceive District residents into fraudulent mortgages, you will be caught and there are serious consequences,” said Commissioner White. “I applaud the joint efforts by the investigators in our department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal agencies to bring down this scheme and prosecute these bad actors.”
The others who pled guilty include: Akinola George, 44, of Washington, D.C.; Orpel Tucker, 44, of Washington, D.C., Donald M. Ramsey, 46, a mortgage broker from Alexandria, Va., and Tania Firmani, 46, a title and escrow agent from Chesapeake Beach, Md.
George was sentenced in January 2012 to a 40-month prison term. Tucker was sentenced in May 2013 to a 37-month prison term. Ramsey was sentenced in August 2013 to five years of probation, including 20 weekends in jail; restitution of $535,435; 200 hours community service; and an order of forfeiture for $366,000. Firmani was sentenced in May 2013 to 15 months of incarceration.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Inspector in Charge Barksdale, Special Agent in Charge Rubenstein, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Commissioner White praised those who worked on the case from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking, and the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including: Financial Analyst Crystal Boodoo; Paralegal Specialists Donna Galindo, Corrine Laxman, Diane Hayes, Lenisse Edloe, Shanna Hays, and Nicole Wattelet; former Paralegal Specialist Sarah Reis; Litigation Services Specialist Kimberly Smith; Law Interns Nicole Audet and Jason Navia, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Cheatham, who prosecuted the case.
13-304Maryland Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for His Role in Series of Attacks Against Taxicab Drivers-Alleged Ringleader Sentenced Last Month to Nearly 14 Years in Prison-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Quinard Jones, 20, of Capitol Heights, Md., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on charges stemming from a series of attacks against taxicab drivers, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Jones pled guilty in May 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count each of armed robbery and one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was sentenced by the Honorable Heidi M. Pasichow. Upon completion of his prison term, Jones will be placed on five years of supervised release.
The charges were filed in an investigation into the carjacking, assault, and robbery of taxicab drivers that took place in October and November of 2011. Jones and other individuals, including another defendant, Tony Copeland, were involved in several incidents in which they went to the Union Station taxicab line posing as paying customers, soliciting cab fares to the area of 44th Street NE. Once at the destination, Jones, Copeland, and their accomplices would choke the drivers from behind, or simply demand money. Among the items stolen from the several victims were hundreds of dollars in cash, cell phones, GPS devices, and a Rolex watch.
The armed robbery charge stemmed from a crime that took place on Nov. 19, 2011. That day, at about 10 p.m., Jones, Copeland, and three others all went to Union Station together in a collective plan to rob taxicab drivers. Jones, Copeland, and another individual solicited a taxicab there, and asked the driver to take them to the intersection of 45th and Eads Streets NE. When the driver arrived at the destination, Copeland reached around from the rear driver’s side seat and choked the driver from behind by placing his arms around the driver’s throat. Meanwhile, Jones and the other individual went through the driver’s belongings, stealing almost $400 in cash and a Rolex watch. Jones and Copeland ordered the cabdriver out of the taxi. One of the individuals got into the driver’s seat and drove away with the cab. The victim was able to flag down a neighbor, who gave the victim a phone to call 911. The taxicab was recovered days later by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), a few houses from Copeland’s residence.
The other charge stemmed from an incident on Oct. 18, 2011, also starting at Union Station. Four individuals solicited a taxicab ride and asked the driver to take them to the area of the 4700 block of Foote Street NE. Once there, one of the individuals put the driver in a choke-hold. The individuals stole $200 in cash, and a cell phone. The driver was ordered out of the vehicle, where the individuals threatened to shoot him. One of the individuals got into the taxicab and drove away. Later that day, Jones was seen driving the taxicab. MPD officers recognized the taxi as a stolen vehicle, and pursued Jones. Jones fled, leading officers from MPD and Prince George’s County on a chase that ended with Jones crashing the taxicab in Capitol Heights. The taxicab was totaled.
Copeland, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced by Judge Pasichow on Aug. 16, 2013 to 13 years and 360 days of incarceration on charges of carjacking and robbery.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of those 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 Antoinette Sakamsa and Tony Griffith, Victim/Witness Advocate Jim Brennan, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard E. DiZinno, who prosecuted the matter.
13-303Maryland Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for His Role in Series of Attacks Against Taxicab Drivers-Alleged Ringleader Sentenced Last Month to Nearly 14 Years in Prison-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Quinard Jones, 20, of Capitol Heights, Md., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on charges stemming from a series of attacks against taxicab drivers, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Jones pled guilty in May 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count each of armed robbery and one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was sentenced by the Honorable Heidi M. Pasichow. Upon completion of his prison term, Jones will be placed on five years of supervised release.
The charges were filed in an investigation into the carjacking, assault, and robbery of taxicab drivers that took place in October and November of 2011. Jones and other individuals, including another defendant, Tony Copeland, were involved in several incidents in which they went to the Union Station taxicab line posing as paying customers, soliciting cab fares to the area of 44th Street NE. Once at the destination, Jones, Copeland, and their accomplices would choke the drivers from behind, or simply demand money. Among the items stolen from the several victims were hundreds of dollars in cash, cell phones, GPS devices, and a Rolex watch.
The armed robbery charge stemmed from a crime that took place on Nov. 19, 2011. That day, at about 10 p.m., Jones, Copeland, and three others all went to Union Station together in a collective plan to rob taxicab drivers. Jones, Copeland, and another individual solicited a taxicab there, and asked the driver to take them to the intersection of 45th and Eads Streets NE. When the driver arrived at the destination, Copeland reached around from the rear driver’s side seat and choked the driver from behind by placing his arms around the driver’s throat. Meanwhile, Jones and the other individual went through the driver’s belongings, stealing almost $400 in cash and a Rolex watch. Jones and Copeland ordered the cabdriver out of the taxi. One of the individuals got into the driver’s seat and drove away with the cab. The victim was able to flag down a neighbor, who gave the victim a phone to call 911. The taxicab was recovered days later by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), a few houses from Copeland’s residence.
The other charge stemmed from an incident on Oct. 18, 2011, also starting at Union Station. Four individuals solicited a taxicab ride and asked the driver to take them to the area of the 4700 block of Foote Street NE. Once there, one of the individuals put the driver in a choke-hold. The individuals stole $200 in cash, and a cell phone. The driver was ordered out of the vehicle, where the individuals threatened to shoot him. One of the individuals got into the taxicab and drove away. Later that day, Jones was seen driving the taxicab. MPD officers recognized the taxi as a stolen vehicle, and pursued Jones. Jones fled, leading officers from MPD and Prince George’s County on a chase that ended with Jones crashing the taxicab in Capitol Heights. The taxicab was totaled.
Copeland, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced by Judge Pasichow on Aug. 16, 2013 to 13 years and 360 days of incarceration on charges of carjacking and robbery.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of those 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 Antoinette Sakamsa and Tony Griffith, Victim/Witness Advocate Jim Brennan, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard E. DiZinno, who prosecuted the matter.
13-303Three Area Men Plead Guilty to Charges in Series of Violent RobberiesGroup Targeted Victims in Adams Morgan and Near Metro Stations, Sold Stolen Phones to Eco-ATM Machines for ProfitRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three men, all from the Washington D.C. area, pled guilty today to charges stemming from multiple robberies and other crimes committed earlier this year 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 defendants 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.
The guilty pleas took place in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Stuart G. Nash scheduled sentencing for Nov. 7, 2013. All three defendants remain in custody pending sentencing.
Those pleading guilty included Anthony J. Doggett, 20, of Suitland, Md.; Desean Floyd, 19, of Oxon Hill, Md., and Dominique C. Jones, 20, of Washington, D.C.
Doggett 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 pled guilty to one count each of conspiracy, robbery, attempted robbery, accessory after the fact to armed robbery, and attempted perjury. Jones 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 guilty pleas, 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 are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Pozos, who is prosecuting the matter.
13-302Three Area Men Plead Guilty to Charges in Series of Violent RobberiesGroup Targeted Victims in Adams Morgan and Near Metro Stations, Sold Stolen Phones to Eco-ATM Machines for ProfitRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three men, all from the Washington D.C. area, pled guilty today to charges stemming from multiple robberies and other crimes committed earlier this year 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 defendants 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.
The guilty pleas took place in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Stuart G. Nash scheduled sentencing for Nov. 7, 2013. All three defendants remain in custody pending sentencing.
Those pleading guilty included Anthony J. Doggett, 20, of Suitland, Md.; Desean Floyd, 19, of Oxon Hill, Md., and Dominique C. Jones, 20, of Washington, D.C.
Doggett 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 pled guilty to one count each of conspiracy, robbery, attempted robbery, accessory after the fact to armed robbery, and attempted perjury. Jones 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 guilty pleas, 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 are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Pozos, who is prosecuting the matter.
13-302District Man Sentenced to 25-Year Prison Term for Fatal Gun Battle in Clay Terrace Neighborhood-Shooting Resulted in the Murder of A 15-Year-Old Innocent Bystander-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Antonio Barnes, 21, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 25-year prison term for his role in a shootout in which two people were killed, including a 15-year-old bystander, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced. The gunfire took place in 2009 while young children were walking home from school in the Clay Terrace area.
In May 2013, Barnes, along with his co-defendants, Earl Jackson, 20, and Sequarn Tibbs, 22, each pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to two counts of voluntary manslaughter, and one count each of conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license. Barnes, also known as “Squirt,” was sentenced by the Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. Jackson will be sentenced on Sept. 13, 2013 and Tibbs on Nov. 7, 2013.
According to the government’s evidence, on Oct. 13, 2009, Barnes and his co-defendants were members of a group they called “Young Savage” from the 37th Street/37th Place neighborhood of Southeast Washington. Barnes, Jackson, Tibbs, and others, including Tibbs’s identical twin brother, Daquan Tibbs, went to the Clay Terrace neighborhood seeking to avenge a burglary from Jackson’s Clay Terrace home.
The gun battle began after Barnes and his co-defendants entered a common area of Clay Terrace in the early afternoon hours, just as neighborhood schools were letting out, and Sequarn Tibbs opened fire on the Clay Terrace residents who were gathered. A 15-year old innocent bystander, Davonta Artis, was shot and killed during this gun battle. Daquan Tibbs, then 18, also was killed and three other men were seriously injured.
After warrants were issued for their arrests, Barnes, Jackson and Tibbs fled the area. Barnes and Jackson were ultimately arrested in January 2012 in Charlotte, N.C., after they were featured on the “America’s Most Wanted” television program and tips were provided as to their whereabouts. Tibbs was captured in September 2010 in New York.
In announcing today’s sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Cold Case/Major Case Squad, officers of the MPD’s Sixth District and the Firearms Unit, and the detective who coordinated the nationwide search for Barnes, Jackson and Tibbs. He also commended the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Alesha Matthews-Yette, Kendra Johnson, Kwasi Fields, Sandra Lane, Meridith McGarrity and Fern Rhedrick; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Intelligence Specialist Lawrence Grasso; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Criminal Investigator Durand Odom; Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker, and Law Clerks Flynn Burke and Cadene Russell.
In addition, he acknowledged the efforts of former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Tonolli, J.P. Cooney, Heather Carlton, and Sharad Khandelwal, who were involved in the investigation and presentation of evidence during the early phases of these cases.
Finally, Mr. Machen commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Taylor and Deborah Sines, who indicted and prosecuted the case.
13-301District Man Sentenced to 25-Year Prison Term for Fatal Gun Battle in Clay Terrace Neighborhood-Shooting Resulted in the Murder of A 15-Year-Old Innocent Bystander-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Antonio Barnes, 21, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 25-year prison term for his role in a shootout in which two people were killed, including a 15-year-old bystander, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced. The gunfire took place in 2009 while young children were walking home from school in the Clay Terrace area.
In May 2013, Barnes, along with his co-defendants, Earl Jackson, 20, and Sequarn Tibbs, 22, each pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to two counts of voluntary manslaughter, and one count each of conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license. Barnes, also known as “Squirt,” was sentenced by the Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. Jackson will be sentenced on Sept. 13, 2013 and Tibbs on Nov. 7, 2013.
According to the government’s evidence, on Oct. 13, 2009, Barnes and his co-defendants were members of a group they called “Young Savage” from the 37th Street/37th Place neighborhood of Southeast Washington. Barnes, Jackson, Tibbs, and others, including Tibbs’s identical twin brother, Daquan Tibbs, went to the Clay Terrace neighborhood seeking to avenge a burglary from Jackson’s Clay Terrace home.
The gun battle began after Barnes and his co-defendants entered a common area of Clay Terrace in the early afternoon hours, just as neighborhood schools were letting out, and Sequarn Tibbs opened fire on the Clay Terrace residents who were gathered. A 15-year old innocent bystander, Davonta Artis, was shot and killed during this gun battle. Daquan Tibbs, then 18, also was killed and three other men were seriously injured.
After warrants were issued for their arrests, Barnes, Jackson and Tibbs fled the area. Barnes and Jackson were ultimately arrested in January 2012 in Charlotte, N.C., after they were featured on the “America’s Most Wanted” television program and tips were provided as to their whereabouts. Tibbs was captured in September 2010 in New York.
In announcing today’s sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Cold Case/Major Case Squad, officers of the MPD’s Sixth District and the Firearms Unit, and the detective who coordinated the nationwide search for Barnes, Jackson and Tibbs. He also commended the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Alesha Matthews-Yette, Kendra Johnson, Kwasi Fields, Sandra Lane, Meridith McGarrity and Fern Rhedrick; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Intelligence Specialist Lawrence Grasso; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Criminal Investigator Durand Odom; Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker, and Law Clerks Flynn Burke and Cadene Russell.
In addition, he acknowledged the efforts of former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Tonolli, J.P. Cooney, Heather Carlton, and Sharad Khandelwal, who were involved in the investigation and presentation of evidence during the early phases of these cases.
Finally, Mr. Machen commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Taylor and Deborah Sines, who indicted and prosecuted the case.
13-301District Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Child-Five-Year-Old Victim, A Relative, Aided Early Investigation-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 20-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., has pled guilty to charges stemming from a sexual assault against a five-year-old relative, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.
The defendant, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim, pled guilty on Aug. 30, 2013, to one count each of attempted second-degree child sexual abuse and violating the Bail Reform Act. The Honorable Robert E. Morin scheduled sentencing for Nov. 22, 2013. The defendant faces up to 5 1/2 years in prison and also will be required to 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 plea, 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.
13-300District Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Child-Five-Year-Old Victim, A Relative, Aided Early Investigation-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 20-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., has pled guilty to charges stemming from a sexual assault against a five-year-old relative, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.
The defendant, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim, pled guilty on Aug. 30, 2013, to one count each of attempted second-degree child sexual abuse and violating the Bail Reform Act. The Honorable Robert E. Morin scheduled sentencing for Nov. 22, 2013. The defendant faces up to 5 1/2 years in prison and also will be required to 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 plea, 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.
13-300Maryland Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter in Traffic Fatality in Northeast Washington-Impaired Driver Struck Pedestrian, Who Was in A Crosswalk-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Joel R. Bromwell, 32, of Annapolis, Md., was sentenced today to four years in prison on charges of involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol stemming from a traffic fatality in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Bromwell pled guilty to the charges in May 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Lynn Leibovitz. In addition, Bromwell was ordered to pay $200 in court costs, and, upon his release from prison, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 21, 2013, at about 8:15 p.m., Bromwell was driving a sport utility vehicle at a high rate of speed, headed east in the 1100 block of Florida Avenue NE. The victim, Ruby L. Whitfield, 71, and two other individuals were walking across Florida Avenue at the intersection with 11th Street NE, in a marked crosswalk. Ms. Whitfield had just left church after an usher practice for the upcoming Palm Sunday.
Vehicular traffic at the intersection had stopped to give Ms. Whitfield and the other pedestrians the right of way. An eyewitness saw the SUV strike Ms. Whitfield without stopping, and she was lodged beneath the vehicle for about 86 feet.
The eyewitness followed the SUV as it drove from the scene and approached Bromwell while he was stopped at a red light a block away. The witness told Bromwell that he had just hit someone and that he should return to the scene. Instead, Bromwell drove off without making his identity known.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located the SUV and Bromwell a short time later. Bromwell failed field sobriety tests. He admitted that he was the driver of the SUV and that he had been drinking prior to the crash. Bromwell was arrested and, while at a police station, breath tests indicated that his blood alcohol content was above the legal limit for driving.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised those who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department, including members of the Major Crash Unit. He also expressed appreciation for those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Sandra Lane, Fern Rhedrick and Phil Aronson, and Victim Witness Program Specialist Marcia Rinker.
Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward A. O’Connell, who prosecuted the matter.
13-298Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Felony Murder, Other Charges in Brutal Slaying of Restaurant Owner-Victim Was Stabbed Repeatedly in November 2010 Robbery-Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Alexander Gomez-Enamorado, 23, was found guilty by a jury today of conspiracy, first-degree felony-murder, tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, and related charges for the murder of a restaurant owner, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Gomez-Enamorado, who lived in various locations in the Washington, D.C. area, is originally from Honduras. He is facing more than 100 years in prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan on Nov. 8, 2013 – exactly three years to the day after the murder.
At trial, the evidence established that in early November, 2010, Gomez-Enamorado recruited an associate to rob restaurant owner Miguel Ventura, 54, at knifepoint. Once inside Mr. Ventura’s establishment, Izalco Restaurant, in the 1200 block of 11th Street NW, Gomez-Enamorado and his partner attempted to rob Mr. Ventura.
Mr. Ventura fought back, and was brutally attacked, suffering ten stab wounds, 30 cutting wounds, and repeated blunt force trauma to his head and face, breaking his nose and cheekbones. Gomez-Enamorado and his partner fled, and Gomez-Enamorado disposed of the murder weapon. The victim’s daughter, Ofelia Ventura, discovered her father’s body at the restaurant later that day. Ms. Ventura testified that her father was so badly beaten and disfigured that she could not even recognize him when she saw him dead on the floor of his restaurant.
In the days and months after the murder, Gomez-Enamorado falsely reported to the police that he was merely a witness to the murder of Mr. Ventura. He even fraudulently received assistance from the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program, which is administered by the Superior Court to assist victims of violent crime.
Thanks to the persistence and vigorous work of the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, the defendant’s lies unraveled and he ultimately was arrested in May 2012.
After a two-week trial, the jury deliberated for less than one day before returning guilty verdicts on the following charges: conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, second-degree burglary, first-degree felony murder, tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen recognized the outstanding efforts of the detectives, evidence technicians, and DNA Analyst who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, as well as the Special Agent from the FBI who worked on the matter. He also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Magdalena Acevedo and Glenn Kirschner, who tried the case, as well as the outstanding efforts of Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity and Victim/Witness Advocate Christina Principe.
13-299Iranian Citizen Sentenced to 48-Month Prison Term for Conspiracy to Export High-Performance Electronics to IranRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Arsalan Shemirani, 30, an Iranian citizen, has been sentenced in the District of Columbia to 48 months in prison for conspiracy to illegally export more than 3,000 electronic components from the United States to Iran through Hong Kong. Shemirani was also sentenced to forfeiture in the amount of $187,305.
The sentence was announced by Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; John P. Carlin, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Scot Rittenberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington, D.C.
On Jan. 25, 2013, Shemirani pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to defraud the United States. He was sentenced by the Honorable Richard J. Leon on Aug. 15, 2013. The sentence was unsealed by the Court and made public Aug. 29, 2013.
According to court documents filed in the case, beginning as early as January 2010 and continuing through at least November 2011, Shemirani, with his brother in Iran and a co-conspirator in Hong Kong, exported electronic parts from the United States to Iran, via Canada and Hong Kong, without first obtaining a license or authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of Treasury.
The defendant, who was residing in Canada during the time of the conspiracy, received purchase orders from his brother, who operated an electronics supply business in Tehran, Iran. The items purchased by the defendant on behalf of the conspiracy included high performance electronic power equipment such as field programmable microchips, acceleration sensor semi-conductors, analog converters, and other testing and power equipment. During the course of the conspiracy, the defendant purchased approximately 3,695 electronic components that were then illegally exported to his brother in Iran.
The investigation was conducted by the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Washington, D.C. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Spivey Urschel and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Bowman, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Brandon Van Grack from the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
13-297Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Related to Embezzlement from Indonesian Airline- Admits Failure to Report $284,500 in Income -Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Alan Messner, 41, of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, pled guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of tax evasion related to his failure to report $284,500 in income he received in 2006 and 2007.
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 Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
As part of his guilty plea, Messner admitted that, in December 2006, he and Jon C. Cooper induced an Indonesian airline company to pay them a $1 million security deposit to lease two aircraft using various false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises – including forged and fraudulent documents. Messner admitted that, after Cooper received the $1 million security deposit, Cooper transferred $284,500 to Messner in December 2006 and January 2007. Messner spent that portion for his own personal benefit. Likewise, Cooper spent the balance of the security deposit for his own personal benefit. Cooper and Messner did not provide the promised aircraft and did not return any funds to the Indonesian airline company.
Messner admitted that he did not report any portion of the $284,500 on his federal income tax returns for either tax year. As a result of Messner’s tax evasion, Messner caused a tax loss of $62,231.60 to the United States.
Messner is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2013, before the Honorable Amy Berman Jackson. On the tax evasion charge, Messner faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, as part of his guilty plea, Messner agreed to pay the full $62,231.60 owed to the United States.
In the related case, Cooper is scheduled for trial on Jan. 21, 2014, also in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In April 2013, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Cooper, charging him with conspiracy, first-degree fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering related to the embezzlement from the Indonesia airline. The superseding indictment against Cooper also includes counts of bank fraud, making a false statement on a loan application, and aiding or assisting the filing of a false tax return. The superseding indictment reincorporates a forfeiture allegation seeking all proceeds obtained through the wire fraud and money laundering scheme. Cooper, 64, of Washington, D.C, has pled not guilty to those charges.
According to the superseding indictment, in or about December 2006, Cooper and Messner offered to lease two aircraft to an Indonesian airline company, although their company owned no such aircraft. Instead, Cooper induced the Indonesian airline to agree to the deal - and pay a $1 million security deposit - by using a forged letter from an attorney whom Cooper claimed would hold the deposit. Similarly, Cooper allegedly used a forged letter purporting to represent that Cooper’s company had an agreement to buy the aircraft it would lease to the Indonesian airline. As the superseding indictment charges, based on those and other false representations, the Indonesian airline made the $1 million security deposit. But the very day the security deposit was received, Cooper moved it to his personal account. Cooper then spent it on personal expenses, such as his credit card debt and personal loans.
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 the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Washington Field Office of IRS-CI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
13-296RPM International, Inc. and Tremco Inc. Pay Nearly $61 Million for Failing to Provide Government Discounts Provided to OthersCompanies Allegedly Submitted False Claims Under Defectively-Priced Roofing ContractsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ohio-based RPM International Inc. and its subsidiary, Tremco Inc., have paid $60.9 million to resolve allegations that Tremco filed false claims in connection with two Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts with the General Services Administration (GSA) for roofing supplies and services, the Justice Department announced today.
Tremco failed to provide the government with price discounts provided to non-federal government customers. Tremco also allegedly marketed expensive materials to government purchasers without disclosing the availability of the same materials at lower cost that were manufactured and sold by the company. Tremco is a manufacturer of construction products and services and is a subsidiary of the RPM Building Solutions Group.
“Companies that knowingly skirt the rules for securing government business undermine the integrity of the procurement process and create an unfair advantage against companies that are playing by the rules,” said Stuart F. Delery, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to ensuring a level playing field and protecting taxpayer dollars.”
Allegedly, from January 2002 to March 2011, Tremco knowingly violated its contractual obligations to provide GSA with current, accurate and complete information about its commercial sales practices, to report changes in discounts to comparable commercial customers and to pass those discounts on to government customers. As a result, the government allegedly paid more than it should have for Tremco’s services and products. In addition, Tremco allegedly improperly marketed generic products as a superior line of the same product and used a defective adhesive formula in its roofing systems.
The GSA MAS program provides government purchasers with a streamlined process for procurement of commonly used commercial goods and services. To be awarded a MAS contract, and thereby gain access to the broad government marketplace and ease of administration that comes from selling to hundreds of government purchasers under one contract, contractors must agree to disclose commercial pricing policies and practices.
The settlement resolves a qui tam, or whistleblower, lawsuit filed on behalf of the government by former Tremco vice president Gregory Rudolph, who will receive more than $10.9 million as his share of the recovery in the case. Under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, private citizens can bring lawsuits on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. Rudolph’s lawsuit also includes allegations on behalf of several states under their false claims statutes. The settlement with the federal government does not resolve the state actions.
“These companies are paying the price for trying to cheat the American taxpayer out of a fair deal,” said Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. “We thank this whistleblower for coming forward to reveal this wrongdoing. Other contractors who are considering bilking the government should take heed: false and fraudulent claims on the U.S. Treasury will not be tolerated.”
GSA Inspector General Brian Miller said, “GSA OIG auditors and investigators worked diligently to make sure the taxpayers got the benefit of required price reductions, and received a fair price for the products and services purchased with taxpayer funds.”
This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and GSA’s Office of Inspector General to investigate the allegations and resolve the case. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The case is captioned United States, the States of California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia and the City of Chicago, ex rel. Gregory Rudolph v. Tremco Inc. and RPM International Inc., Case No. 1:10-cv-01192 (D.DC).
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Maryland Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Traveling into the District of Columbia to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with A Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Charles Nickerson, Jr., 35, formerly of Stevensville, Md., was sentenced today to a 10-year prison term on 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).
Nickerson pled guilty in June 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for the 10-year prison term. The Honorable Ketanji B. Jackson approved the plea and sentenced Nickerson today. Upon completion of his prison term, Nickerson will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for a minimum of 25 years.
According to the government's evidence, on March 5, 2012, Nickerson 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. As the online exchange continued, Nickerson sent the undercover officer, whom he believed was the father of an under-aged girl, five images of child pornography. During the conversation, they also discussed the possibility of meeting for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.
In the course of further communications, Nickerson arranged to meet with the undercover officer and the purported child on March 9, 2012. At about 7 that night, law enforcement stopped him in his vehicle in Northwest Washington and placed him under arrest. A search of Nickerson’s car led to the discovery of a blue bag with sex toys and personal lubricant.
Pursuant to a warrant, law enforcement searched Nickerson’s residence in Stevensville, Md., on March 12, 2012. Law enforcement seized a computer which contained numerous images of child pornography, including the five distributed to the undercover officer. As part of his guilty plea, Nickerson agreed to forfeiture of his car, computer, and other items.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director 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. Attorneys Cassidy Kesler Pinegar, David Last, and Amy H. Zubrensky, who investigated and prosecuted the case, and Catherine K. Connelly, who assisted with forfeiture issues.
13-295Volunteer Firefighter Sentenced to Three-Year Prison TermRead the Press Release
For Armed Robbery of Ex-Girlfriend
-Defendant and Four Others Used Two Shotguns and Masks During the Robbery-WASHINGTON – Jayson Lassiter, 23, a volunteer firefighter from Clinton, Md., has been sentenced to a three-year prison term for an armed robbery he committed earlier this year in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.
Lassiter pled guilty in June 2013 in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia to armed robbery. He was sentenced on Aug. 26, 2013, by the Honorable Michael Ryan. Upon completion of his prison term, Lassiter will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s factual proffer at the plea hearing, during the afternoon of March 26, 2013, Lassiter drove three other volunteer firefighters, all from the Prince George’s County Fire Department, to the 1300 block of Michigan Avenue NE, where his ex-girlfriend was staying. They went there to retrieve a cellular phone Lassiter had given his ex-girlfriend for Christmas. After a brief verbal altercation, they left the area without obtaining the cellular phone. The group then returned to Prince George’s County to assist fighting a fire.
Afterwards, Lassiter and two of the three volunteer firefighters he was with that afternoon decided to return to the 1300 block of Michigan Avenue NE to retrieve the cellular phone. Lassiter picked up two additional accomplices - family members of one of the volunteer firefighters. Then, under cover of night, they returned armed with two shotguns and masks.
As they approached the home where Lassiter’s ex-girlfriend was staying, Lassiter let the four accomplices out in an alley and proceeded to the home alone to draw the ex-girlfriend and others outside. As soon as the victims came out of the house, Lassiter’s masked and armed accomplices began assaulting them. One of Lassiter’s accomplices, Kevin Smith, 19, of Suitland, Md., pointed a shotgun at Lassiter’s ex-girlfriend and another male and ordered them into the home. Once inside the home, Smith stole their cellular phones and hit the male in the face with the butt of the shotgun, breaking his nose.
Lassiter and the four accomplices fled the scene in Lassiter’s car. Three of the suspects were immediately identified by the victims. A fourth was later identified through additional investigation. To date, all four identified suspects have pled guilty to charges arising from this incident. Lassiter was the first to be sentenced.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work performed by those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also praised those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Maria Shumar and Paralegal Specialist Jason Manuel. Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff T. Cook, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
13-293District Man Sentenced to 6 ½-Year Prison TermRead the Press Release
For Robbing and Beating a Man in Northwest Washington
-Victim Continues to Suffer After-Effects from the Crime-WASHINGTON – Arnold Moody, 45, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a prison term of 6 ½ years for robbing and beating a man earlier this year in front of an apartment complex in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Moody pled guilty in June 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of robbery. He was sentenced by the Honorable Michael Ryan. Upon completion of his prison term, Moody will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on May 3, 2013, at about 3 a.m., Moody stood by the entrance of an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Holmead Place NW, pretending that he either lived there or was there to visit someone. When he noticed the victim approach the complex and sit down, Moody looked around to see if anyone else was around. Then, without warning, he walked over to the victim and punched him in the face multiple times, causing a broken nose.
When the victim got up to defend himself, Moody slammed him to the ground. Then he went through the victim’s pockets and stole his wallet, which contained $40 and an identification card, and an iPhone. In addition to the broken nose, the victim suffered a dislocated shoulder in the attack. He continues to have pain, difficulty seeing, frequent headaches and nosebleeds.
Thanks to the work of detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fourth District, Moody was apprehended. This was not the first time he attacked someone while stealing property. In 2008, Moody was sentenced to about 2 ½ years of incarceration for nearly the same conduct that he demonstrated in this case – striking a man in the head and taking his property.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Debra McPherson and Victim/Witness Advocate Elsa Resendiz. Finally, he praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalia Medina, who prosecuted the case.
13-292Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to TravelingRead the Press Release
Into the District of Columbia to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct
With a Minor and Possession of Child PornographyWASHINGTON – William G. VanSant, 51, of Alexandria, Va., pled guilty today to federal charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., 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 entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Honorable Robert L. Wilkins is to sentence him on Dec. 4, 2013. VanSant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years of imprisonment for traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct and a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment for possession of child pornography, as well as a fine of $250,000 on each count. 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 guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director Parlave and
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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 Cassidy Kesler Pinegar, who is prosecuting the case.District Man Sentenced to 22 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Murder of 18-Year-Old Girl in Northwest Washington
Defendant and Victim Met Through a Social Media Website;
Victim Killed for iPhone and iPodWASHINGTON – Alexander Buckley, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 22 years in prison on a charge of second-degree murder while armed for the slaying of a Maryland teenager, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Buckley pled guilty in June 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan. Upon completion of his prison term, Buckley will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, in January 2013, Buckley met the victim, 18-year-old Siohban Lee, through a social media website known as “Tagged,” which allows users to view profiles and photographs posted by other users. Tagged is available as an application to iPhone and Android phone subscribers and allows users to text one another via the Internet. Initially, the defendant and the victim communicated only through Tagged. Eventually, however, they exchanged phone numbers and began to communicate by phone.
Leading up to the early morning hours of Jan. 25, 2013, Buckley and Ms. Lee exchanged several text messages and phone calls, during which she agreed to meet him for the very first time. The defendant provided the victim with instructions to take the bus into the District of Columbia, towards Georgia Avenue NW, where he would meet her. Sometime after 2:15 a.m., on Jan. 25, 2013, he met Ms. Lee in the area of 5th and Nicholson Streets NW. The victim was carrying a purse, and was in possession of both her iPhone and iPod Touch.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., Buckley shot the victim one time in the left side of the head, just behind her left ear, killing her. He took her iPhone and iPod Touch, and, leaving her purse behind, fled the scene. Law enforcement quickly located the defendant, who still had the phone in his possession. As a result, Buckley was arrested just hours after the murder.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the detectives, officers, and crime scene technicians who investigated the case for 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 Ethel Gregory and Marian Russell; Lead Paralegal Sharon Newman; and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker.
Finally, U.S. Attorney Machen recognized the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Nielsen, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
13-290District Man Sentenced to 67 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Shooting That Killed One Teenager
And Wounded Another in Northwest Washington
-Attack Took Place on Memorial Day of 2011-WASHINGTON - Eugene A. Kelly, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 67 years in prison on charges of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and related offenses stemming from the shooting of two teenagers in Northwest Washington on Memorial Day of 2011, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Kelly was found guilty of the charges in April 2013, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the senseless cycle of violence that is far too common in our city,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “In a foolish attempt to avenge his brother’s murder, Eugene Kelly shot two innocent fifteen-year-old boys, killing one of them. Kelly’s inexplicable decision to kill a child did nothing to bring back his brother or to honor his brother’s memory. That terrible decision will instead result in Kelly spending the rest of his life behind bars. We hope that this lengthy sentence sends the message that there is nothing good that comes from perpetuating the cycle of violence.”
According to the government’s evidence, on May 30, 2011, at about 10:15 p.m., the victims, two 15-year-old boys, were walking home in the 1400 block of New Jersey Avenue NW. As they were walking, Kelly opened fire and shot both teenagers. Isaiah Harris was killed by a single gunshot wound to his body. The surviving victim was shot in the leg.
Just before the shooting, Kelly, who was riding a small trick bike, had stopped to talk to a neighborhood acquaintance. The defendant mentioned his brother’s 2008 murder, and stated his belief that someone from the nearby 5th and O Streets neighborhood was responsible. Kelly announced that someone was going to pay for his brother’s murder, and said that he was going to retrieve a gun. He then retrieved a gun by a nearby dumpster and rode east on P Street toward New Jersey Avenue. Seconds later, the defendant fired multiple times, targeting the two teens.
The victims did not know Kelly and had no knowledge of or involvement in the 2008 murder of his brother. They were simply walking from the area of 5th and O Streets NW.
During a search warrant of the defendant’s home two days later, law enforcement officers found a small trick bike that matched the witnesses’ descriptions of the bike used by the shooter, as well as ammunition consistent with the type used in the murder. In addition, an FBI expert in historical cell site analysis determined that the defendant’s phone was used in the vicinity of the murder within 15 minutes of the murder.
Finally, on Sept. 14, 2011, a guard at the District of Columbia Jail found a note taken from an inmate during a routine morning check. The note, signed by Kelly with his jail identification number, provided a witness’s name and address, and identified members of the witness’s family. A handwriting expert from the FBI concluded that Kelly wrote the note.In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI, and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, which were involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case. U.S. Attorney Machen also expressed appreciation to Paralegal Specialists Kelly Blakeney and Ethel Noble, Victim /Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker, Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Joseph Calvarese, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Ortwein, who indicted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer A. Kerkhoff and Holly R. Shick, who tried the case.
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District Man Sentenced to 67 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Shooting That Killed One Teenager
And Wounded Another in Northwest Washington
-Attack Took Place on Memorial Day of 2011-WASHINGTON - Eugene A. Kelly, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 67 years in prison on charges of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and related offenses stemming from the shooting of two teenagers in Northwest Washington on Memorial Day of 2011, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.
Kelly was found guilty of the charges in April 2013, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the senseless cycle of violence that is far too common in our city,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “In a foolish attempt to avenge his brother’s murder, Eugene Kelly shot two innocent fifteen-year-old boys, killing one of them. Kelly’s inexplicable decision to kill a child did nothing to bring back his brother or to honor his brother’s memory. That terrible decision will instead result in Kelly spending the rest of his life behind bars. We hope that this lengthy sentence sends the message that there is nothing good that comes from perpetuating the cycle of violence.”
According to the government’s evidence, on May 30, 2011, at about 10:15 p.m., the victims, two 15-year-old boys, were walking home in the 1400 block of New Jersey Avenue NW. As they were walking, Kelly opened fire and shot both teenagers. Isaiah Harris was killed by a single gunshot wound to his body. The surviving victim was shot in the leg.
Just before the shooting, Kelly, who was riding a small trick bike, had stopped to talk to a neighborhood acquaintance. The defendant mentioned his brother’s 2008 murder, and stated his belief that someone from the nearby 5th and O Streets neighborhood was responsible. Kelly announced that someone was going to pay for his brother’s murder, and said that he was going to retrieve a gun. He then retrieved a gun by a nearby dumpster and rode east on P Street toward New Jersey Avenue. Seconds later, the defendant fired multiple times, targeting the two teens.
The victims did not know Kelly and had no knowledge of or involvement in the 2008 murder of his brother. They were simply walking from the area of 5th and O Streets NW.
During a search warrant of the defendant’s home two days later, law enforcement officers found a small trick bike that matched the witnesses’ descriptions of the bike used by the shooter, as well as ammunition consistent with the type used in the murder. In addition, an FBI expert in historical cell site analysis determined that the defendant’s phone was used in the vicinity of the murder within 15 minutes of the murder.
Finally, on Sept. 14, 2011, a guard at the District of Columbia Jail found a note taken from an inmate during a routine morning check. The note, signed by Kelly with his jail identification number, provided a witness’s name and address, and identified members of the witness’s family. A handwriting expert from the FBI concluded that Kelly wrote the note.In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI, and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, which were involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case. U.S. Attorney Machen also expressed appreciation to Paralegal Specialists Kelly Blakeney and Ethel Noble, Victim /Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker, Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Joseph Calvarese, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Ortwein, who indicted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer A. Kerkhoff and Holly R. Shick, who tried the case.
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British Man Convicted in 2009 Hammer Attack on College CampusRead the Press Release
-Defendant Fled United States for Four Years After Assault -WASHINGTON Mohammed Niazi, 45, of the United Kingdom, was found guilty by a jury yesterday of charges arising from a hammer attack on a George Washington University student in a campus bathroom, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr.
Niazi was found guilty by a jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The Honorable Stuart G. Nash scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2013.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on October 9, 2009, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Niazi entered Duques Hall, located at 2201 G Street in Northwest Washington. He entered a men’s bathroom on the second floor and began striking the victim in the back of the head with a metal hammer. The victim attempted to defend himself against Niazi, who continued the attack inside a foyer located between the hallway and the main bathroom. As the victim stumbled out of the bathroom bleeding, students rushed to his aid. Niazi fled down the stairs and out of the building.
Detectives with the George Washington University Police Department and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department obtained images of the suspect from security video taken in Duques Hall and issued a campus-wide e-mail alert. A response to the alert led police to a coffee shop nearby where Niazi had been seen shortly before the attack. Using security video and credit card transaction records from the coffee shop, police were able to obtain Niazi=s name and his Virginia driver=s license photo.
The day after the attack, Niazi purchased an airline ticket to London and fled the country the following day. On April 4, 2013, Niazi was apprehended when he tried to travel through Panama and was returned to the United States to face charges.
U.S. Attorney Machen expressed his appreciation to the Metropolitan Police Department, the George Washington University Police Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. U.S. Attorney Machen also commended the work of Paralegals Allison Gregory Daniels, Victim Advocate Jennifer Clark, and Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling. Finally, he commended former Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Scruggs, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Sroka, who indicted and tried the case.
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###Former United Medical Center Employee Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
To Embezzling Over $335,000 in Overtime Pay
-Defendant Manipulated Electronic Time-Keeping System-WASHINGTON – Marlene L. Merchant, 54, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to a federal theft charge stemming from her embezzlement of more than $335,000 from her former employer, United Medical Center, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Charles J. Willoughby, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
Merchant pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The Honorable Reggie B. Walton scheduled sentencing for Nov. 8, 2013. As part of the plea agreement, Merchant agreed to criminal forfeiture and restitution in the amount of $335,663. Under the voluntary federal sentencing guidelines, she faces between 18 and 24 months of incarceration.
According to the government’s evidence, from Oct. 28, 2002, through April 8, 2013, Merchant was employed as an administrative assistant by United Medical Center (UMC) and its predecessor, Greater Southeast Community Hospital. UMC is a non-profit community hospital located in Southeast Washington. As a non-union employee, Merchant was exempted from the overtime pay provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. As an “exempt” employee, she was not entitled or eligible to receive overtime pay from UMC, regardless of the number of hours she actually worked.
From January 2005 through March 2013, Merchant and the payroll manager at UMC manipulated UMC’s electronic timekeeping system to cause the hospital to pay the defendant $335,663 in overtime pay to which Merchant knew she was not entitled. In the beginning of the scheme, the payroll manager repeatedly changed Merchant’s status from “exempt” to “non-exempt” in the electronic timekeeping system, resulting in overtime pay. Starting in 2008, Merchant learned the log-in and password of her supervisor, which she then used, without permission, to change her status from “exempt” to “non-exempt” in the electronic timekeeping system. Merchant also changed her start and finish times from what her identification badge logs reflected to increase her work hours.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Machen and Inspector General Willoughby commended the investigative work of Special Agent Anthony McGail of the District of Columbia Office of Inspector General. They also praised the efforts of Paralegal Specialist Corinne Laxman, Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Connelly, who worked on forfeiture issues, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Johnson, who is prosecuting the case.
13-288District Man Sentenced to 44-Month Prison TermRead the Press Release
For Sexually Assaulting Two Women
-Separate Incidents Took Place Within a Three-Week Period This Year-WASHINGTON - James Parks, also known as Antonio Parks, 22, of Washington, D.C. has been sentenced to a 44-month prison term for two sexual assaults that he committed earlier this year, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.
Parks pled guilty in June 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to attempted first-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor sexual abuse. He was sentenced on Aug. 16, 2013 by the Honorable Robert E. Morin. Upon completion of his prison term, Parks will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
According to the government’s factual proffer at the plea hearing, on Jan. 25, 2013, Parks was at the home of one of the victims, on 23rd Street SE. That night, Parks sexually assaulted another woman while she was unconscious in an upstairs bedroom of the home.
On the night of Feb. 14, 2013, Parks was back at the same home. That night, he and another man forced the resident into the basement, where Parks sexually assaulted her.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of Paralegal Specialist Jason Manuel, Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson and members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Sexual Assault Unit. He also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Taylor, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
13-289District Man Sentenced to Nearly 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
For Series of Attacks Against Taxicab Drivers
-He and Others Posed as Passengers at Union Station, Other Places-WASHINGTON - Tony Copeland, 22, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison on charges stemming from a series of attacks against taxicab drivers, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.
Copeland pled guilty in May 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count each of carjacking and robbery. He was sentenced on Aug. 16, 2013 by the Honorable Heidi M. Pasichow to 13 years and 360 days of incarceration.
The charges were filed in a series of cases involving the carjacking, assault, and robbery of taxicab drivers that took place in October and November of 2011. The government alleged that Copeland was the ringleader behind several incidents in which he and others went to the Union Station taxicab line posing as paying customers, soliciting cab fares to the area of 44th Street NE. Once at the destination, Copeland and his accomplices would choke the drivers from behind, or simply demand money. Among the items stolen from the several victims were hundreds of dollars in cash, cell phones, GPS devices, and a Rolex watch.
The carjacking charge stemmed from a crime that took place on Nov. 14, 2011. That day, at about 3:45 p.m., Copeland and three others solicited a taxicab from Union Station. Copeland asked the driver to take them to the 4600 block of Grant Street NE. When the driver arrived at the destination, Copeland reached around from the rear driver’s side seat and choked the driver from behind by placing his arms around the driver’s throat. Meanwhile, the two other individuals went through the driver’s belongings, stealing cash, credit cards, a cell phone, and a blank check filled out in the amount of $180. Copeland and the others ordered the cabdriver out of the taxi. One of the individuals, a juvenile, got into the driver’s seat and drove away with the cab. Copeland and the remaining individual ran from the scene. The victim was able to flag down a neighbor, who gave the victim a cellphone to call 911. The taxicab was recovered days later by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), in the area near Copeland’s residence.
The robbery charge stemmed from an incident on Nov. 20, 2011, this time starting at the Greyhound bus station on First Street NE. Copeland and another accomplice arrived at the station at about 11:30 a.m. and stood outside waiting for a cab. They solicited a taxicab ride and asked the driver to take them to the area of the 4600 block of Brooks Street NE. Once there, the accomplice put the driver in a choke-hold. Copeland and the accomplice stole about $100 in cash, a cellphone, car keys and a brown leather jacket in the attack.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of those 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 Antoinette Sakamsa and Tony Griffith, Victim/Witness Advocate Jim Brennan, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard E. DiZinno, who prosecuted the matter.
13-287District Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Attacking 9-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
In Broad Daylight on Northeast Washington Street
-Accosted Girl After She Left a Store-WASHINGTON - Demetrick Littlejohn, 27, of Washington, D.C., has pled guilty to a charge stemming from a recent attack on a nine-year old girl that took place in broad daylight in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.
Littlejohn pled guilty on Aug. 16, 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of attempted second-degree child sexual abuse in an Alford plea. Under such a plea, the defendant does not admit the allegations but agrees that the government has enough evidence to secure a conviction. Littlejohn is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan on Oct. 18, 2013. He faces up to five years in prison. In addition, Littlejohn will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years.
According to the government’s factual proffer, on July 26, 2013, at about 1:15 p.m., Littlejohn grabbed a nine-year-old girl who had just come out of a store with her godmother on H Street NE, near Seventh Street. After whispering in her ear that he wanted to have sex with the girl, Littlejohn threw her to the ground and engaged in sexual contact with her until another man pulled him away. Littlejohn walked away but was apprehended and arrested a short time later. Littlejohn told the police that, at the time of the attack, he was high on PCP and recalled none of what had happened. The police also thought Littlejohn was on PCP at the time, and subsequent drug testing of Littlejohn resulted in positive results for PCP.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division, who investigated the case. He also expressed appreciation for those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Jason Manuel, Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Taylor, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
13-286Former Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. SentencedRead the Press Release
To 30 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Defraud Campaign
His Wife, Sandra Stevens Jackson, Sentenced to One Year on Tax ChargeWASHINGTON – Former Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., 48, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for conspiring to defraud his re-election campaigns of about $750,000 in funds that were used to pay for personal items and expenses, including high-end appliances and electronics, and then filing misleading reports to conceal seven years of the illegal activities.
Jackson’s wife, Sandra Stevens Jackson, 49, a former Chicago alderman, was sentenced to one year for filing false tax returns as part of the scheme. The judge permitted the Jacksons to stagger their prison sentences, with Mrs. Jackson beginning to serve her sentence following her husband’s release from incarceration.
The sentencings, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Richard Weber, Chief of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).“Jesse Jackson Jr.’s journey from the halls of Congress to federal prison is a tragedy of his own making,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Jackson’s political potential was unlimited, but he instead chose to treat his campaign account as a personal slush fund, stealing from the people who believed in him so he could live extravagantly. He squandered his great capacity for public service through outright theft. The prison sentence imposed today should serve as a wake-up call to other public officials who believe there are no consequences for betraying the public trust.”
“In a betrayal of his oath of office and his duty to the citizens he represented, Mr. Jackson violated the integrity of our government and disrespected those he served,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “Mr. Jackson and his wife selfishly supported themselves with campaign funds and went to great lengths to hide their illegal activity, but they can hide no more as they pay the price with today’s sentences. Public corruption will not be tolerated in our community – no matter the position or names of the individuals involved.”
“Today justice is served for the American public,” said IRS-CI Chief Weber. “This case exposed layers of greed and corruption masked by the illusion of success. The Jacksons were granted the privilege of political office to better the lives of others but used it instead for their own selfish benefit. The Jacksons failed to report over a half-million dollars in taxable income over a six year period. Regardless of circumstances, no one is granted an exemption to commit crimes with impunity. IRS-CI remains committed to the fight against political corruption and tax evasion. This case exemplifies the strong impact we are making in this arena working in cooperation with our law enforcement partners.”Jesse Jackson, Jr. pled guilty in February 2013 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud and false statements. Sandra Stevens Jackson also pled guilty in February 2013. In her guilty plea, she admitted to filing false tax returns for calendar years 2006 through 2011. According to the government’s evidence, she knowingly and willfully failed to report nearly $570,000 in taxable income for those tax years. This led to an estimated tax loss of approximately $159,000.
Jesse Jackson, Jr. was elected to Congress in 1995 and served until November 2012 as the representative for the 2nd Congressional District of Illinois. Sandra Stevens Jackson was an alderman in Chicago from May 2007 until January 2013. Additionally, she had various roles in her husband’s re-election campaigns, starting in January 2005, working at different points as treasurer, consultant, and campaign manager.
According to the government’s evidence, Jackson and his wife carried out the fraud scheme from in or about August 2005 until in or about April 2012. Rather than using funds donated to the Campaign as they were intended – for legitimate expenses associated with Jackson’s re-election – they used a substantial portion for personal expenditures.
Jackson, who has residences in Chicago and Washington, D.C., also admitted taking steps to conceal seven years of illegal activities, including the filing of false and misleading reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the U.S. House of Representatives.
According to the government’s evidence, money was channeled from the Campaign to the Jacksons in the following ways:
DIRECT EXPENDITURES: Jackson made $57,792 in direct expenditures from the Campaign’s bank account from January 2006 through July 2011. In July 2007, for example, he withdrew $43,350 in Campaign funds to purchase an official check made payable to a jeweler for a men’s gold-plated Rolex watch. In addition, he used $14,442 in Campaign funds to pay down balances on person credit cards maintained by the Jacksons.
CREDIT CARD EXPENDITURES: The Campaign maintained a credit card account, “Jackson for Congress,” from at least August 2005 through August 2012. Individual credit card members on this account included Jackson and his wife. During this period, the Jacksons used the credit cards to purchase merchandise and services that were personal in nature, including high-end electronic items; a washer, a dryer, a range and refrigerator; collector’s items; clothing, food and supplies; movie tickets; health club dues; personal travel, including a holistic retreat, and personal dining expenses. Campaign funds were used to pay $582,772 of personal purchases.
OTHER EXPENDITURES: In March 2006, Jackson directed that a $36,000 check from the Campaign be issued to his wife’s business for billboard expenses. Sandra Stevens Jackson transferred this money from the business account to a personal account. Jackson and his wife, who controlled the personal account, used nearly all of the money that purportedly was for billboard expenses to pay down personal debts.
Additionally, Jackson paid a congressional staffer with funds from the campaign account so that the staffer could pay expenses on Jackson’s behalf, or, in some instances, give cash to Jackson. The Campaign issued about $76,150 in checks to the staffer from about October 2008 until about March 2012, even though the staffer actually was entitled to only about $11,409 for her work. The staffer then expended nearly all of the remaining $64,741 for the personal benefit of Jackson and his wife. For example, the staffer used checks from the Campaign to pay for $26,347 worth of work performed on the Jacksons’ home.
According to the government’s evidence, the Jacksons took steps from 2005 until 2012 to ensure that materially false and misleading reports were filed with government entities. These reports were filed with the FEC and the House of Representatives. These actions were critical to carrying out the conspiracy because they enabled the conduct to continue without question for a lengthy period of time and without the questions from regulators and the public that likely would have ensued had truthful, accurate reports been filed.In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Chief Weber commended the work of those who investigated the case for the FBI and IRS-CI. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service on the asset forfeiture aspects of the case. In addition, they commended those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Tasha Harris, Lenisse Edloe and Gail Price, and former Paralegal Specialist Sarah Reis.
Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Graves, Michael K. Atkinson, and Jonathan W. Haray, of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, who are investigating and prosecuting the matter, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine K. Connelly and Anthony Saler, of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section.
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##Former Campaign Aide Pleads Guilty to Making A False Statement Regarding His Efforts to Thwart Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
Into Allegations Involving 2010 Mayoral Campaign
- Admits Giving $8,000 to Potential Witness to Leave Town-WASHINGTON – Vernon Hawkins, who worked on an off-the-books get-out-the-vote effort preceding the 2010 District of Columbia mayoral primary, pled guilty today to making a false statement to federal authorities investigating allegations involving his candidate’s campaign.
Hawkins, who was a volunteer advisor for the candidate, pled guilty to the felony charge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Among other things, he admitted that he helped provide a potential witness with approximately $8,000 to convince him to get out of town so that he would not be available to meet with federal agents investigating the campaign.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, and Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Hawkins, 74, of Washington, D.C., entered the plea before the Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. No sentencing date was set. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and other penalties. The federal sentencing guidelines for the offense will be determined later by the court.
Hawkins is among four people, all associated with the same mayoral campaign, to plead guilty to charges in a continuing investigation of campaign activities during the election.
Thomas W. Gore, 58, the former assistant treasurer of the campaign, was sentenced on July 26, 2013, to six months in prison and six months of home detention for obstruction of justice and other charges; Gore also must perform 200 hours of community service. Howard L. Brooks, 65, a member of the campaign’s finance and treasury teams, was sentenced last year to 24 months of probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service for making a false statement to the FBI. Business owner Eugenia C. Harris, 76, pled guilty in July 2012 to one count of conspiring to violate federal campaign finance law and to obstruct justice; one count of engaging in fraud and making false statements, and one count of conspiring to violate District of Columbia campaign law. Harris is awaiting sentencing.
“Today Vernon Hawkins became the fourth person to plead guilty to a felony for trying to cover up corruption in the 2010 mayoral election,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Vernon Hawkins was at ground zero of a scheme to design, staff, and execute an off-the-books shadow campaign. After the election, he and his fellow campaign aides sought to impede our investigation by lying to the FBI, shredding documents, creating fake paperwork, and sending witnesses out of the jurisdiction. This guilty plea takes us one step closer to understanding the extent of the deception that tainted the 2010 campaign.”
“Today, Mr. Hawkins admitted he knowingly lied to federal investigators in an attempt to influence the investigation into the 2010 District of Columbia mayoral election,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “Despite his attempt, the investigation continues and will not end until all those involved in illegal campaign activities are brought to justice.”
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Campaign Activities:According to a statement of offense signed by the government as well as the defendant, beginning in the spring of 2010 and continuing through the November election, Hawkins was a volunteer advisor for the campaign of a person described in charging documents as “Candidate A.” Hawkins provided advice to the candidate and other members of the campaign on matters such as field operations, staffing and communications. He also had contact with others outside the official campaign, including a person identified in the court documents as “Executive A,” who was the majority owner of a business, and Harris.
During the campaign, “Executive A,” with assistance from Hawkins, Harris and others, funded an unreported, off-the-books effort to support “Candidate A” by providing services and materials for get-out-the-vote activities. Harris arranged for, and paid expenses associated with, these services through her companies, Belle International, Inc., and Details International, Inc.
In approximately June 2010, Hawkins and Harris met to discuss this get-out-the-vote effort. During this meeting, they also discussed “Executive A’s” interest in supporting the campaign of “Candidate A.” Hawkins then drew up a plan and budget.
Sometime after this meeting, Harris and Hawkins met with “Executive A” about the get-out-the-vote plans. Later, there was a three-way telephone call among Hawkins, Harris and “Executive A” to discuss the budget for an off-the books effort funded by “Executive A” to get out the vote. This budget included money for coordinators, canvassers and drivers, and for the rental of vans, among other expenditures. Harris later hired a consultant to coordinate this off-the books effort. In addition, another person became the transportation coordinator for the efforts funded by “Executive A.”
As the primary election approached, Hawkins’s role in the campaign’s get-out-the-vote effort diminished, and his role increased in the efforts being funded by “Executive A.”
The Federal Investigation:
In 2011, a federal investigation began into financing and other activities involving the campaign of “Candidate A” in the mayoral election. Later that year, Hawkins became aware that individuals associated with the campaign of “Candidate A,” as well as people associated with the efforts funded by “Executive A,” were being contacted by federal investigators. The statement of offense details a series of actions that Hawkins admits took place in ensuing months.
In late November or early December 2011, the transportation coordinator told Hawkins that he had received a business card from a government investigator at his door. About one week later, Hawkins relayed this information to Harris. Hawkins and Harris met a few days after that and discussed the fact that people whom Harris had paid to provide services during the campaign were now meeting with representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Hawkins and Harris discussed the need for these individuals – specifically the transportation coordinator – to be out of town for about two to four weeks to delay meetings with law enforcement.
Hawkins understood from this conversation that Harris had talked with “Executive A” about the need for such people, including the transportation coordinator, to be out of town for a period of time. He also understood that the consultant hired to coordinate the get-out-the-vote effort funded by “Executive A” already was away.In or about December 2011, Hawkins and Harris attempted to persuade the transportation coordinator to leave town for an extended period of time so that he, too, would be unavailable to speak with federal agents. The transportation coordinator later raised concerns with Hawkins that he would miss business opportunities if he left town and that he needed that income.
Hawkins informed Harris about his conversation about income with the transportation coordinator. A few days later, she gave Hawkins an envelope, which he understood contained $4,000 in cash, to give to the transportation coordinator. Hawkins later provided the money to the transportation coordinator in a supermarket parking lot in Southeast Washington.
In or about January 2012, Hawkins again ran into the transportation coordinator, who wanted additional money to go back out of town. Hawkins later provided another envelope, also from Harris, containing what he understood to be $4,000 in cash, in the supermarket parking lot.
Finally, in August 2012, Hawkins, accompanied by his lawyer, participated in a voluntary interview with two FBI agents and representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. During this interview, he stated that he did not know of anyone being asked or told to go out of town, that he never asked anyone to leave town so that they could not meet with investigators, and that he did not help or assist with sending anyone out of town so they would not be able to speak with federal agents in this investigation. Hawkins made these false statements in an attempt to influence the federal investigation into the efforts funded by “Executive A” in the mayoral campaign.The other guilty pleas also involved efforts to impede the investigation. Brooks admitted making a false statement to investigators, and Gore admitted to making false statements and shredding documents. In her guilty plea, Harris admitted that she caused others to shred and destroy a large volume of paper records maintained by her businesses. She also admitted causing others to destroy stored electronic records from her businesses because they could have revealed what took place in the mayoral election. Finally, Harris also admitted that she made arrangements in early 2012 to travel to Brazil for three months in order to evade federal investigators. Efforts were made toward renting a house in Brazil before the trip was cancelled.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Special Agent in Charge Kelly commended the work of those who investigated the case for the FBI and IRS-CI. They also expressed appreciation for the work done by those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lionel André, Loyaan Egal, Jonathan Haray, Jonathan Hooks, and Ephraim “Fry” Wernick; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie; Criminal Investigators Matthew Kutz, Mark Crawford and Melissa Matthews; Legal Assistants Krishawn Graham and Nicole Wattelet, Paralegal Specialists Tasha Harris, Shanna Hays, and Corinne Kleinman, and Law Intern Lindsey Frye.
Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Chubin Epstein, who is investigating and prosecuting this matter.
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