District of Columbia

WASHINGTON – James Powell, 49, of Bridgeville, Del., was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2013, to 10 years in prison on federal charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

     Powell pled guilty to the charges in April 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. Powell was convicted in Prince George’s County, Maryland in 1997 of third-degree sexual abuse in a case that involved a child and was therefore subject to a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. Following completion of his prison term, Powell will be placed on 20 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years after his prison term.

     According to the government's evidence, on Sept. 10, 2012, Powell contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, who had entered a social network site frequented by individuals with a sexual interest in children.  Over the next few days, Powell engaged in online e-mail, instant message, and text message conversations with the undercover officer, whom Powell believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this period of time, Powell arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.  During the course of their communications, Powell also sent the undercover officers two images of child pornography. 

     On Sept. 12, 2012, Powell traveled from Delaware to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C.  When he arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested. He has been in custody ever since.

     This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD.  In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director Parlave and Chief Lanier praised the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agent of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Nizar Trabelsi, a Tunisian national, has been extradited to the United States to face charges in federal court in the District of Columbia stemming from a conspiracy to carry out a suicide bomb attack against Americans in Europe. 

     Trabelsi was arrested in Belgium on Sept. 13, 2001, before he carried out the planned attack. After 12 years in custody there, where he served time on Belgian charges, Trabelsi was extradited and transported today to face charges in the United States. Trabelsi was indicted in 2006 by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and a superseding indictment was filed the following year. The charges were unsealed today. 

     The indictment alleges that Trabelsi personally met in the spring of 2001, with Osama bin Laden to volunteer for a suicide bomb attack against U.S. interests. Preparations unfolded over the next several months, according to the indictment, with Trabelsi allegedly obtaining chemicals in Europe and subsequently joining others to scout a potential target: a military facility that was used by the United States and the United States Air Force.

     The charges were 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 Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.

     Trabelsi, 43, is charged with conspiracy to kill U.S Nationals outside of the United States; conspiracy and attempt to use weapons of mass destruction; conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization; and providing material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization.

     According to the indictment, Trabelsi was residing in Germany in 2000, when he met with other conspirators and made preparations to travel to Afghanistan to train for jihad.

     In the spring of 2001, the indictment alleges, he met with bin Laden in Afghanistan, and offered to carry out a suicide bomb attack. According to the indictment, he later spoke with Muhammed Atef, a high-ranking member and chief military planner of al-Qaeda, at bin Laden’s direction.  Additionally, the indictment states, he met with others with whom he was to form a cell for the purpose of carrying out a suicide attack.

     According to the indictment, Trabelsi and other conspirators discussed various possible targets for a suicide bomb attack and he undertook training in how to place explosives. In June 2001, the indictment states, Trabelsi traveled to Pakistan, where he obtained money from an al-Qaeda associate for use in carrying out his mission. The following month, he rented an apartment in Brussels, Belgium. While in Belgium, Trabelsi bought quantities of chemicals to be used in manufacturing a 1,000-kilogram bomb, the indictment alleges. Additionally, according to the indictment, he traveled at night with conspirators to scout the military base.

     The investigation into this matter was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The Department of Justice, Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this matter. The Department of Justice expressed appreciation to the government of Belgium and the Belgian Federal Police for their assistance. The prosecutors handling the case are Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan M. Malis and Opher Shweiki of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Mara Kohn of the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

     If convicted of the charges filed in the indictment, Trabelsi faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated a criminal law. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has awarded the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) a grant of $1.25 million for the hiring of 10 police officers to address violent crime, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and the Department of Justice announced today.

     Overall, the COPS Office today announced the funding of awards to 263 cities and counties, aimed at creating 937 law enforcement positions nationwide. More than $125 million will be awarded nationally, including nearly $45 million to fund 356 new school resource officer positions. The grant for the Metropolitan Police Department, effective this month, is to be used to address street crime, specifically, robberies involving electronics.

     Last year, MPD received $625,000 under the COPS hiring program.

     “In the wake of past tragedies, it's clear that we need to be willing to take all possible steps to ensure that our kids are safe when they go to school,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “These critical investments represent the Justice Department's latest effort to strengthen key law enforcement capabilities, and to provide communities with the resources they need to protect our young people. Especially in a time of increased challenges and limited budgets, our top priority must always be the safety and well-being of our children.”

     “While we have made dramatic progress in fighting violent crime in the District of Columbia over the past decade, we have seen a troubling increase in street robberies targeting smartphones and other electronics,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “This $1.25 million grant will allow our partners at the Metropolitan Police Department to more effectively confront this threat with 10 additional police officers.  This year’s grant doubles what MPD received last year and demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the people of the District of Columbia from violent crime.”

     “In cities around the country, criminals are focused on the robbery and theft of small personal electronics, which are almost as good as cash,” said Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. “The Obama Administration has already provided critical support in our effort to get cellular service providers to change their practices to discourage the easy resale of stolen phones. This COPS grant will be invaluable in helping us to put more officers on the street to address this crime that all too often turns violent.”

     “The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country address their most critical public safety issues,” said Joshua Ederheimer, Acting Director of the COPS Office.  “Funding from this year’s program will allow many cities and counties to apply new sworn personnel to issues related to violent crime, property crime, and school safety.”

     The COPS Hiring Program offers grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers.  The program provides the salary and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.

     Grantees for the 2013 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and their community policing plans.  There was an additional focus this year on agencies requesting assistance in developing school safety programs that would include the hiring of a school resource officer.  School resource officer positions funded by the COPS Office are sworn law enforcement positions that work within a school district or facility, interacting directly with school administrators and students.   

     The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide.  Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.

     For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2013 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.

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WASHINGTON – John C. Beale, a former senior policy advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pled guilty today to a federal charge stemming from a long-running scheme in which he cheated the government of nearly $900,000 in pay and expenses.

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

     Among other things, Beale admitted today that he kept collecting pay from the EPA after claiming he was working on a project for the CIA’s Directorate of Operations and on other efforts that kept him out of the office. In fact, Beale was not working for the CIA or for the EPA on the many days he was away. All told, between January 2000 and April 2013, Beale was absent from his duties at the EPA for about 2 ½ years in which he was drawing a salary and benefits.

     For more than a dozen years, Beale engaged in a pattern and scheme of deception during which he lied to the U.S. government, his supervisors, friends, and his family to avoid performing his job at the EPA.

     Beale, 64, of New York, N.Y., pled guilty to theft of government property, which carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and other penalties. The parties have agreed that, under federal sentencing guidelines, the likely range is a prison sentence of 30 to 37 months and a fine of up to $60,000. In addition, Beale has agreed to pay a total of $886,186 to the EPA in restitution and to a forfeiture money judgment of another $507,207.

     The plea took place before the Honorable Magistrate Judge John M. Facciola. Beale is to appear Oct. 9, 2013 for a status hearing before the Honorable Ellen S. Huvelle. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

     “John Beale stole from the government for more than a decade by telling lies of outlandish proportions,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “He dodged his work at the EPA for extended periods by claiming that he was away working on operations for the CIA.  He even got a parking space for three years by falsely claiming that he had malaria. Today’s guilty plea is proof positive that lies do catch up with you and that eventually fraudsters will be held accountable for ripping off the American taxpayer.”

     “The details of this remarkable story are unfathomable -- and yet they happened. An absence of even basic internal controls at the EPA allowed an individual to commit multiple frauds over a long period of time,” said Inspector General Elkins. “Thanks to the diligence of the special agents on this case, monetary restitution finally will be paid to the taxpayers. Hopefully, exposing the lax agency practices that enabled Mr. Beale to construct and prosper from a web of lies also will lead to swift reforms so such abuses can never recur.”

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

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

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

            Unauthorized Absences:

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

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

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

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

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

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

     Retention Incentive Bonus:

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

     Fraudulently Obtained Parking Benefits:

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

     In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen and Inspector General Elkins praised the work of those who investigated the case from the EPA Office of the Inspector General. They also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Donna Galindo. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Smith, who is prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine K. Connelly, who is assisting with forfeiture aspects of the investigation.

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WASHINGTON – Peter I. Hendy, II, 33, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to a charge of second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend’s four-year-old son, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Hendy pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Ronna L. Beck scheduled sentencing for Nov. 22, 2013.

     According to a proffer of facts presented at today’s plea hearing, on Aug. 5, 2013, Hendy was babysitting his girlfriend’s son, Kamari Zavon Taylor, at an apartment in Northeast Washington while she went to work. Sometime around noon, he called his girlfriend and reported that he had disciplined the four-year-old boy. He told her that he had given Kamari a “body shot” and that the child’s legs were wobbly.

     According to Hendy’s own admissions, he became upset when Kamari disobeyed his restriction about how far the boy could ride his scooter. According to Hendy, when he admonished the child, Kamari responded that he did not have to listen to him. Hendy admitted to punching Kamari in the mid-section four to five times, including one direct punch to the stomach.

     Once back inside, according to Hendy, the child fell to the floor and could not stand. When offered food or water, Kamari declined the food but drank the water. Hendy carried the child to bed and then went outside to sell marijuana.

     After an hour, he returned to the apartment. He noted that Kamari had a “blank look” on his face and appeared “spent.” Hendy then went outside again for another hour to sell marijuana. When he returned, Kamari was not breathing. Hendy called 911 at about 2:05 p.m. and reported that his girlfriend’s son was unconscious and not breathing. The 911 operator advised Hendy to give the child cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and he did.

     When they arrived, members of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department found Kamari to be unconscious and unresponsive. The child was taken to Children’s National Medical Center and pronounced dead.

     The District of Columbia Office of the Medical Examiner determined that Kamari died from multiple injuries to the torso. The forcefulness of the defendant’s punches caused the child’s liver to lacerate in three places. There was also bruising on his stomach, consistent with multiple fist prints. Finally, Kamari had a couple of broken ribs.

     In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the detectives, officers, and others who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation to the D.C. Office of the Medical Examiner for its assistance. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Kelly Blakeney, Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker, Intern Brian Edgerton, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia G. Wright, who is prosecuting the case.

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

     Myers, of District Heights, Md., entered the plea in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for a 30-year prison sentence for the crime. The Honorable Ronna L. Beck scheduled a hearing for Dec. 13, 2013. If she accepts the plea, she will sentence Myers at that time.

     Myers, who was 17 at the time of the murder, is the latest defendant to plead guilty to charges in the murder and related crimes. The others include Muquan Cawthorne, 16, of Mount Ranier, Md.; Deon Jefferson, 18, of Landover, Md.; Gary Maye, 17, of Hyattsville, Md.; Immanuel Swann, 18, of Brentwood, Md., and Gary Whittaker, 20, of Hyattsville, Md. Cawthorne, Jefferson, Maye and Swann, like Myers, were under 18 at the time of the murder; the U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained their indictments after deciding to prosecute them as adults.

     Cawthorne pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, armed robbery, and a firearms offense. Jefferson pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and armed robbery. Maye pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, armed robbery, and robbery. Swann pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and two counts of armed robbery. Whittaker pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, and a firearms offense. They have been in custody since their arrests last year and are to be sentenced on Dec. 13, 2013.

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

     “In an act of pure cowardice, 17-year-old Chavez Myers snuck up behind Olijawon Griffin as he was fighting off three of Myers’s associates and stabbed him in the heart inside the Woodley Park Metro station,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Today Myers pled guilty to first-degree murder for his crime, and five others have also recently accepted responsibility for their roles in this brutal act of violence and the armed robberies that preceded it. We hope this prosecution sends an unambiguous message to young people tempted to join their friends to carry out robberies and other acts of violence in our city: think before you act because you will be prosecuted as an adult and held responsible for the destruction your actions bring to the lives of others.”

     “This was a senseless crime, in which a young man lost his life at the hands of a group of thugs who were determined to rob and steal personal items from unsuspecting victims,” said Police Chief Lanier. “The Metropolitan Police Department and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate this in our city, and these criminals will be held accountable for their actions.”

      “Thanks to our strong partnership with Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office, we were able to ensure that the suspects were apprehended and would face justice,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Pavlik. “In this case, quick response and state-of-the-art digital evidence served the community well.”

     According to the government’s evidence, after leaving the Metro station, Myers and the others in the group crossed the Duke Ellington Bridge to the Adams Morgan area to find targets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WASHINGTON – William A. Sipper, 46, of Ramsey, N.J., pled guilty today to sexually assaulting an intoxicated business colleague while in the District of Columbia on a business trip, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Sipper pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of misdemeanor 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. In this case, Sipper contended that he did not recall what had happened at the time of the offense, but conceded that the government had sufficient evidence with which to convict him. He is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan on Dec. 13, 2013. 

     According to the government’s factual proffer, as of Nov. 12, 2010, Sipper was the chief operating officer of a beverage company.  That company had hired the victim to work as a model at a trade show that was taking place in the District of Columbia. Sipper, the victim and others from the company were in the area to attend that trade show, and some of them, including Sipper and the victim, were staying at a hotel in the 1200 block of K Street NW.

     After a night of eating and drinking on the part of the defendant, the victim and some of the company’s other employees, Sipper asked the victim whether she wanted to work at two upcoming trade shows in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  When she said that she did, he asked her to come to his hotel room so that he could book her airline tickets for those events.  She agreed, and sat on one of the beds in Sipper’s hotel room as he booked those tickets. That was the last thing the victim remembered until she awoke to find Sipper sexually assaulting her.

     When the victim finally succeeded in getting the defendant off of her, she fled to her own hotel room on another floor and called her mother and boyfriend to report what had happened.  They encouraged her to call 911, which she did.

     As part of the victim’s medical examination, her blood alcohol content was determined to be quite high. Initially, Sipper denied that he had engaged in any sexual contact with the victim.  However, DNA testing of semen found in the victim’s underwear showed that – at each pertinent location that could be tested – there was a match with the defendant’s DNA.

     In announcing today’s plea, U.S. Attorney Machen acknowledged the work of officers from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit.  He also thanked those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Jason Manuel and Victim/Witness Advocate Melissa Milam.  Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heide Herrmann, Lindsay Suttenberg and Peter V. Taylor, who prosecuted this case; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharon A. Sprague, who handled an interlocutory appeal in this case. 

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WASHINGTON - Binh Vo, 39, an American citizen living in Vietnam, has been arrested and charged with bribery, visa fraud and conspiracy to commit those offenses as well as to defraud the United States, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Director Gregory B. Starr announced today. 

     Vo appeared this afternoon before the Honorable Magistrate Judge John M. Facciola in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, where a criminal indictment was pending against him. He was arrested on Sept. 24, 2013, at Washington Dulles International Airport. Magistrate Judge Facciola ordered that he remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

     According to the indictment, Vo conspired with co-defendant Michael Sestak and others to obtain visas to the United States for Vietnamese citizens.  Sestak, 42, was the Non-Immigrant Visa Chief in the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from August 2010 to September 2012. 

     According to the indictment, Vo and Sestak conspired with other U.S. citizens and Vietnamese citizens who worked to recruit customers – or to recruit other recruiters - to the visa scheme. Co-conspirators reached out to people in Vietnam and the United States and advertised the scheme by creating a website and by spreading the word through emails and telephone calls. 

     According to the indictment, co-conspirators assisted visa applicants with their applications and prepared them for their consular interviews.  Upon submitting an application, the applicants would receive an appointment at the Consulate, be interviewed by Sestak, and approved for a visa. Applicants or their families paid Vo between $20,000 and $70,000 per visa. 

     Applicants paid for their visas in Vietnam, or by routing money to co-conspirators in the United States.  According to affidavits filed in this case, Vo received millions of dollars for arranging for Sestak to approve the visas.  He ultimately moved some of the money out of Vietnam by using money launderers through off-shore banks.  Co-conspirators also had money laundered through off-shore banks to bank accounts in the United States.

     To date, the investigation has seized over $2 million from conspirators’ accounts in the United States.

     Three others have been charged in the scheme.They are Hong Vo, 27, an American citizen, Truc Tranh Huynh, 29, a Vietnamese citizen, and Anhdao Dao Nguyen, 30, a Vietnamese citizen, all of whom are charged with conspiring with Sestak and Binh Vo.  Hong Vo is Binh Vo’s sister.  She allegedly assisted with the recruitment of visa applicants and communicated with others about the payment for the fraudulent visas.

     According to charging documents, fraudulent visas granted by Sestak were connected to an Internet Protocol (“IP”) address controlled by Hong Vo. Huynh allegedly participated in the visa scheme by obtaining documents necessary for the visa applications, collecting money and providing model questions and answers for visa applicants.  Sestak also allegedly approved a visa for Huynh to the United States, the application for which was submitted by the IP address controlled by Hong Vo.  Anhdao Thuy Nguyen is Binh Vo’s wife.  She allegedly assisted with recruiting applicants and laundering funds during the course of the conspiracy. 

     Sestak and Hong Vo were arrested in May 2013 and Huynh was arrested the following month. All remain held without bond pending further proceedings.  Nguyen remains at large, and a warrant has been issued for her arrest. 

     An indictment 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 case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brenda J. Johnson, Christopher Kavanaugh, and Mona N. Sahaf of the National Security Section and Catherine K. Connelly of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

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WASHINGTON - Earl Johnson, 41, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a prison sentence of 14 years and three months for fatally stabbing a woman at an apartment building in Southeast Washington last year, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Johnson pled guilty in April 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed in the August 2012 killing of Antionette Mitchell. He was sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan. Upon completion of his prison term, Johnson will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of Aug. 22, 2012, Johnson was inside an upstairs apartment in the 3200 block of 13th Street SE, where Ms. Mitchell, 29, and her relatives, including the defendant’s ex-girlfriend, resided. Johnson did not live in the apartment or in any other apartments in the multi-unit building.

     Once inside the apartment, Johnson began arguing with his ex-girlfriend. Ms. Mitchell eventually got involved and told Johnson to leave, warning that she would call the police if he refused. Johnson finally left the apartment, angrily slamming the door behind him. As he proceeded downstairs to the building’s exit, Ms. Mitchell followed him, carrying a clothes iron.

     Johnson walked a few feet away, then turned and started walking back toward the building. At this point, Ms. Mitchell stood inside the building hallway, near the front door. While wielding the iron, she told Johnson that he could not come back inside. Johnson then approached the doorway, walking toward Ms. Mitchell. As he pulled the door open, Ms. Mitchell attempted to prevent him from entering and swung the iron and struck him in the head.

     Shortly thereafter, Johnson began stabbing Ms. Mitchell multiple times with the knife, continuing even after she was wounded and helpless. Ms. Mitchell died from the wounds. Johnson was arrested later in the day.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged 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 Tamara Ince, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Liebman, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.

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WASHINGTON - A 20-year-old man pled guilty today to sexually assaulting an adult relative while she slept at a home in Southwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     The defendant, of Washington, D.C., is not named here to protect the privacy of the victim. He pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to attempted second-degree sexual abuse, a felony. He is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Russell F. Canan on Nov. 22, 2013. 

     According to the government’s factual proffer at today’s plea hearing, at about 5 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2013, the defendant slipped into the victim’s bed while she slept. He then attempted to engage in a sexual act with her. The pain caused by the act caused the victim to wake up.  She immediately reported the matter to other family members. The defendant’s mother ordered him to apologize for what he’d done, and the man did so.

     In announcing today’s plea, U.S. Attorney Machen acknowledged the excellent work of officers from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit.  He also thanked those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Jason Manuel and Victim/Witness Advocate Elsa Resendiz.  Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Taylor, who is prosecuting this case.

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WASHINGTON – Cornelius Magee, 37, of Silver Spring, Md., was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration 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).

     Magee pled guilty to the charge in February 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, Magee will be placed on 10 years of supervised release.

     According to the government's evidence, on Oct. 24, 2012, Magee contacted a man he believed to be the father of a 12-year-old 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 two days, Magee engaged in online e-mail and instant message conversations with the undercover officer.  During this period of time, Magee sent the undercover officer two videos of child pornography which depicted adult men engaged in sexual acts with children.  Following the defendant’s arrest on Oct. 26, 2012, members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force conducted a search of Magee’s residence and found approximately 16 additional videos of child pornography on the defendant’s computer.

     This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD.  In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Chief Lanier praised the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force.  They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON - Donald John Sachtleben, a former FBI bomb technician who later worked as a government contractor for the agency, has filed a petition to plead guilty to newly filed charges of unlawfully disclosing national defense information relating to a disrupted terrorist plot. Sachtleben previously had filed a petition to plead guilty to charges of possessing and distributing child pornography resulting from a separate investigation.

     Sachtleben, 55, of Carmel, Ind., has signed plea agreements in both cases. The documents were filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Charges in the national security case were filed today, and charges in the child pornography case were filed in May 2012.

     The developments were announced by Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole; Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Joseph H. Hogsett, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.

     The plea agreements signed by the parties would resolve both cases in court proceedings in Indiana. The agreements, which are contingent upon the Court’s approval, call for Sachtleben to plead guilty to the two national security charges as well as the two child pornography offenses. The plea agreements call for Sachtleben to be sentenced to a total of 140 months of incarceration, including a 43-month prison term for the national security offenses and a consecutive 97-month term for the child pornography charges.

     The statements of offense related to both the national defense charges and the child pornography charges are attached.

     “This unauthorized and unjustifiable disclosure severely jeopardized national security and put lives at risk,” Deputy Attorney General Cole said. “To keep the country safe, the department must enforce the law against such critical and dangerous leaks, while respecting the important role of the press under the department’s media guidelines and any shield law enacted by Congress. I am grateful to the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys’ offices in both Washington, D.C., and Indiana for their excellent and dedicated work on this case.”

     “Fifteen months ago, we were given the task of uncovering who had threatened a sensitive intelligence operation and endangered lives by illegally disclosing classified information relating to a disrupted al-Qaeda suicide bomb plot,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “That plot could not have been more serious, as it targeted a plane bound for the United States.  After unprecedented investigative efforts by prosecutors and FBI agents and analysts, today Donald Sachtleben has been charged with this egregious betrayal of our national security. This prosecution demonstrates our deep resolve to hold accountable anyone who would violate their solemn duty to protect our nation’s secrets and to prevent future, potentially devastating leaks by those who would wantonly ignore their obligations to safeguard classified information.”

     “The allegations in this case describe the defendant’s repeated violation of a sacred trust that the public had placed in him,” said U.S. Attorney Hogsett. “With these charges, a message has been sent that this type of behavior is completely unacceptable and no person is above the law.”

     “Today, Mr. Sachtleben has been charged with knowingly and willfully disclosing national defense  information to a member of the media,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “These charges are the result of a careful and thorough investigation by FBI Special Agents and analysts who, together with federal prosecutors, systematically conducted more than 500 interviews and, following that exhaustive process, analyzed relevant telephone records obtained by subpoena.  After analysis of the telephone records, investigators identified him as the source of this unlawful disclosure. The FBI will continue to take all necessary steps to pursue such individuals who put the security of our nation and the lives of others at risk by their disclosure of sensitive information.” 

National Security Case:

     According to a criminal information filed today, on May 2, 2012, nine days before Sachtleben was arrested in Indiana on child pornography charges, Sachtleben knowingly and willfully disclosed national defense information to a reporter for a national news organization not entitled to receive it.  The charging document alleges that Sachtleben had reason to believe that this information could be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of a foreign nation. The criminal information also charges him with willfully retaining documents relating to the national defense without authorization.

     Sachtleben worked for the FBI from 1983 through 2008. During his career, he was a Special Agent Bomb Technician and was assigned to work on many major cases involving terrorist attacks. In his work as an FBI employee, Sachtleben held a Top Secret security clearance and had regular access to classified and national defense information relating to the FBI’s activities, as well as the activities of other members of the U.S. intelligence community.

     In 2008, Sachtleben retired from the FBI and was rehired as a contractor. Because of his official responsibilities, he maintained his Top Secret security clearance as an FBI contractor. As a result, he continued to have regular access to classified and national defense information relating to the FBI’s activities, as well as the activities of other members of the U.S. intelligence community.  As a contractor, he routinely visited the FBI Lab in Quantico, Va. 

     One of the criminal charges involves Sachtleben’s contacts with the reporter relating to the disruption of a plot to conduct a suicide bomb attack on a U.S.-bound airliner by the Yemen-based terrorist organization Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the recovery by the United States of a bomb in connection with that plot.  As a result of Sachtleben’s disclosure of national defense information to the reporter, the national security of the United States was compromised, a significant international intelligence operation was placed in jeopardy, and lives were put at risk.

     Sachtleben was identified as a suspect in the case of this unauthorized disclosure only after toll records for phone numbers related to the reporter were obtained through a subpoena and compared to other evidence collected during the leak investigation. This allowed investigators to obtain a search warrant authorizing a more exhaustive search of Sachtleben’s cell phone, computer, and other electronic media, which were in the possession of federal investigators due to the child pornography investigation.

     Sachtleben was employed as an FBI contractor until on or about May 11, 2012. The following day, he was arrested in Indiana and charged by complaint with the federal child pornography charges.

Child Pornography Case:

     According to a criminal complaint filed in Indiana in May 2012, federal and state investigators became aware of an individual trading images of child pornography online in September 2010. An extensive investigation into that individual led to the arrest of a defendant in Illinois in January 2012. Upon arrest, a forensic search of that defendant’s computer equipment and email accounts allegedly revealed that he had been actively trading the explicit materials online with numerous other people.

     Based on that information, law enforcement traced the alleged online activity to Sachtleben’s home in Carmel. After conducting several days of surveillance, a search warrant was executed on May 11, 2012, by law enforcement officers from the Indiana State Police and the FBI Cyber Crime Task Force. Sachtleben was charged in the Southern District of Indiana with possession and distribution of child pornography.

     The complaint alleges that an initial forensic examination of Sachtleben’s laptop computer revealed the presence of approximately 30 images and video files containing child pornography. It is alleged that a number of files identified during this initial search matched those that had been found in the course of investigating the Illinois defendant. The complaint further alleges that the laptop’s hard drive contained references to other files known to have been in the possession of the Illinois defendant.

     A criminal complaint and a criminal information are only charges and are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

     The national security investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with assistance from the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan M. Malis and G. Michael Harvey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Richard S. Scott of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. Assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona N. Sahaf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Senior Litigation Counsel Steven D. DeBrota of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, who is also prosecuting the child pornography case.

     The child pornography investigation was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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WASHINGTON – Mark Coates, 28, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 23-year prison term on a charge of second-degree murder while armed for the slaying of a man at a park in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Coates pled guilty in July 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. Upon completion of his prison term, Coates will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence, between 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, and 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, Coates and an accomplice forced the victim, Leroy Studevant, 56, into the Marvin Gaye Park in the 4200 block of Hunt Place NE, where they punched and kicked him. 

     During the assault, Mr. Studevant managed to escape, and he ran across the park.  However, Coates and the accomplice chased Mr. Studevant through the park, until Coates ultimately cut off Mr. Studevant’s flight path. Using a knife, Coates and his accomplice then stabbed Mr. Studevant.  After forcing Mr. Studevant to the ground, Coates and his accomplice kicked him, and Coates was able to unhook and remove Mr. Studevant’s belt from around his waist.  The belt was placed around Mr. Studevant’s neck as a noose, and he was choked with the belt until he no longer resisted.  During the altercation, a wallet and cell phone were removed from Mr. Studevant’s pockets.  Coates and his accomplice split the money in the wallet. 

     An autopsy determined that Mr. Studevant died as a result of the strangling and assault in the park.  The reason for the attack was because the victim would not share his cigarettes.   

     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 Kendra Johnson, Ethel Nobel, Marian Russell, and Sandra Lane; Lead Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman; Victim/Witness Advocate Tamara Ince;  Victim Witness Security Specialist Katina Adams-Washington; Investigator Nelson Rhone; and Intelligence Specialists Lawrence Grasso, Zachary McMenamin, Shannon Alexis, and Sharon Johnson.  Finally, U.S. Attorney Machen recognized the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Nielsen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Feitel, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

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     WASHINGTON –Lim Kow Seng, also known as “Eric Lim” and Hia Soo Gan Benson, also known as “Benson Hia,” were sentenced today in federal court in the District of Columbia to serve 37 and 34 months in prison, respectively, for the unlawful export of 55 military antennas from the United States to Singapore and Hong Kong, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.  Hia and Seng entered guilty pleas on June 26, 2013, to conspiracy to defraud the United States by dishonest means.

     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; James Dinkins, Executive Associate Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations; Andrew McCabe, Acting Executive Assistant Director of the FBI’s National Security Branch; and Eric L. Hirschhorn, Under Secretary for Industry and Security at the Commerce Department.

     Seng, 44, and Hia, 46, both of Singapore, were sentenced this afternoon before the Honorable Judge Emmett G. Sullivan.  They have been detained since their provisional arrest in Singapore in October of 2011.  According to court documents filed in this case, Hia and Seng conspired to defraud the United States by causing a total of 55 cavity-backed spiral antennas and biconical antennas to be illegally exported from a Massachusetts company to Singapore and Hong Kong without the required State Department license. These military antennas are controlled for export as U.S. munitions and are used in airborne and shipboard environments.

     Seng and Hia, among other things, conspired to undervalue the antennas to circumvent U.S. regulations on the filing of shipper’s export declarations to the U.S. government. They also allegedly used false names and front companies to obtain the antennas illegally from the United States.

     Corezing International, a company based in Singapore, was also charged in the District of Columbia in connection with the export of these particular military antennas to Singapore and Hong Kong.  Corezing and its principals have also been charged in connection with the export of 6,000 radio frequency modules from the United States to Iran via Singapore, some of which were later found in Improvised Explosive Devices in Iraq.  Seng and Hia pled guilty to the sole charge on which they were extradited from Singapore.

     This investigation was jointly conducted by ICE agents in Boston and Los Angeles; FBI agents in Minneapolis; and Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security agents in Chicago and Boston.  Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

     The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Asuncion of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Richard S. Scott of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

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WASHINGTON – Scott Richard Swirling, 62, of Silver Spring, Md., was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, 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).

     Swirling 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 John D. Bates. Upon completion of his prison term, Swirling will be placed on 10 years of supervised release.

     According to the government's evidence, on Jan. 7, 2013, Swirling 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 few days, Swirling engaged in graphic online email and instant message conversations with the undercover officer. During these conversations, Swirling arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child. Swirling traveled from Silver Spring to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C., where he was arrested.

     This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD.  In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director Parlave and Chief Lanier praised the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Frederick Singletary, 42, of Parkville, Md., was sentenced today to 28 months in prison on federal charges of traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). 

     Singletary pled guilty in June 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.  He was sentenced by the Honorable Beryl A. Howell. Upon completion of his prison term, Singletary will be placed on 10 years of supervised release.

     According to the government's evidence, on Feb. 12, 2013, Singletary contacted an undercover officer with the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, who had posted an ad on a social network site.  Over the next few days, Singletary engaged in online e-mail, instant message, text message, and telephone conversations with the undercover officer, whom he believed was the father of an under-aged girl. During this period of time, Singletary arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the child.

     During the course of their communications, Singletary also sent the undercover officer 10 images of child pornography.  On Feb. 14, 2013, Singletary traveled from Maryland to a pre-arranged meeting place in Washington, D.C.  When he arrived, he was arrested.

     This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD.  In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director Parlave and Chief Lanier praised the work of the MPD Detectives and Special Agents of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Domingo Martinez, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison on charges stemming from a home invasion in which he sexually assaulted a woman who had been asleep in her apartment, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Martinez pled guilty in June 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count each of second-degree burglary and assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse.  He was sentenced by the Honorable John Ramsey Johnson. Martinez also will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

     According to the government’s evidence, at about 2:30 a.m. on May 16, 2013, Martinez appeared inside a woman’s apartment in the 6700 block of 14th Street NW. The woman woke up to see him, wearing a shirt wrapped around his head that served as a mask. He held what at first appeared to be a gun and sexually accosted her.

     Once Martinez was close enough to touch her, the victim realized that the object in his hand was a cellphone, not a gun. At this point, she decided to fight back and she bit him on the shoulder during a struggle. He pushed her, causing her to fall, and then ran away.

     The victim pursued Martinez through a hallway and grabbed the shirt from his head. As he continued fleeing, he dropped the cellphone, which the victim also picked up. She then ran back to her apartment, locked the door behind her, and called 911 for help.

     Based upon the telephone records for the abandoned cellphone, and its contents, including time-stamped photographs and video, police identified Martinez as a suspect and arrested him on May 21, 2013. He lived in the building where the attack took place. At the time of his arrest, Martinez had a bite mark, not yet fully healed, on his left shoulder.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department. He also praised the efforts of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Criminal Investigator John Marsh, Victim/Witness Advocate Melissa Milam, and Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Heide L. Herrmann, who prosecuted the matter.

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WASHINGTON – Herbert G. Hayes, 41, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for fatally stabbing a man last year in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

     Hayes was found guilty by a jury in July 2013, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Russell F. Canan sentenced him today. Upon completion of his prison term, Hayes will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     According to the government’s evidence, on May 18, 2012 at about 9:30 p.m., Hayes chased the victim, John Wesley Griffin, 42, down the sidewalk in the 1200 block of North Capitol Street NW. As the chase continued, Mr. Griffin yelled, “Police, police!” Mr. Griffin ran into the street and Hayes followed him. Mr. Griffin then turned and faced Hayes, putting up his fists to fight. At that point, Hayes stabbed him. Mr. Griffin staggered to the sidewalk and then collapsed.  Hayes stood over him, and with knife in hand, shouted an expletive about the police before fleeing the scene. Mr. Griffin died as a result of his wounds.

     Hayes was arrested on May 21, 2012, and has been in custody ever since.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the detectives, officers and mobile crime scene technicians who investigated the case for 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 Mia Beamon, Victim/Witness Advocate Tamara Ince; Litigation Technology Specialists Kimberly Smith and Ron Royal, and Interns Daniel Fletcher and Lauren Sparks. Finally, he expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda Williams and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Chris Dobbie, who secured the indictment in the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Dedjinou, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON -- Benjamin Grey, 33, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury today of a total of 21 federal charges, including five counts of bank fraud and seven counts of wire fraud, in connection with a scheme in which he posed as a car dealer to defraud individuals and banks of more than $185,000.

     The verdicts, which followed a trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Kathy A. Michalko,Special Agent in Charge, Washington Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

     The jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges. The Honorable Ellen S. Huvelle scheduled sentencing for Dec. 17, 2013.  Grey faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine on each bank fraud and wire fraud charge. 

     According to the evidence presented at trial, Grey claimed to run car dealerships named Planet Cars and GreyMaxx.  He persuaded various individuals to apply for car loans to buy luxury cars, such as BMWs, from him and Planet Cars.  After each bank or credit union granted the loan, and gave the applicant a loan check to buy the car, Grey took the money and spent it.  Afterwards, however, Grey never produced the promised car, and avoided contact with the victim.  In fact, Grey never owned the cars in question.

     As the evidence showed, each auto loan was between $29,000 and $35,000.  After the scheme, each victim was left without the car – but with the car loan coming due.  Some victims tried to pay the loans, even though they had been swindled; another declared bankruptcy, devastating her credit.  The lending institutions lost the amounts loaned.  The individual victims included an Army veteran who had served in Iraq. 

     Meanwhile, Grey spent the loan checks at bars, nightclubs, and retail establishments in and around the D.C. area, running up bar tabs in the thousands of dollars.

     In addition, the evidence at trial showed that Grey executed other, similar confidence schemes.  In August and September 2010, Grey defrauded a would-be business partner out of $34,000 by pretending that the money would finance their purchase and re-sale of luxury cars.  Similarly, in April 2010, Grey – holding himself out as the owner of Planet Cars – pretended to buy a car from a legitimate car dealership in Bethesda, Md., using a worthless check drawn on a Planet Cars bank account that had been closed for a year. 

     In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Machen, Special Agent in Charge Michalko and Chief Lanier expressed appreciation for the work done by those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and Secret Service. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Krishawn Graham, Lenisse Edloe, and Tasha Harris, and Legal Assistant Angela Lawrence. Finally, he commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Friedman, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Hooks and Christopher Kavanaugh, who investigated and tried the case.

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WASHINGTON – Floyd Lee Corkins, II, 29, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison on three felony charges, including a terrorism offense, in the August 2012 shooting of a security guard at the Family Research Council in downtown Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr., Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

     Corkins, of Herndon, Va., pled guilty in February 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to charges of committing an act of terrorism while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition. The Honorable Chief Judge Richard W. Roberts sentenced him. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.

     Corkins has been in custody since his arrest after the Aug. 15, 2012 shooting.

     This marked the first time that a defendant has been charged with and convicted of committing an act of terrorism under a provision of the District of Columbia’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 that covers criminal actions committed with the intent to “intimidate or coerce a significant portion of the civilian population of the District of Columbia or the United States.”

     According to the government’s evidence, on Aug. 15, 2012, at about 10:45 a.m., Corkins entered the office of the Family Research Council (FRC), at 801 G Street NW, and encountered an unarmed security guard.  Corkins retrieved a firearm from his backpack and pointed it at the security guard.  The security guard charged Corkins and a struggle ensued, during which Corkins fired three shots, striking the guard in the arm. Despite the gunshot wound and Corkins’s subsequent discharges of the gun, the security guard, Leonardo Johnson, heroically succeeded in disarming the defendant and forcing him to the ground and onto his belly.

     According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Corkins targeted the Family Research Council because of its views, including its advocacy against recognition of gay marriage.  He entered the building with the intention of shooting and killing as many employees of the organization as he could.

     “A security guard’s heroism is the only thing that prevented Floyd Corkins, II from carrying out a mass shooting intended to kill as many people as possible,” said U.S. Attorney Machen.  “Our entire community is thankful to the hero who stood up to this heinous attack.  Today’s 25-year prison sentence demonstrates the steep price to be paid for turning to violence to terrorize your political enemies.”

     “Acts of terrorism, like the one that Mr. Corkins admitted to committing in pursuit of political aim, are horrific events that instill a sense of fear on our community,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The FBI applauds the heroic acts of the security guard who deterred Mr. Corkins from inflicting harm on additional victims. With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will respond to, secure and investigate scenes and bring violent actors to justice.”

     “I want to commend FRC employee Leonardo Johnson for his heroism and the first responding officers for their quick assessment of the situation, which brought stability and control to the chaos,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “As recent events have shown us, quick thinking and bravery during incidents like this can save many lives.”

     According to the statement of offense, Corkins purchased a semiautomatic pistol from a store in Virginia on Aug. 9, 2012, and picked up the weapon the following day.  On the afternoon of Aug. 13, he rehearsed his planned trip to the Family Research Council. On the night before the shooting, Corkins returned to the gun store and engaged in shooting practice.

     On the morning of Aug. 15, 2012, Corkins rode Metrorail from Virginia and into the District of Columbia, got off at the Gallery Place stop, and went to the Family Research Council. To gain access into the building, he falsely told the security guard, Mr. Johnson, that he was there for an interview as a prospective intern. Upon gaining entry, Corkins approached the receptionist desk, which Mr. Johnson was manning, intending to shoot and kill him. However, Mr. Johnson fought back and, as the two men scuffled, Corkins fired his gun three times, striking Mr. Johnson once in his left arm in the process.  After Mr. Johnson subdued Corkins, Corkins stated, “It’s not about you,” but about the organization’s policies. He also was heard making remarks such as, “I don’t like these people, and I don’t like what they stand for.”

     In a search after the shooting, MPD officers discovered two fully loaded magazine clips in one of Corkins’s front pants pockets, as well as a Metro card and a handwritten list containing the names of the Family Research Council and three other organizations that openly identify themselves as having socially conservative agendas. A search of Corkins’s backpack turned up, among other items, a box of 50 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. They also found 15 individually wrapped sandwiches that Corkins had purchased the previous day from Chick-fil-A.

     Corkins later made statements to the FBI in which he said that he was a political activist and considered the Family Research Council to be a lobbying group.  He also stated that he intended to kill as many people as possible and smother the Chick-fil-A sandwiches into their faces. Among other things, he said, “Chick-fil-A came out against gay marriage so I was going to use that as a statement.”

     Corkins also revealed the steps he took in planning the attack, saying that he had been thinking about perpetrating similar violence for years but never carried out an attack. Had he not been stopped at the Family Research Council, he stated, he planned to go to the second organization on the list he was carrying and wage a similar shooting there.

     Mr. Johnson, who also was the building’s manager, underwent emergency surgery in which metal plates were inserted into his left arm so that shattered bones could heal. Numerous bullet fragments remain in his arms, and he was unable to work for months.

     In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave and Chief Lanier expressed their appreciation to all those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the MPD.  They also expressed appreciation to those who provided assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan M. Malis; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese; Paralegal Specialists Selena Zuhoski and Devron Elliott; Legal Assistant Donice Adams; Litigation Technology Specialist Paul Howell, and Victim/Witness Advocate Yvonne Bryant.

     Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann H. Petalas and T. Patrick Martin, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – Cornell “Man” Shumate, 30, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of charges stemming from the kidnapping and sexual assault of a woman in March of 2012, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced today.

     Shumate was found guilty on Sept. 18, 2013, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, of charges of kidnapping, attempted sexual abuse, and assault.  He is to be sentenced on Nov. 22, 2013 by the Honorable John Ramsey Johnson. Shumate faces up to 12 ½ years in prison for the offenses, and lifetime sex-offender registration.

     According to the government’s evidence, in March 2012, the victim met Shumate’s friend and they exchanged phone numbers. A few days later, on March 25, 2012, the victim agreed to get together with Shumate’s friend. The friend brought the victim to Shumate’s house in Northeast Washington, and they, along with several others, drank and had casual conversation. 

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

     In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit.   He also praised those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Veronica Vaughan, Paralegal Specialist D’Yvonne Key, and Litigation Technology Specialist Kimberly Smith.  Finally, he commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy H. Zubrensky, who indicted the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Mervin A. Bourne, Jr., who prosecuted the case.

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WASHINGTON – George G. Kahl, 42, was sentenced today to 40 months in prison for traveling interstate to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, 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).    

     Kahl, of Alexandria, Va., pled guilty in April 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer. Upon completion of his prison term, Kahl will be placed on 10 years of supervised release.

     According to the government's evidence, on Feb. 9, 2013, Kahl contacted a man he believed to be the father of an under-aged female child 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 few days, Kahl engaged in graphic online e-mail and text message conversations with the undercover officer.  During these conversations, Kahl arranged with the undercover officer to meet for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the purported child. On Feb. 22, 2013, Kahl traveled from Alexandria to Washington, D.C. for that purpose and was arrested.

     This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative and investigated by the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of the FBI's Washington Field Office and MPD.  In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

     In announcing the 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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Redbord, who prosecuted the case.

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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.

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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.

 

13-319

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.

13-318

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.

13-317

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.

13-315

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.  

13-316

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
Redbord, who is prosecuting the case.

13-314

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.

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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.

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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.

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For Threatening Witness in Confrontation on Street 
Witness Was Murdered Weeks Later; Slaying Remains Under Investigation

     WASHINGTON – 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.

13-310

For Possession of Child Pornography

     WASHINGTON – 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.

13-309

For Possession of Child Pornography

     WASHINGTON – 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.

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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.         

13-308

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.         

13-308

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.    

13-307

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.    

13-307

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: $17,899

     The 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.

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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: $17,899

     The 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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