District of Maryland
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Temple Hills Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Prison for Commercial RobberyRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – On May 11, 2018, United States District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Percy Raymond Jones, age 27, of Temple Hills, Maryland today to nine and a half years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Interference with Interstate Commerce by Robbery and Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on December 6, 2016, Jones and his co-conspirator, Javonte Jaquan Moore, age 23, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland robbed a business in District Heights, Maryland.
During the course of the robbery, Moore grabbed Victim 1, placed a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun to her head and back, and demanded that she open the cash register. Meanwhile, Jones took Victim 2 to the rear of the store where Victim 3, another employee, was stocking merchandise. Both Victim 2 and Victim 3 were forced to lie on the ground while Jones began filling duffel bags with video games. Moore then entered the rear of the store and began assisting Jones. Both Moore and Jones then fled out of the front door of the store with approximately four Sony PlayStation 4 gaming systems, approximately 46 assorted video games, and cash.
Shastri Gill, age 24, of Washington D.C. drove the getaway car, after previously entering the business and informing Jones of who was present.
During the robbery, Jones and Moore unwittingly took two GPS tracking devices. The GPS tracking devices led officers to an apartment building located on Alpine Street in District Heights, Maryland, where they were arrested.
Moore previously was sentenced to 114 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Gill was sentenced to 41 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the FBI Cross Border Task Force and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray D. McKenzie, who prosecuted the case.
Former Army Official Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Bribery Scheme Involving Contracts at Aberdeen Proving GroundRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4855
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced John Kays, age 44, of Pinehurst, North Carolina (formerly of Bel Air, Maryland) to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for accepting bribes of $800,000 from 2009 to 2012 related to contracting at the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), in Harford County, Maryland. Judge Blake also ordered forfeiture in the amount of $631,705, as well as restitution of at least $886,519.52.
Kays' wife Danielle Kays, age 43 and Matthew Barrow, age 44, of Toledo, Ohio were also charged in the scheme and have pled guilty. Danielle Kays is presently serving an 18-month sentence with the Bureau of Prisons. Barrow is awaiting sentence.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Craig, Jr. of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland, Mid-Atlantic Fraud Field Office, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
In March 2006, the U.S. Army Contracting Command at APG awarded a 10-year, $19.2 billion contract to seven prime contractors to provide technology services to support the integrated engineering, business operations, and logistics needs for the Army. John and Danielle Kays each had leadership positions as civilians at APG related to this contract.
According to court documents, John Kays, Danielle Kays, and Barrow all graduated from West Point together. In 2008, John Kays and Danielle Kays had leadership positions within CECOM as civilian employees of the Army. Barrow worked for a glass manufacturer in Toledo, OH. Barrow formed a company called MJ-6, to which John Kays admitted that he steered CECOM subcontracts in exchange for money.
According to the plea agreements, from August 2008 to June 2014, John Kays agreed to take official actions favorable to Barrow and MJ-6 in return for Barrow paying them a total of approximately $800,000. Mrs. Kays has admitted using her official position to benefit Barrow and MJ-6 during the period from 2011to 2014. Specifically, the Kays used their official positions to add MJ–6 as a subcontractor acceptable to the Army, steer potential employees for government contractors to work for MJ-6, approve MJ-6 employees to work on various Task Orders, and approve the pay rates, status reports, and travel reimbursements for MJ-6 employees. Total contracts steered to MJ-6 by the Kays exceeded $21 million.
In order to conceal his corrupt relationship with the Kays, Barrow caused the glass company he worked for to enter into contracts and make payments to Transportation Logistics Services, LLC, a company incorporated by John Kays, until the glass company fired Barrow. Barrow then made payments to the Kays in cash, which Barrow withdrew from his personal accounts and from MJ-6 accounts. To conceal the scheme, John and Danielle Kays made false statements on the government ethics forms that they were required to file by failing to disclose the cash payments received from Barrow. The Kays used the cash for their personal benefit, including payments for home renovations, two new vehicles, a powerboat, jewelry, a pool party at their country club, and credit card bills.
Barrow later agreed to pay the Kays the proceeds of the scheme from MJ-6 disguised as employment salary.
The National Procurement Fraud Task Force was formed in October 2006 to promote the early detection, identification, prevention, and prosecution of procurement fraud associated with the increase in government contracting activity for national security and other government programs. The Procurement Fraud Task Force includes the United States Attorney’s Offices, the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community and a number of other federal law enforcement agencies. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Task Force, demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to helping ensure the integrity of the government procurement process.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur thanked the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Army Criminal Investigation Command, and the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur praised Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joyce K. McDonald and Harry M. Gruber, who are prosecuting the case.
Elkton Woman Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Charges Related to Murder-For-HireRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – On March 9, 2018, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Susan Anderson, age 57, of Elkton, Maryland to six years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, on charges related to a murder-for-hire.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to the plea agreement, in late April 2017, Anderson approached “SF” a frequent customer of the store (“SF”) where she worked. She then solicited SF, who she had befriended at the store, to murder the ex-boyfriend of her niece. SF spoke with Anderson on more than one occasion to confirm that she indeed wanted SF to commit the murder. SF then informed the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Defendant’s solicitation of the murder. Over the next two weeks, SF agreed to record conversations with the Defendant inside the store. Law enforcement also procured the surveillance video from the store showing the conversations.
In these conversations, SF confirmed with Anderson: “Are you sure you want me to go along with committing this murder?” Anderson replied: “Yep.” Elsewhere in the conversations, SF and Anderson discussed the terms of the contact, the timing and locations of the murder, as well as what Anderson wanted done with the body upon completion of the killing. When SF did not accomplish the murder as promptly as Anderson wished, she stated: “I want it done. Just get it done now. Just get it done. I want it done now.” After further delay, Anderson stated she could “blow him away myself.”
After this conversation, the FBI terminated the investigation and sought an arrest warrant for Anderson. On May 11, 2017, SF had a final recorded conversation with Anderson. He stated that the murder had been accomplished. SF asked if Anderson was happy, and she replied: “Yes.” Shortly thereafter, law enforcement arrested Anderson.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore City Police Sergeant Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Sergeant Thomas Allers, age 49, of Linthicum Heights, Maryland today to fifteen years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for racketeering conspiracy and racketeering offenses, including nine robberies.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, Allers stole money from victims, swore out false affidavits, and submitted false official incident reports. Sergeant Allers joined the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) on July 22, 1996. He became the officer-in-charge of the Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF), a specialized unit created to investigate firearms crimes, on or about July 25, 2013.
Allers admits that he participated in nine robberies and was armed with his BPD service firearm during the commission of the robberies. In some cases, there was no evidence of criminal conduct by the victims; Allers stole money that had been earned lawfully. The amounts stolen ranged from $700 to $66,000.
For example, on or about April 3, 2015, Allers and co-conspirators executed a search warrant at a residence in Baltimore City and discovered approximately $6,000 in the home. This money was a combination of money that the homeowners had made buying and selling used cars and a tax refund the wife had received. Allers and his coconspirators took approximately $5,700 of the $6,000, then filed a false incident report stating that only $233 had been seized.
In another incident, on or about March 2, 2016, Allers and his co-conspirators executed a search warrant at a residence in Baltimore City. The resident of the home had $200 in her purse, which her daughter had received the previous day during her birthday party; $900 to pay her rent for that month; $300 to pay down the amount of money she owed Baltimore Gas & Electric for utilities; and $8,000 in proceeds of drug sales. Allers approved the false report that stated that only $1,624 had been seized from home, when in fact, he had stolen more than $7,000.
In another incident, on or about April 28, 2016, Allers and co-conspirators arrested an individual who resided at a residence, then robbed the occupants of the residence of over $10,000. Allers approved a false incident report that failed to report that any money had been taken from the residence, when in fact he and his co-conspirators stole more than $10,000. Following this robbery, one of the residents was shot and killed because he could not repay a drug-related debt.
According to the plea agreement, Allers prepared and submitted false official incident and arrest reports, reports of property seized from arrestees, and charging documents. The false reports concealed the fact that the officers had stolen money from individuals.
In total, Allers admitted to stealing over $117,000.00.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise and Derek E. Hines, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Baltimore BGF Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Racketeering and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – On May 10, 2018, United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Kenneth Jones, a/k/a “K-Slay”, and “Slay,” age 30, of Baltimore, Maryland to life in prison for conspiring to participate in a violent racketeering enterprise known as the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang’s Greenmount Avenue Regime. Jones was responsible for three separate murders and at least one attempted murder as the primary enforcer for the gang. In January, Jones was convicted by a federal jury of racketeering conspiracy, as well as conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to the evidence presented at the two-month trial, Jones was a member of an organization known today as the BGF Greenmount Avenue Regime, a violent set, or “bubble,” of BGF. During the early years in which it operated, the gang called itself the Young Guerilla Family, or YGF, and consisted mostly of younger people who lived in the 2200, 2300, and 2400 blocks of Barclay Street and Guilford Avenue. YGF members sold drugs throughout the Greenmount Avenue corridor and committed murders, shootings, and armed robberies.
In about mid-2007, YGF members took the BGF oath and became the BGF Greenmount Avenue Regime. According to evidence presented at trial, the BGF Greenmount Avenue Regime continued to sell drugs and commit violent acts, including murders, shootings, and robberies, and by mid-2013 controlled the roughly rectangular area bordered by Greenmount Avenue to the east; Guilford Avenue to the west; 25th Street to the north; and Federal Street to the south, as well as certain offshoots east of Greenmount Avenue, including Mund Park and Cokesbury Avenue.
Between 2005 and 2017, the BGF Greenmount Avenue Regime and its members were responsible for seven murders; three non-fatal shootings; more than 10 armed robberies; and over 12 years of street-level drug dealing. The government proved at trial that Jones was responsible for three of these murders and a fourth attempted murder.
In January 2007, co-conspirator Gerald Johnson, a/k/a “Geezy,” authorized the murder of YGF associate Gregory Rochester, a/k/a “Craig Mack,” both because Rochester was rumored to be cooperating with the law enforcement and because Johnson believed that Rochester had stolen drugs from him. Pursuant to Johnson’s order, Jones and two other YGF members shot and killed Rochester inside a residence that was used by YGF to package and store narcotics.
The Court also found at sentencing that Jones was responsible for the May 7, 2013 murder of Trevon White, a/k/a “Country.” Like Jones, White was a member of the BGF Greenmount Regime. The government proved at trial that Jones shot White to death, in the presence of two other BGF members, with a 9mm handgun in the 300 block of E. 22nd Street in Batimore.
Jones was also responsible for the murder of Thabiti Wheeler, an unauthorized taxi or “hack” driver, in March of 2013. The government proved at trial that Jones shot Wheeler 18 times, with the same gun he used to kill Trevon White, while the two men were in Wheeler’s car.
Lastly, Jones was responsible for the October 5, 2013 non-fatal shooting of Lamontae Smith. Smith testified at trial that Jones shot him in the arm in the 300 block of E. 24th St. Smith explained that prior to the shooting, three of his fellow BGF members, including Shawn Gregg, Tavon Thompson, a/k/a “Man Man,” and Nate Brown, had attempted to shoot Jones as retaliation for Jones’ murder of Trevon White. Following that attempted shooting, Smith learned from a co-conspirator that Jones believed—incorrectly, as it turned out—that Smith had been involved in the attempt on his life.
The following eight co-defendants, also members of the BGF gang, have all previously pleaded guilty or were found to be guilty of conspiring to violate federal racketeering and drug trafficking laws;
Joseph Laurence Bonds, a/k/a/ Joe, a/k/a Yo Gotti, age 36;
Wesley Jamal Brown, a/k/a Shike White, a/k/a Wes, age 25;
Kenneth Lee Faison, a/k/a Roscoe, age 28;
Norman Tyrone Handy, a/k/a Lil Norm, a/k/a Norm, age 23;
Montel Harvey, a/k/a Telly, a/k/a Telephone, a/k/a Big Head, age 26;
David Albert Hunter, a/k/a Lil Dave, a/k/a Dave, age 31;
Gerald Thomas Johnson, a/k/a “Geezy,” age 35; and
Marquise McCants, a/k/a Digga, age 25.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter J. Martinez and Christina Hoffman, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Charged with Failure to File TaxesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – Darryl De Sousa, age 53, of Baltimore, Maryland was charged by federal criminal information today with three misdemeanor counts of failure to file a U.S. Individual Tax Return.
The information was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to the information, De Sousa willfully failed to file a federal return for tax years 2013, 2014, and 2015, despite having been a salaried employee of the Baltimore Police Department in each of those years.
De Sousa faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $25,000 fine for each of the three counts.
De Sousa currently serves as the Police Commissioner for the Baltimore City Police Department.
An information is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by information is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the IRS and the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo Wise, Derek Hines, and Sean Delaney, who are prosecuting the case.
Twelve Alleged Baltimore Drug Dealers Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
May 9, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted twelve Baltimore men on charges related to a drug trafficking operation in East Baltimore. The indictment unsealed today charges the defendants with distribution of heroin and crack cocaine. Two defendants are charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; one of those defendants is also charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Another defendant is also charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division.
According to the thirteen-count indictment, in November of 2017, the ATF initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization. The organization was allegedly responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin and cocaine in the 2100 block of Aiken Street in Baltimore, Maryland.
The following defendants are charged in the indictment unsealed today;
Devin O’Cain, a/k/a Dev, a/k/a Dex, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Charles Alston, a/k/a Nub, age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland;
James Boykin, a/k/a Mal, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Antonio Santiful, a/k/a Tony, age 29, of Essex, Maryland;
Michael Brown, a/k/a Dirt, age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Brian Cunningham, a/k/a Shug, age 44, of Middle River, Maryland;
Allen Griffin, a/k/a Max, a/k/a Mean, age 30, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Wayne Chambers, a/k/a Chedder, age 21, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Lamont Ferguson, a/k/a Lonnie, a/k/a Lil Yougin, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Markytis Brown, a/k/a Money, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland;
John Williams, a/k/a Little, and 34, of Baltimore, Maryland; and
Sheldon Hill, age 64, of Baltimore, Maryland.
All of the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years imprisonment for the drug conspiracy charge. Chambers and Alston face a minimum of 5 years in prison to run consecutive with a maximum sentence of life for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. O’Cain and Alston also face an additional maximum of 20 years in prison for the charged Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.
Nine defendants are currently detained. The whereabouts of Sheldon Hill and Allen Griffin are unknown.
Anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Hill or Griffin is asked to contact the ATF-Baltimore Field Division at 1-888-ATF-TIPS, [email protected], or text ATFBAL to 63975.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia McLane and Brandon Moore who are prosecuting the case.
Founder of $50 Million Mail Fraud Scheme Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
May 9, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – Eric Epstein, age 57, of Pompano Beach, Florida (previously of Owings Mills, Maryland) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. Epstein was indicted on August 24, 2017 and charged with committing mail fraud to obtain more than $50 million in money and property from various businesses through the fraudulent sale of light bulbs and cleaning supplies.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Division; and Inspector in Charge Robert B. Wemyss of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division.
According to the plea agreement, in or about 2003, Epstein co-founded a telemarketing business, Midway Industries, based in Maryland, that sold lightbulbs and cleaning supplies to businesses, schools, churches, non-profit organizations, and government offices. Epstein obtained money from thousands of victim businesses by convincing them to pay for light bulbs and cleaning supplies that they never ordered, and deceived the businesses about the amounts Midway would bill for products.
Epstein sold a majority financial interest in Midway in 2012 for $15 million, but he retained an ownership stake, received a regular paycheck, and continued to advise and supervise Midway employees. From 2003 through 2014, Midway employees would cold-call businesses stating that the business had an existing business relationship with Midway, make false representations, send unwanted orders, and inflate the price of products. The inflated prices were regularly 900% greater than the prices Midway paid for the supplies. At times, invoices were more than 8,000% higher than the true amount due.
Employees at Midway worked on commission, the amount of which was often determined by Epstein.
According to the plea agreement, Epstein caused victims’ checks payable to Midway corporate entities to be cashed at money remitters, while Epstein personally kept and used the money. Epstein and others at Midway used Midway credit cards for lavish personal expenditures, such as luxury furniture and vehicles.
Epstein faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for mail fraud conspiracy and 5 years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
A sentencing date has been set for September 5, 2018, in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, Maryland.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur thanked the FBI, the IRS, and the USPS for their work on the investigation. Mr. Hur commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Harry M. Gruber, who are prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to CarjackingRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885Baltimore, Maryland – Michael Awosika, age 39, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to carjacking.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Darryl De Sousa of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on April 8, 2017, Awosika carjacked the owner of a 2009 Chrysler Sebring on the 1900 block of West Lafayette Street in Baltimore. The carjacking victim was taking her five-month-old grandson out of the vehicle when Awosika got into the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Awosika slid over to the driver’s seat of the vehicle and pointed a revolver at the victim and her grandson. Awosika then fled with the victim’s vehicle.
As the victim reported the carjacking to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), a BPD officer saw the stolen vehicle driving through a red light at a high rate of speed. The BPD officer began following vehicle to initiate a traffic stop but was unable to keep up with Awosika.
A Baltimore City Fire Department captain then observed Awosika driving down the road in a dangerous manner. The captain, thinking that the driver of the vehicle was in distress, turned on his vehicle’s lights and sirens and began following the stolen vehicle. The vehicle continued to weave through traffic until it crashed into several vehicles at another intersection.
As the fire captain approached the stolen vehicle, Awosika got out of the vehicle and fired two shots at the captain’s vehicle. Awosika then ran and threw the handgun onto the street. Another BPD officer on patrol heard the gunshots and responded to the area to assist. Upon arrival, the officer found the revolver that Awosika abandoned. The revolver contained three spent cartridges in the revolver’s cylinder. Awosika was apprehended a short distance away and identified on the scene.
Awosika faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for July 3, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew DellaBetta and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Perkins, who are prosecuting the case.
Mexican National Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – On May 3, 2018, United States District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Jose Juarez-Diaz, age 32, of Clarksburg, Maryland to 21 months in prison for being an unlawfully present alien, after three illegal entries and two prior deportations.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to the plea agreement, officers of the United States Border Patrol initially encountered Juarez on February 6, 2003, after they stopped him attempting to illegally enter the country near Oceanside, California. Immigration authorities voluntarily returned Juarez to Mexico a few days later. Juarez then reentered the United States at an unknown time and location. In July 2003, Juarez was arrested for kidnapping during a carjacking in San Diego, California. Juarez pled guilty to vehicle theft, a misdemeanor in California, and was sentenced to a term of probation. An Immigration Judge ordered Juarez removed on November 6, 2003, and he was removed that same day to Mexico.
Subsequently, Juarez again illegally reentered the United States at an unknown time and location. Juarez claims to not remember the date of his return and stated during a post-arrest statement that he walked across the border.
On March 12, 2015, Juarez was arrested in Montgomery County, Maryland after he sexually assaulted a 14-year old girl. Juarez was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in that jurisdiction. On September 11, 2015, a Montgomery County judge sentenced Juarez to a term of imprisonment of twenty-five years but suspended all but five years, followed by five years of probation. On October 12, 2017, the Maryland Division of Corrections paroled Juarez after he served less than three years in prison. Immigration authorities took Juarez into custody and he was prosecuted federally on immigration charges.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised ICE and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Fish, who prosecuted the case.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to File a Foreign Agent Registration StatementRead the Press Release
Nisar Ahmed Chaudhry, 71, of Columbia, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to failure to file a foreign agent registration statement.
The guilty plea was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, Chaudhry, a national of Pakistan and lawful permanent resident of the United States, represented himself to be the President of the Pakistan American League, an unincorporated entity he created and associated with his residential address in Maryland.
Chaudhry failed to file a registration statement with the Attorney General, as required by law, providing notification of his activities on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, and falsely represented that his activities in relation to Pakistan were solely educational in nature and executed for the benign purpose of encouraging better relations between the United States and Pakistan.
According to his plea agreement, from 2012 through 2018, Chaudhry acted as an agent of the Government of Pakistan in order to engage in political activities for, and in the interests of, the Government of Pakistan. These activities were designed by Chaudhry to obtain and manage information on the status of the U.S. Government's policies regarding Pakistan, and to influence U.S. government officials and U.S. foreign policy towards Pakistan.
Chaudhry interacted on a routine basis with representatives of the Government of Pakistan, at their Embassy in Washington, D.C. and consular office in New York City. Chaudhry also interacted with numerous institutes, foundations and organizations operating in and around Washington, D.C., commonly referred to as "think tanks," that played a role in shaping and influencing U.S. foreign policy. Chaudhry organized roundtable discussions in Washington, D.C. and Maryland metropolitan areas between his American government and think tank contacts and visiting Pakistan government officials to influence United States foreign policy in a direction favorable to Pakistan’s interests. Chaudhry cultivated contacts within these entities and the U.S. government in order to obtain in-depth information regarding the U.S. government's policies towards Pakistan. Chaudhry then sought to neutralize unfavorable views of Pakistan held by current and former U.S. government officials by employing certain methods of discussion with these individuals during personal interactions with them and/or by controlling and manipulating discussion at the roundtable events he organized or attended.
In order to be more effective in obtaining information of interest to Pakistan, and to gain a strategic advantage in acquiring information that might not otherwise be divulged to official representatives of the Government of Pakistan, Chaudhry falsely represented that his activities were solely educational in nature and not affiliated with the Pakistan government. These representations were made not only to American think tank scholars, but also to current and former U.S. government officials, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents who interviewed Chaudhry upon entry into the United States from his travels to Pakistan.
According to his plea agreement, Chaudhry regularly traveled to Pakistan to brief high-level Pakistan government officials on information obtained from his American government and think tank contacts. He also met with Pakistan government officials in the United States to report on the details of his meetings in Pakistan with high-level Pakistan government officials, and obtain information regarding matters of interest to Pakistan relevant to his activities in the United States on behalf of the Pakistan government.
In consideration for his activities on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, Chaudhry was granted invitations to events at the Pakistan Embassy; introductions to, and meetings with, high-level Pakistan government officials; assistance with procuring civilian, military, or government -related jobs and preferential postings for relatives and associates in Pakistan; assistance with securing Pakistani visas on an expedited basis for friends, relatives, or associates; reimbursement for certain travel expenses; and the use of diplomatic channels to ship personal items to and from Pakistan, among other things.
Chaudhry organized press briefings in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland for visiting Pakistan government dignitaries and arranged for various scholars and/or former U.S. officials to attend conferences in Pakistan.
Chaudhry faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for July 30, at 2 p.m. in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for their work in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Manuelian of the District of Maryland, and Senior Trial Attorney Heather Schmidt of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting this case.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to File A Foreign Agent Registration StatementRead the Press Release
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www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885Greenbelt, Maryland – Nisar Ahmed Chaudhry, age 71, of Columbia, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to failure to file a foreign agent registration statement.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers; and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, Chaudhry, a national of Pakistan and lawful permanent resident of the United States, represented himself to be the President of the Pakistan American League, an unincorporated entity he created and associated with his residential address in Maryland.
Chaudhry failed to file a registration statement with the Attorney General, as required by law, providing notification of his activities on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, and falsely represented that his activities in relation to Pakistan were solely educational in nature and executed for the benign purpose of encouraging better relations between the United States and Pakistan.
According to his plea agreement, from 2012 through 2018, Chaudhry acted as an agent of the Government of Pakistan in order to engage in political activities for, and in the interests of, the Government of Pakistan. These activities were designed by Chaudhry to obtain and manage information on the status of the United States Government's policies regarding Pakistan, and to influence U.S. government officials and U.S. foreign policy towards Pakistan.
Chaudhry interacted on a routine basis with representatives of the Government of Pakistan, at their Embassy in Washington, D.C. and consular office in New York City. Chaudhry also interacted with numerous institutes, foundations, and organizations operating in and around Washington, D.C., commonly referred to as "think tanks," that played a role in shaping and influencing U.S. foreign policy. Chaudhry organized roundtable discussions in the Washington D.C., and Maryland metropolitan areas between his American government and think tank contacts and visiting Pakistan government officials to influence United States foreign policy in a direction favorable to Pakistan’s interests. Chaudhry cultivated contacts within these entities and the United States government in order to obtain in-depth information regarding the United States government's policies towards Pakistan. Chaudhry then sought to neutralize unfavorable views of Pakistan held by current and former U.S. government officials by employing certain methods of discussion with these individuals during personal interactions with them and/or by controlling and manipulating discussion at the roundtable events he organized or attended.
In order to be more effective in obtaining information of interest to Pakistan, and to gain a strategic advantage in acquiring information that might not otherwise be divulged to official representatives of the Government of Pakistan, Chaudhry falsely represented that his activities were solely educational in nature and not affiliated with the Pakistan government. These representations were made not only to American think tank scholars, but also to current and former United States government officials, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents who interviewed Chaudhry upon entry into the United States from his travels to Pakistan.
According to his plea agreement, Chaudhry regularly traveled to Pakistan to brief high-level Pakistan government officials on information obtained from his American government and think tank contacts. He also met with Pakistan government officials in the United States to report on the details of his meetings in Pakistan with high-level Pakistan government officials, and obtain information regarding matters of interest to Pakistan relevant to his activities in the United States on behalf of the Pakistan government.
In consideration for his activities on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, Chaudhry was granted invitations to events at the Pakistan Embassy; introductions to, and meetings with, high-level Pakistan government officials; assistance with procuring civilian, military, or government -related jobs and preferential postings for relatives and associates in Pakistan; assistance with securing Pakistani visas on an expedited basis for friends, relatives, or associates; reimbursement for certain travel expenses; and the use of diplomatic channels to ship personal items to and from Pakistan, among other things.
Chaudhry organized press briefings in Washington, D.C. and Maryland for visiting Pakistan government dignitaries and arranged for various scholars and/or former United States government officials to attend conferences in Pakistan.
Chaudhry faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2018 at 2 p.m. in Greenbelt, Maryland.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for their work in the investigation and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Manuelian, who prosecuted the case.
Masstech, Richard Lee, and Arnold Lee to Pay U.S. $1.9 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Small Business Innovation Research AwardsRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – Columbia-based MassTech, Inc., its former Chief Executive Officer, Arnold Lee, and its former Chief Financial Officer, Richard Lee, have agreed to pay the United States $1.9 million to resolve allegations that MassTech falsely certified it was a small business concern in order to obtain Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) awards.
The settlement agreement was announced today by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Inspector General for the National Science Foundation, Allison Lerner; Special Agent in Charge for NASA Office of Inspector General, Michael Sonntag; and Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, Maureen Dixon.
“Entities that participate in government-funded research grants must truthfully report their eligibility to participate in these programs, including the SBIR program. Companies and individuals that misrepresent their eligibility in order to obtain government funding undermine the integrity of the government grant process,” said Robert K. Hur, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.
“The SBIR program is a valuable tool in advancing NSF’s mission to promote the progress of science by increasing opportunities for small businesses to undertake cutting-edge scientific research, and it is essential to protect the integrity of this program,” commented Allison Lerner, the Inspector General for NSF. “The NSF Office of Inspector General is committed to vigorously pursuing oversight of these taxpayer funds and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners for their strong support in this effort.”
“Individuals who fraudulently obtain federal research funds earmarked for small businesses deprive others of an opportunity to pursue meaningful technological discoveries,” said NASA OIG Special Agent in Charge, Michael Sonntag. “I commend the outstanding efforts of our agents and other law enforcement partners who are committed to ensuring the integrity of this program.”
“HHS-OIG expects all companies and individuals who accept HHS research funds to be truthful on their applications,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the integrity of HHS grant funds.” The SBIR program is a set-aside program for small businesses. The purpose of the SBIR program is to strengthen the role of small business concerns (“SBC”) in federally funded research and development and to increase private sector commercialization. To receive SBIR funds, each awardee of an SBIR Phase I or II award must qualify as an SBC at the time of the award as well as throughout the duration of the award. To be eligible, an SBC and its affiliates collectively must have fewer than 500 employees. According to the settlement agreement, the United States alleged that MassTech, Arnold Lee, and Richard Lee falsely represented to NSF, NASA, and HHS that MassTech was an eligible small business concern at the time of the SBIR application as well as throughout the lifecycle of the award. As a result, NSF, NASA, and HHS approved and funded SBIR awards to MassTech that MassTech otherwise would not have received. MassTech, Arnold Lee, and Richard Lee denied the United States’ allegations.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the NSF Office of Inspector General, the NASA Office of Inspector General, and the HHS Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Corcoran and Rebecca Koch who handled the case.
Crofton Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Piere Ceradoy, age 37, of Crofton, Maryland, to 25 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a minor.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; and Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to his plea agreement, between February 2016 and April 2017, Ceradoy repeatedly enticed a minor female to take photographs and stream live videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct and send those images and videos to Ceradoy using a mobile phone and the Internet. During the course of the exploitation of the victim, Ceradoy frequently threatened to expose the victim by disseminating the explicit files, and regularly threatened to kill the victim and her family. Ceradoy also sent images and videos of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the victim. The victim was 13 years old.
Ceradoy engaged in this conduct after two convictions in 2014 relating to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual conduct involving a minor. During this time, he was on parole for a sex offense conviction in the state of Washington, and was registered as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised HSI Baltimore, the Maryland State Police and the Franklinton, North Carolina Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted the case.
Carroll County Public School Teacher Indicted for Child Pornography Production and Related Charges Including Attempted Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – On May 2, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Kenneth Brian Fischer, age 40, of Westminster, Maryland for production of child pornography, attempted production of child pornography, transportation of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Sheriff James T. DeWees of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr. of the Fairfax County, Virginia Police; the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney’s Office.
According to the eight-count indictment, Fischer was a resident of Carroll County, Maryland and was employed as a teacher by the Carroll County School System. Fischer used social media applications, including Kik and Grindr, to meet and communicate with underage minor males for the purpose of enticing and directing the minors to produce depictions of sexually explicit conduct and send them to Fischer.
In or about August 2017, law enforcement identified Fischer after he communicated with an undercover agent posing as a minor male on Grindr. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Fischer’s home in Westminster, Maryland and seized various electronic devices. A search on a cell phone revealed that Fischer had been communicating with five real minors beginning in November 2014 and continuing through his arrest in September 2017.
According to the indictment, Fischer enticed three minor males to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Fischer also attempted to entice two minor males to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Fischer also sent e-mail messages containing videos and still images of one of the minor males engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Fischer received an image of another one of the minor males engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Fischer was previously arrested in Westminster, Maryland on related charges and has been in custody since September 13, 2017.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “resources” tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Maryland State Police, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Fairfax County Police, and the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ayn B. Ducao, who is prosecuting the case.
Salisbury Chiropractor Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax Returns and Obstructing IRSRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Dr. Warren Gregory Belcher, age 60, of Salisbury, Maryland today to 15 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing fraudulent income tax returns and attempting to obstruct the internal revenue laws.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the evidence presented in court, Dr. Warren Gregory Belcher, 60, operated a chiropractic business for nearly 20 years. During that time, he received income for chiropractic services from insurance companies, patients and other third parties, including another chiropractor in Baltimore. From 2009 through 2015, Belcher filed individual income tax returns that fraudulently claimed that he had earned no business income, when, in fact, the evidence at trial established that he received payments totaling more than $350,000 during that time period. Belcher filed his false 2015 tax return after being notified that he was the target of a federal grand jury investigation. He filed an additional false tax return for 2016 while under indictment and awaiting trial.
The evidence introduced at trial included dozens of letters that Belcher sent to insurance companies and other third parties in which he threatened that the companies could be subject to civil and criminal penalties for reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) payments they made to him for his services. Belcher also made threatening statements to an accountant to prevent the accountant from reporting his income to the government. Belcher himself also submitted fraudulent forms to the IRS in an effort to falsely represent that companies that had reported his income to the IRS had not actually paid him that income.
For the years 2009 and 2011, the IRS mailed Belcher notices informing him that his returns underreported his income. The IRS also assessed additional taxes and penalties against Belcher for his fraudulent returns, including a $5,000 penalty for filing a frivolous tax return. Belcher responded to these IRS notices by sending letters to the IRS asserting that the IRS was violating the law by assessing and collecting his taxes.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett ordered Belcher to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $63,763.58.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney and Tax Division Trial Attorney Melissa S. Siskind, who prosecuted the case.
Upper Marlboro Man Sentenced to Thirty Months in Prison for Marijuana and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – On April 30, 2018, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Tony Alexander McCright, age 44, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland today to thirty months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Judge Chasanow also ordered McCright to forfeit $44,671 and pay a $10,000 fine.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on August 17, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McCright’s residence in Upper Marlboro. During the course of the search, law enforcement located 19 buckets, one storage bin, and one black duffel bag containing approximately 138.4 pounds or 62,777 grams of marijuana; one loaded .22-caliber handgun and 10 rounds of .22 short-caliber Super X ammunition; two digital scales; one heat sealer and heat sealer bags; a money counter; two cell phones; and $12,721 in U.S. currency.
On September 21, 2017, law enforcement executed a federal arrest warrant at McCright’s residence. Law enforcement observed a strong odor of marijuana in the garage and located approximately 1,816 grams of marijuana, one heat-sealed bag containing two vials of liquid THC, and $31,950 in U.S. currency.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the DEA and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray D. McKenzie, who prosecuted the case.
Rockville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – On April 30, 2018, United States District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Kevin Miller, age 59, of Rockville, Maryland today to ten years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. Judge Titus ordered that, upon his release from prison, Miller must register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Sheriff Reggie Mason of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department.
According to his plea agreement, on December 2, 2016, Individual A was arrested in Washington state and charged with child pornography offenses. During a preliminary forensic examination of Individual A’s electronic devices and media, law enforcement agents discovered three images on a USB drive that geo-located to Maryland. Two of the images geo-located to the residence of Miller in Rockville, Maryland.
One of the images depicted Victim 1 nude with her genital area exposed. Victim 1 had just turned ten years old when the picture was taken on April 9, 2016 .
On December 22, 2016, Victim 1 was interviewed by a trained child forensic interviewer. During the interview, Victim l disclosed that the two nude images of her described above were taken in the basement of Miller’s residence.
On the evening of December 22, 2016, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Miller’s residence and seized electronic devices, including a laptop. A forensic analysis revealed approximately 36 images of child pornography and child erotica that were still viewable. The forensic examiner also found remnants of additional files with names indicative of child pornography on both laptops, as well as remnants of a bit torrent peer-to-peer file sharing program on the laptop.
On February 24, 2017, Individual A was interviewed by law enforcement. During that interview, Individual A disclosed that Individual A and Miller met online. Individual A stated that Miller sent the two nude images of Victim 1 described above, as well as a third image of Victim 1 and Victim 2 clothed, to Individual A.
As part of a separate investigation, a Worcester County sheriff’s deputy downloaded multiple images and videos of child pornography that Miller made available for sharing through a bit torrent peer-to-peer file sharing program on at least seventeen separate occasions between October and December 2016. Overall, the Worcester County sheriff’s department downloaded at least 67 videos and 31 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct that Miller made available for sharing through a bit torrent peer-to-peer file sharing program.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “resources” tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised HSI Baltimore, HSI Blaine, Washington, and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristi O’Malley and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Edwards, who prosecuted the case.
Maryland Woman Who Stole More Than $300,000 from Her Employer Sentenced to 4 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Keisha Findley, age 42, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Judge Grimm also ordered restitution be paid in the amount of $333,779.53.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to her plea agreement, Findley performed accounting and customer service functions for her employer, Company A. Among her job responsibilities, Findley received checks from customers and entered receipt of checks into an accounting database. Findley kept track of accounts receivable and had access to the accounts receivable database.
In May 2014, without authorization, Findley opened a bank account online in the name of Company A, describing the company as a sole proprietorship owned by the company’s chief executive officer, Victim B. A signature card was submitted to the bank with a purported signature by Victim B and the last four digits of Victim B’s social security number. An automated teller machine check card was issued by the bank with the names of Company A and Victim B on its face.
Beginning in May 2014 and continuing through December 2015, Findley intercepted checks sent by Company A’s customers. She then removed the customer checks from Company A’s offices and deposited them into the bank account she had opened. Findley used the check card both to make deposits into the account and to make withdrawals. In total, Findley deposited checks stolen from Company A totaling $333,779.53. Findley used money from the fraudulent bank account for her own purposes, including personal car and rent payments. In addition, Findley made cash withdrawals of over $170,000 from the account.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Baldwin, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Carjacking, Conspiracy, Destruction of Property Resulting in Breach at the National Security Agency, and FraudRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Dontae Small, age 44 of Baltimore, Maryland, to 27 years in prison for conspiracy, carjacking, and destruction of government property, after he rammed a stolen car into a security gate at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland. The Court also imposed a consecutive 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft committed by the defendant while he was in jail pending trial. Judge Bredar also ordered restitution to the victims, including over $15,000 to the United States Government for the damage caused by the defendant’s conduct.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Darryl DeSousa of the Baltimore Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare, the National Security Agency Police, and the Fort George G. Meade Police Services Division.
Judge Bredar imposed the sentencing after finding that Small’s criminal history was extensive and citing the public safety as the “paramount” concern of the Court.
According to evidence presented at trial, on October 4, 2015, Small and his co-conspirators were riding in a white minivan in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore, looking for victims to rob. At approximately 10:09 p.m. Small texted a male co-conspirator the following message: “Get the dude cpming down da st.I parked on smoking a pipe” [sic].
Three masked co-conspirators assaulted Victim 1 on Grindall Street in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore. The carjackers pointed a silver handgun at the victim and robbed him of the keys to his car, a 2008 Acura TSX. The conspirators then stole the car. On that same night, two of the conspirators approached Victims 2 and 3 a block away on Riverside Avenue and brandished a silver handgun. The robbers obtained a phone that had fallen from Victim 3’s pocket before fleeing.
On October 7, 2015, Small drove the stolen Acura to Arundel Mills Mall in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The Anne Arundel Police identified the car as stolen and set up surveillance. When Small returned to the vehicle and unlocked it using Victim 1’s keys, the police attempted to arrest him. Instead, Small took off over a curb in the parking lot, narrowly missing pedestrians and drove out of the Mall at a high rate of speed. The police followed and Small engaged him in a high-speed pursuit, eventually turning into Fort Meade and then crashing the car into a security gate protecting the National Security Agency. Small then fled and hid in a nearby sewer for approximately 12 hours as security personnel and police attempted to find him. The NSA was closed to non-essential personnel for a day while the search continued. When Small emerged from the sewer the next morning, the police were able to arrest him after a brief foot chase and struggle.
After the trial, Small pled guilty to pending charges for bank fraud and identity theft, stemming from his unauthorized use of a correctional officer’s credit card. The credit card was stolen from the officer after a cell search at the Baltimore City Detention Center where Small was being held pending trial. Small and his co-defendant, wife Kimberly Duckfield, used the credit card to purchase items for Small in jail and for his wife’s cell phone. Duckfield previously pled guilty to aggravated identity theft and was recently released after serving a two-year federal sentence for the crime.
At the sentencing today, Judge Bredar found that Ronald Hall (a/k/a “Binky”) and a juvenile committed the carjacking and robbery with Small. Hall is currently pending charges in Baltimore City Circuit Court and his trial is scheduled for May 16, 2018. Judge Bredar also found that the high-speed chase in a carjacked car was reckless and indifferent to the safety of others, that his co-conspirators used a dangerous weapon in committing the carjacking and robbery, and that Small had attempted to obstruct justice during the investigation of the crimes. Judge Bredar noted the longstanding impact of crimes of violence on individual victims terrorized by street violence such as in this case.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the National Security Agency Associate Directorate for Security and Counterintelligence (Office of General Counsel), and the Fort George G. Meade Police Services Division for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra Wilkinson and Paul Riley, who prosecuted the case, and NSA attorney Hillary Hellmann for her assistance in the prosecution.
Baltimore BGF Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Federal Racketeering, Drug Conspiracy, and Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Gerald Thomas Johnson, a/k/a “Geezy,” age 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, to life in prison for conspiring to participate in a violent racketeering enterprise known as the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang’s Greenmount Avenue Regime. Johnson was convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to violate federal racketeering and drug trafficking laws, as well as conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, possession of ammunition by a felon, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Darryl DeSousa of the Baltimore Police Department; Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to the evidence presented at the two-month trial, Johnson was the leader of an organization known today as the BGF Greenmount Avenue Regime, a violent set, or “bubble,” of BGF. During the early years in which it operated, the gang called itself the Young Guerilla Family, or YGF, and consisted mostly of younger people who lived in the 2200, 2300, and 2400 blocks of Barclay Street and Guilford Avenue. YGF members sold drugs throughout the Greenmount Avenue corridor and committed murders, shootings, and armed robberies.
In about mid-2007, YGF members took the BGF oath and became the BGF Greenmount Regime. According to evidence presented at trial, the BGF Greenmount Regime continued to sell drugs and commit violent acts, including murders, shootings and robberies, and by mid-2013 controlled the roughly rectangular area bordered by Greenmount Avenue to the east; Guilford Avenue to the west; 25th Street to the north; and Federal Street to the south, as well as certain offshoots east of Greenmount Avenue, including Mund Park and Cokesbury Avenue.
Between 2005 and 2017, the BGF Greenmount Avenue Regime and its members were responsible for seven murders; three non-fatal shootings; more than 10 armed robberies; and over 12 years of street-level drug dealing.
In his capacity as a leader of BGF, Johnson supplied his fellow gang members with powder and crack cocaine, as well as heroin, ecstasy, marijuana and oxycodone, for further distribution on the street. He also distributed narcotics himself.
Johnson also ordered the commission of multiple acts of violence, including two murders. First, in January 2007, he ordered the murder of Gregory Rochester, a/k/a “Craig Mack,” because Rochester was rumored to be cooperating with law enforcement and because Johnson suspected that Rochester had stolen drugs from the gang. On January 9, 2007, YGF members Kenneth Jones, a/k/a “Slay,” and Charles Pace, a/k/a “Foo,” carried out Johnson’s directive and murdered Rochester inside an apartment building in the 200 block of East 25th Street.
Second, in April 2013, Johnson ordered the murder of Moses Malone. Johnson authorized the murder after learning that Malone had provided information to Baltimore City Police detectives regarding a robbery and shooting committed by BGF member Norman Handy. Malone was the victim of that shooting. During his interview with police detectives, Malone had picked Handy out of a photo array as the person who shot him. On May 2, 2013, BGF member Wesley Brown carried out Johnson’s directive and murdered Malone in the 600 block of Cokesbury Avenue.
Prior to his conviction in this case, Johnson was acquitted of gang-related offenses following a jury trial in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
The following eight co-defendants, also members of the BGF gang, have all previously pleaded guilty or were found to be guilty of conspiring to violate federal racketeering and drug trafficking laws;
Joseph Laurence Bonds, a/k/a/ Joe, a/k/a Yo Gotti, age 36; Wesley Jamal Brown, a/k/a Shike White a/k/a Wes, age 25; Kenneth Lee Faison, a/k/a Roscoe, age 28; Norman Tyrone Handy, a/k/a Lil Norm, a/k/a Norm, age 23; Montel Harvey, a/k/a Telly, a/k/a Telephone, a/k/a Big Head, age 26; David Albert Hunter, a/k/a Lil Dave, a/k/a Dave, age 31; Kenneth Jones, a/k/a, K-Slay, a/k/a Slay, age 30; and Marquise McCants, a/k/a Digga, age 25.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter J. Martinez and Christina Hoffman, who prosecuted the case.
Pikesville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison in Connection with 2009 MurderRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Stanislav “Steven” Yelizarov, age 28, of Pikesville, Maryland, to twenty years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for one count of Use, Carry and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence Causing the Death of Another.
The sentence was imposed to run consecutive to the 30-year sentence that Yelizarov is serving for the conspiracy, kidnapping, and brandishing a firearm in connection with his role as the leader of a robbery of a jewelry store, carjacking, kidnapping, and an armed home invasion in 2012 through 2013.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Darryl De Sousa of the Baltimore City Police Department; and Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police.
According to the evidence at the sentencing hearing, Yelizarov was a serial burglar of homes in Baltimore County. The victim, Wayne Ruder, owned a jewelry store on Reisterstown Road in Baltimore City. Ruder’s business bought and sold precious metals and stones, and engaged in business throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania. In March 2009, Yelizarov burglarized the home of an acquaintance and during the course of that burglary, stole a large diamond engagement ring. Yelizarov sold the diamond to Ruder and later came to believe that the diamond was worth significantly more than Ruder had paid him.
In April 2009, Yelizarov burglarized the home of another acquaintance, and stole a number of firearms and accessories, including a Llama handgun that was equipped with a suppressor and had been converted to fire .22-caliber ammunition. Prior to the murder, Yelizarov searched for and purchased .22 subsonic ammunition.
In early December 2009, Yelizarov told Ruder that he had people from New York who were looking to sell a large amount of gold. Yelizarov and Ruder communicated frequently over the next weeks regarding the transaction, which Ruder reported was going to involve over $30,000 worth of gold. On December 25, 2009, Ruder agreed to meet Yelizarov at his store the following day. On December 26, 2009, after a number of phone calls between Yelizarov and Ruder, Yelizarov drove to the store and entered the front door. Using the stolen Llama handgun equipped with a suppressor and loaded with .22-caliber subsonic ammunition, Yelizarov shot Ruder at the store entrance, and then continued to shoot him as he fled to the back of the store. In total, Yelizarov shot Ruder 15 times, including three shots to his back and 10 shots to his head. After killing Ruder, Yelizarov took Ruder’s bank bag, which typically contained between $15,000 and $30,000 of cash.
Subsequent to the robbery and murder, Yelizarov dismantled and disposed of the Llama handgun in a quarry near Yelizarov’s residence.
Also introduced as evidence at trial, while in the Maryland Department of Corrections in 2015, Yelizarov plotted the murder of numerous witnesses in the federal cases against him.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Zelinsky, who assisted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Budlow and Daniel C. Gardner, who prosecuted the case.
Essex Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – On April 25, 2018, Roy David Evans, Jr., age 33, of Essex, Maryland, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and sexual exploitation of a minor to produce child pornography.
The plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to the plea agreement, Evans posted advertisements on Craigslist for young girls to contact him via email or via Kik, a messaging application where users can text, livecam, and send digital images and videos to one another. Evans enticed and coerced the 14 year-old victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to produce images of that conduct. Evans then received videos of the victim engaged in sexually explicitly conduct via the Internet.
Evans faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison for production of child pornography; a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison for receipt of child pornography; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography. For each count, Evans faces up to lifetime supervised release following his imprisonment.
A sentencing hearing has been set for October 1, 2018 at the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI Baltimore, and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly O'Connell Hayes and Timothy Hagan, who are prosecuting the federal case.
Washington D.C. Commercial Sex Customer Indicted for Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Leon R. Harrison, age 56, of Washington D.C., on charges of sex trafficking of a minor, for his role as a commercial sex customer. The indictment was returned on April 25, 2018, and unsealed today. Harrison has been charged with sex trafficking of a minor, enticement of minor to engage in prostitution, and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Andre Watson of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Tim Altomare of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; and State’s Attorney Wes Adams of the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office.
According to the three-count indictment, between August 9, 2016 and February 7, 2018, Harrison used his Facebook account to send messages to hundreds of other Facebook users, offering them money in exchange for sending him sexually explicit pictures, watching him masturbate, or meeting with him in person to engage in commercial sex. Several Facebook users told Harrison that they were under 18 years old, and as young as 12 years old. Harrison continued to make the requests even after they stated that they were minors.
Between October 9, 2017, and February 7, 2018, Harrison and Girl 1 allegedly exchanged hundreds of messages over Facebook. Girl 1 was a 15-year-old Maryland tenth-grade student. In the messages, Harrison repeatedly offered to pay Girl 1 in exchange for having sex with him. In twelve instances, Harrison offered her between $40 and $60 for sex.
On February 6, 2018, Girl 1’s mother discovered the Facebook messages and contacted the police. That day, an undercover police detective began operating Girl 1’s Facebook account.
On February 7, 2018, Harrison continued communicating with Girl 1’s Facebook account. Harrison stated that he would meet with Girl 1 that evening, and that he would bring money and condoms. Harrison stated he would pay Girl 1 $50 to have sex with him and made arrangements to meet with Girl 1 at a restaurant in Odenton, Maryland. Harrison agreed that he would get Girl 1 home before 1:00 a.m. because it was a “school night.”
When he arrived at the restaurant, Harrison had condoms, $50 in cash, and two 50ml bottles of flavored vodka in his pants pockets.
Harrison faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for sex trafficking of a minor and for enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. An initial appearance has not yet been scheduled.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI, the Anne Arundel County Police and the Anne Arundel State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers and Ray D. McKenzie, who are prosecuting the case.
Two Alleged MS-13 Members Charged with Violent Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed Tuesday charging two alleged MS-13 members residing in Hyattsville, Maryland, with conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion. Both defendants remain in custody following one of their detention hearings earlier today.
The indictment was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan, U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur for the District of Maryland, Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore Field Office, Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks, Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department, Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department, and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
Jairo Arnaldo Jacome, aka “Abuelo,” 36, and Gerdandino Delgado-Escobar, aka “Pumba,” 23, are charged in the one-count indictment that alleges a conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion beginning at least in or around March 2013 and continuing through April 2018. According to the indictment, Jacome and Delgado-Escobar are alleged to be members and associates of the Langley Park Salvatruchas (LPS) clique of MS-13. Both defendants are in custody. Jacome was ordered detained pending trial following a detention hearing today.
The indictment alleges that MS-13 is an international criminal enterprise that is active throughout the United States. In the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including in Prince George’s County, Maryland, MS-13 generates income from various sources, including the extortion of sums of money from persons who engage in business activities such as controlled substances sales, illegal brothels, and unlicensed “stores” where items such as food, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes are sold, as well as legitimate businesses including food and beverage sales or distributors. The indictment further alleges that members of the gang often refer to these extortion payments as “rent.”
Jacome is alleged to have threatened business owners from whom he demanded “rent” payments. According to the indictment, in or around 2015, Jacome allegedly threatened one extortion victim with a gun, grabbed the victim by the neck and hit the victim, telling the victim that Jacome was a member of the “Mara” and that the victim was required to pay “rent” to Jacome for his business or else Jacome would send people to kill the victim’s family. The indictment further alleges that Delgado-Escobar allegedly took extortion payments on behalf of Jacome and the LPS clique.
An indictment is is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Daniel C. Gardner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland are prosecuting this case.
Two Alleged MS-13 Members Charged with Violent Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – On April 25, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted two alleged MS-13 members, Jairo Arnaldo Jacome, a/k/a “Abuelo,” age 36, and Gerdandino Delgado-Escobar, a/k/a “Pumba,” age 23, both of Hyattsville, Maryland, with conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division John P. Cronan; Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to the indictment, MS-13 is an international criminal enterprise that is active throughout the United States. In the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including in Prince George’s County, Maryland, MS-13 generates income from various sources, including the extortion of sums of money from persons who engage in business activities such as controlled substance sales, illegal brothels, and unlicensed “stores” where items such as food, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes are sold, as well as legitimate businesses including food and beverage sales or distributors. Members of the gang often refer to these extortion payments as “rent.”
Beginning at least in or around March 2013 and continuing through April 2018, Jacome is alleged to have threatened business owners from whom he demanded “rent” payments. According to the indictment, in or around 2015, Jacome allegedly threatened one extortion victim with a gun, grabbed the victim by the neck and hit the victim, telling the victim that Jacome was a member of the “Mara” and that the victim was required to pay “rent” to Jacome for his business or else Jacome would send people to kill the victim’s family. The indictment further alleges that Delgado-Escobar allegedly took extortion payments on behalf of Jacome and the Langley Park Salvatuchros (“LPS”) clique of MS-13.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. Both defendants are in custody. Jacome was ordered detained pending trial following a detention hearing today.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI Washington Field Office, HSI Baltimore, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Hyattsville Police Department, and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. United States Attorney Robert K. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau and Daniel C. Gardner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick of the Organized Crime and Gang Section, who are prosecuting this case.
Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – On April 25, 2018, Antonio Reed, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - Baltimore Field Division.
According to his plea agreement, between May 26, 2017 and June 8, 2017, Reed and his co-conspirators planned to commit an armed robbery of a drug stash house for the purpose of stealing multiple kilograms of cocaine from a drug cartel. Reed and his co-conspirators planned this robbery with a person who was actually an undercover special agent with the ATF.
On June 8, 2017, Reed, along with his three co-conspirators, met with the undercover special agent to carry out the robbery. Reed believed that the group would commit the robbery of the drug stash house that day and that drugs would be stolen. Had Reed and his co-conspirators committed the robbery, interstate commerce would have been affected.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Reed possessed a Smith & Wesson pistol and brought a mask and fabric gloves to use during the robbery. Reed also knew that his co-conspirators carried two other firearms that they would use in the planned robbery.
Reed faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. United States District Judge George L. Russell, III has scheduled sentencing for August 9, 2018, at 11:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew DellaBetta, who is prosecuting the case.
Waldorf Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Running Oxycodone Pill MillRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – On April 23, 2018, United States District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Thomas Dalton, age 31, of Waldorf, Maryland to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Chief Gary Gardner of the Howard County Police Department; Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans; Chief Peter Newsham of the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department; Commissioner Darryl De Sousa of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police.
According to his plea agreement, between November 2013 and May 2015, Dalton and his co-conspirator, Alex Mori, age 31, of Nanjemoy, Maryland, owned and operated First Priority Heath Care, LLC in Elkridge, Maryland, a purported pain management clinic, which facilitated the distribution of oxycodone to customers who had no legitimate medical need for the substance. Dalton and Mori hired and supervised employees, directed financial transactions for the business, and divided the profits. Dalton ran the day-to-day operations of First Priority.
Dalton and Mori worked to recruit individuals to visit First Priority so that they would profit from the cash fees charged for an office visit. Some of these individuals entered First Priority with fictitious complaints of pain in order to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone. Often, such individuals would fill their prescriptions and give some or all of the oxycodone tablets they received to a distributor, typically receiving either cash or oxycodone tablets for their services. The distributors then sold the pills for a profit. Dalton and Mori also bought and sold oxycodone pills for profit, including from people who obtained prescriptions from First Priority. Dalton also created false medical records for persons who sought to obtain pills at First Priority.
According to the plea agreement, wiretap conversations showed Dalton discussing the operation of First Priority and the distribution of oxycodone with co-conspirators, including Mori. These intercepts showed that Dalton conspired to distribute oxycodone with full knowledge that it was being abused by addicts and others without a legitimate medical need for the drug.
Dalton was intercepted on numerous calls interacting with co-conspirators, including communications where he arranged for distributors and their “runners” to visit First Priority to obtain oxycodone prescriptions; agreed to make false medical records for runners; agreed to “front” the cost of runners’ office visits to First Priority; and agreed to buy and sell oxycodone pills.
According to the plea agreement, it was reasonably foreseeable to Dalton that the conspiracy would distribute at least 488,010 milligrams of oxycodone.
Co-defendant Mori pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone and has been sentenced to four years in prison.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the DEA; OIG HHS; the Howard County, Prince George’s County, Baltimore City, Washington DC Metropolitan, and Virginia State Police Departments; and the Baltimore County, St. Mary’s County, and Calvert County Sheriff’s Departments for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Clark, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore BGF Member Sentenced to 142 Months in Prison for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Norman Handy, a/k/a “Norm,” a/k/a “Lil Norm,” age 23, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 142 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as the Black Guerilla Family’s Greenmount Avenue Regime.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr., of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore Police Commissioner Darryl De Sousa; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, Handy was a member of the BGF Greenmount Avenue Regime, formerly known as the Young Guerilla Family, or YGF. Between 2005 and September 2017, Handy agreed with other BGF members to engage in crimes to further the interest of the gang, including drug distribution and armed robbery.
Specifically, Handy admitted that on March 23, 2013, he and another individual robbed Moses Malone of a cellular telephone and money. During the robbery, Handy used a .38 caliber handgun to shoot Malone in the foot. Malone was scheduled to testify in state court against Handy for the robbery; however, Malone was shot and killed by BGF gang member Wesley Brown to prevent him from testifying.
On October 31, 2013, Handy and another BGF member assaulted and robbed two other victims.
Handy further admitted that he conspired with members of the BGF to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana in furtherance of the gang.
United States Attorney Hur commended ATF Baltimore, FBI Baltimore, the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Peter J. Martinez and Christina A. Hoffman, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
April 20, 2018
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Baltimore, Maryland – Chief Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Al Samuel Lawson, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland to 14 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor related to the trafficking of a 15-year-old female and a 16-year-old female for prostitution in Maryland.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger of the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to Lawson’s plea agreement, on February 10, 2016, members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force were conducting a proactive operation in search of juveniles engaging in prostitution. After making contact with two identified adult prostitutes, the females stated that they knew of a minor female who was currently engaging in prostitution. The women showed the Task Force members an advertisement on the website Backpage.com of another adult female that was known to be working as a prostitute with the minor female. Task Force members reviewed this advertisement and identified the adult female, Female 1, as a known prostitute with whom they had numerous previous contacts.
Task Force members approached the younger female and identified her as a fifteen-year-old juvenile, Minor 1. Internet advertisements for prostitution on the website Backpage.com identified Minor 1 under the name “Asia.” Minor 1 admitted to law enforcement that she had been prostituting for approximately one month at the direction of Lawson. Investigators identified several other females, including another minor female, Minor 2, who also engaged in prostitution at the direction of Lawson, starting when she was fifteen years old.
Female 1 was contacted and informed that her “date” was outside in a pickup truck and Female 1 came outside to meet them. A Baltimore County Police detective acting in an undercover capacity, spoke with Female 1 in his vehicle and she agreed to give him oral sex for $100. Female 1 directed the detective to drive to the hotel next door so they could “do it”. At that time, the detective identified himself as law enforcement and Female 1 was arrested for solicitation of prostitution.
Minor 1 admitted to law enforcement that she had been prostituting for approximately one month at the direction of Lawson. Investigators identified several other females, including another minor female, Minor 2, who also engaged in prostitution at the direction of Lawson. Minor 2 started doing prostitution dates when she was fifteen years old.
Some of these prostitution encounters engaged in by Minor 1, Minor 2, and other females at the direction of Lawson occurred at the residence of Lawson’s co-defendant, Nichole Carey, in Essex, Maryland.
Minor 1 reported that she, and the other women, gave 50% of the money from the prostitution encounters to Lawson and that Lawson knew the two victims were minors.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended FBI Baltimore, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Ayn Ducao, Rachel Yasser and Michael Cunningham, who prosecuted the case.
Two Montgomery County Residents Indicted for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Jonathan Henry, age 26, of Bethesda, Maryland, and Dominique Davis, age 27, of Germantown, Maryland, today on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was returned on April 11, 2018, and unsealed today upon the arrest of Henry. Davis is currently detained in Montgomery County on unrelated charges.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Brian Ebert of the U.S. Secret Service - Washington Division; Postal Inspector in Charge Robert B. Wemyss of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to the 12-count indictment, between October 2015 and April 2018, Henry and Davis allegedly stole the personal identifiable information of at least eleven victims and created fake driver’s licenses with the stolen information. Using the fake driver’s licenses, Henry and Davis allegedly applied for credit card accounts at retail stores and cellular telephone accounts at telecommunication stores in the names of the victims without the victims’ authorization.
Using these fraudulent credit cards and accounts, the defendants purchased items on credit, including electronics and other merchandise.
During the course of the scheme, Henry and Davis made $45,206.13 worth of fraudulent charges in North Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia.
Henry is also charged with 11 counts of aggravated identity theft.
Henry and Davis face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud.
Henry faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years per count of aggravated identity theft.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly O’Connell Hayes and Michael Packard, who are prosecuting the case.
Baltimore City Man Indicted for Possessing A Firearm That Discharged and Injured A Baltimore City Police OfficerRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Allen Johnson, age 35, of Baltimore City, Maryland, on charges relating to his possession of a firearm that discharged while Baltimore City Police Officers were placing him into custody. Johnson was prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time because he had sustained at least one previous felony conviction. The indictment charges Johnson with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Darryl D. De Sousa of the Baltimore City Police Department.
On November 29, 2017, officers of the Baltimore City Police Department received information that Johnson was in the 800 block of Bridgeview Avenue in Baltimore City and was armed with a firearm hidden in his waistband. Police officers responded to the 800 block of Bridgeview Avenue and observed Johnson. Officers approached Johnson and asked him if he was in possession of a firearm. Johnson then turned away from the officers and reached for his waistband. One of the officers grabbed Johnson from behind as Johnson continued to reach for his waistband. The police officer wrestled Johnson to the ground and, during the struggle, the firearm that was in Johnson’s possession discharged, striking the police officer in his right hand. Other officers were able to utilize Taser devices to subdue Johnson and place him under arrest. Subsequent to his arrest, Johnson was searched and police officers retrieved numerous vials of narcotics. The injured police officer was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and Baltimore City Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Sippel, Jr. and Patricia C. McLane, who are prosecuting this case.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for RobberyRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – On April 17, 2018, United States District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Sean Shorb, age 38, of Frederick, Maryland to 100 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for Hobbs Act robbery.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Edward G. Hargis of the Frederick City Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, in March of 2017, Shorb committed two robberies of businesses in Frederick, Maryland. On March 19, 2017, Shorb walked into a fast food restaurant on Thomas Johnson Drive, pointed a handgun at an employee, and stated that he would shoot the employee unless the employee handed over money. The employee complied and handed over the money from the store’s cash register.
Later that same week, on March 23, 2017, Shorb walked into a convenience store on Amber Drive, pointed a pistol at an employee, and stated in substance: “Give me the money, give me the money, and don’t say anything.” The employee complied and handed over money from the store’s cash register.
Frederick City Police Department (“FPD”) investigators obtained red light camera footage that showed Shorb’s vehicle fleeing from one of the robberies. When an FPD police officer later attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Shorb for speeding, Shorb fled from police. Shorb was apprehended and later admitted to committing the robberies and said that he used a handgun that he tossed into a sewer in Baltimore.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the ATF and the Frederick City Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew DellaBetta, who prosecuted the case.
Owners of Maryland Auto Parts Company Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Greenbelt, Maryland, returned an indictment, which was unseal today, charging a married couple with conspiracy to defraud the United States and four counts of filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur for the District of Maryland.
According to the indictment, Robert M. Underwood and Deborah J. Underwood, operated a used automobile parts and scrap metal business in Clinton, Maryland from 2009 through 2012 under the names “B Underwood’s Used Auto Parts” and “B Underwood Used Auto Parts, LLC.” The business allegedly purchased used and salvage cars, stripped them for parts to resell, and sold the remains to a Baltimore-based scrap yard.
The indictment charges that the Underwoods conspired to conceal the receipt of cash from the sale of scrap metal from their accountants and from IRS auditors. The indictment further alleges that the Underwoods filed false tax returns that did not include all the gross receipts of their business.
If convicted, the Underwoods face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and three years in prison for each false tax return count. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hur thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David I. Salem and Tax Division Trial Attorney Michael Vasiliadis, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Owners of Maryland Auto Parts Company Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Robert M. Underwood, age 71, and his wife Deborah J. Underwood, age 62, both of Clinton, Maryland on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and four counts of filing false tax returns.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the indictment, the Underwoods operated a used automobile parts and scrap metal business in Clinton, Maryland from 2009 through 2012 under the names “B Underwood’s Used Auto Parts” and “B Underwood Used Auto Parts, LLC.” The business allegedly purchased used and salvage cars, stripped them for parts to resell, and sold the remains to a Baltimore-based scrap yard.
The indictment charges that the Underwoods conspired to conceal the receipt of cash from the sale of scrap metal from their accountants and from IRS auditors. The indictment further alleges that the Underwoods filed false tax returns that did not include all the gross receipts of their business.
If convicted, the Underwoods face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and three years in prison for each false tax return count. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked Special Agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney David I. Salem and Tax Division Trial Attorney Michael Vasiliadis, who are prosecuting the case.
President of Baltimore Tax Preparation Business Found Guilty of Assisting in the Filing of False Tax Returns and Failure to File Corporate Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Tynisha Martin Kadiri, age 39, of Baltimore, Maryland, on charges of assisting in the filing of false income tax returns and failure to file corporate tax returns.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Lappin of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
Evidence presented at the six-day trial showed that Kadiri, who owned three tax preparation businesses in west Baltimore, filed false and fraudulent tax returns for her client-taxpayers. These false returns included business receipts that the taxpayers did not receive, business losses that the taxpayers did not incur and false or fictitious businesses. These false statements resulted in the clients receiving larger refunds than they were entitled to. In addition, evidence presented at trial proved that Kadiri had not filed federal corporate income tax returns for her businesses for tax years 2014 and 2015.
Kadiri faces a maximum sentence of up to three years in prison per count and a fine of $250,000 for aiding or assisting in the filing of false income tax returns and one year in prison for willful failure to file a return.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the IRS for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Selden and Matthew Maddox, who prosecuted the case.
District Heights Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Erron Deon Robinson, age 32, of District Heights, Maryland today to ten years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Baltimore Field Division; Chief Henry P. Stawinksi III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Chief Peter Newsham of the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington D.C.
According to his plea agreement, in August 2017, law enforcement officers attempted to execute an arrest warrant for Robinson, which had been issued by the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. After apprehending Robinson, officers searched his residence and found a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, a loaded Glock 10mm handgun, a box of ammunition, approximately 175 grams of a substance containing a detectable amount of several substances, including furanyl fentanyl, fentanyl, and heroin, digital scales, a large bag of Mannitol powder, and $6,825.00 United States currency.
Prior to August 23, 2017, Robinson had been convicted of a felony, which prohibited him from legally possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the ATF, the Prince George Police Department, and the D.C. Metropolitan Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Packard, who prosecuted the case.
Allergan to Pay $3.5 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to LAP-BAND Bariatric Medical DeviceRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – New Jersey-based Allergan Inc. has agreed to pay $3.5 million to resolve allegations that Allergan caused health care providers to submit false claims to Medicare and other federal healthcare programs relating to the LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System, a device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for weight reduction for adult patients with obesity who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives.
The settlement agreement was announced today by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services; and Robert E. Craig Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Mid-Atlantic Field Office.
“Patients have every right to expect that medical devices used during surgery are free of defects. Patients also have the right to expect that procedures involving medical devices have been subject to the rigorous review and approval process of the Food and Drug Administration. When marketing and selling medical devices that may have defects or may be used in unapproved procedures, patients can be put at risk,” said Robert K. Hur, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.
Allergan distributed, marketed, and sold the LAP-BAND, an inflatable silicone band that is placed around a patient’s stomach during a surgical procedure. Adding or removing saline fluid through a subcutaneous access port adjusts the LAP-BAND, which in turn constricts or expands the size of the stomach pouch.
The United States alleged that between January 2008 and November 2010, Allergan knowingly sold LAP-BANDs with defective or flawed access ports. To conceal the defect or flaw and to induce health care professionals to continue using the LAP-BAND, Allergan misrepresented facts concerning the cause of access port leaks to the public, health care professionals, and the FDA; failed to collect or maintain required data and complaint files; and offered and provided remuneration to health care professionals who reported access port leaks. Additionally, the United States alleged that between 2008 and 2012, Allergan knowingly advertised, marketed, and distributed the LAP-BAND for use in two procedures that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Some of these procedures were not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury. To market and to induce health care professionals to use the LAP-BAND for these uses, Allergan provided remuneration to health care professionals in connection with proctoring, workshops, advisory boards, and training events in which these two uses were discussed and/or demonstrated.
The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and obtain a portion of the government's recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the District of Maryland and is captioned United States ex rel. Schwartz and Tinsley v. Allergan, CCB-10-2796. As part of today’s resolution, Dr. Schwartz and Mr. Tinsley will receive approximately $594,064 from the settlement.
The Federal share of the civil settlement is $3,300,360 and the state Medicaid share of the civil settlement is $199,640. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the HHS Office of Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management OIG, and the Department of Defense’s Criminal Investigative Services for their work in the investigation. Assistance also was provided by the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units and offices of various state Attorneys General. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Roann Nichols and Assistant Director Edward Crooke of the Department of Justice Civil Fraud Section.
Chevy Chase Man Charged with Production of Child Pornography ArrestedRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – Jonathan Oldale, age 54, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, was arrested on April 13, 2018, based on a criminal complaint charging him with production of child pornography.
The arrest was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Police Chief Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
According to the complaint, the investigation of Oldale began when officers from the Montgomery County Police Department responded to Silver Stars Gymnastics and Fitness in Silver Spring, Maryland based on the report of a suspicious situation. An employee at the business had found a camera hidden inside a backpack in a restroom. The backpack had been placed under a wet floor sign directly in front of the bathroom’s only toilet. The camera itself was hidden inside a non-functioning automobile key fob. When the employee recovered the camera, it was hot to the touch and had a very small, illuminated light indicating the device was in the “on” position. Further investigation revealed that the backpack belonged to Oldale, and that the backpack had also been left in the bathroom three weeks prior.
In May 2017, the Montgomery County Police Department executed a search warrant at Oldale’s home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. A detective with the Montgomery County Police Department’s Electronic Crimes Unit completed a digital forensic examination of electronic evidence seized from the home. A program used to securely delete (i.e., “clean”) files from computers was discovered. The detective also identified installations of a browser that enables anonymous communication and access to the “dark web.” The distribution and sharing of child exploitation images and videos is one illegal activity known to take place on the “dark web.”
In addition, the forensic analysis uncovered various computer artifacts indicating that the user had accessed files with names indicative of child exploitation material. Forensic analysis also revealed references to a known, but then-defunct website from the “dark web” that had provided users access to child pornography. The website had been shut down by law enforcement in December 2016.
Based on this evidence, the Montgomery County Police Department executed a second search warrant at Oldale’s residence in July 2017. Cameras containing SD memory cards were seized from Oldale’s office. Subsequent forensic examination of the SD cards revealed hundreds of videos filmed in the bathroom of the residence. The videos show that multiple cameras were used simultaneously to record activities in the bathroom. The videos depict children taking off their clothes or bathing suits, taking showers, and getting dressed. At least 30 children were filmed. The videos also depict Oldale checking camera angles.
Further investigation by the Montgomery County Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that when children attended “splash parties” at Oldale’s residence, the children would become covered in grass. According to a witness, Oldale made children take showers before they went home.
Oldale faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for production of child pornography.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the Montgomery County Police Department and the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Baldwin and Timothy Hagan, who are prosecuting the case.
Silver Spring Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Kevin Heiting, age 30, of Silver Spring, Maryland today to 20 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography and other admitted conduct detailed in his plea agreement.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
This case began as a lead to HSI from the Swiss Cybercrime Coordination Unit of the Swiss Federal Police regarding an individual distributing child pornography using a Virtual Private Network based in Switzerland.
On May 19, 2016, based in part on the Swiss investigative lead, a federal search warrant was executed at Heiting’s residence in Silver Spring, Maryland, and law enforcement seized five hard drives, two laptop computers, a tower computer, and a cellular telephone. A forensic analysis of just one of the seized hard drives revealed more than 17,913 video files and 405,071 image files, many of which depicted children, including infants and toddlers, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A file-sharing program found on Heiting’s computer revealed that Heiting shared over 100,000 files between June 8, 2014 and January 6, 2015. The analysis revealed that thousands of users connected to one of Heiting’s laptop computers and downloaded files. The analysis further showed that Heiting both received and distributed child pornography using the laptop computer.
The same afternoon that the search warrant was executed, Heiting purchased a new laptop computer. On August 4, 2016, Heiting traveled from Maryland to Central America with the laptop, which Heiting was using to run a file sharing program and to conduct online chats with minors. On Heiting’s return from Central America, the laptop was detained by officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and subsequently forensically examined. The analysis revealed that in addition to sharing and downloading child pornography, Heiting was communicating with a 14-year-old boy over the “dark web” using an encrypted web chat application. Enticed and persuaded by Heiting, the victim sent Heiting images of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On August 29, 2016, Heiting was indicted on federal child pornography charges and placed on pretrial release, with conditions which forbade Heiting from possessing Internet capable devices. On February 1, 2017, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Heiting’s residence and recovered a laptop computer, two 5TB hard drives, and three USB thumb drives that had been hidden by Heiting in an air purifier cabinet. An initial forensic review of the laptop revealed that it contained a file-sharing program and the encrypted “dark web” application that Heiting had previously used. The laptop computer had last been accessed the very morning the search warrant was executed.
Heiting will be required to register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
A hearing will be held in July 2018 to determine the amount of restitution to be paid to child pornography victims.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI Baltimore, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Atlanta for their work in the investigation, and the Swiss Federal Police for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Baldwin and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Finocchiaro, who prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland - In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8-14, 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland held the 2nd Annual National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Award Ceremony. United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur presented Victim Assistance awards to employees and members of local and Federal law enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ayn B. Ducao, Bryan E. Foreman, and Jefferson M. Gray were awarded the AUSA Victim Assistance Award that recognizes AUSAs who exhibited extraordinary effort in advocating for the rights of victims and demonstrate exceptional commitment to the pursuit of justice.
Asset Forfeiture Paralegal Specialist Naquita C. Ervin received the Support Staff Victim Assistance Award that recognizes a support staff member who goes above and beyond normal duty to assist victims.
Cpl. Joshua P. Mouton of the Howard Country Police Department was awarded the State Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Award that recognizes a member of state or local law enforcement who exhibited professionalism and superior service and sensitivity to victims.
Special Agent Keith A. Custer of the FBI, as well as two other Baltimore based Special Agents of the FBI, were awarded the Federal Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Award that recognizes a Special Agent, TFO, or other federal law enforcement officer who consistently displays superior investigative skills and sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims.
In addition to the presentation of awards, the ceremony included keynote speeches by individuals who have been victims of crime. “The stories we heard today from those who have been victims of crime are a reminder that statistics represent real crimes affecting real people and real families,” said U.S. Attorney Hur. “The United States Attorney’s Office recognizes the courage of these brave individuals, and is here to listen, support and empower them. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to celebrate progress, raise awareness of victims’ rights and services, and stand with those whose lives have been changed by the criminal acts they have endured.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins its federal, state, and local enforcement partners in taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of providing necessary services at the earliest possible stage of victimization and litigation. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the criminal justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf.
"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect," Attorney General Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. This week, we remember the millions of Americans who have been victimized by criminals and we thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America."
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 13, 2018, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland Victim Witness Program at (410) 209-4800.
Mount Rainier Man Sentenced to 10 and A Half Years in Prison for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced James Emory Jones, Jr. a/k/a “Kirk,” age 41, of Mount Rainier, Maryland to 126 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of phencyclidine (a/k/a "PCP”) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The sentence was announced by the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI, Baltimore Field Office; and Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI, Washington Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, pursuant to court-authorized wiretap interceptions from June through October 2016, Jones was heard discussing distribution of cocaine base (a/k/a “crack cocaine”), cocaine, and phencyclidine (a/k/a "PCP.”)
On April 5, 2017, investigators executed a search warrant at Jones's apartment in Mount Rainier, Maryland, where they recovered a loaded .38 caliber revolver, a loaded .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a shoulder holster, and a shotgun. In addition, agents recovered more than one kilogram of PCP, ten empty glass vials, a plastic dropper (typically used to distribute PCP), a quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine, a digital scale, and $10,700 in U.S. currency.
Prior to April 5, 2017, Jones had sustained convictions for offenses punishable by more than one year of imprisonment, which made him ineligible to possess a firearm and ammunition.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI Cross Border Task Force-Safe Streets, Prince George’s County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department-District of Columbia, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Sykes and Nicolas A. Mitchell who prosecuted the case.
Windsor Mill Man Sentenced for Procuring Citizenship UnlawfullyRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Zulquarnain Qureshi, age 71, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, to nine months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, should he return to the United States, for Procurement of Citizenship Unlawfully. Qureshi plead guilty to the offense on February 5, 2018. As part of the plea agreement, Qureshi was denaturalized and agreed to be removed from the United States.
The sentence was announced by the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Richard Ingram of the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Washington Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, Qureshi fraudulently obtained the passport of a citizen of the United Kingdom and used it to enter the United States in June 1999. Qureshi then lived in the United States, and worked and traveled abroad under that false identity until his August 15, 2017 arrest in Baltimore, Maryland. During the intervening years, Qureshi married a succession of three United States citizens while maintaining his marriage to a woman in his native Pakistan. Through his second marriage, Qureshi was able to obtain lawful permanent resident status as the spouse of a United States citizen.
Qureshi, using the assumed identity, filed for United States citizenship, which was granted, and took the oath on August 10, 2016. The day before a new United States passport was to be sent to Qureshi, Her Majesty’s Passport Office alerted American law enforcement to the fraud. The passport was not delivered and an investigation was undertaken.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DSS, the United Kingdom’s Border Force and Passport Office and HSI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Fish who is prosecuting the case.
Historian Sentenced for Theft of Government Records from the National ArchivesRead the Press Release
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Greenbelt, Maryland – On April 9, 2018, United States District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Antonin DeHays, age 33, of College Park, Maryland, to 364 days in prison followed by three years of supervised release (the first eight months on home detention), as well as 100 hours of community service, for theft of government records from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Judge Chuang also ordered DeHays to pay $43,456.96 in restitution.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Jason Metrick of the National Archives and Records Administration - Office of Inspector General.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in December 2012, and continuing through June 2017, DeHays stole and knowingly converted for his own use U.S. service members’ dog tags and other records from the public research room at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland. Specifically, DeHays stole at least 291 U.S. service members’ dog tags and at least 134 other records from the National Archives at College Park. Some of these dog tags bore evidence of damage, such as dents and charring due to fire sustained during crashes of Allied aircraft that were shot down or crash-landed within German-controlled areas of Europe during World War II.
For example, on December 9, 2016, DeHays visited the National Archives at College Park and stole two dog tags, one silver and one brass, issued to a downed Tuskegee Airman, who died when his fighter plane crashed in Germany on September 22, 1944. DeHays gave the brass dog tag to a military aviation museum in exchange for the opportunity to sit inside a Spitfire airplane. On a different occasion, DeHays stole two dog tags that were linked together with a wire loop. One of the dog tags was issued to a U.S. serviceman who served in World War II, and the other dog tag was issued to his father, who had served in World War I.
DeHays stole other records, in addition to dog tags, from the National Archives at College Park, including identification cards, personal letters, photographs, a bible, and pieces of downed U.S. aircraft.
Although DeHays kept some of the stolen U.S. dog tags and other stolen records for himself and gave others as gifts, he sold the majority of the stolen items on eBay and elsewhere. Before selling the dog tags, DeHays sometimes removed from the dog tags markings made in pencil which could have been used to identify the dog tags as having been stolen from the National Archives. On one occasion, DeHays sent a text message to a potential buyer stating that certain dog tags for sale were “burnt and show some stains of fuel, blood . . . very powerful items that witness the violence of the crash.” On a different occasion, DeHays sent a text message to a potential buyer stating that a dog tag for sale was “salty” (bearing the signs of war-related damage) and that an officer ID and American Red Cross ID for sale were “partially burned.”
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended NARA – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of the Treasury – Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur also thanked Assistant United States Attorney Nicolas A. Mitchell, who prosecuted the case.
BGF Member Sentenced to 258 Months in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Shooting Outside NightclubRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Montel Harvey, a/k/a “Telly,” age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 21½ years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as the Black Guerilla Family’s Greenmount Avenue Regime. As part of his plea agreement, Harvey admitted that on June 8, 2013, he committed a non-fatal shooting outside a nightclub in downtown Baltimore. The Court found at sentencing that a total prison term of 25 years was appropriate, but adjusted the sentence downward to account for the fact that Harvey has served approximately three and a half years in prison in connection with a related state case.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Gordon Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore Police Commissioner Darryl DeSousa; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, Harvey was a member of the BGF Greenmount Regime, formerly known as the Young Guerilla Family, or YGF. Between 2005 and 2016, Harvey agreed with other BGF members to engage in crimes to further the interest of the gang, including drug distribution, murder, robbery, witness tampering, and witness retaliation. Harvey admitted that he personally engaged in drug trafficking and attempted murder in furtherance of the BGF. Specifically, Harvey admitted to drug trafficking on four separate occasions between June 29, 2012, and July 6, 2013.
According to his plea agreement, on June 8, 2013, in the 300 block of West Fayette Street, Harvey shot a victim using a 9mm handgun. At the time of the shooting, the victim was engaged in a physical confrontation with BGF member Wesley Brown outside the Mirage nightclub, where Harvey and other BGF members had gathered to celebrate Brown’s birthday.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended ATF Baltimore, FBI Baltimore, the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Peter J. Martinez and Christina A. Hoffman, who prosecuted the case.
Robert K. Hur Is Sworn in as the 48th United States Attorney for the District of MarylandRead the Press Release
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Baltimore, Maryland – United States Chief District Judge James K. Bredar swore in Robert K. Hur today as the 48th United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Hur is the chief federal law enforcement officer in the District of Maryland. Mr. Hur will oversee the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States in the District of Maryland. He will supervise an office of approximately 88 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 72 support personnel, who handle a high volume of important cases including domestic and international terrorism, narcotics trafficking, organized crime, gang violence, public corruption, cybercrime, financial and healthcare fraud, and civil rights violations.
Before taking office as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Hur served as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General with the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. In that position, Mr. Hur was a member of the Department’s senior leadership team and the top aide to Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein, assisting him with oversight of all components of the Department.
Mr. Hur served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Maryland from 2007 to 2014, where he prosecuted gang violence, firearms offenses, and narcotics trafficking, as well as white-collar offenses including financial institutions fraud, public corruption, mortgage fraud, tax offenses, computer network intrusions, and intellectual property theft. He received the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award for superior performance and excellence as a lawyer.
Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Hur served as Special Assistant and later Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Division, where he handled counterterrorism, corporate fraud, and appellate matters.
In addition to his service with the Department of Justice, Mr. Hur was a litigation partner with a major law firm in Washington, D.C., where he represented companies and individuals facing criminal and regulatory enforcement actions before the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other federal agencies, as well as related civil litigation.
Mr. Hur began his legal career as a law clerk for the late William H. Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States, and Judge Alex Kozinski of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Mr. Hur received his A.B. degree, magna cum laude with highest honors, from Harvard College. He received his J.D. from Stanford Law School, where he served as Executive Editor of the Stanford Law Review.
Bowie Doctor Indicted for Health Care Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Sampson Sarpong, age 61, of Bowie, Maryland, today on charges related to a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was returned on April 4, 2018, and unsealed today upon the arrest of Sarpong.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Bret D. Mastronardi of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
According to the 20-count indictment, Sarpong was a licensed physician in Maryland and specialized in the field of allergy and immunology. Sarpong owned and operated the Center for Allergic Diseases, LLC, which had numerous locations, including in White Plains, Maryland, and Glenn Dale, Maryland. Sarpong allegedly billed health care benefit programs for a variety of procedures used to test for and identify a patient's allergic disorder, including skin prick tests (“SPT”) and patch tests (“PT”).
From September 2011 through March 2017, Sarpong allegedly devised a scheme and artifice to defraud health care benefit programs by knowingly performing SPTs and PTs on patients for whom such tests were not medically required. Sarpong tested excessive numbers of allergens that were not necessary based on the patient’s complaints, symptoms, history, and environment. In addition, Sarpong allegedly submitted false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs for services that were not rendered. Further, Sarpong is alleged to have used the identification of eight different patients in relation to the fraud.
According to the indictment, Sarpong allegedly caused health care benefit programs to pay him more than $850,000 based on hundreds of false claims submitted.
Sarpong faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison each count of health care fraud and a mandatory consecutive two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI and OPM OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly O’Connell Hayes and Gregory Bernstein, who are prosecuting the case.
Prince George's County Liquor Board Commissioner Sentenced to Two Years in Prision for Federal Bribery ConductRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Anuj Sud, age 40, of Hyattsville, Maryland, to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $50,000 fine, for violating the Travel Act by committing bribery conduct. Sud solicited and accepted bribes in the performance of his official duties on the Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners (“Liquor Board”).
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Sud was appointed by the Governor to be a Liquor Board Commissioner in 2015. Sud also was a licensed attorney in Maryland since 2005, until his disbarment following the current criminal charge. According to court documents, in July 2015, Sud traveled to Washington, D.C. to promote and establish a bribery relationship with another individual with business before the Liquor Board. In September 2015, Sud solicited bribes from the individual in exchange for Sud’s assistance with Liquor Board matters. At other meetings in 2015 and 2016, Sud and the individual discussed Sud voting favorably in upcoming Liquor Board hearings concerning the individual’s clients, in exchange for money. At each of the subsequent hearings, Sud took favorable action and made favorable votes on behalf of the individual’s clients. In total, from 2015 to 2016, Sud accepted three $1,000 cash bribe payments in exchange for Sud’s official action as a Liquor Board Commissioner.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, IRS-CI, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom who prosecuted the case.
Takoma Park Man Sentenced to 14 and a Half Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Stanley Eugene Green, Jr., age 42, of Takoma Park, Maryland, to fourteen and a half years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for Distribution of Heroin and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr., of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Baltimore Field Division; and Police Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Takoma Park Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, between in or about February 2015, and continuing through April 27, 2017, Green distributed, conspired to distribute, and possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. During the conspiracy, Green obtained distribution quantities of heroin (that contained fentanyl), and redistributed those drugs to users in Montgomery County, Maryland, and elsewhere.
In August 2016, law enforcement officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Takoma Park Police Department received information from a confidential informant about narcotics distribution in Takoma Park, Maryland. Between August 2016 and April 2017, ATF and local law enforcement identified and investigated someone named “Rico” who was selling heroin (later found to contain fentanyl). Law enforcement identified “Rico” as Green.
In late January 2017, a victim who obtained heroin from Green suffered an overdose and required emergency medical attention. The victim fell into a coma and thereafter required hospitalization and physical rehabilitation, and was hospitalized for approximately 2 and a half months.
As part of his plea agreement, Green will be required to forfeit the firearms, ammunition, and $37,592.00 seized during the search of his residence.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised the ATF Baltimore Field Division, Takoma Park Police Department, and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. He also recognized the assistance Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration provided to the lead investigating agencies. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan, who prosecuted the case.
Married Couple Indicted for String of ATM Burglaries and A RobberyRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Matthew Dale Bush, age 38, and Crystal French, a/k/a “Crystal Lynn Bush,” age 34, both of Graysonville, Maryland, on charges of Bank Robbery, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Vehicle and Conspiracy to Commit Offenses against the United States.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI;) and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to the nine-count indictment, beginning in September 2017 and continuing through October 23, 2017, Bush and French stole ATMs and used stolen vehicles to travel to and from the scenes of the crimes. The burglaries took place within the District of Maryland, the Northern District of Virginia, the District of Delaware, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere. Bush and French spent the proceeds of the crimes they committed on personal items including heroin and other illegal narcotics.
In September and October 2017, the couple allegedly stole or attempted to steal ATMs in the following locations; Stevensville, Maryland; Chester, Maryland; Kent County, Delaware; Sterling, Virginia; Broadlands, Virginia; Dover, Delaware; Stevensville, Maryland; and Cambridge, Maryland.
According to the indictment, in addition to the ATM burglaries, on October 23, 2017, Bush allegedly burglarized a High’s Store in Harford County, and robbed a bank in Perry Hall, Maryland.
Bush has also been indicted on charges of Bank Larceny, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, and four counts of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Vehicle.
Bush and French face a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for conspiracy, 10 years in prison for each count of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Vehicle and 20 years in prison for bank robbery.
Bush also faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for each additional count of Bank Larceny, Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and ammunition.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the HSI, Maryland State Police, Delaware State Police, Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Baltimore County Police Department, and Loudon County, Virginia Sheriff’s Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Budlow and Sandra Wilkinson, who are prosecuting the case.