District of Maryland
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Essex Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Robert John Wiseman, Jr., age 56, of Essex, Maryland, today to 17 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. Chief Judge Blake also ordered that upon his release from prison, Wiseman must 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).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Judge Blake enhanced Wiseman’s sentence upon finding that Wiseman had a pattern of sexually abusing minors. Testimony concerning the abuse of minors, who came forward in 1990 and 2013, was presented at today’s sentencing hearing. The victims from 1990 and from 2013 each alleged that Wiseman began sexually abusing them beginning when they were two years old until they were approximately eight or nine years old. The victim from 2013 further stated that Wiseman took pornographic photographs of the victim. Wiseman was never charged or convicted of these allegations.
According to Wiseman’s plea agreement, on July 17, 2014, an undercover Baltimore County Police detective was conducting an online investigation into the sharing of child pornography using file sharing networks. The detective located an IP address on one of the file sharing programs that was sharing at least one video file that the detective knew from previous investigations depicted children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The detective downloaded the video file and tracked the IP address to the subscriber, a woman who lived in Essex. The detective obtained a search warrant for that address and on September 9, 2014, the search warrant was executed. The subscriber was at the residence along with Wiseman and two others, including a minor child.
During an audio recorded interview, Wiseman told the detective that he used a file sharing program on his desktop computer to search for and download child pornography. Wiseman also acknowledged that he was aware that other people were able to download files from him using the file sharing network. During the execution of the search warrant, a forensic review was conducted on Wiseman’s desktop computer. The detective located the video he had downloaded, as well as numerous other video and image files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including prepubescent children and images of sadistic and masochistic conduct, or other depictions of violence. Law enforcement seized the desktop computer, two laptop computers, and 17 external hard drives, among other items. A subsequent forensic examination of the desktop computer found approximately 20 video files and over 10,000 image files of child pornography. Wiseman must forfeit the computers, hard drives and other digital media seized during the search.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the Baltimore County Police Department, FBI and HSI Baltimore for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel M. Yasser and Sandra Wilkinson, who prosecuted the case.
Credit Card Company Employee Sentenced in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Godfred Obeng, age 38, of Glen Allen, Virginia today to three years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to commit bank fraud, using an unauthorized access device and aggravated identity theft. Judge Hazel also ordered Obeng to pay restitution of $338,548.45.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Postal Inspector in Charge Maria L. Kelokates of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and John L. Phillips, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Inspector General.
According to his plea agreement and court documents, Obeng was an account services specialist at Capital One Bank, which issued credit card accounts to individuals. Beginning in June 2012, Obeng accessed customer accounts to steal the account numbers, cardholders’ names and addresses. Obeng shared this information with coconspirator Leslie Okyere in return for payment. From at least January 2012 to March 2013, other coconspirators used these credit card numbers, belonging to over 50 victims, to make fraudulent purchases by phone with The Home Depot.
For example, coconspirator Awah Essem recruited college students, promising that they could make some easy money. Essem directed the recruits to open a bank account and provide the bank account information to him. Essem told the recruits that money would be transferred into these accounts from The Home Depot. A conspirator would order materials with Home Depot stores, supplying a victim’s credit card information stolen by Obeng. Within a few days, a conspirator canceled the order and requested that the refund be placed on the coconspirator’s debit card, including the debit cards of coconspirators recruited by Essem.
The recruits, including Stanley Nmesirionye, Dosis Feludu and Gideon Turkson, would be required to withdraw the majority of the money from the bank account to give to Essem. The recruit could keep a portion, in some cases as much as $300.
During the course of the fraud scheme, the total loss attributable to Obeng’s conduct was at least $338,548.45.
Bertrand Awah Essem, age 27, of Beltsville, Maryland; Stanley Nmesirionye, age 24, of Owings Mills, Maryland; Dosis Feludu, age 25, of Salisbury, Maryland; Gideon Turkson age 24, of Burtonsville, Maryland and Leslie Okyere, age 33, of Hyattsville, previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the fraud scheme. Essem was sentenced on February 5, 2016 to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $264,757.29. The remaining defendants await sentencing.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Department of the Treasury – OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan E. Foreman, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Three Stores and Three BanksRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Gregory George Branch age 42, of Essex, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to three armed commercial robberies and three bank robberies.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, on June 23 and July 3, 2015, Branch robbed a grocery store in Baltimore and convenience store in Essex, respectively. In each robbery, Branch approached the cashier, pretending to make a purchase, before raising his shirt to display what appeared to be the handle of a black handgun. Branch then demanded money from the cashier, who gave him money from the register and Branch left the store. On July 4, 2015, Branch robbed a discount store in Brooklyn Park, Maryland, displaying what appeared to be a black handgun. Branch ordered the security guard to place guard’s weapon in a trash can, then ordered the security guard and the store manager to open the safe. The manager gave Branch approximately $300 from the safe and Branch ran away.
Branch also admitted that on July 1, July 14 and July 17, 2015, he robbed three banks, stealing a total of approximately $4,402. In each robbery, Branch presented the teller with a note demanding money. In the note presented in the July 14, 2015, robbery Branch claimed to have a gun and in the robbery on July 17, 2015, Branch pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the teller.
When Branch was arrested, he was in possession of a black pellet gun that was used in all three of the store robberies and the bank robbery on July 17, 2015.
Branch also admitted that he committed nine other robberies or attempted robberies of businesses in Baltimore City and Baltimore County during June and July of 2015.
Branch and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Branch will be sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis has scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Department; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office, Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Sullivan, who is prosecuting the case.
Supplier of Heroin Intended for Distribution in Maryland Sentenced to 13 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Taofeeq Ogunlana, age 39, of Chicago, Illinois today to 13 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, from January to July 2015, Ogunlana met with Vladimir Lumelsky and supplied him with bulk quantities of heroin. Lumelsky would travel from the Baltimore area to the Chicago area, where he and Ogunlana would meet. Most recently, on July 12, 2015, Ogunlana met with Lumelsky at a hotel and supplied him with more than two kilograms of heroin. While Lumelsky and a companion were driving back from Chicago to the Baltimore area, they were stopped by law enforcement on Interstate 70 in western Maryland. Law enforcement seized more than two kilograms of heroin, which was intended to be redistributed to customers in the Baltimore area.
Ogunlana agreed that he and other co-conspirators distributed and possessed with intent to distribute more than three kilograms of heroin during the conspiracy.
Co-defendants Vladimir Lumelsky, age 41, of Pikesville, Maryland; Lawrence Bibbs, age 68, of Baltimore and Rodell Womack, age 49, of Baltimore previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the drug conspiracy. Lumelsky and Bibbs are scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. and May 20, 2016 at 12:30 p.m., respectively. Judge Motz sentenced Womack to four years in prison on April 11, 2016.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised DEA and the Baltimore City and County Police Departments for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew C. Sullivan and Christopher J. Romano, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Leader of Conspiracy to Rob an Owings Mills Jewelry Store Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Stanislav “Steven” Yelizarov, age 26, of Pikesville, Maryland, today to 30 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a robbery conspiracy, kidnapping, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, in connection with the robbery of a jewelry store, including a carjacking and kidnapping. Judge Motz also entered an order requiring Yelizarov to pay restitution of $500,000.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to his plea agreement, Yelizarov was the leader of a conspiracy to rob an Owings Mills jewelry store, and was also the leader of an armed home invasion robbery designed to obtain firearms, which were subsequently used in the robbery of the jewelry store.
Specifically, on July 22, 2012, Yelizarov, his brother MaratYelizarov, Aleksy Sosonko, and Grigory Zilberman robbed a home in Reisterstown, Maryland. Zilberman was familiar with the layout of the home, and knew that the residents owned firearms, having been there as a guest on a number of occasions. Zilberman had handled and fired some of the weapons. After conducting surveillance of the home for several days prior to the robbery, at 2:30 a.m. on July 22, 2012, S. Yelizarov, who was armed with a handgun, Sosonko, M. Yelizarov, and Zilberman traveled to the home in Reisterstown. Dressed all in black and wearing ski masks and latex gloves, the co-conspirators entered the home through the unlocked garage door. Sosonko, M. Yelizarov, and Zilberman grabbed long guns from the residence and carried them throughout the home. A resident of the home was asleep when the four robbers entered his bedroom and woke him up, pointing guns at him and shining flashlights in his eyes. S. Yelizarov beat the resident when he tried to resist while M. Yelizarov tied up the resident with a belt and a cord. For approximately one hour the robbers ransacked the home looking for firearms and other valuables. After the robbers left, the resident was able to free himself and call police. The resident was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. Among the items stolen from the house were 10 long guns (rifles and shotguns), a crossbow, a laptop computer, and jewelry. Numerous electronic devices including computers and televisions were destroyed during the robbery. The value of the items stolen was approximately $10,000.
In the fall of 2012, Yelizarov devised a plan to commit an armed robbery of a jewelry store, known to be owned and operated by members of the Russian community of Northwest Baltimore. Yelizarov was the leader of the conspiracy and had final decision making authority over the execution of the scheme. Yelizarov recruited Zilberman, Sosonko, Igor Yasinov, Peter Magnis, M. Yelizarov, Sorhib Omonov, and others to participate in the robbery. In preparation for the robbery, on December 25, 2012, S. Yelizarov, Yasinov, and others committed a burglary of a residence in Baltimore, during which they stole a shotgun and semiautomatic handgun. The handgun was used in the robbery of the jewelry store on January 16, 2013. Prior to the robbery, the conspirators gathered intelligence, including conducting surveillance. S. Yelizarov purchased and attached a GPS device to the car of an employee of the jewelry store in order to learn the employee’s travel routine and habits. Zilberman also exploited his friendship with the employee to obtain information about the operation of the jewelry store and the habits of the employee. According to S. Yelizarov’s plea agreement, on January 15, 2013, Zilberman enticed the employee to visit his home, in order to alert the other co-conspirators of the employee’s whereabouts. While the employee was at Zilberman’s home, the conspirators met at Yelizarov’s residence to prepare for the kidnapping and robbery, including preparing the firearms and donning masks and gloves. Early in the morning on January 16, 2013, M. Yelizarov and Omonov followed the employee from Zilberman’s home and notified the other conspirators of the employee’s location so they could follow the employee. S. Yelizarov, Sosonko, Yasinov, and Magnis driving in a rental car obtained by Yasinov, used a law enforcement-type light bar and a loudspeaker to impersonate a police officer and pull over the employee. Brandishing firearms which were supplied by S. Yelizarov, the conspirators removed the employee from his car, bound and blindfolded the employee, put him into the trunk of his own car, and drove him to a predetermined location.
According to the plea agreement, once at the location, S. Yelizarov and the co-conspirators continued to brandish firearms and threatened to kill the employee’s family if he did not comply with their demands or if he reported the incident to police. The employee complied and at approximately 3:52 a.m., S. Yelizarov and Sosonko drove the employee’s vehicle from the remote location to the jewelry store, while Yasinov and Magnis stayed with the employee, holding him bound and blindfolded at gunpoint. M. Yelizarov and Omonov were stationed near the jewelry store to act as “look-outs.” S. Yelizarov and Sosonko entered the store and stole jewelry, stones, and watches, valued at about $500,000, then drove back to the remote location. The employee was placed back into the trunk of his car and driven to another location, where he was left. The employee was able to kick his way out of the trunk through the back seat of his car.
On January 18, 2013, S. Yelizarov sold a portion of the stolen jewelry for approximately $29,000 to an FBI informant. On January 19, 2013, S. Yelizarov traveled to Brooklyn, New York to sell some of the jewelry and stones taken during the robbery, receiving over $100,000. On January 21, 2013, he returned to Maryland and divided the cash proceeds among the members of the conspiracy and others. S. Yelizarov determined how much each participant received based on his perception of the risk and the conduct of each participant.
On January 25, 2013, S. Yelizarov was arrested in Buffalo, New York, on federal misuse of passport charges. From January 25 through February 2, 2013, S. Yelizarov placed calls directing his brother, M. Yelizarov, and others, to remove from his residence and dispose of evidence related to the jewelry store robbery, including cash from the sale of the jewelry, firearms used during the conspiracy, the law enforcement light bar, the GPS device, a laptop computer, and other evidence of the crimes.
Grigoriy (Greg) Zilberman, age 25, and Aleksey Sosonko, age 35, both of Owings Mills, Maryland; Igor Yasinov, age 26, of Baltimore; and Marat Yelizarov, age 27, of Pikesville, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the robbery conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Peter Aleksandrov Magnis, age 28, of Hydes, Maryland, and Sorhib Omonov, age 27, of Baltimore, also pleaded guilty and were sentenced to seven years in prison and four years in prison, respectively.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Budlow and Aaron S. J. Zelinsky, who are prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Felon Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Federal Gun Charge and RobberyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Alfred Patterson, age 50, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 17 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for robbing a drug dealer and using a gun during the robbery. A federal jury convicted Patterson on February 5, 2016.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to the evidence presented at his five day trial, on January 28, 2015, Baltimore City Police officers were conducting surveillance in the 3600 and 3700 blocks of Beehler Avenue, a known high-crime area. The officers saw a vehicle pull up and an individual got into the rear of the car, leaving the door open. With an unobstructed view into the car, the officers saw a brief struggle between the individual, the driver of the car, and Patterson, who was in the passenger seat. The officers saw Patterson pull out a handgun and point it at the individual, who jumped out of the car and ran away. The car then drove off at high speed.
Alerted by the surveillance team, two officers pulled the car over several blocks away and removed the driver and Patterson from the car. A loaded .38 caliber revolver and two ziplock bags of heroin were on the passenger seat where Patterson had been sitting. The officers recovered the gun and the heroin, and arrested Patterson and the driver.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Aaron S. J. Zelinsky and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Perry, who prosecuted the case.
Hagerstown Man Charged with Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Richard Dane Small, age 31, of Hagerstown, Maryland, today on charges of transporting a minor to engage in sex, and sex trafficking of a minor.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith.
According to the indictment, and affidavit in support of the previously filed complaint, on June 22, 2015, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office received a tip concerning possible prostitution at a hotel room in Frederick. During subsequent surveillance of the hotel, Small was seen leaving the hotel room with two girls and driving away. Police stopped the vehicle in Frederick for an expired vehicle registration. Small and the girls initially identified themselves using false names. The girls were 15 and 17 years old.
The indictment alleges that in June 2015 Small traveled to Johnstown, Pennsylvania with the 15 year old girl to pick up the 17 year old girl, and transported the girls to hotels and other locations in Maryland. Small recruited and enticed the girls to engage in prostitution for him.
According to the indictment, Small persuaded the 15 year old girl to make herself available for prostitution by posting ads on a website. Small directed the 15 year old girl to take calls from clients responding to the ads. Small received the money that she made from prostituting.
Small faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison followed by up to lifetime of supervised release for both charges. Small is currently detained.
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 investigated by the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders. Members include federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members. For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/priorities_human.html.
Report suspected instances of human trafficking to HSI's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, HSI Frederick and Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Maddox and Seema Mittal, who are prosecuting the case.
Washington, D.C. Getaway Driver Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Carjacking and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced David Nathaniel Peebles, age 32, of Washington, D.C., late Friday, April 8, 2016 to eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for carjacking and being a felon in possession of a gun.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy; Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh; Chief Alan Goldberg of the Takoma Park Police Department; Chief Ronald A. Pavlik Jr.of the Metro Transit Police Department; Chief Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department; and Chief Earl L. Cook of the Alexandria (City) Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on February 8, 2012, Peebles, Jeffrey Franklin and another co-conspirator drove to the Manchester Road area of Silver Spring, Maryland, where they spotted an individual parking a 2008 Infiniti. As the individual got out of the vehicle, Peebles remained in the car while his co-conspirators approached the individual. At gunpoint, the co-conspirators demanded the keys to the car. The co-conspirators took the victim’s purse and keys, and then drove away in the Infiniti, with Peebles following behind.
On February 12, 2012, Peebles and two co-conspirators drove to the Russell Avenue area of Mount Rainier, Maryland, looking for carjacking targets. Again, Peebles remained in the car while the two co-conspirators approached victims in a 2004 Acura TL. One co-conspirator pointed a gun at the driver’s head and demanded that the driver get out of the car. The driver complied. The second co-conspirator approached the passenger in the Acura and demanded the passenger’s purse. When the victim did not immediately comply, the co-conspirator struck the victim in the face several times. During the assault, the other co-conspirator took the victim’s property. The co-conspirators then drove away in the Acura while Peebles followed.
During the course of the conspiracy, Peebles or a co-conspirator possessed a pistol with an obliterated serial number to use in the carjackings. Peebles had at least one previous felony conviction and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Jeffrey Carl Franklin, age 29, of Greenbelt, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the carjacking conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Another member of the conspiracy, Samuel Damien Bynum, age 25, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 207 months in prison for conspiring to use a gun during carjackings, using a gun during a carjacking, carjacking and being a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI; the Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Takoma Park, Metro Transit, Alexandria and Metropolitan Police Departments; the Prince George’s County and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Offices; and Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan and Special Assistant Matthew L. Paeffgen, who prosecuted the case.
Previously Convicted Felon Exiled to Eight Years in Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Deon Thornton, age 32, of Suitland, Maryland, today to eight years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of crack cocaine and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Boxler of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Chief M. Jay Farr of the Arlington County, Virginia Police Department; and Chief Earl L. Cook of the Alexandria, Virginia Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on May 28 and June 10, 2015, the ATF and DEA used a confidential source to purchase 56 grams and 62 grams of crack cocaine, respectively, from Thornton. On June 9, 2015, ATF and DEA used an undercover officer to purchase a .357 caliber revolver from Thornton. On June 23, 2015, a confidential source for ATF and DEA purchased two guns, a 9mm pistol and a .22 caliber pistol, both with obliterated serial numbers, from Thornton.
Thornton has previous felony drug and gun convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing a gun or ammunition.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, DEA, Alexandria Police Department and Arlington Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, who prosecuted the case.
Four Charged in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging four individuals for a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The criminal complaint was filed this afternoon, following the defendants’ arrests on Friday evening, April 8, 2016. Charged in the criminal complaint are:
Hector M. Hernandez-Villapando, age 63, of Hanover, Maryland;
Enixae Hernandez-Barba, age 33, of Linthicum Heights, Maryland;
Hector L. Hernandez-Barba, age 39, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and
William Frederick Cornish, age 52, of Abingdon, Maryland.The charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Colonel Woodrow Jones, Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; Chief Michael A. Pristoop of the Annapolis Police Department; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Richard McLaughlin of the Laurel Police Department; Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in August 2015, DEA received information about a group that was trafficking large amounts of cocaine into Maryland and utilizing a warehouse on Golden Ring Road in Baltimore. Investigation showed that the business using that location, KMKJ Trucking, LLC, had been evicted by July 31, 2015. Over the next six months, investigators identified Hernandez-Villapando and his sons, E. Hernandez-Barba and H. Hernandez-Barba as the individuals believed to have been using the Golden Ring Road warehouse. The investigation subsequently identified a warehouse on Hammonds Ferry Road in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, as the new location being used by those individuals.
According to the affidavit, on April 6, 2016, a tractor trailer with the KMKJ logo arrived at the Hammonds Ferry Road warehouse and backed up to the rear bay door of the unit. Investigators observed items being unloaded from the tractor trailer into the warehouse. A short time later, law enforcement observed a van occupied by E. Hernandez-Barba and H. Hernandez-Barba traveling around the parking lot and warehouse building, conducting counter-surveillance of the area. The Hernandez-Barba brothers then entered the warehouse, where they remained for approximately two hours before returning to E. Hernandez-Barba’s residence.
On the evening of April 8, 2016, investigators saw H. Hernandez-Barba, E. Hernandez-Barba and Hernandez-Villapando arrive at the Linthicum Heights warehouse. E. Hernandez-Barba then left in a black Honda, followed by a silver F-150 pickup truck. After a conversation on a nearby street between E. Hernandez-Barba and the driver of the pickup truck, they returned to the warehouse. E. Hernandez Barba went into the warehouse and the F-150 entered the warehouse through the bay door, which was then closed. A few minutes later, the bay door re-opened and the F-150 drove out of the warehouse. The truck, driven William Cornish, was stopped by law enforcement shortly after leaving the warehouse area. A narcotics detection dog was brought to the scene. The dog scanned the truck resulting in a positive response for the presence of illegal drugs. Law enforcement recovered 31 kilograms of cocaine from a box in the back seat of the truck. Law enforcement also stopped Hernandez-Villapando, H. Hernandez-Barba and E. Hernandez-Barba as they left the warehouse.
Search warrants were obtained and executed at the warehouse and at the residences of E. Hernandez-Barba, Hernandez-Villapando, and Cornish. Law enforcement recovered three large duffel bags in the basement of Hernandez-Barba’s home containing large amounts of cash. The money was vacuum sealed in plastic bags marked with the amount of cash on the outside of each plastic bag. Based on those amounts, law enforcement believes the duffel bags contain approximately $2.4 million. Investigators also recovered a drug/money ledger in the home documenting just over $2.4 million in receipts from the sale of illegal drugs. From Cornish’s home, law enforcement recovered a money counter, colored rubber bands, latex gloves and a digital scale, typically used in the narcotics trade to count and package money and to weigh drugs prior to distribution. Investigators also recovered a radio frequency detector that is commonly used by drug traffickers to “sweep” cars, people, and other items for hidden transmitters and electronic devices that are often used by law enforcement while investigating the distribution of illegal drugs.
The defendants face a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years and up to life in prison. The defendants are expected to have initial appearances today beginning at 4:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Beth P. Gesner in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended DEA, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Annapolis Police Department, Maryland State Police, Laurel Police Department, Harford County Task Force, and IRS Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Warwick and Joshua T. Ferrentino, who are prosecuting the case.
Doctor Sentenced to over Nine Years in Prison for $3.1 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced physician Paramjit Singh Ajrawat, age 60, Potomac, Maryland, today to 111 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for health care fraud, two counts of making a false statement related to a health care program, one count of obstruction of justice, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft related to a health care fraud scheme in connection with the pain clinic he owned and operated with his wife. Judge Chasanow also entered an order requiring Ajrawat to forfeit and pay restitution of $3,103,874.58.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Norbert E. Vint, Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge Robin Blake, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; and Special Agent in Charge Paul L. Bowman of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
“This lengthy sentence sends a powerful message that doctors who defraud health insurance programs will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
Ajrawat was a licensed physician in Maryland who specialized in interventional pain management. He and his wife owned and operated Washington Pain Management Center (WPMC) located in Greenbelt. A federal jury convicted Ajrawat and his wife, Sukhveen Kaur Ajrawat, age 57, also a medical doctor, on September 4, 2015. The government moved to dismiss the charges against Sukhveen Ajrawat after her death on February 1, 2016.
According to evidence presented at the eight day trial, from at least January 2011 through May 2014, the Ajrawats defrauded federal health benefit programs including: Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. The Ajrawats filed claims for procedures that were not performed. Specifically, the Ajrawats performed less expensive procedures but falsely billed for procedures that provided higher reimbursement amounts. The Ajrawats also submitted claims indicating that they had met the requirements for reimbursement, when in fact, they had not met those requirements. Finally, the Ajrawats submitted claims for procedures that had not been performed at all.
For example, the Ajrawats submitted claims that P. Ajrawat had performed nerve block injections with the use of an imaging guidance machine, but P. Ajrawat neither owned nor used such a machine. The Ajrawats also falsely documented patient files to indicate that an imaging guidance machine had been used to verify needle placement and caused the alteration or destruction of patient files to conceal the scheme from auditors and law enforcement.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised DCIS, HHS-Office of Inspector General, OPM-Office of Inspector General, FBI, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelly O’Connell Hayes, who prosecuted the case.
Cecil County Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced James J. Stanley, age 29, of Rising Sun, Maryland, today to 18 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for distributing child pornography. Stanley also admitted to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. Judge Russell ordered that upon his release from prison, Stanley must 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).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief F.D. “Chip” Peterson, Jr. of the Rising Sun Police Department; and Cecil County State’s Attorney Ellis Rollins.
According to his plea agreement, Stanley used a website that hosts anonymous and random one-to-one video and text chat. The website allows users to chat with others without providing any identifying information, and markets itself as an opportunity for users to “Talk to strangers!” During a video chat session on the website on October 20, 2014, Stanley used his webcam to display an image documenting the sexual abuse of a prepubescent girl, which was stored on his computer or other digital storage media.
Stanley also admitted that he placed a recording device in a shower that he knew would be used by a minor female, with the intent to create video recordings of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Between November 14, 2014 and January 14, 2015, Stanley saved a video file to his computer that depicted the girl taking a shower. The girl’s genital area is not visible in the video. Stanley stated that he used his cell phone to record the girl showering on approximately 10 occasions, although other videos of her were not recovered.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the HSI Baltimore, the Maryland State Police, Rising Sun Police Department and the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, who prosecuted the case.
Three Maryland Residents Indicted in Six Year Scheme to Scam Car Dealers and LendersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted the following Maryland residents on wire fraud and money laundering charges arising from a scheme to defraud auto dealers and lenders in the counties of Anne Arundel, Howard, Baltimore and Montgomery, of at least $550,000:
Sean Stanley Jackson, age 43, of Baltimore;
Erika Patrice Ryles, age 35, of Baltimore; and
Walter Jermaine Perry, III, age 39, of Owings Mills.
The indictment was returned on March 30, 2016 and unsealed today at the initial appearances of the defendants before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Mark Coulson in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. Defendants Ryles and Perry were released under pretrial supervision while defendant Jackson was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department.
“The illegal activity alleged in the indictment regarding this fraud scheme was extensive,” said Thomas Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, is committed to investigating financial fraud cases.”
According to the 15 count indictment, from January 2010 to February 2016, Jackson, Perry and another co-conspirator would make false representations on loan applications to lenders in order to obtain loans to buy vehicles from dealers, for which they were not financially qualified. The indictment alleges that 13 loan applications were submitted electronically to purchase vehicles, including a Bentley, Corvette, Corvette Stingray, Cadillac, two Audis and two Ford F450s.
The indictment alleges that the defendants created shell entities purporting to be legitimate businesses engaged in, among other things, global investing, consulting, dump truck transportation and wholesale auto dealing. The defendants created fake documents, including paystubs, bank account statements, utility bills and corporate tax returns and schedules for the shell entities, which they submitted with auto loan applications. The defendants sold some of the fraudulently obtained autos by causing false lien releases or obtaining false titles that omitted the lenders’ liens on the automobiles.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of at least $550,000, the amount of proceeds of the fraud scheme.
All of the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy. Jackson also faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on six counts of wire fraud; a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison on seven counts of wire fraud involving a financial institution; and 20 years in prison for money laundering. Perry also faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud.
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.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the IRS - Criminal Investigation and Baltimore County and City Police Departments for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Selden and Dana J. Brusca, who are prosecuting the case.
Maryland Men Indicted for Conspiracy to Transport Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted William Albert Engel, Jr., age 40, of Baltimore and Brian Nelson Halsey, age 42, of Westminster, Maryland, formerly of Dundalk, Maryland, on charges arising from a scheme to steal property from shopping mall kiosks and sell the stolen property online. The indictment was returned on March 29, 2016 and unsealed today upon the arrest of Halsey.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to the two-count indictment, from October 7, 2014 through July 30, 2015, the defendants conspired to steal property, including designer sunglasses, with a retail value of more than $500,000, and sell the items online. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Engel and others engaged in at least six thefts from shopping mall kiosks, stealing designer sunglasses and other items. Engel provided the stolen property to Halsey and others, who sold the property through an online market, then used the U.S. Postal Service to ship the stolen property to the buyers. The indictment alleges that Halsey provided proceeds from the sale of the stolen property to Engel and also helped to finance Engel’s travel and travel expenses to other states to commit thefts in order to obtain more property for sale.
The indictment alleges that Engel broke into kiosks and stores in shopping malls in Capre Girardeau and St. Louis, Missouri; Myrtle Beach and Florence, South Carolina; and Hagerstown, Maryland, stealing a total of 1,276 pairs of designer sunglasses and 18 luxury watches. Engel brought the stolen items back to Halsey in Maryland. On August 28, 2015, Halsey possessed 790 pairs of stolen designer sunglasses at his home in Maryland. Some of the sunglasses were traceable to thefts and burglaries allegedly committed by Engel in Missouri and South Carolina.
Engel and Halsey face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy and a maximum of 10 years in prison for transportation of stolen goods. Halsey had an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Beth P. Gesner. No court appearance has been scheduled for Engel, who is in custody on related state charges.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended FBI and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron S. J. Zelinsky, who is prosecuting the case.
Employee Sentenced for Using Personal Information Stolen from Her Employers to Obtain Fraudulent Tax Refunds and Credit CardsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Tricia N. Bryan, age 30, of Gwynn Oak, Maryland, today to 30 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for wire and bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Judge Motz ordered Bryan to pay restitution of $65,356.84, the amount of the actual losses, and forfeit property purchased with the fraudulent credit cards she opened in other peoples’ identities, including a flat screen TV, and a designer Vera Wang sapphire and a diamond engagement ring.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
From March to November 2010, and from November 2011 to July 2013, Bryan worked for a defense contractor in Columbia, Maryland who provided data entry services for the National Guard Bureau’s Health Readiness Record. From November 2013 to March 2015, Bryan worked at a global investment management firm in Owings Mills, Maryland. At both places of employment, Bryan was entrusted with the personal identity information of individuals, including military personnel.
According to her plea agreement, beginning in March 2010 to June 2013, Bryan engaged in a bank fraud scheme in which she applied for credit cards using personal identity information she stole from work at the defense contractor, including the identity of soldiers. Bryan applied for at least 26 separate accounts, and made at least $14,332.54 in charges on fraudulently obtained credit cards.
On July 18, 2013, state search warrants were executed at her residence. Items seized included credit card applications and credit cards in the names of others, receipts for items purchased with the fraudulently obtained credit cards, and sticky notes Bryan made bearing personal information of soldiers in the Health Readiness Record.
In a separate fraud scheme, from March 2011 to February 2014, Bryan also used personal identity information she stole from work at both places of employment to electronically file at least 61 false federal tax returns and 11 fraudulent state income tax returns. Of these, 18 federal returns and seven state income tax returns were accepted for filing. Three federal refunds and one state refund were attempted to be deposited into closed accounts and the replacement checks never claimed or cashed by Bryan. Overall, Bryan actually received $41,674 in fraudulent federal refunds and $8,849 in fraudulent state refunds.
The total amount of actual loss arising from the bank and tax refund fraud schemes was $65,356.84.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamera L. Fine and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Felsen, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Serial Robber Sentenced to Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Robert William Sykes, Jr., age 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for two armed commercial robberies. At today’s sentencing hearing Judge Garbis found that Sykes also committed at least one, and up to eight, additional armed robberies.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to the information presented at today’s sentencing hearing, Sykes admitted that on November 30, 2014, he robbed a discount store located in the 5100 block of Liberty Heights Avenue in Baltimore. Sykes, wearing a red and white hoodie jacket, entered the store and demanded money from the cashier, threatening to shoot if the teller did not comply with his demands. The cashier gave Sykes approximately $97, and Sykes fled through the front doors. A customer who was in the store followed Sykes and took a picture of him as he got into the driver’s side door of a Cadillac. That car was subsequently determined to be registered to Sykes.
Sykes also admitted that on December 2, 2014, he robbed an auto parts store located in the 2000 block of Maryland Avenue in Baltimore. Sykes entered the store holding a handgun in his left hand. He demanded that the two employees who were standing at the cash registers give him money. When the employees told him that they were unable to open the registers without a key, Sykes fled the store. Several hours later, two Baltimore City Police officers on patrol in the Western District recognized Sykes’ Cadillac as being the car used to flee the November 30th robbery. Police stopped the car and detained Sykes, who was the driver and sole occupant. During the course of the investigation, which included an interview with Sykes and the execution of a search warrant on his car, police learned that Sykes is left handed, and they recovered a red and white hoodie jacket, matching the jacket worn in several robberies, and a black BB gun, believed to have been used to facilitate the robberies.
During the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence of Sykes’ participation in five other robberies. For example, according to the government’s evidence, on October 20, 2014, and November 1, 2014, Sykes robbed a convenience store located in the 700 block of Washington Boulevard in Baltimore, each time wearing the red and white hoodie jacket. In each robbery Sykes displayed the gun to the store employees and ordered the employees to give him the money in the cash registers. After the employees gave Sykes the money from their registers, Sykes ordered the employees to lay on the floor. Sykes then left the store.
The government also presented evidence that on November 3, 2014, Sykes also robbed a convenience store, in the 3600 block of Potee Street. Also on November 3rd Sykes attempted to rob a convenience store in the 200 block of West Coldspring Avenue and on November 5, 2014, attempted to rob a discount store in the 5300 block of York Road.
After hearing the government’s evidence, Judge Garbis ruled that Sykes committed at least one and up to eight robberies in addition to the two robberies to which he pleaded guilty.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Piper F. McKeithen, a cross-designated Baltimore Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to Exile cases, who prosecuted the case.
Eight Members of Cherry Hill Group ‘UDH’ Plead Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy on the Eve of TrialRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Eight men have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise in connection with their gang activities as members of the UDH organization, which operates in the Cherry Hill section of Baltimore. The following defendants pleaded guilty on April 1 and April 4, 2016, just prior to trial:
Steven Jackson, a/k/a Cutty, age 25, of Baltimore;
Asim Benns, a/k/a Seem, age 33, of Baltimore;
Gregory Sykes-Bey, age 22, of Baltimore;
Elijah Sykes-Bey, a/k/a LaLa, age 21, of Baltimore;
James Scott, a/k/a Mook Day, age 24, of Essex, Maryland;
Michael Smith, a/k/a Lil Mikey, age 23, of Baltimore;
Donte Thornton, a/k/a Tay, age 30, of Baltimore; and
Alonzo Clea, a/k/a Zo, age 26, of Baltimore.The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
“Disputes between rival drug gangs lead to many shootings and murders in Baltimore City,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Thanks to a lengthy and intensive investigation, we are holding accountable the criminals who turned Cherry Hill into a war zone.”
According to their plea agreements, from at least 2007 to 2013, the UDH organization operated in the area of Cherry Hill known as “Up the Hill” or “Up da Hill.” UDH members and associates have been in a long-running dispute with members of an organization known as “Coppin Court” that is involved in criminal activity in the part of Cherry Hill known as “Down the Hill,” or “Down da Hill,” (DDH), and since at least January 2011, have been in a dispute with members of “Little Spelman,” another organization that is involved in criminal activity in the DDH section of Cherry Hill. UDH members and associates used violence and intimidation to protect themselves, the organization, and their control of the drug trade in part of Cherry Hill.
The defendants admitted that as members of UDH they were part of a racketeering enterprise and protected their power, territory and profits through the use of violence, threats of violence, intimidation, robbery, and narcotics trafficking.
In addition to selling drugs, UDH members have also committed murders, attempted murders, assaults, carjackings, and robberies. Beginning in 2004, UDH members committed six murders of rival gang members and/or drug dealers, and shot nine other individuals. In addition, the members of UDH committed street and bank robberies in order to fund their narcotics activities.
According to his plea agreement, in addition to being a member of UDH, Asim Benns was also a high ranking member of the Black Guerilla Family (BGF), overseeing the Up the Hill area of Cherry Hill. Benns admitted that he planned and/or participated in the murders of two rival gang members, and two other shootings. Benns ran a heroin shop in the UDH area, as well as distributing other drugs. In July and August of 2011, Benns and other UDH members robbed two banks, stealing a total of $11,100, which he and the other robbers used to buy drugs that they could sell. Thornton participated in one of the bank robberies.
All of the defendants admitted to their participation in the gang’s narcotics trafficking activities. In addition, co-defendant Steven Jackson admitted to the murder of a rival gang member and the shooting of another person. Gregory Sykes-Bey admitted to two shootings and the murder of a rival gang member, and Michael Smith admitted committing the murder of a rival gang member and to possessing a firearm used in that murder and two additional shootings. According to their plea agreements, Elijah Sykes-Bey participated in the murders of two rival gang members, and Donte Thornton participated in a shooting and a murder of a rival gang member.
The defendants and the government have agreed to recommend specific sentences as part of their plea agreements. If the Court accepts the plea agreements Benns be sentenced to between 20 and 25 years; Jackson and Smith will each be sentenced to 25 years; the Sykes-Bey brothers will each be sentenced to 24 years each; Clea will be sentenced to 10 years in prison; Thornton will be sentenced to 15 years in prison; and Scott will be sentenced to10 to 15 years in prison, respectively. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III has scheduled sentencing for Jackson and Clea on June 10, 2016; for Elijah Sykes-Bey on June 24, 2016; for Gregory Sykes-Bey on July 9, 2016; for Asim Benns, James Scott and Donte Thornton on July 15, 2016; and for Michael Smith on August 12, 2016.
A total of 35 Cherry Hill gang members have now pleaded guilty. For example, Little Spelman gang member Davon Martin, age 26, admitted to drug dealing and the murders of two UDH gang members and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. UDH member Dominic Evans, a/k/a “FlatLine,” age 25, admitted to drug dealing, two stabbings and to his participation in a murder, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Andrea L. Smith, Seema Mittal, and Patricia C. McLane, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
“Pill Mill” Distributor Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - Walter Moffett, age 51, of Chestertown, Maryland pleaded guilty today to his participation in a drug conspiracy in connection with the operation of purported pain management clinics that were actually “pill mills.” Eight co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty to the same charge.
The guilty pleas was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, 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 Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police.
“Pharmaceutical pills can be just as harmful as illegal drugs when they are used without proper medical supervision and without valid medical need,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Abuse of oxycodone is one of our most significant drug enforcement challenges, and it contributes to the epidemic of heroin overdose deaths.”
“Last year, DEA and its partners combined their resources to identify these drug dealers who cunningly attempted to bypass the Maryland Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (CRISP). The result of these efforts was the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that was making a toxic profit off of addiction. These “runners” and “distributors” were allowing a countless number of highly addictive prescription opioids to hit the streets of Maryland, Delaware, Washington, DC, and Virginia,” said Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division. “The DEA wants to thank our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to eradicating these drug dealers, who are destroying lives and making enormous profits from the diversion of pain medication.”
According to court documents, “pill mills,” routinely engage in the practice of prescribing and dispensing controlled substances - primarily oxycodone - outside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. The owners kept the profits from the pill mill operations and from the sales of oxycodone in cash. According to the indictments, the owners recruited “distributors” and “runners” to visit their clinics so that they would profit from the cash fees charged for an office visit. Runners are recruited - usually by a distributor - to enter pill mill clinics with fictitious complaints of pain in order to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances. Typically, runners filled the prescription and gave the oxycodone tablets they received to the distributor. Runners were typically paid in either cash or oxycodone tablets for their services. The distributors then generally sold the pills for a profit.
According to his plea agreement, since at least 2014, Moffett conspired with other individuals to distribute oxycodone. During the course of the conspiracy, Moffett obtained large quantities of oxycodone 30 mg pills by visiting pain clinics, including PG Wellness Center, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and A Plus Pain Center, in Washington, DC, and getting prescriptions from the doctors working there. Moffett also worked with others to go to the clinics to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone, also without a medical need. Those individuals then filled the prescriptions at various pharmacies in the Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas and provided the pills to Moffett and other conspirators. Moffett, who was an addict, took some of the pills himself and sold the remaining pills to co-conspirators for a profit. Those co-conspirators then re-sold the oxycodone pills for up to $30 per pill.
Obtaining and filling the prescriptions for oxycodone required a significant amount of coordination between Moffett and his co-conspirators. For example, they had to ensure that individuals were not caught getting oxycodone prescriptions from multiple clinics at the same time. The Maryland Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (known as CRISP) allowed practitioners to report all narcotic prescriptions so that other practitioners could make sure that patients were not obtaining multiple prescriptions. Moffett and other members of the conspiracy regularly sought to circumvent the limitations imposed by CRISP and other states’ prescription drug monitoring programs. During the course of the conspiracy, investigators overheard Moffett discussing with others conspirators the details of his and others’ visits to the clinics, filling the prescriptions, and distributing the pills.
During Moffett’s participation in the conspiracy at least 340,000 mgs of oxycodone were distributed.
U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis scheduled sentencing for Moffett on August 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
Co-defendants Danielle Silberstein, age 32, of Waldorf; Peter Snyder, age 35, of Ocean City, Maryland; Robert Long, age 35, of Mechanicsville, Maryland; Jamie Davis, age 29, of LaPlata, Maryland; Ronald Tennyson, age 33, of Mechanicsville; Terrell Downing, age 26, of New Carrollton, Maryland; and John Fields, age 67, of Temple Hills, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Ronald Rust, age 45, of Alexandria, Virginia, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison. Co-defendant Melissa Catlett, age 39, of King George, Virginia passed away before her case was adjudicated.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA Tactical Diversion Squads from Baltimore and Washington DC., HHS-Office of Inspector General, Howard County Police Department, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George’s County Police Department, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore City Police Department, and Virginia State Police for their work in this pharmaceutical investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark and Joshua Ferrentino, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Towson Man Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud Committed While Awaiting Sentencing for Another Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Jerry Anderson, age 30, of Towson, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft arising from a scheme to use a counterfeit credit card to make fraudulent purchases, while he was awaiting sentencing on a previous fraud conviction.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to his plea agreement, on April 7, 2015, Anderson pleaded guilty to a bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft related to a scheme to use stolen credit card and other personal information of victims to purchase items, including Apple iPhones, at retail locations in Maryland and elsewhere. The total actual loss resulting from the conspiracy, which operated from at least February to October 2014, was $419,807.14, and the potential loss was over $1.8 million. The conspiracy involved over 250 victims. After his guilty plea, Anderson was released under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services. One of the standard conditions of release is that the defendant not commit any new crimes.
Anderson admitted that on June 25, 2015, he purchased four $100 American Express gift cards at a store in Cockeysville, Maryland, using a Visa credit card. Store surveillance depicts Anderson making these purchases. The Visa credit card used in the transaction belongs to “G.B.” After being contacted by law enforcement, the victim advised that that a fraud alert had been placed on the account and that the charges on June 25, 2015 were fraudulent. The victim further advised that he did not give permission to any individual to possess or use his credit card.
On July 3, 2015, Anderson was witnessed by Apple Loss Prevention at an Apple Store in Bethesda, Maryland, purchasing two iPhones totaling $1,375.88 using a combination of gift cards. Specifically, Anderson used the American Express gift cards he fraudulently purchased on June 25, 2015, along with other gift cards, to purchase the phones. The total actual loss as a result of Anderson’s conduct was $1,389.23.
On July 8, 2015, Anderson was ordered to be detained pending sentencing. He remains detained.
U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III has scheduled sentencing for Anderson on July 8, 2016, at 11:30 a.m.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since the inception of FFETF in November 2009, the Justice Department has filed more than 12,841 financial fraud cases against nearly 18,737 defendants including nearly 3,500 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Secret Service, Baltimore County Police Department, and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ayn B. Ducao and Zachary A. Myers, who are prosecuting the case.
Former Charles County Circuit Court Judge Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. Magistrate Judge William Connelly sentenced former Charles County Circuit Court Judge Robert C. Nalley, of La Plata, Maryland, today to one year of probation for deprivation of rights under color of law for ordering a deputy sheriff to activate a stun-cuff worn by a pro se criminal defendant during a pre-trial court proceeding. As a condition of his probation, Nalley must attend anger management classes. Magistrate Judge Connelly also ordered Nalley to pay a fine of $5,000.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta; and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office..
“Disruptive defendants may be excluded from the courtroom and prosecuted for obstruction of justice and contempt of court, but force may not be used in the absence of danger,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
From 1988 to September 2014, Nalley served as a judge of the Circuit Court for Charles County, Maryland. According to his guilty plea, on July 23, 2014, Nalley presided over the jury selection for the victim, who was representing himself in a criminal proceeding in Charles County court. Before the proceedings began, a deputy sheriff informed Nalley that the victim was wearing a stun-cuff. Nalley was aware that when activated, the stun-cuff would administer an electrical shock to the victim, thereby incapacitating him and causing him pain.
Several minutes after the proceedings began, Nalley asked the victim whether he had any questions for the potential jurors. The victim repeatedly ignored Nalley and instead read from a prepared statement, objecting to Nalley’s authority to preside over the proceedings, while standing calmly behind a table in the courtroom. The victim did not make any aggressive movements, did not attempt to flee the courtroom, and did not pose a threat to himself or to any other person at any point during the proceedings. Nalley twice ordered the victim to stop reading his statement, but the victim continued to speak.
According to his plea agreement, Nalley then ordered the deputy sheriff to activate the stun-cuff, which administered an electric shock to the victim for approximately five seconds. The electric shock caused the victim to fall to the ground and scream in pain. Nalley then recessed the proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta commended the FBI for its work in the investigation, and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristi N. O’Malley and Daniel C. Gardner of the District of Maryland, and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division, who prosecuted the case.
Two Time Convicted ATM Thief Sentenced to 44 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Tracy Delong Fletcher, a/k/a “Sean Fletcher,” “Sean Chappelle Fletcher” and “Benjamin Thomas,” age 39, of New Carrollton, Maryland today to 44 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit bank larceny, and for violating his supervised release arising from a previous bank larceny conviction. Chief Judge Blake also ordered Fletcher to forfeit and pay $100,000 in restitution.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins.
According to his plea agreement, from January 5, 2012 to May 7, 2013, Fletcher and his co-conspirators stole vehicles used to commit the larcenies, obtained tools to open ATMs and caused damage to bank property in order to commit bank larcenies.
More specifically, on February 21, 2013, Frederick County police officers responded to a commercial burglary alarm at a rental shop in Frederick. Upon arrival, they saw a man run from the front of the business and enter a van. The van struck a patrol car as it fled the area. Police chased the van, which reached a speed of 100 mph. After driving through ditches and avoiding law enforcement efforts to disable the van, the occupants jumped out as the van was in gear and attempted to run away. Officers apprehended Fletcher and another individual. Fletcher initially gave officers the false name “Benjamin Thomas.” Fletcher was wearing dark clothing and gloves, and also had a black mask. The ignition switch of the van had been damaged. Also in the van were three chain saws and three cut saws, which had been stolen from the rental business.
On May 7, 2013, police officers were called to a bank branch in Potomac, Maryland. An individual saw three men forcibly removing the ATM using a front end loader and a chain, causing approximately $100,000 in damages. They then attempted to put the ATM into a stolen truck. Officers arrived and the individuals fled on foot.
A review of cell phone records revealed that Fletcher made multiple calls around this time using a cell tower in the area of the bank. Shortly after these calls were made and using the false name “Sean Fletcher,” Fletcher arrived at a hospital in Prince George’s County where he was treated for a deep laceration to his hand.
Fletcher was previously convicted of bank larceny in federal court in Maryland and sentenced to 70 months in prison. After serving his sentence and while on supervised release for his previous conviction, he conspired to commit the bank larceny described above.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan, who prosecuted the case.
Arizona Supplier Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Drug Distribution and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Phillip Bingham, age 56, of Tucson, Arizona, today to 11 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and three counts of attempted possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; conspiracy to commit money laundering and three counts of money laundering; and two counts of interstate travel in aid of a narcotics enterprise. Judge Grimm also entered a forfeiture order requiring Bingham to pay a money judgment of $500,000.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Acting Chief Stanley Johnson, of the Maryland National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division; Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Maryland National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his plea agreement, from at least 2011 through December 2013, Bingham conspired with Marvin Taaff, Fernando Gastellum-Rivas, and others to distribute marijuana. Bingham, who was the leader of the drug operation in Arizona, identified sources of marijuana in Arizona and obtained marijuana for customers in Maryland and elsewhere. In September 2013, Taaff and another conspirator, Annis Attar, traveled from Maryland to Arizona to meet with Bingham and Gastellum-Rivas. Taaff and Attar purchased controlled substances, including marijuana, which Bingham packaged and provided to another conspirator, who took the packages to a shipper.
During the investigation, law enforcement overheard conversations and obtained text messages in which Bingham negotiated narcotics and money laundering transactions with Taaff and others located in Maryland and other states, and discussed the shipment of the drugs. Law enforcement intercepted at least three packages shipped by Bingham to Taaff and other conspirators in Maryland which contained a total of 62 pounds of marijuana.
In order to disguise the source and the recipient of the payments for the drug sales, Bingham utilized the bank accounts of at least five individuals. The individuals agreed to allow Bingham to use their bank accounts to receive payments for his narcotics trafficking activities and were paid in return for their assistance. Taaff and other conspirators, including Mahmood Hussain, deposited money to pay for the purchase of narcotics into these accounts, and the recruited individuals would then withdraw the funds in Arizona, as directed by Bingham. Bingham also received bulk cash payments, generally through couriers. For example, on October 28, 2013, law enforcement seized $102,000 bundled into a courier’s suitcase, after the courier checked in for his flight from Maryland back to Arizona. The money was payment for marijuana purchased by a distributor in Maryland, for delivery to Bingham.
On December 5, 2013, search warrants were executed at locations in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Tucson, Arizona, in connection with the conspiracy. Narcotics, drug paraphernalia, shipping materials, cash, and firearms were seized from locations associated with the conspiracy.
The court concluded that at least five kilograms of powder cocaine and at least 400 kilograms of marijuana were attributable to Bingham and within the scope of his participation in the conspiracy.
Mahmood Hussain, age 31, of Laurel, Maryland, Fernando Gastellum-Rivas, age 43, of Tucson, and Annis Attar, age 30, of Largo, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and were sentenced to 10 years in prison, 42 months in prison, and 40 months in prison, respectively. Marvin Anthony Taaff, age 29, of Takoma Park, Maryland, also pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2016.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department, Maryland-National Capital Park Police and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah A. Johnston and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, who prosecuted the case.
Westminster Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of HeroinRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Alexander E. Agniadis, age 28, of Westminster, Maryland pleaded guilty today to distribution of heroin.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Jeffrey Spaulding of the Westminster Police Department; Carroll County Sheriff James DeWees; and Carroll County State’s Attorney Brian DeLeonardo.
According to Agniadis’ plea agreement, at approximately 3:30 p.m. on December 28, 2014, Agniadis distributed heroin to an individual in the vicinity of Medinah Circle in Westminster. Text messages show that the individual contacted Agniadis to obtain heroin. According to witnesses Agniadis and the individual met at about 3:30 p.m., and Agniadis gave the individual a small amount of heroin. The individual was not in contact with his family or anyone else after that time and his phone reflects only unanswered calls and incoming texts from that time forward. The individual was found dead on January 5, 2015. The Medical Examiner determined that the victim died of heroin intoxication.
As part of the investigation, in early January 2015, heroin was purchased from Agniadis. On January 14, 2015, a search warrant was executed at Agniadis’ residence and law enforcement recovered 14 individually wrapped glassine bags containing heroin, and additional bags with heroin residue.
Agniadis and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Agniadis will be sentenced to between four and six years in prison. As part of his plea agreement, Agniadis will also be required to pay restitution of $6,200 to the victim’s family for the cost of his funeral and final arrangements. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz has scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2016 at 11 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA and the Carroll County Drug Task Force comprised of the Maryland State Police, Westminster Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea L. Smith, who is prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Montgomery County Man Facing Federal Indictment for Distribtuion of Acetyl Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Justin Larson, age 30, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, today for distribution of acetyl fentanyl, a controlled substance analogue, which resulted in death, and for a narcotics conspiracy.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
According to the two count indictment, from May 2014 through March 17, 2016, Larson participated in a conspiracy to distribute acetyl fentanyl, a controlled substance analogue. The indictment alleges that on May 9, 2014, Larson distributed acetyl fentanyl to an individual, resulting in the death of that individual.
Larson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison for distribution of acetyl fentanyl with death resulting; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for a narcotics conspiracy. No court appearance is currently scheduled. Larson remains detained on related federal charges.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore, the Montgomery County Police Department, and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly O’Connell Hayes and Daniel C. Gardner, who are prosecuting the case.
Four Conspirators Plead Guilty in $1.4 Million Unemployment Benefit Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Four defendants pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy involving a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits:
Eric Gonzalez, age 34, of Alexandria, Virginia;
Tawana McClain, age 51, of Washington, D.C.;
Ferny Alexander Moreno Puente, age 26, of Gaithersburg, Maryland;
Wilfredo Torres, age 35, of Alexandria, VirginiaThe guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge John Dolce, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; and Postal Inspector in Charge Maria L. Kelokates of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.
“The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue and hold accountable those who defraud the Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance program,” stated John Dolce, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations.
According to their plea agreements, from 2012 to 2015, members of the conspiracy caused the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), which administered the unemployment insurance benefit programs in their respective states, to issue unemployment benefits in the names of individuals by submitting false applications for monetary benefits for their own personal use and benefit.
McClain, Moreno Puente, Torres and his half-brother, Gonzalez all pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy. Moreno Puente, Torres and Gonzalez admitted that they agreed to have a co-conspirator file fraudulent unemployment claims in their names. Moreno Puente and Torres also provided the personal identification information and/or addresses of other individuals to file additional false claims in the names of those individuals, and others. McClain, Moreno Puente, Torres and Gonzalez used the fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits prepaid debit cards that were either mailed to them, or provided to them by a co-conspirator, at ATMs or stores in order to withdraw and use the funds. Generally, McClain, Moreno Puente, Torres and Gonzalez kept a portion of the fraudulently obtained funds for themselves and provided the remainder to a co-conspirator. Torres also allowed his business address to be used to file fraudulent unemployment benefit claims and when the unemployment benefits debit cards arrived, he either used them or distributed them to co-conspirators.
Moreno Puente admitted that he personally used at least 14 fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits cards; McClain personally used at least 12 cards; Torres used at least six cards; and Gonzalez used at least five cards. Torres and Gonzalez have each agreed to the entry of an order to pay restitution and forfeiture of $173,185.32; Moreno Puente has agreed to the entry of an order to pay restitution and forfeiture of $268,911; and McClain has agreed to the entry of an order to pay restitution and forfeiture of $205,613. During the course of the conspiracy the actual loss was approximately $1,468,463.80 in fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits.
McClain, Moreno Puente, Torres and Gonzalez, face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for McClain and Gonzalez on July 15, 2016, and for Moreno Puente and Torres on July 14, 2016.
Co-conspirators Dulce Oleo, age 38, of the Bronx, New York; Yaw Bempa-Boateng, age 35, of Silver Spring, Maryland; and Carmen Benitez, age 29, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and await sentencing.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the Department of Labor – OIG and U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation, and praised the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for their assistance in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney, who is prosecuting the case.
Former NIH Employee Sentenced to Prison for Using Her Government Credit Card for Unauthorized PurchasesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Francesca Maria Daniele, age 49, of LaPlata, Maryland, today to 21 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud in connection with the misuse of her government credit card. Judge Chuang also ordered Daniele to forfeit and pay restitution of $22,338.67, the amount of loss resulting from her conduct.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Elton Malone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Investigations Branch.
In July 2014, Daniele worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), purchasing equipment from vendors and administering contracts on behalf of NIH. According to her plea agreement, from July 12 to 28, 2014, Daniele used her government credit card to fraudulently make approximately $21,830.19 of personal purchases at retail stores. She used her cell phone to call the credit card’s customer service center to approve those purchases. To conceal the scheme, Daniele falsely reported that her credit card had been lost.
Additionally, on October 15, 2014, Daniele opened a credit card account in the name of her minor child. She used the credit card to buy a laptop computer, video game console, a ring and other items, all of which were shipped to a hotel room she rented under an assumed name. Daniele did not pay for several of the items, resulting in a loss to the credit card company of approximately $508.48.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the HHS-OIG for its work in the investigation, and thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas P. Windom and Trial Attorney Justin D. Weitz of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, who prosecuted the case.
Defendant Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining Scientific EquipmentRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Terrence Mullen, age 41, of Boonton, New Jersey, today to 63 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for interstate transportation of property taken by fraud. Judge Grimm also entered an order that Mullen forfeit and pay restitution of $414,682.89.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, in September and October 2013, using a fraudulent internet domain name, Mullen emailed a company that specialized in producing and selling scientific devices about the purchase of two mass spectrometers and related equipment for over $400,000. In order to obtain credit to make the purchase, in September 2013, Mullen submitted false information to the company on the credit application, including a false name, references and banking information.
In order to conceal the fraud scheme from New Jersey law enforcement, in October 2013, Mullen rented business space in Beltsville, Maryland and directed the company to deliver the mass spectrometers and equipment to the Beltsville location. After the company shipped the items from Texas to Beltsville, Mullen sold the spectrometers to a company located in New Jersey. Mullen used the sales proceeds to pay for personal expenses and a family member’s educational expenses.
The amount of the loss to the company as a result of the scheme was at least $414,682.89.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Windom and Michael T. Packard, who prosecuted the case.
Columbia Marijuana Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Leonaldo Harris, age 34, of Columbia, Maryland today to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute between 1,000 and 3,000 kilograms of marijuana. Judge Grimm also ordered Harris to pay a money judgment of $2 million.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Colonel Tyree C. Blocker, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
According to his plea agreement, Harris conspired with Jermaine McGregor and Jennifer Sims to obtain and transport marijuana from California to Maryland for distribution. Harris arranged for bulk cash to be transported from Maryland to California to purchase marijuana. McGregor assisted in the transportation of the cash, packing money in suitcases which he took with him on commercial flights from Maryland to California. Harris arranged for McGregor to make at least six trips to California, transporting between $200,000 and $250,000 on each flight. Harris directed McGregor and other conspirators where to go in California to obtain the marijuana, which the conspirators then transported to a residence in California controlled by Harris. Harris, McGregor, and other co-conspirators then packaged the marijuana for shipment to Maryland.
Harris arranged for the marijuana to be shipped to a warehouse in Beltsville, Maryland, where Sims often accepted delivery of the marijuana. Harris, McGregor and other members of the conspiracy then repackaged the marijuana for distribution and sold it to others in Maryland. Harris and Sims lived together in Columbia, where they counted the drug proceeds and stored.
On April 19, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Harris and Sims’ residence and recovered a money counter, 17 kilograms of marijuana, and a 9mm handgun.
Jermaine McGregor, age 37, of Inglewood, California, and Jennifer Simms, age 33, of Columbia, Maryland previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. McGregor was sentenced to 30 months 14 days in prison, and Sims was sentenced to four years of probation.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore, the Maryland State Police and Pennsylvania State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas A. Mitchell and Bryan E. Foreman, who prosecuted the case.
Two Men Indicted for Armed Robbery of Five Stores in St. Mary’s CountyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Quantaz Lamar Shields, age 28, of Leonardtown, Maryland; and Trevone Damone Butler, age 25, of Lexington Park, Maryland, on charges that they conspired to rob businesses in St. Mary’s County. The indictment was returned on March 21, 2016 and unsealed today after Butler’s arrest. Shields is in custody on other charges.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Richard Fritz.
According to the 10 count indictment, on five occasions from October 20 to 28, 2015, Shields brandished a firearm and demanded money from employees of a liquor store, motel, pizza store, convenience store and pharmacy in Lexington Park and Leonardtown. Shields took store proceeds, tip money and cigarettes. Prior to leaving the pizza store and pharmacy, Shields phoned Butler so that Butler could pick him up from the scene of the robberies.
A detention hearing was held this morning for Butler before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jillyn K. Schulze in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Butler was detained pending trial. An initial appearance is scheduled for Shields on May 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
Shields and Butler face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the robbery conspiracy and on each count of robbery. Shields also faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison for the first count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, consecutive to any term of imprisonment for the robberies, a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison for each additional count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, and 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a gun.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly O'Connell Hayes and Leah Jo Bressack, who are prosecuting the case.
Laurel Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Cocaine Distribution and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Mahmood Hussain, age 31, of Laurel, Maryland today to 10 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Acting Chief Stanley Johnson, of the Maryland National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division; Chief Antonio DeVaul of the Maryland National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his plea agreement, from at least April 2013 through November 2013, Hussain conspired with Marvin Taaff and others to distribute powder and crack cocaine. In addition to supplying crack cocaine purchased by a confidential informant, Hussain was overheard by law enforcement discussing the delivery of drugs, the amount of drugs, locations to conduct the transactions, and money involved in the purchase of drugs. For example, in one conversation Hussain and Taaff discuss a batch of cocaine that Taaff received from Hussain that was of poor quality. Hussain subsequently coordinated with Taaff and was observed by law enforcement retrieving the cocaine to return to Hussain’s supplier so that Taaff could get a refund. Hussain was also overheard telling Taaff that he needed to get a gun because someone stole $1,000 from him.
In addition, Hussain deposited money into a bank account, as directed by Taaff, for the purchase of drugs. The bank account was held in the name of a recruited individual, who withdrew the money as directed by another co-conspirator.
On December 5, 2013, search warrants were executed at locations in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Tucson, Arizona, in connection with the conspiracy. At Hussain’s residence, law enforcement recovered drug packaging materials and drug paraphernalia, approximately $1,261 in cash and approximately $1,200 in counterfeit currency, as well as 9.3 grams of crack cocaine.
Hussain admitted that during his participation in the conspiracy, at least 500 grams of powder cocaine and 28 grams of crack cocaine were distributed; and at least $91,261 was furnished in exchange for drugs.
Marvin Anthony Taaff, age 29, of Takoma Park, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2016
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department, Maryland-National Capital Park Police and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah A. Johnston and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, who prosecuted the case.
Waldorf Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Richard Spivey, age 52, of Waldorf, Maryland, today to 17 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel ordered that upon his release from prison, Spivey must 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). Spivey was taken into custody immediately following his guilty plea on September 25, 2015 and he remains detained.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to Spivey’s plea agreement, between January 29 and 30, 2014, Spivey used a file sharing program to distribute over 2,000 files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A search warrant was executed at Spivey’s residence on June 18, 2014, and law enforcement seized numerous electronic devices, including a desktop computer, a laptop computer and two external hard drives. A forensic review of the electronic devices found thousands of image files and hundreds of movie files containing child pornography. Some of the files portrayed sadistic and masochistic conduct and other depictions of violence, as well as images of infants and toddlers.
In addition, on Spivey’s electronic devices law enforcement found videos that Spivey produced, depicting a prepubescent female in different stages of undress. Spivey admitted that he surreptitiously recorded the child while she was undressing, using a hidden camera. These videos constitute child pornography. Finally, Spivey also admitted surreptitiously producing videos of an adult female, while that person was in the bathroom in various stages of undress.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, for its work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas A. Mitchell and Kristi A. O’Malley, who prosecuted the case.
Glen Burnie Man Admits to Laundering over $2 Million Swindled from Individual VictimsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Kaushik Kanti Modi, age 43, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, a native of India living illegally in the United States, pleaded guilty today to a money laundering conspiracy arising from a scheme to launder millions of dollars of fraud proceeds obtained from individual victims through a variety of scams.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
“Criminal conspiracies such as this are loathsome crimes that victimize our nation’s honest taxpayers,” said Thomas Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. “Today’s plea is a reminder that IRS-CI will remain vigilant in our investigation of these schemes and will continue to work with prosecutors to combat this type of criminal conduct.”
According to his plea agreement, Modi received text messages from conspirators instructing him to buy large numbers of stored value cards, principally GreenDot cards, and to forward the PIN numbers of the cards to other unidentified co-conspirators.
Modi’s co-conspirators loaded money onto the stored value cards using a variety of scams. Some of the money came from calls made by persons impersonating IRS employees who convinced innocent taxpayers that they owed taxes to the IRS, and needed to send money to the co-conspirators to avoid arrest and incarceration. On at least two occasions, victims of the IRS impersonation fraud deposited money directly into accounts held in Modi’s name. Other money was derived by offering merchandise for sale on the internet and then failing to provide the merchandise once money was received from the victim-purchaser.
After money was loaded on the stored value cards, Modi was instructed to use the cards to buy money orders, principally MoneyGram money orders at Walmart stores, and then to deposit those money orders into bank accounts either in Modi’s name or the names of others. From January 1, 2014 to March 24, 2015, Modi deposited 241 money orders totaling $2,077,308.20 into his bank accounts. Moreover, Modi frequently bought the money orders using stored value cards that were activated using the identification of identity theft victims.
At the time of his arrest, Modi admitted that he knew that something was not right about the source of the money involved in the transactions, and accordingly, knew that the purpose of those transactions was to conceal the proceeds of unlawful activity.
Modi has agreed to forfeit $902,678.08, the amount involved in the money laundering offense that the government has seized or restrained.
Modi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the IRS – Criminal Investigation and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan T. Shea, who is prosecuting the case.
Former Letter Carrier Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Former U.S. Postal Service employee Linwood R. Nelson, Jr., age 32, of Gwynn Oaks, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and admitted to diverting packages of drugs sent through the U.S. Mail and delivering them to co-conspirators.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Postal Inspector in Charge Maria L. Kelokates of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Special Agent in Charge Paul L. Bowman of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to Nelson’s plea agreement, he was a postal carrier employed by the United States Postal Service and assigned a delivery route in Woodstock, Maryland. From July 2014, through September 11, 2014, Nelson agreed to divert U.S. Mail parcels containing drugs, including heroin, from his regular delivery route and deliver those packages directly to various co-conspirators.
Nelson provided co-conspirators with an address along his route and instructed them to send parcels to this address, but to use false addressee names on each parcel. Co-conspirators regularly communicated with Nelson via telephone and text message to provide descriptions of the parcels sent, including the colors of the mailed boxes and the false addressee names used. Nelson then used the information to remove the parcels from his delivery batches, falsely scan them as “delivered” in the U.S. Postal Service computer tracking system, and then bring them to co-conspirators at an agreed-upon location. Nelson received cash in exchange for delivering the parcels, typically $500 per parcel.
On September 11, 2014, Nelson was arrested in possession of a package containing approximately two kilograms of heroin. When arrested, he was on his way to meet with a co-conspirator at a pre-determined location, where Nelson was to provide the parcel containing heroin to the co-conspirator in exchange for cash.
Nelson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison for the heroin distribution conspiracy. Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing for July 14, 2016.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, DEA, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Warwick and Joshua T. Ferrentino, who are prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Man Admits to Robbing Three Stores at GunpointRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Howard Downey, age 33, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to robbing a store, and tampering with evidence in connection with the gun used in the robberies.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis.
According to his plea agreement, on March 7, 2015, Downey robbed a store on East Monument Street in Baltimore. Downey brandished a revolver at an employee, demanding money. After the employee handed over money from two cash registers, Downey told the victim to hand over the store’s telephone and kneel down. Downey fled to a van waiting outside.
On March 12 and 13, 2015, Downey used the revolver to rob two stores, one on Patapsco Avenue and the other on East Monument Street in Baltimore, respectively.
Detectives recovered video footage of the March 7 and 12 robberies. Downey is seen arriving and leaving the robbery scenes in a purple Dodge caravan. Further investigation led detectives to Downey’s residence where they executed a search warrant on March 26. They seized clothing that Downey wore during the robberies, and a phone used by Downey. In text messages found on the phone, Downey referred to himself and a cohort/getaway driver as Bonnie and Clyde.
Downey was arrested on March 27, 2015 and confessed to the March 7 robbery. He would not, however, reveal the identity of the driver of the van or the whereabouts of the gun used in the robberies. Subsequently, Downey was overheard on telephone calls from the Baltimore City jail conspiring to obstruct justice by hiding the gun he used in the robberies from law enforcement. Downey instructed the co-conspirator to retrieve the gun from where it was hidden and get rid of it. The next day, the co-conspirator reported to Downey via another recorded phone call that he took care of the gun. Further investigation revealed that the co-conspirator had taken the gun to a friend’s home, where it was recovered by law enforcement pursuant to a search warrant.
Downey and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Downey will be sentenced to between 87 and 97 months in prison. Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney's Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Shelley S. Glenn, who is prosecuting the case.
Waldorf Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Jamaar Davon Brandon, age 24, of Waldorf, Maryland, today to eight years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. Judge Messitte also ordered that upon his release from prison Brandon must 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).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his plea agreement, from at least October 2012 through at least June 2015, Brandon used email, cloud storage programs, file sharing programs, internet chat messaging, smartphone messaging applications and other internet-based programs to distribute and receive child pornography.
On October 18, 2012, a website reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that one of its users, later identified as Brandon, had uploaded suspected child pornography to the website. A law enforcement review confirmed that a number of the files contained child pornography. A state search warrant was executed at Brandon’s residence and seized among other items, Brandon’s laptop. A forensic review of the laptop found approximately 700 digital files of interest, the majority of which were confirmed to be child pornography and child erotica. some of which portrayed sadistic and masochistic conduct and other depictions of violence. Three of the digital files were videos registered with the NCMEC Child Victim Identification Program, meaning the identities of the child victims portrayed in the videos have been confirmed by law enforcement.
On January 13, 2015, a cloud storage service website reported to NCMEC that 70 digital video files of suspected child pornography had been uploaded to Brandon’s account. After confirming that certain of the files contained child pornography, federal law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Brandon’s residence. On June 23, 2015, the federal search warrant was executed at Brandon’s residence and digital media and electronics were seized. After waiving his rights, Brandon was interviewed by federal agents and admitted that he downloaded and shared child pornography via the internet using a variety of mediums, including email and cell phone messaging applications. The digital media seized during the search contained more than 1,350 images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, a review of Brandon’s email and online storage accounts confirmed that Brandon had uploaded and distributed image and video files containing child pornography. Some of the videos and images involved toddler-aged and prepubescent females and some portrayed sadistic and masochistic conduct and other depictions of violence.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Maryland State Police and Charles County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Wine and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristi N. O’Malley, who are prosecuting the case.
Maryland Man Allegedly Paid People in the Philippines to Send Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Louis Francis Bradley, age 65, of Baltimore, with distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography. The criminal complaint was filed on March 15, 2016, and unsealed upon Bradley’s arrest. Bradley had his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher. Bradley was ordered to be detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Monday, March 21, 2016, at 11:00 a.m.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department.
“The disturbing affidavit alleges that the defendant contacted women in the Philippines over the internet and paid them to send images of young girls engaged in sexually explicit conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, In January 2016, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a Cybertipline Report submitted by a website stating that between December 30, 2015, and January 14, 2016, eight images of suspected child pornography were uploaded to a photo account associated with Bradley’s email address.
As part of the investigation, search warrants were executed for Bradley’s social media and email accounts. The results for one of Bradley’s Facebook accounts is over 29,000 pages long and the review of the results is ongoing, but law enforcement located conversations with women in the Philippines. Based on those conversations, the affidavit alleges that Bradley is paying the women, who have access to minor females, to send him images of those prepubescent females engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The affidavit alleges that Bradley also distributed child pornography to at least one woman in the Philippines.
If convicted, Bradley faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and up to 40 years for distribution and receipt of child pornography; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for possession 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.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and Baltimore City Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the federal case.
Man Admits to Arson, Looting, Assault and Other Mayhem During Baltimore Riots and Shooting Woman over a $20 Drug Dispute Ten Weeks LaterRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –Donta Betts, age 20, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to making a destructive device in connection with the April 27, 2015, riots in Baltimore. Betts also pleaded guilty in an unrelated case to discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on July 2, 2015.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
“This is the sad reality confronting brave police officers who try to save lives in Baltimore,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Donta Betts engaged in arson, looting, assault and other mayhem during the Baltimore riots. He threw rocks at the police near Mondawmin Mall; tried to destroy police cars; stole from a pharmacy, a liquor store and a shoe store; and set off a homemade bomb. Ten weeks later, he tried to murder a woman over a $20 drug dispute, then he conspired to get her to sign a false affidavit. We caught him only because police and prosecutors spent many hours reviewing video and audio recordings. It may sound like a story arc from a TV series, but it is real life in Baltimore.”
On April 27, 2015, riots and widespread looting erupted in Baltimore. Among the affected businesses, the CVS Pharmacy located at 2509 Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore was looted and burned. According to his plea agreement, Betts participated in the looting at the CVS. Betts is captured on surveillance video entering the store through its main front entrance and removing merchandise from the store.
By 5:44 p.m., riot participants had placed an assemblage of metal propane cylinders and charcoal briquettes near the main entrance to CVS, between West North Avenue and a line of police officers that had formed across the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. In an effort to deter the line of police officers from advancing to stop the looting of the CVS, Betts set fire to a roll of toilet paper and placed it on top of the propane cylinders and charcoal briquettes. Betts then squirted lighter fluid onto the burning roll of toilet paper atop the incendiary materials. Betts’ face and full body are shown squirting lighter fluid onto the incendiary materials in still photographs, some of which were published by local and national news media. Betts then fled, and at approximately 5:58 p.m., a large flame exploded from the improvised incendiary device, resulting in flying debris of large metal fragments from the propane cylinders and blast effects felt by nearby bystanders.
During the investigation, ATF learned that in addition to making the incendiary device, the scope of Betts’ participation in the April 27th riots included: throwing objects at police in the vicinity of Mondawmin Mall; attempting to tip over MTA and police vehicles while encouraging others to join him; attempting to destroy a police cruiser by placing flammable material in the fuel filler pipe and igniting the material; and stealing from the CVS, a liquor store in Baltimore, and a shoe store at Mondawmin Mall. Betts’ involvement in the riots is documented in surveillance footage and still photographs.
In an unrelated case, on July 2, 2015, Betts shot and attempted to kill an individual who had previously purchased heroin from him. According to the plea agreement, Betts expected to be paid $40 for the heroin, but the individual only paid him about $20. On the morning of July 2, 2015, Betts saw the individual in the driver’s seat of a vehicle with a passenger in southwest Baltimore. Betts approached the vehicle with a gun in his hand and shot at the individual, intending to kill the victim in retaliation for having been cheated in the prior drug transaction. The victim managed to drive away and was treated at the Shock Trauma Center at University of Maryland Hospital for severe injuries to her left leg. Betts was arrested for the shooting on July 7, 2015 and charged in state court with attempted first degree murder and other offenses, and detained.
On July 18 and July 19, 2015, while he was detained, Betts made calls to a friend. During the call on July 19, which was recorded by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Betts provided the name of the shooting victim and asked his friend to relay that information to associates of Betts and to instruct them to obtain a signed affidavit from the victim stating that Betts did not shoot her. During the same call, Betts admitted that he did shoot the victim.
Betts and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Betts will be sentenced to between 14 and 16 years in prison. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz has scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Betts remains detained.
The investigation into arsons that occurred on April 27, 2015, is continuing. Anyone with information is urged to call the ATF hotline, 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473). ATF continues to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individual responsible for these incidents.
Federal prosecutors previously have charged four other defendants for arson crimes committed during the Baltimore riots on April 27, 2015. Trevon Green, age 23, of Baltimore, is charged with malicious destruction of property by fire, for allegedly setting fire to a food store on North Monroe Street. Gregory Lee Butler, Jr., a/k/a Greg Baly, age 22, of Baltimore, faces federal charges for obstruction of firefighters during a civil disorder and for aiding and abetting arson. Darius Raymond Stewart, age 22, of Baltimore, is charged with malicious destruction of a commercial building for allegedly setting fire to a liquor store on West North Avenue. Raymon Carter, age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty to the federal crime of rioting, including the arson of the CVS Pharmacy on April 27, 2015, and was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $500,000.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. Maddox and Sandra Wilkinson, who are prosecuting the case.
Anne Arundel County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Sergei William Noack, age 23, of West River, Maryland, pleaded guilty today possession of child pornography.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams.
According to his plea agreement, on May 8, 2015, an Anne Arundel County Police Department investigator received two Cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that had been received from an internet service provider. The tips involved an individual, later determined to be Noack, who had: uploaded to his computer an image depicting two prepubescent male minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct; and, sent a photo of a prepubescent minor to another individual and stated via chat that he was having sexual contact with the minor.
That same day, a search warrant was executed at Noack’s residence. Investigators seized his desktop computer, two external hard drives, and his cell phone. Noack spoke with law enforcement voluntarily and advised that he had thousands of images of child pornography on his computer, which he searched for and collected from the internet. Noack admitted that he likes images and videos depicting bondage. He stated that he meets people online in websites and chat rooms, then moves to applications that conceal the identity of the user to trade child pornography files with those people.
A preliminary forensic examination of the seized items revealed images and videos of children engaged is sexually explicit conduct on the desktop computer and external hard drive. There were at least eight videos and 90 images of child pornography on the media, including numerous files that portray sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence. One of the videos was surreptitiously recorded by Noack and depicted a minor prepubescent male using the bathroom in Noack’s home. Noack also stated that approximately two to three years earlier he was alone with a prepubescent minor who was visiting his home and that he touched the back and stomach of the prepubescent minor. The minor was interviewed in 2015 and stated that Noack would give him a cookie to take off his shirt and then touched him on his bare chest and stomach. The minor stated that Noack attempted to put his hands under the minor’s pants, towards his genitals, but the minor moved away. In 2012, Noack sent frequent text messages to the minor, often declaring his love for the minor.
As part of his plea agreement, Noack must 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).
Noack and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Noack will be sentenced to at least five years in prison followed by at least 25 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III has scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Anne Arundel County Police Department and Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation and recognized Anne Arundel County Assistant State’s Attorney Anastasia Prigge, who handled the state prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the federal case.
Upper Marlboro Felon Exiled to 10 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Damien Lanier Owens, age 33, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison followed by eight years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and for being a felon in possession of a gun.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Henry P. Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; and Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans.
According to his plea agreement, on October 29, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence where Owens was staying with his girlfriend, Asia Renee Holland. A 9mm semiautomatic pistol was recovered from the bedroom where Owens and Holland were found. The firearm had been reported as stolen. Owens had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On November 4, 2014, deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit and Special Operations Team, and a DEA Task Force Officer executed search warrants for a vehicle registered to Owens’ girlfriend, and for the body of Owens. The search warrants were executed while the vehicle was parked at a gas station in Dunkirk, Maryland, with Owens in the driver’s seat and Holland in the passenger seat of the vehicle.
Law enforcement recovered from the car: a digital scale with suspected cocaine residue; .32 grams of crack cocaine; and an unlabeled pill bottle with four oxycodone pills, recovered from Holland’s purse. A female deputy conducted a search of Holland after she became irate and screamed at and confronted law enforcement officers during the search of the vehicle. The deputy recovered two clear baggies containing a total of 31.05 grams of crack cocaine and 54.35 grams of powder cocaine from Holland’s crotch area. Owens admitted that the drugs in the car and recovered from Holland were his.
Asia Renee Holland, age 24, also of Upper Marlboro, pleaded guilty to the drug charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 2016.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA, ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department and Calvert County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Kelly O’Connell Hayes, who prosecuted the case.
Conspirator Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Owings Mills Jewelry Store Heist that Included a Carjacking and KidnappingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Peter Aleksandrov Magnis, age 28, of Hydes, Maryland, today to seven years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a robbery conspiracy in connection with the robbery of a jewelry store, including a carjacking and kidnapping.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to his plea agreement, Magnis was part of a conspiracy to rob an Owings Mills jewelry store. Specifically, in the fall of 2012, Stanislav “Steven” Yelizarov devised a plan to commit an armed robbery of a jewelry store, known to be owned and operated by members of the Russian community of Northwest Baltimore. S. Yelizarov recruited Magnis, Grigory Zilberman, Aleksy Sosonko, Igor Yasinov, his brother Marat Yelizarov, Sorhib Omonov, and others to participate in the robbery. Prior to the robbery, the conspirators gathered intelligence, including conducting surveillance and attaching a GPS device to the car of an employee of the jewelry store in order to learn the employee’s travel routine and habits. Zilberman also exploited his friendship with the employee to obtain information about the operation of the jewelry store and the habits of the employee.
According to Magnis’ plea agreement and court documents, on January 15, 2013, Zilberman enticed the employee to visit his home, in order to alert the other co-conspirators of the employee’s whereabouts. While the employee was at Zilberman’s home, the conspirators met at S. Yelizarov’s residence to prepare for the kidnapping and robbery, including preparing the firearms and donning masks and gloves. Early in the morning on January 16, 2013, M. Yelizarov and Omonov followed the employee from Zilberman’s home and notified the other conspirators of the employee’s location so they could then follow the employee. S. Yelizarov, Sosonko, Yasinov, and Magnis driving in a rental car obtained by Yasinov, used a law enforcement-type light bar and a loudspeaker to impersonate a police officer and pull over the employee. Brandishing firearms which were supplied by S. Yelizarov, the conspirators removed the employee from his car, bound and blindfolded the employee, put him into the trunk of his own car, and drove him to a predetermined location.
According to the plea agreement and court documents, once at the location, the co-conspirators continued to brandish firearms and threatened to kill the employee’s family if he did not comply with their demands or if he reported the incident to police. The employee complied and at approximately 3:52 a.m., S. Yelizarov and Sosonko drove the employee’s vehicle from the remote location to the jewelry store, while Yasinov and Magnis stayed with the employee, holding him bound and blindfolded at gunpoint. M. Yelizarov and Omonov were stationed near the jewelry store to act as “look-outs.” S. Yelizarov and Sosonko entered the store and stole jewelry, stones, and watches, valued at about $500,000, then drove back to the remote location. The employee was placed back into the trunk of his car and driven to another location, where he was left. The employee was able to kick his way out of the trunk through the back seat of his car.the trunk through the back seat of his car.
On January 18, 2013, S. Yelizarov sold a portion of the stolen jewelry for approximately $29,000 to an FBI informant. On January 19, 2013, S. Yelizarov traveled to Brooklyn, New York to sell some of the jewelry and stones taken during the robbery, receiving over $100,000. On January 21, 2013, he returned to Maryland and divided the cash proceeds among the members of the conspiracy and others.
On November 19, 2014, during the search of Magnis’ residence and the adjacent property, a bag of guns was found buried on the adjacent property within 20 feet of Magnis’ property. Inside the bag were six firearms (all rifles and shotguns), each individually wrapped in clear plastic wrap. Two of the firearms were sawed off shotguns, and one of these had an obliterated serial number. Both of those guns were stolen during an armed home invasion of a residence in Reisterstown, Maryland, on July 22, 2012. S. Yelizarov, M. Yelizarov, Sosonko and Zilberman admitted to committing that robbery.
In addition, in January and May 2013 Magnis purchased three handguns. One of those handguns was seized during a car stop and search of Yasinov in September 2013. Yasinov was prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms due to a previous felony conviction.
Stanislav Yelizarov, age 26, and Marat Yelizarov, age 27, both of Pikesville; Grigoriy (Greg) Zilberman, age 25, and Aleksey Sosonko, age 35, both of Owings Mills, Maryland; Peter Aleksandrov Magnis, age 28, of Hydes, Maryland; and Igor Yasinov, age 26, and Sorhib Omonov, age 27, both of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the robbery conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Budlow and Aaron S. J. Zelinsky, who are prosecuting the case.
Silver Spring Felon Admits Distributing Acetyl Fentanyl Resulting in Death and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland –Jeffrey Sean Nazari, age 44, of Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to charges of distributing a controlled substance analogue, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Nazari admitted that death resulted from the use of the acetyl fentanyl analogue that he distributed.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
According to his plea agreement, Nazari knew and periodically sold heroin and other drugs to the victim for about five years. On January 4, 2015, Nazari and the victim communicated by text message and Nazari agreed to provide the victim with drugs. Nazari went to the victim’s residence and distributed acetyl fentanyl to the victim. The next day, the victim was found dead and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim’s cause of death was acetyl fentanyl intoxication. The victim died as a result of ingesting the acetyl fentanyl analogue provided by Nazari.
On January 6, 2016, another drug customer went to Nazari’s residence. As the customer left the area, members of law enforcement stopped and searched the customer’s vehicle and recovered residue from the acetyl fentanyl analogue that Nazari had sold to the customer, as well as drug paraphernalia with acetyl fentanyl analogue and heroin residue.
On January 7, 2015, a search warrant was executed at Nazari’s residence. When law enforcement entered, Nazari was in the basement bathroom, attempting to flush drugs down the toilet. Law enforcement seized from the basement bathroom approximately 7.5 grams of acetyl fentanyl analogue, 10 grams of cocaine, and nine grams of testosterone. In addition, members of law enforcement seized two digital scales from the basement bedroom closet, and a loaded .380 caliber handgun from the basement bedroom nightstand. Nazari had previous felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Nazari and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Nazari will be sentenced to between 10 and 15 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus has scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Nazari remains detained.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Arun G. Rao and Nicolas A. Mitchell, who are prosecuting the case.
Lanham Man Convicted for Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury today convicted Junaidu Saljan Savage, a/k/a James Kamara, age 29, of Lanham, Maryland, for conspiring to commit bank fraud and for aggravated identity theft arising from a scheme to defraud a bank by using account holders’ personal information to take over their accounts.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Postal Inspector in Charge Maria L. Kelokates of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge James Murray of the United States Secret Service - Washington Field Office; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department..
According to testimony at his six day trial, from January 1, 2012 through April 2012, Savage conspired with Jayad Zainab Ester Conteh, Paul Anthony Williams and others to defraud a bank. Conteh, a bank teller, looked up bank account holder information on the computer system without authorization and disclosed the account holders’ personal identifying information to Savage and other co-conspirators. Using that information, Savage would call the bank pretending to be the account holder, change certain account information and order checks on the compromised account to be delivered by overnight mail. Savage and other co-conspirators would obtain those checks, including by intercepting the checks upon delivery at the actual account holders’ addresses. Wilson cashed the checks at bank branches in Maryland.
Trial evidence showed that as a result of the conspiracy at least seven bank account holders’ accounts were improperly accessed, with intended losses of more than $120,000.
Jayad Zainab Ester Conteh, age 24, of Glenarden, Maryland, was convicted after trial and sentenced to 64 months in prison for conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and unauthorized access to a computer to obtain banking information. Judge Russell also entered an order that Conteh pay $36,400 in restitution to the victim bank and forfeit $36,400.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in July 2014, after Conteh had reported to prison to begin serving her sentence, Savage went to visit her relatives. An audio and video recording of the meeting reveal that Savage told Conteh’s relatives that he was involved in her criminal conduct and would pay the restitution ordered by the Court. In late August 2014, Savage’s girlfriend provided $6,000 in cash to a relative of Conteh as partial payment of Conteh’s restitution.
Co-conspirator Paul Anthony Wilson, a/k/a Anthony Johnson, age 53, of Washington, D.C., was arrested while attempting to cash a check on the account of one of the victims. Wilson pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced to 39 months in prison.
Savage faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million for the bank fraud conspiracy, and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III scheduled Savage’s sentencing for June 24, 2016, at 9:30 a.m.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Secret Service and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas P. Windom and Ray D. McKenzie, who are prosecuting the case.
Glen Burnie Felon Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Tercel Baker, age 33, of Glen Burnie, Maryland today to 12 years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; 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 his plea agreement, on January 8, 2015, and as part of an investigation of drug and gun violations, members of the Maryland State Police and HSI saw Baker leave his apartment and drive away in a Gold Lexus SUV. After Baker committed several traffic violations, they stopped his vehicle. A K9 was ordered to scan the car and alerted for the presence of contraband. A subsequent search of the vehicle, Baker and his apartment resulted in the seizure of a total of 58.4 grams of crack cocaine, 42.84 grams of marijuana, 26 oxycodone pills, a .40 caliber firearm and $12,000 in cash. Baker admitted to law enforcement that he was a middle man, and that he cooked the cocaine into crack at his house.
Baker has two prior felony drug convictions and was on federal supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm at the time of this offense.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Patricia C. McLane and A. David Copperthite, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Man Indicted for Carjacking Conspiracy and for Crashing a Stolen Car into NSA Security GateRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury today indicted Dontae Small, age 42 of Baltimore, on charges of conspiracy, carjacking, and destruction of government property, after he allegedly rammed a stolen car into a security gate at the National Security Agency in Ft. Meade, Maryland.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; and the National Security Agency Police.
According to the three count indictment, 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 about 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 of the co-conspirators approached Victim 1 on Covington Street, pointed a silver handgun at the victim and demanded that the victim give them the keys to his car, a 2008 Acura TSX. The conspirators then took the car. On that same night, two of the conspirators approached Victims 2 and 3. One of the conspirators brandished a silver handgun and asked what was in Victim 2’s pockets. Victims 2 and 3 fled and one of the conspirators grabbed a cellular phone that had fallen from Victim 3’s pocket as they ran.
The indictment alleges that Small took the stolen Acura and drove it from Baltimore to Anne Arundel County, Maryland, crashing the car into a security gate protecting the National Security Agency on October 7, 2015.
Small faces a sentence of 15 years in prison for carjacking; a maximum of 10 years in prison for destruction of government property; and a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy. An initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore has not yet been scheduled. Small remains detained.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended FBI, the Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and National Security Agency Associate Directorate for Security and Counterintelligence for their work in the investigation and thanked the Fort George G. Meade Directorate of Emergency Services for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Wilkinson, who is prosecuting the case.
Montgomery County Oxycodone Distributor Sentenced to Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Philip Rice D’Avanzo, age 29, of Bethesda, Maryland, today to three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered D’Avanzo to pay a $10,000 fine, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone. Judge Chuang also entered an order requiring D’Avanzo to forfeit three luxury wristwatches, his pick-up truck and $241,352 in cash.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to D’Avanzo’s plea agreement and court documents, from June 2014 through September 25, 2014, D’Avanzo, Richard Michael Mathisen, and others, conspired to distribute oxycodone. As part of the conspiracy, co-conspirators obtained MRIs, which another co-conspirator altered to make them appear as though the individuals required prescriptions for pain medication. The co-conspirators either gave or sold to D’Avanzo or Mathiesen all or some of the oxycodone obtained from the prescriptions. The defendants then used some of the oxycodone for themselves and distributed some of the oxycodone to others.
According to D’Avanzo’s plea agreement, on September 25, 2014, D’Avanzo went to Mathisen’s residence and at Mathisen’s request took 18 oxycodone pills, 10 methadone pills and 45 amphetamine and detroampehetamine pills, that Mathisen wanted removed from his home in case law enforcement officers searched his house. D’Avanzo put the drugs in his truck. Later that day, Montgomery County Police officers executed a search warrant at D’Avanzo’s residence. In addition to recovering the pill bottles in the names of people who did not reside at his residence, law enforcement recovered both a shotgun and a semi-automatic assault rifle next to D’Avanzo’s bed, and eight 30-round magazines, including one that was fully loaded and was found adjacent to the semi-automatic assault rifle.
A search warrant was also executed at Mathisen’s residence on September 25, 2014, and Montgomery County Police seized pill bottles in the names of individuals who did not reside at his residence.
D’Avanzo admitted that during his participation in the drug conspiracy between 15 and 60 grams of oxycodone were distributed. D’Avanzo used proceeds from the conspiracy to purchase three luxury wristwatches, which he must forfeit along with his pick-up truck and $241,352 in cash.
On February 3, 2016, Richard Michael Mathisen, age 29, of Rockville, Maryland was sentenced to nine years in prison for conspiring to distribute oxycodone. Judge Chuang also entered an order requiring him to pay a $60,000 fine.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, who prosecuted the case.
Drunk Driver Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter in Fatal Baltimore-Washington Parkway Car CrashRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Charles Jerome Wiggins, age 25, of Cottage City, Maryland, late yesterday of two counts of involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Chief of Police Robert D. MacLean of the U.S. Park Police.
According to evidence presented at the three day trial, on December 12, 2013 at 2 a.m., Wiggins was driving a car on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. His wife, Kiana Wiggins, who had turned 34 that day, was in the front passenger seat, and his sister-in-law, Angel Barbour, age 21, was sitting in the back behind her. His sister-in-law’s boyfriend was also sitting in the back seat. Wiggins rear-ended a pickup truck that was driving in the same direction. The truck went into the woods, and Wiggins’s car flipped over and skidded on its roof more than 200 feet. The two women were killed. Wiggins was found to have a blood alcohol level of .19%.
Wiggins faces a maximum sentence of sixteen years in prison for the two involuntary manslaughter counts, and six months in prison for reckless driving. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Park Police for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Hollis Raphael Weisman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Conor Mulroe, of the U.S. Department of Justice, who prosecuted the case.
Armed Robber Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Robbing Three Towson Businesses in a WeekRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Elbert Darell Crump, age 46, of Towson, Maryland, today to 135 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for robbery.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to his plea agreement, on January 14, 2015 Crump entered the Dollar Tree on Joppa Road in Towson, wearing a face mask. Crump pointed a semi-automatic handgun at a cashier and demanded money. Crump took cash out of the register drawer, a dollar from a nearby customer, and fled.
On January 20, 2015, Crump entered the Gino’s Burgers and Chicken Restaurant on LaSalle Road in Towson. Crump produced a firearm and demanded money from the employees. When the manager/employee had difficulty opening a cash register, Crump struck the manager in the head with the firearm, knocking him to the ground. Another employee helped the manager open the cash registers and Crump took the cash. A video recording shows Crump pointing the firearm in the direction of some of the customers as well as the employees.
The next day, Crump entered the Toys ‘R Us store on Putty Hill Avenue in Towson, wearing a face mask. Crump pointed a gun at a cashier and demanded money. The cashier ran out the front door. Crump pointed his gun at another employee, forcing the employee to open eight cash registers and put the cash into a bag. During this time, several customers and employees called 911. Police from Baltimore County responded quickly and surrounded the store. Several customers who were inside fled the store and were moved to safety by the police. Crump attempted to leave by the front and then the back of the store, but returned inside once he saw the police outside.
Baltimore County tactical officers and hostage negotiators arrived. Police were advised by fleeing customers that Crump was armed and that customers remained inside. Crump asked two customers to help him hide and handed them about $400. Crump hid in a large box on a shelf. The customers who received the money left the store, told police where Crump was hiding and gave the police the money. Tactical officers and canine officers subsequently entered the store and located Crump, hiding in the box on the shelf. A 24 hour search of the store took place before the .380 caliber handgun was located in the baby section inside a bag with $1,650 taken by Crump from all of the registers.
Video recordings of all three robberies identified Crump as the robber. The firearm was registered to Crump’s girlfriend with whom Crump was staying. Clothes worn by Crump during the robberies were found at their residence.
Crump had previously been convicted of at least one crime of violence and one drug offense.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the Baltimore Police Department, FBI and Baltimore County State’s Attorney=s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys A. David Copperthite and James A. Crowell IV, who prosecuted the case.
Ellicott City Man Admits to Distributing Heroin Leading to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Ian Daniel Ugol, age 24, of Ellicott City, Maryland pleaded guilty today to distribution of heroin.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Baltimore District Office; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Chief Gary Gardner of the Howard County Police Department.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don Hibbert stated, “The Drug Enforcement Administration is focused not only on large scale drug traffickers, but also on cases where the distribution of an illegal drug has a direct causal link to the death of an individual. The arrest and guilty plea in this case illustrates that the results of the illegal distribution of narcotics to users are not only tragic, but are often deadly.”
According to his plea agreement, on November 13, 2013, Ugol communicated with the victim through social media, text messaging and telephone conversations to arrange for Ugol to obtain heroin for the victim’s use. During that time, Ugol was also in contact with another individual known as a source for heroin. Between 10:58 pm on November 13, 2013, and four minutes after midnight on November 14, 2013, there were five short telephone conversations and one text between Ugol and the source of supply arranging for Ugol to obtain heroin for the victim. According to text messages, Ugol and the victim met at or near a bowling alley in Ellicott City to arrange for the victim and Ugol to get the heroin. Before 7:00 a.m. on November 14, 2013, the victim was discovered by his parents at their home, unconscious and was not breathing. He was pronounced dead at 7:13 a.m. and the medical examiner determined that the cause of death was heroin and oxycodone intoxication.
Ugol faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for distribution of heroin. U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis has scheduled sentencing for August 17, 2016, 2016 at 2:15 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA, FBI, and Howard County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea L. Smith, who is prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Conspirator Admits to Fraudulently Obtaining Vehicle LoansRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Derrick Kwan Byas, Jr., age 27, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft arising from a bank fraud scheme.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, from January 2009 to April 29, 2015, Byas and others applied for vehicle loans with financial institutions and lenders using false information as to employment history, addresses, dates of birth and social security numbers. They created and submitted fake documents, such as lien releases, utility bills, paystubs, letters of recommendation and a police report.
When applying for the loans, Byas had no intention of actually purchasing a vehicle and instead knew that any loan proceeds would be split between himself and others. Byas and his co-conspirators often applied for vehicle loans on the same vehicle with different lenders. They deposited the loan funds into bank accounts and cashed loan checks at liquor stores. They failed to pay the vehicle loans, which often resulted in the vehicles being repossessed by the lenders.
Byas and his co-conspirators also nominally agreed to sell the vehicles, obtained money from the sales and then did not provide the vehicles to the buyers.
In February 2014, Byas obtained a credit card using a false social security number, resulting in a loss to the bank issuing the card. From May to November 2014, Byas attempted to obtain six car loans, three personal loans and a credit card.
The intended loss resulting from Byas’s fraudulent conduct was at least $220,603.
Byas faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for conspiring to commit bank fraud and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, consecutive to any other sentence. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow scheduled sentencing for July 11, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Windom and Joseph R. Baldwin, who are prosecuting the case.
Prince George’s County Suspect Faces Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Quinton Darnell McLean, age 21, of Washington, D.C., has been charged by federal criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The criminal complaint was filed on February 29, 2016, and McLean has an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt today at 2:40 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Connelly.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.
“Criminals who are not deterred from carrying guns by the threat of prison time can be deterred by the reality of years spent in a federal prison far from home,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Police and prosecutors are working to identify armed criminals who deserve to be charged in federal court.”
According to the affidavit filed in support of his criminal complaint, on February 12, 2016, McLean was traveling with two other men in a green Saturn on the Suitland Parkway. Officers with the Prince George’s Police Department Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement Team (WAVE) conducted a query of the temporary registration on the Saturn, which revealed that the tag was issued for a 1987 Mercedes Benz. Officers followed the vehicle, which pulled into a carwash on Branch Avenue in Temple Hills, Maryland.
The driver of the Saturn pulled the vehicle into the carwash bay and began washing the car while McLean and the other occupant stood outside the entrance to the carwash bay. One of the officers, whose unmarked car was next in line for the wash bay behind the green Saturn, saw McLean adjusting his waistband and clutching the right side of his waistband as he stood outside the carwash bay. The officer knew that McLean’s behavior was indicative of an armed person, and believed that McLean had a firearm in his waistband. The officer frisked McLean for weapons and recovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol that was tucked in the right front side of McLean’s waistband area. McLean was arrested. While in custody, McLean made several calls from jail. During these conversations, which are recorded by the detention center, McLean made several statements, including, “Maryland time is cheap as s**t.” McLean has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
McLean faces a sentence of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a gun. There is no probation or parole in the federal criminal justice system.
As part of the coordinated state effort to reduce violent crime, the Prince George’s County Police Department, ATF, FBI, DEA, HSI, U.S. Marshals Service, the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office, review cases of defendants arrested for firearms violations, drug offenses and other violent crimes, and evaluate whether the case should be considered for federal prosecution. Prosecutors evaluate each defendant’s criminal record, the circumstances of the arrest and other relevant information.
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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew L. Paeffgen, who is prosecuting the case.