District of Maryland
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Robber Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Two Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Willie Jones, age 31, of Towson, Maryland, today to nine years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for two commercial robberies and for using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Judge Hollander also ordered Jones to pay $750 in restitution.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, on November 2, 2013, Jones and co-conspirator Donte Johnson robbed a grocery on Claremont Avenue in Baltimore. Jones stood inside the door of the store as a look-out while Johnson held a shotgun to the store owner’s head and demanded money. The robbers took between $600 and $700.
On November 25, 2013, Jones and Johnson robbed a convenience store, located on Philadelphia Road in Baltimore. Specifically, two employees were working at the counter area of the store and two men approached the counter. Johnson pointed a shotgun at both employees and demanded that they open the registers. In fear for their lives, the clerks complied. Johnson reached over the counter and obtained money from one register. Jones, who admitted that he knew Johnson would be using a gun during the robbery, walked behind the counter and retrieved money from another register. The total loss to the store was $153.
Donte Johnson continued to rob the store’s customers. As this was happening, a customer was able to leave the store and get into his vehicle, which was parked in the store’s parking lot. He called 911 and waited for the robbers to exit. The customer saw the robbers run across Philadelphia Road to the parking lot of a bar across the street, and enter a dark green Honda Civic. The customer followed Jones and Johnson so he would be able to give directions to the police. Once the robbers turned onto Square Ridge Road, the car stopped, and Donte Johnson fired one round from a shotgun at the customer in his vehicle.
Baltimore County Police detectives were able to locate the shotgun used in the convenience store robbery. The shotgun had two unfired shotgun shells lying on the ground next to it and one fired shotgun shell casing loaded in the action of the gun.
Donte Maurice Johnson, age 30, previously pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced September 2, 2015 at 2:15 p.m. Jones and Johnson remain detained.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore City Police Department and the Baltimore County and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Bonnie S. Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Conspirator Pleads Guilty to $3.8 Million Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –Alberic Okou Agodio, age 30, of Bethesda, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, arising from a mortgage fraud scheme in which he used the names of immigrants and students, along with false financial information, to obtain approximately $3.8 million in home mortgage loans to buy approximately three dozen row houses in Baltimore, all of which are in default or foreclosure.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Olga Acevedo of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Cary A. Rubenstein of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Fran Mace, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“When we are made aware of individuals whose criminal conduct causes financial harm to the public and unnecessary risks to the FHA Insurance Fund we commit whatever resources are necessary to bring these individuals to justice and have them debarred from participation in government programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Cary Rubenstein of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. “Mortgage fraud investigations can be very labor intensive and we would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their collaborative efforts.”
According to his plea agreement, Agodio agreed to purchase row houses in Baltimore City from co-conspirator Kevin Campbell, who had acquired the houses as part of his real estate business. Agodio purchased the houses at prices far in excess of their actual market value. In return, Campbell kicked back a substantial portion of the purchase price to Agodio, which Agodio used to pay for the down payments and closing costs for most of the properties; to pay a commission to the individuals whom he persuaded to allow him to use their names to purchase the properties (“the straw purchasers”); to pay referral fees to individuals who referred other straw purchasers to him; and to compensate himself for his participation in the scheme. In all, from June 2009 to November 2010, Agodio purchased 35 row houses from Campbell. The financing received on these transactions totaled approximately $3.8 million and Agodio received commission payments from Campbell in excess of $1.2 million.
To perpetrate the scheme, Agodio persuaded approximately three dozen immigrants and students to purchase the row houses under their names. Although none of these “straw purchasers” had any experience in real estate transactions, nor the funds needed to buy the properties, Agodio told each straw purchaser that he would prepare the loan application; manage the property after its purchase by finding renters, collecting the rent and paying the mortgage; and would pay the straw purchaser $7,000 to $8,000 after the transaction closed. He further promised to sell the property in three years and give the individual up to 80% of the sale proceeds. Agodio also paid thousands of dollars in additional commissions to those straw purchasers who referred other individuals to him as potential buyers for similar transactions.
Agodio admitted that he falsely represented in the loan applications the straw purchasers’ assets and earnings, and that the property would be the primary residence of the purchaser. Agodio also provided fraudulent earnings and bank statements for the purchasers, to document the false information provided in the loan application. Agodio provided the necessary funds for the down payment and the buyer’s share of the closing costs, causing the settlement statement form to inaccurately reflect that the down payments and closing costs had been paid by the straw purchasers.
Following the closings, Agodio retained the keys to each property and assumed the responsibility for finding renters and making the required monthly mortgage payments. The named purchasers never lived in the properties. Agodio eventually allowed all of the mortgages to go into default.
After a fire occurred at one of the row house properties purchased through a straw purchaser Agodio falsely identified himself as the straw purchaser to the insurance company in order to collect $106,500 in insurance paid for the repair the property. Agodio cashed the check, which was made out to the straw purchaser and the bank holding the mortgage, and used the funds for his own purposes. Agodio did not notify the bank that the funds to make the repairs to the property had been received, nor did he arrange to make or pay for any repairs to the property.
Kevin Campbell, age 52, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2015 at 9:15 a.m.
Agodio faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for conspiracy and for wire fraud; and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for October 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
The Maryland Mortgage Fraud Task Force was established to unify the agencies that regulate and investigate mortgage fraud and promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of mortgage fraud schemes. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Task Force, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect consumers from fraud and promote the integrity of the credit markets. Information about mortgage fraud prosecutions is available http://www.justice.gov/usao-md/financial-fraud-and-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 HUD- OIG, FDIC – OIG, FHFA - OIG and the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jefferson M. Gray, who is prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Three Armed Robberies Committed in Less than a MonthRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Rodney Smith, age 51, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit three armed robberies and using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt 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 Smith’s plea agreement, from September 2013 through October 11, 2013, Smith conspired with Derek Roberts to commit armed robberies at a fast food restaurant, a drug store and a gas station.
According to their plea agreements, on the morning of September 15, 2013, Smith and Roberts went to a fast food restaurant in Rosedale, Maryland, and waited for an employee to arrive. When the employee arrived to open the store Smith and Roberts approached him. Roberts pointed a loaded gun at the employee and pushed him into the store. Roberts tied up the victim and demanded money from the cash register. Roberts and Smith stole approximately $200 from the restaurant. On September 27, 2013, Smith and Roberts robbed a drug store in Havre de Grace. When two employees began closing the store, Roberts pointed a loaded gun at the employees and forced them into the store, where he and Smith tied up the victims and demanded money. One of the victims opened the store safe and Smith took money from the safe. Smith and Roberts stole $3,400 from the store, several cartons of cigarettes and a purse belonging to one of the victims. On October 3, 2013, Smith and Roberts drove from Maryland to a gas station in Fredericksburg, Virginia. An employee let Smith and Roberts into the store and Roberts pointed a loaded gun at the victim. Roberts instructed the victim to go to a back room and lay on the ground, and demanded money. Smith and Roberts stole approximately $200, cartons of cigarettes and beer from the gas station.
Derek Roberts, age 45, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to his role in the robberies and was sentenced to 19 years in prison.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked Cecil County State’s Attorney Ellis Rollins, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby, and their offices for their assistance in the prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Bonnie S. Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Severn Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Albert A. Firlie, age 67, of Severn, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to possession of child pornography. Firlie faces an enhanced sentence due to a 1991 child abuse conviction in Howard County, Maryland, involving the sexual abuse of a prepubescent minor female.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Postal Inspector in Charge David M. McGinnis of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare.
According to Firlie’s plea agreement, beginning no later than October 2003, Firlie used the internet to locate and obtain child pornography. In November 2007 and April 2009, Firlie created email accounts with Hotmail and Verizon, respectively, with a username that combined his first name with the first name of the victim in his child sex abuse case. A search of Firlie’s computers and email accounts reveal that Firlie was using internet search services in an attempt to locate the victim and her family as recently as late June 2014.
Between December 12, 2008 and December 26, 2014, Firlie uploaded approximately 120 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct to his account associated with both email addresses, utilizing a website that provided users with remote, “cloud,” storage for media files. On September 13, 2014, Firlie attempted to upload 51 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct to a Google “gmail” address, using a different website that also provided users with remote, “cloud,” storage for media files. That website detected the use of its cloud services for the storage of child pornography and reported the matter to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who in turn reported the matter to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
On February 3, 2015, a federal search warrant was executed at Firlie’s residence. During execution of the warrant, investigators recovered a large number of computers and other digital storage media. Forensic examination of the seized media showed that Firlie was in possession of more than 600 images, including over 120 videos, depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images included prepubescent minors and sadistic or masochistic conduct.
As part of his plea agreement, Firlie 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).
Firlie faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison, followed by up to lifetime of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for October 19, 2015 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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service, HSI-Baltimore, Maryland State Police and Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, who is prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Other Charges Related to His Alleged Prostitution BusinessRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Steven B. Boyd, a/k/a “Gotti,” age 36, of Baltimore, yesterday on charges of sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, and other charges related to his operation of an alleged prostitution business.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to the seven count indictment, beginning in at least July 2013, Boyd was a pimp who caused girls and women to engage in commercial sex acts for his own financial benefit. The indictment alleges that Boyd recruited girls and women whom he met at hotels, other public places and online to work for him as prostitutes, including two girls who Boyd knew were under 18 years of age. Five other women over the age of 18 worked for Boyd, including two women whom Boyd persuaded to travel from Ohio and California, to Maryland to work for Boyd.
The indictment alleges that Boyd would routinely take some or all of the money from the girls and women and keep it for himself. Boyd provided the women with drugs, including “molly” and marijuana, as well as alcohol. Boyd had the girls and women walk the “track,” also called the “blade” or the “strip,” areas of Baltimore and other city streets frequented by commercial sex workers and customers. Boyd paid for online ads for the women and girls to engage in commercial sex acts. Boyd transported the girls and women on “outcalls,” taking to them to hotel rooms and residences to engage in prostitution. Boyd provided the girls and women with telephones to communicate with him about their commercial sex activities.
The indictment also alleges that Boyd used one of the minor girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct so that he could record a video. In addition, the indictment alleges that on January 12, 2015, Boyd transported three of the women from Maryland to Georgia to engage in prostitution, returning to Maryland on January 14, 2015 to continue working for Boyd.
Boyd faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison for each of two counts of sex trafficking of a minor; a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor; a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of two counts of enticement to travel interstate to engage in prostitution; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for each of two counts of interstate transportation to engage in prostitution. An initial appearance is scheduled for Boyd today at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Mark Coulson in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. Boyd is currently detained on 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.
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 HSI Baltimore, the Baltimore City Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers and Rachel M. Yasser, who are prosecuting the case.
Fourteen Members of the Simple City Criminal Organization Indicted for a $5 Million Racketeering Conspiracy Related to a Vehicle Theft RingRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted 14 members of the Simple City Criminal Organization (Simple City) for a $5 million racketeering conspiracy. The indictment alleges that the members of the conspiracy engaged in criminal activity, including: the theft of vehicles, the sale and transportation of stolen vehicles and items stolen from vehicles including cell phones, computers, tablets and purses, among other items; fraud and identity theft committed using stolen credit and debit cards and check books; and commercial armed robberies and thefts from ATMs. The indictment was returned on July 13, 2015 and unsealed today, upon the arrests of the defendants. Approximately 140 law enforcement officers from four federal, state and local agencies executed 11 search warrants and arrested seven defendants. Two defendants were already in custody on state and federal charges. Five defendants are still being sought.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
The indictment charges the following defendants who are in custody:
Jeff Crews, a/k/a “Fro,” age 24, of Washington, D.C.;
Sylvia Price, a/k/a “Deez Nuts,” age 49, of Suitland, Maryland;
Stefon Janey, a/k/a “Stef,” and “Stef Luva,” age 22, of Marlow Heights, Maryland;
Kwasi Crichlow, age 21, of Washington, D.C.;
Earl Ferguson, a/k/a “Frank,” age 32, of Upper Marlboro;
Lamonte Henson, a/k/a “Tiggy,” and “Tiggy Stacks,” age 23, of Upper Marlboro;
Michael Price, a/k/a “Mikey,” age 21, of Suitland;
Jessica Rubio, a/k/a “Jazz,” age 38, of Washington, D.C.; and
Shatei Tucker, a/k/a “Bootsie,” age 54, of Washington, D.C.
According to the indictment, Simple City has been operating in the Washington metropolitan area since at least 2009. The conspirators met on a regular basis, and reported to the organization’s leadership, including Jeff Crews, Sylvia Price, and Stefon Janey, through the use of cell phones, texts and iMessages, and social media (such as Instagram). Members sought direction, instruction, and advice on how to commit crimes. The leaders updated members on Simple City business and resolved disagreements regarding operations among members and associates. Incarcerated members regularly communicated with outside members and associates to discuss Simple City matters and to plan future criminal activity. The conspirators trafficked firearms and shared the proceeds from their criminal activity.
According to court documents, Simple City usually started their crime sprees by committing “hop-in” style motor vehicle thefts or carjackings. Hop-in thefts occur when a person leaves a running vehicle unattended and a member of the organization gets into the vehicle and drives away. The conspirators typically parked the stolen vehicle on the side of a road or in a public parking lot until they believed that law enforcement was no longer actively looking for the vehicle. The conspirators then used the stolen vehicle to commit other crimes, including thefts from autos, citizen robberies and burglaries targeting ATMs. The conspirators then attempted to sell the stolen car. Additionally, the conspirators sold any personal identification information (PII) and credit cards and debit cards they stole during the crime spree to another group within Simple City led by Sylvia Price. Sylvia Price’s group then allegedly used the PII and credit/debit cards to commit wire fraud, credit card fraud and aggravated identity theft. Sylvia Price typically provided a portion of the proceeds to Crews for disbursement to other Simple City members – generally those members who were active participants in the thefts. Any cash obtained during the crime spree was kept by the conspirators and stolen electronics were typically sold for profit.
For example, the indictment alleges that on June 23, 2014, Crews and a co-conspirator communicated by text message discussing whether Crews had stolen vehicles to sell to the co-conspirator. Crews subsequently sent the co-conspirator three pictures of a stolen 2014 Mercedes by text message. On September 5, 2014, a co-defendant sent Crews an iMessage that contained a photograph of two firearms, offering to sell Crews the two pictured firearms for $1,200. On April 18, 2015, Crews, Janey and another person robbed a gas station in Beltsville, using a crowbar to forcibly enter the employee vestibule area and stealing cash from the register. Further, Sylvia Price, Jessica Rubio, Shatei Tucker and others used stolen checks and credit cards to obtain cash and merchandise.
Finally, the indictment seeks the forfeiture of $5 million, believed to be the proceeds obtained from the racketeering activity.
The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy. An initial appearance was held for six of the arrested defendants today in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Rubio, Crichlow, Janey and Crews were ordered detained pending detention hearings next week. Henson and Ferguson, who are currently in custody on other charges, will have an initial appearance on these federal charges at a later date. No court appearance has been scheduled for Sylvia Price.
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 the FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department and the members of the Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement Unit for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Nicolas A. Mitchell, who are prosecuting the case.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Raymon Carter for Arson of the CVSRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Raymon Carter, age 24, of Baltimore, Maryland, with the arson of the CVS Pharmacy located at 2509 Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore, on April 27, 2015.
The indictment 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; Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; and Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci.
“Federal law enforcement agencies are working closely with local police and prosecutors to investigate crimes committed during the Baltimore riots,” said U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein.
According to the indictment and court documents, on April 27, 2015, the CVS Pharmacy located at 2509 Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore was looted and burned. On May 22, 2015, ATF released two still photographs of a suspect in the arson to the media and announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification, arrest and conviction. The indictment alleges that Carter is the person who started the fire in the CVS.
Carter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years in prison for arson. No court appearance is scheduled at this time.
The investigation into this and other 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.
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 the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, and Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Wilkinson, who is prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Four Armed Robberies Committed in Less Than A MonthRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Derek Roberts, age 45, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 19 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit three armed robberies and using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In total, Roberts admitted to acting as the gunman in four armed robberies.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt 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 Roberts’ plea agreement, from September 2013 through October 11, 2013, Roberts conspired with Rodney Smith to commit armed robberies at a fast food restaurant, a drug store and a gas station. Roberts also admitted robbing another store with co-conspirator Richard Bruzdzinski.
According to their plea agreements, on the morning of September 15, 2013, Roberts and Smith went to a fast food restaurant in Rosedale, Maryland, and waited for an employee to arrive. When the employee arrived to open the store Roberts and Smith approached him. Roberts pointed a loaded gun at the employee and pushed him into the store. Roberts tied up the victim and demanded money from the cash register. Roberts and Smith stole approximately $200 from the restaurant. On September 27, 2013, Roberts and Smith robbed a drug store in Havre de Grace. When two employees began closing the store, Roberts pointed a loaded gun at the employees and forced them into the store, where he and Smith tied up the victims and demanded money. One of the victims opened the store safe and Roberts took money from the safe. Roberts and Smith stole $3,400 from the store, several cartons of cigarettes and a purse belonging to one of the victims. On October 3, 2013, Roberts and Smith drove from Maryland to a gas station in Fredericksburg, Virginia. An employee let Roberts and Smith into the store and Roberts pointed a loaded gun at the victim. Roberts instructed the victim to go to a back room and lay on the ground, and demanded money. Roberts and Smith stole approximately $200, cartons of cigarettes and beer from the gas station.
In addition to the robberies with Smith, on October 2, 2013, Roberts robbed a store in Timonium, Maryland, with Richard Bruzdzinski. The owner of the establishment recognized Brudzinski, who had been a customer of the store a few weeks earlier. The owner opened the electronic door for Roberts and Bruzdzinski. Immediately, Roberts drew a handgun, pointed it at the owner, and stated that a robbery was occurring. Bruzdzinski drew a stun gun from his pocket. The two men directed the owner and an employee to go to the office in the back of the store, then ordered the victims to the ground. Roberts and Bruzdinski tied the hands of the victims with plastic zip ties. Roberts and Bruzdzinski stole money, gold jewelry, coins, the owner’s Glock pistol, and the victims’ cell phones.
Rodney Smith, age 51, and Richard Bruzdzinski, age 43, both of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to their roles in the robberies. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on July 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. and Bruzdzinski was sentenced to 10 years in prison on March 26, 2015.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and thanked Cecil County State’s Attorney Ellis Rollins, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby, and their offices for their assistance in the prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Bonnie S. Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Jamar Williams, age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute Dimethylone, a controlled dangerous substance.
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; Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, Baltimore Police officers on patrol observed Williams driving a car in the 4000 block of the Alameda. The officers stopped Williams because he was not wearing a seat belt. There was a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and the occupants. Williams did not provide the officer with a driver’s license and informed the officer that the vehicle was a rental car that had been rented in a relative’s name. Williams could not legally operate the vehicle and the officers asked Williams and the two passengers to get out of the car. Officers recovered a clear bag containing 14.06 grams of Dimethylone, a controlled dangerous substance, from underneath the front passenger seat. Williams admitted that he possessed the Dimethylone with the intent to distribute it.
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 Special Assistant United States Attorney H. Brandis Marsh, Jr., a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney, who prosecuted the case.
Three Men Indicted in $1.7 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme Involving Baltimore City PropertiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted three defendants on charges arising from the fraudulent purchase of seven properties in Baltimore, using fraudulent loan documentation and straw purchasers, resulting in losses of over $1.7 million:
Cecil Sylvester Chester, age 68, of Mitchellville, Maryland;
Michael Gerard Camphor, age 59, of Baltimore; and
Christopher Andy Kwegan, age 58, of Randallstown, Maryland.
The indictment was returned on June 24, 2015 and unsealed today upon the arrests of the defendants.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge Cary A. Rubenstein of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office.
“Mortgage fraud perpetrators steal from lenders that are induced to make loans that will never be repaid and damage neighborhoods when the resulting foreclosures drive down property values,” stated U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
Chester worked as an accountant from an office located on New Hampshire Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland. Camphor had worked as a real estate agent for a company and also operated a real estate consulting business called Ron Gerard LLC, a/k/a Ron Gerard & Associates. Kwegan worked as a real estate agent for another company and also bought and sold residential properties on his own.
According to the 23 count indictment, from February 2008 to July 2009, the defendants identified houses in Baltimore that were for sale, many of which had been purchased and renovated by co-conspirator Andreas Tamaris. Tamaris owned and operated a company that purchased and renovated row homes in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore City. The three defendants set the purchase price for the properties to exceed their actual fair market value, thereby generating excess proceeds from the transactions from which they could profit.
Chester and Camphor persuaded individuals who were inexperienced with residential real estate transactions to allow them to use their names, identifying information and credit histories to purchase Baltimore row houses owned by Tamaris or otherwise located by the conspirators. The indictment alleges that Chester and Camphor advised these “straw purchasers” that they didn’t need to contribute funds for the down payment or closing costs to buy these properties. Chester and Camphor also advised that they would place tenants in the properties whose rent payments would cover the monthly mortgage payments after the transactions closed, and that Chester and Camphor would collect the rent, manage the tenants and make the mortgage payments.
Chester and Camphor are alleged to have provided false information about the straw purchasers’ employment, income and financial assets, as well as false and fraudulent supporting documentation to the mortgage loan brokers to enable the straw purchasers to qualify for home mortgage loans. Chester and Camphor falsely indicated to the mortgage loan brokers that the straw purchasers each intended to use the property as their primary residence following the purchase. Tamaris and other individuals, including Kwegan, supplied the funds needed for the down payment and closing costs on each of the transactions, and were in turn reimbursed from the loan proceeds at settlement.
The indictment alleges that following the settlement on each transaction in which they participated, the three defendants received substantial payments drawn from the proceeds of the loan. Few, if any, payments were made towards the mortgages, and each of the seven properties went into foreclosure, resulting in a loss of at least $1.7 million.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of at least $1,571,631 from Chester, $962,274 from Camphor and $242,500 from Kwegan.
All three defendants face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud and for wire fraud. Chester and Camphor also face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for mail fraud. An initial appearance was held for Kwegan yesterday, and Camphor’s initial appearance is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. today, in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. Chester is expected to have his initial appearance in federal court in New York today.
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.
In a related proceeding involving two of the properties at issue in the instant case, co-conspirator Andreas E. Tamaris, age 44, of Bel Air, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and awaits sentencing.
The Maryland Mortgage Fraud Task Force was established to unify the agencies that regulate and investigate mortgage fraud and promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of mortgage fraud schemes. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Task Force, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect consumers from fraud and promote the integrity of the credit markets. Information about mortgage fraud prosecutions is available http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/priorities_financialfraud.html.
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 FBI , HUD OIG - Office of Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jefferson M. Gray, who is prosecuting the case.
Anne Arundel County Drug Dealer Sentenced to 7 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Victor Maurice Cook, age 40, of Millersville, Maryland today to a total of seven years in prison. Judge Motz sentenced Cook to five years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and two years in prison, consecutive to the five year sentence, for violating his supervised release from a previous drug conviction.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Ellerman of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare.
According to his plea agreement, on October 20, 2014, law enforcement officers received information that Cook would be engaged in a narcotics transaction in the vicinity of Route 2 and Arnold Road in Anne Arundel County. At that location, agents saw Cook crossing over the center lane divide several times and speaking on a hand held telephone as he was driving. Anne Arundel County Police detectives attempted to pull Cook over, but Cook continued driving, then tried to swerve into the detectives’ cars, striking one of them. Officers continued following Cook through the parking lots of businesses and ultimately heading southbound on Route 2. When Cook approached a red light with cars stopped at the intersection, Cook drove his car over the curb to get around the traffic and avoid stopping at the intersection. As he was driving, Cook threw a white plastic bag out of the passenger side window of his vehicle. Agents recovered the bag, while other officers approached Cook’s stopped vehicle and ordered him out. Cook struggled with the officers, but was ultimately removed from the vehicle, arrested and handcuffed. The plastic bag was found to contain over a kilogram of cocaine.
Cook also violated his supervised release from a 2001 federal drug conviction for which he served a 12 year sentence. Cook was serving five years of supervised release for this conviction when he was arrested in October 2014.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA and Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea L. Smith, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement case, as well as Cook’s previous drug case.
Former Maryland Licensed Counselor Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Sexually Exploit an InfantRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Stephen H. Schaffner, age 35, of Greensboro, Maryland, today to 35 years in prison, followed by supervised release for life, for a conspiracy to sexually exploit a child, and for sexual exploitation of a six week old baby who was born prematurely, in order to produce images documenting the abuse. Judge Motz also ordered that upon his release from prison Schaffner 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; United States Attorney for the Southern District of California Laura E. Duffy; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Eric Birnbaum of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – San Diego Division; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Jeff A. Jackson of the Greensboro Police Department and Chief David A. Spencer of the Easton Police Department.
“The defendant was caught because in 2014, police were still able to obtain a warrant and find images on a cell phone,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Companies now market encrypted devices that are immune from search warrants and allow pedophiles to molest children and trade photographs with little risk of detection, even when a federal judge finds that there is probable cause and issues a court order. Law enforcement officials have a responsibility to alert law-abiding citizens about the consequences of ‘going dark,’ so they will not be surprised when police cannot obtain evidence of serious crimes.”
According to his plea agreement, for over four years, Schaffner was a licensed associate counselor in Arizona, providing behavioral health and education services for children ages 11-17 whose lives and family relationships were in crisis, or who were struggling with mental health or substance abuse challenges. Schaffner also worked as a clinician in Easton, Maryland for 18 months, providing individual and family mental health counseling, including treatment for children and for sex offenders. In 2011 and 2012, Schaffner attended trainings and conferences focused on the assessment, management and treatment of sex offenders. On October 30, 2012, Schaffner sent an adult counseling client inappropriate text messages of a sexual nature. In November 2012, Schaffner was fired from the practice where he worked, and his license was later suspended.
Schaffner admitted that beginning in 2004, he collected child pornography he obtained from the internet. Thousands of images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were located on digital devices, storage media and online accounts seized from Schaffner. In his electronic communications, Schaffner repeatedly expressed a sexual interest in boys from “age zero” up, and his desire to commit violent sexual abuse against infants, including making the children cry during the abuse, and injuring or killing children in the course of sexual abuse. He discussed ways to ensure that the children did not report the abuse, including drugging or killing the children.
According to his plea agreement, in late June 2014, Schaffner met Michael Lutts online. Lutts lived in California and worked as a pediatric nurse at a hospital in San Diego County. Schaffner and Lutts communicated electronically using their cellular phones. On August 4, 2014, Lutts brought home a six week old baby boy, born prematurely, who was placed in his care as a foster child. Lutts texted images of the infant to Schaffner.
Over the next several hours, Schaffner exchanged numerous graphic and sexually explicit messages with Lutts about Lutts sexually abusing the infant. Schaffner directed Lutts to sexually abuse the infant in specific ways, to produce photos and video that Lutts was to send to Schaffner. Lutts sent Schaffner images and videos with the infant, including images documenting the sexual abuse of the infant. Schaffner and Lutts also discussed Schaffner travelling to San Diego to rape the infant.
According to court documents, the abuse of the infant was discovered when a federal investigation of individuals transmitting child pornography led authorities to obtain a search warrant for Michael William Lutts’s residence in San Diego on August 26, 2014. During that search, law enforcement seized a cell phone that contained images and videos of Lutts sexually molesting the infant. Michael Lutts pleaded guilty in federal court in the Southern District of California to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2015.
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’s Baltimore and San Diego offices, the Maryland State Police Interstate Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the San Diego, California ICAC, Greensboro Police Department, and Easton Police Department for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessandra P. Serano from the Southern District of California who is prosecuting the case against Michael Lutts, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers from Maryland, who is prosecuting the case against Stephen Schaffner.
Salisbury Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – David C. Andrews, age 52, of Salisbury, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to distribution of child pornography.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Worcester County Sheriff Reggie T. Mason, Sr.; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Wicomico County Sheriff Michael A. Lewis; and Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew Maciarello.
According to Andrews’ plea agreement, between May 28 and July 12, 2010, Andrews made files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct available to others through a file sharing program installed on his computer. On July 17, 2010, a Wicomico County Sheriff’s detective working on undercover investigations of individuals trafficking child pornography through the use of file sharing programs was able to download child pornography being shared using the internet account at Andrews’ residence. A search warrant was executed at Andrews’ home and law enforcement located Andrews’ computer which contained 49 images and approximately 160 video segments of child pornography. Andrews admitted that he collected and shared child pornography over the internet, including the video downloaded by the detective. On October 12, 2011, Andrews pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in Wicomico County Circuit Court. The charge for possession of child pornography with intent to distribute was dropped.
Also according to Andrews’ plea agreement, on May 12, 2014, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office detective was conducting an online investigation for individuals using file sharing software to share child pornography. During the investigation, the detective downloaded a video from Andrews that depicted a prepubescent girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Investigators determined that the IP address associated with the account was assigned to Andrews’ residence.
On June 20, 2014, Andrews saw law enforcement officers conducting surveillance and photographing his home in preparation for obtaining a search warrant. Andrews admitted that on June 22, 2014, he ran memory-wiping software on the hard drive and reinstalled the operating system, thereby deleting any files or images, including any files containing child pornography from his laptop. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at Andrews’ home on June 24, 2014, they were initially unable to find any devices belonging to Andrews or that appeared to be associated with child pornography. After locating Andrews’ laptop in the laundry room, investigators realized the hard drive had been removed. Andrews directed the investigators to a truck tire in the back yard of the uninhabited house next door where law enforcement recovered a gallon zip lock bag containing the hard drive from the laptop, as well as a tablet computer.
Although a forensic examination of the laptop hard drive was not able to recover any images or files, a forensic analysis of the tablet recovered 142 images of child pornography. Andrews admitted that he attempted to delete the files in an attempt to conceal them from investigators. Twenty-five of the images belonged to a series of child pornography whose victim(s) were previously identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
As part of his plea agreement, Andrews 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). In addition, Andrews will be required to pay restitution to any identified victims used to produce the child pornography Andrews distributed.
Andrews and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Andrews will be sentenced to between 70 and 87 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for October 27, 2015 at 3:00 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 HSI Baltimore and Ocean City, Maryland, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wicomico 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 is prosecuting the case.
Landover Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Evan Anthony Peek-Austin, age 39, of Landover, Maryland, to 11 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit the robbery of a drug dealer, for using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and for carjacking.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on April 11, 2014, Peek Austin and his co-conspirators Shawn Delonte Allen and Joel Varela Linares, entered the victim’s residence and awaited his arrival. As the victim arrived home, Allen approached the victim from behind and forced him at gunpoint into the residence. After zip-tying the victim’s hands, Austin, Linares and Allen questioned the victim about the location of drugs and drug proceeds. The robbers thought the victim was in possession of heroin imported from Guatemala or proceeds from heroin sales. Austin, Allen, and Linares each had a handgun and threatened to kill the victim if he did not produce the drugs or drug proceeds. While questioning the victim, Allen brandished his gun. When the victim claimed that he did not have drugs or drug proceeds, Linares placed a knife to the victim’s neck and Allen struck the victim in the head with a handgun. Allen also heated a metal spoon and placed the hot spoon on the victim’s wrists, demanding the victim tell them the location of the drugs and money.
Austin and his co-conspirators move the victim to the basement where Austin secured the victim’s feet with plastic zip ties. Allen again heated a metal spoon and placed the hot spoon on the victim’s hands and face, while Austin, Allen and Linares continued to demand that the victim tell them the location of the drugs and money. The victim finally told Austin and his co-conspirators that his American friend had the drugs and money and the robbers allowed the victim to call his friend, who was, in fact, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations. The victim arranged to meet with the agent and told Austin and his co-conspirators that his friend would have approximately 10 kilograms of heroin.
Allen and Linares instructed the victim to drive them to the meeting location in Beltsville, Maryland. Linares told the victim that Austin would remain at the victim’s home to wait for the victim’s family and that Austin would harm the victim’s family if the victim did not comply with their instructions. Austin later met up with Allen, Linares and the victim at the meeting location. Once the HSI agent arrived, the victim met the agent and told him that Austin and his co-conspirators were going to kill him. As the HSI agent and the victim left, Allen got out of the car and brandished his gun. Linares entered another vehicle and pursued the agent’s car until he was stopped by Prince George’s County Police officers. Meanwhile, Austin and Allen fled the meeting location in a Honda Prelude and were pursued by law enforcement. They eventually ran away and Allen was subsequently apprehended by police. Austin approached two people in a pick-up truck, brandished his gun and carjacked the truck. Austin drove away in the truck, but was shortly trapped in the area by a gate. Austin then got out of the truck and ran. Austin was later caught by police.
A subsequent search of the Honda Prelude, which was registered to Austin, recovered $5,000 in cash, a black ski mask, black hat, black pellet gun, black single strap backpack containing zip ties and white gloves, and a wallet containing Austin’s identification documents.
Shawn Delonte Allen, age 40, of Waldorf, Maryland and Joel Varela Linares, age 25, of Washington, D.C., previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the robbery. Allen was sentenced to 150 months in prison and Linares is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel C. Gardner and Kelly O. Hayes, who prosecuted the case.
Four Men Sentenced for the Armed Robbery of Armored Truck EmployeesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Antonio Lamar Cooper, age 28, and Juwan Armarni Watkins, age 22, both of Washington, D.C., yesterday to 241 months in prison, and 210 months in prison, respectively, for interfering with interstate commerce by the armed robbery of employees who were transporting money in an armored truck, and using a firearm during the robbery. On July 6, 2015, Judge Hazel sentenced Maurice Lorenzo Foreman, age 24, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Eugene Robert Watkins, age 23, of Washington, D.C., to 255 months in prison, and 14 years in prison, respectively, for the same crimes.
The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.
According to their plea agreements and court documents, on January 15, 2014 the defendants drove a stolen vehicle to a restaurant on Allentown Road in Morningside, Maryland. Outside the restaurant, two armored truck employees were transporting money from the restaurant. One of the defendants pointed a gun at an employee’s face, pushed her to the ground, placed his gun on the back of her head and took her gun. Another defendant pointed his gun at the second employee’s head and took his gun as well. The defendants, all or some of whom were wearing masks and brandishing firearms, robbed the employees of $72,106.54 in cash, $4,028.81 in checks, and personal property.
During their escape, a citizen who witnessed the robbery followed the defendants from the scene and called 911 while in pursuit. The defendants realized that the witness was following them and shot at the witness, hitting the windshield and body of the witness’ vehicle several times. During that shooting, the witness was struck in the face by glass and/or bullet fragments.
According to court documents, Prince George’s County Police officers pursued the defendants’ stolen vehicle into Washington, D.C. where the defendants got out of their vehicle and attempted to flee. With the assistance of a canine search initiated by Metropolitan Police officers, the defendants were subsequently arrested.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel C. Gardner, Michael T. Packard and William D. Moomau, who prosecuted the case.
Previously Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Shaun Valente, age 30, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to distribution of child pornography.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HIS).
According to Valente’s plea agreement, from at least March 2013 through September 2014, Valente used his computer to distribute and to receive child pornography. On February 26, 2014, Dropbox, an online storage platform, reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that images documenting the sexual abuse of minors had been uploaded to Valente’s Dropbox account. Valente admitted that he also received and distributed images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct through email.
On September 12, 2014, HSI Special Agents executed a search warrant at Valente’s residence and seized a notebook computer, cellular phone and flash drives that contained more than 4,000 images and 175 videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The child pornography included images of prepubescent children, and material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct, or other depictions of violence.
According to his plea agreement, on March 22, 2005, Valente was convicted in Montgomery County Circuit Court for sexual abuse of a minor and a child pornography offense, for which he was sentenced to four years in prison, with all but 18 months suspended.
As part of his plea agreement, Valente 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).
Valente and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Valente will be sentenced to 198 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for November 19, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. Valente remains detained.
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 for its work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristi N. O’Malley and Joseph R. Baldwin, who are prosecuting the case.
Three Alleged MS-13 Members Charged in Violent Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment today charging the following defendants, all of Maryland, in connection with a conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as the La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13:
Aldair Garcia-Miranda, a/k/a “Callado” and “Poseido,” age 21, of Wheaton,
Selvin Raymundo Salazar, a/k/a “Little” and “Inquieto,” age 23, of Wheaton, and
Raul Ernesto Landaverde-Giron, a/k/a “Decente” and “Humilde,” age 25, of Silver Spring.
All of the defendants are in custody.
“Transnational criminal gangs inflict violence and fear upon our community,” said Ivan Arvelo, Acting Special Agent in Charge Baltimore, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations. “Enforcement of gang-related crimes is a high priority for our agency. We appreciate opportunities to collaborate with our law enforcement colleagues to bring these violent criminals to justice.”
The superseding indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department; Acting Chief Patrick Grossman of the Frederick Police Department; Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland, with a presence in Frederick. The defendants were members of the Normandie Clique of MS-13. For a period of time beginning at least in late 2013 or early 2014, Garcia-Miranda and Salazar served as leaders of the Normandie Clique in the area of Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.
The four count indictment alleges that from at least prior to 2012 through 2014, the defendants were members and associates of MS-13 who planned and committed murders, attempted murders and extortion.
More specifically, on February 28, 2013, Salazar and other MS-13 members allegedly shot and killed an individual suspected of being a member of a rival gang.
The indictment further alleges that on November 30, 2013, MS-13 members, including Garcia-Miranda and Landaverde-Giron, armed themselves with knives and a gun in order kill a person who had fled from El Salvador to Frederick, Maryland to escape an order to kill by MS-13 in El Salvador. They lured the victim to a wooded area between Greenwall Place and Hoke Place in Frederick, shot him in the head and stabbed him multiple times, killing him.
According to the indictment, on July 30, 2014, Garcia-Miranda, Salazar and other MS-13 members traveled to the 5700 block of 30th Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland with guns to search for and shoot suspected rival gang members and others who were believed to have taken property from an MS-13 associate. They arrived at a nearby location where three individuals were walking. Garcia-Miranda and an MS-13 associate, while in the company of Salazar, fired multiple shots from handguns at the three victims, striking one victim seven times and another victim once.
All three defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Garcia-Miranda and Salazar also face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and for attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison consecutive to any other sentence and a maximum sentence of life in prison for using a gun to conspire to commit murder in aid of racketeering and attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
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 HSI Baltimore, Prince George’s County Police Department, Frederick Police Department, Hyattsville Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office and its Strategic Investigations Unit, Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein also recognized the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George’s County Department of Corrections, HSI Baltimore’s Operation Community Shield Task Force, and the Maryland Department of Corrections Intelligence Unit for their assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, who are prosecuting this case.
Baltimore Man Charged with Arson of CVS PharmacyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A criminal complaint has been filed charging Raymon Carter, age 24, of Baltimore, Maryland, with the arson of the CVS Pharmacy located at 2509 Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore, on April 27, 2015.
The criminal complaint 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 Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci.
“To paraphrase Winston Churchill, civilized people cannot remain impartial between the firefighter and the arsonist,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “There is no excuse for callously destroying property, endangering peoples’ lives and damaging their livelihood. We must never confuse peaceful protests with riots. Many honorable Baltimore residents are stepping up to hold vandals accountable and protect the city.”
“Those committing arson took advantage of our city when we were most vulnerable. Carter’s alleged actions caused over $1 million of damage to this community,” said Commissioner Anthony Batts of the Baltimore Police Department. “Thanks to the hard work of the ATF and our detectives our hope is that we will never have to do this again. We owe a tremendous debt to the community that helped us to identify him. Thank you to our residents.”
On April 27, 2015, the CVS Pharmacy located at 2509 Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore was looted and burned. On May 22, 2015, ATF released two still photographs of a suspect in the arson to the media and announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification, arrest and conviction. According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, tips to the ATF Arson Hotline revealed that the suspect was Raymon Carter.
The criminal complaint was filed on June 25, 2015, and on June 29, 2015, the ATF released a “wanted” poster asking the community for information leading to the location and apprehension of Carter. Carter was arrested yesterday and the complaint was unsealed today.
According to the affidavit, surveillance video from inside the store shows the looters running around the store in a frenzy to steal merchandise. Unlike the looters, Carter is seen on surveillance video going to and from the southeast corner of the sales floor – which is the area of the origin of the fire - three separate times between 6:15 p.m. and 6:19 p.m. The third time Carter is seen going to that corner of the store, he moves out of camera view, behind the shelves. The time on the video is 6:19:34 p.m. At 6:19:57 p.m. a flash of light can be seen on the video, which is believed to be the ignition of the fire. After the flash of light, Carter reappears on the surveillance video from behind the shelves and at 6:20:06 p.m. is seen running away from the area toward the CVS exit. No other individual is seen on the surveillance video in the area of the fire from the time of the flash of light until Carter exits the store. At 6:22:05 Carter is seen back in the store. Flames in the southeast corner of the store become visible on the surveillance video at 6:22:19 p.m. Fourteen seconds later Carter is seen walking towards the exit while looking back at the fire, and the looters are seen running toward the exit. The Baltimore Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at 6:28 p.m. According to the affidavit, two still photographs of Carter were extracted from video taken outside the CVS and were used in the reward flyer.
According to the affidavit, the CVS sustained approximately $1.3 million in damages.
The investigation into this and other 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.
Carter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years in prison for arson. An initial appearance was held today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. Carter was detained pending a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
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 praised the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, and Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Wilkinson, who is prosecuting the case.
Baltimore City Landfill Employee Admits to Accepting Bribes from Trash HaulersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Former Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) employee Tamara Oliver Washington, age 55, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy and to solicitation of bribes in connection with a 14 year scheme in which DPW employees sought and accepted cash payments from commercial haulers in return for allowing the commercial haulers to deposit trash at the Quarantine Road Landfill (Landfill) without paying the required disposal fees.
The plea agreement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Robert H. Pearre, Jr., Inspector General, City of Baltimore Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
“Corrupt public employees rip off the taxpayers and undermine everyone’s faith in government,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
The DPW’s Bureau of Solid Waste is responsible for managing Baltimore City’s waste management services, including overseeing citizen drop-off centers, such as the Northwest Transfer Station (NWTS) and the Landfill. Baltimore City’s waste management system generates revenue for the City by collecting and selling recyclable scrap metal dumped at the City’s trash collection facilities. The City contracts with private salvage companies to purchase and remove scrap metal from its trash collection facilities. DPW employees at the Landfill and NWTS are required to place the recyclable scrap metal in separate bins provided by the salvage companies. The salvage companies regularly pick up the scrap metal and, based on predetermined prices per ton, the salvage companies pay the City for the value of the scrap metal.
Baltimore City residents can deposit small amounts of trash and/or recyclables in dumpsters located near the main entrance of the Landfill, free of charge. Individuals or companies commercially hauling trash that have registered their vehicles with the City and obtained Landfill permits, as well as Baltimore City residents with larger loads, must deposit their trash in an open area located further within the Landfill. Commercial haulers of trash that meet certain vehicle weight limitations must, in addition to purchasing a Landfill permit, pay a waste disposal fee of $67.50 per ton of trash deposited at the Landfill.
According to Washington’s plea agreement, Washington was a DPW employee assigned to the scale house at the Landfill. DPW employees assigned as scale house operators weigh each truck as it enters the Landfill, which is recorded on a computerized point-of-sale system. To activate the system and record a particular transaction, DPW employees must enter the tag number of the truck and a corresponding billing code. The scale house operators reweigh each truck as it leaves the Landfill. The net weight of the deposited trash and the required disposal fee is then calculated and printed on a receipt that is handed to the driver.
Beginning in 2001, about three months after getting hired as a scale house operator at the Landfill, Washington started accepting bribe payments from small haulers in lieu of charging them the full disposal fee for using the Landfill. Beginning in 2002, about one year after being hired, Washington started accepting bribe payments from large haulers of trash in lieu of charging them the full disposal fee for using the Landfill. Washington and other scale house employees accepted $100 bribe payments from some haulers for each truckload of trash dumped at the Landfill. Washington participated in the bribery scheme for more than fourteen years, up until her arrest in May 2015.
Washington and others concealed the bribery scheme by not entering a truck’s registration number into the computerized scale system, which meant the transaction was not recorded. Consequently, the transaction would not appear on the scale house’s daily logs and the commercial hauler would not be billed for using the Landfill on that particular occasion. To maintain the pretense that the trucks had been weighed and the disposal fee paid, Washington and others would hand the truck drivers fake or blank receipts when they crossed the outbound scale. In return, the commercial haulers either paid the $100 bribe through the outbound window at the scale house or met with the Defendant or another scale house operator at an off-site location to pay a week’s worth of bribes or more. The commercial haulers always paid the $100 bribes in cash.
By paying the $100 bribes in lieu of the disposal fees, these haulers saved their businesses thousands of dollars each month, which, in turn, cost the City of Baltimore more than $6 million in revenue. From July 1, 2014 through May 1, 2015 alone, Washington accepted on her own behalf, and on behalf of other DPW employees, more than $40,000 in bribe payments from one individual in return for not charging the individual or his company the required waste disposal fees, which totaled approximately $120,000 during that period of time.
Washington has agreed to pay restitution of $6 million.
Washington faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy and 10 years in prison for bribery. U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis has scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, IRS-CI, Baltimore Office of Inspector General, and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Martin J. Clarke and Gregory R. Bockin, who are prosecuting the case.
Allegany County Man Convicted for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Richard Alan Blank, Jr., age 44, of LaVale, Maryland, today for two counts of sexually abusing a minor to produce child pornography, and for possession of child pornography.
The guilty verdict was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Allegany County State’s Attorney Michael O. Twigg; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, Allegany County Sheriff Craig Robertson, Cumberland Police Chief Charles H. Hinnant, Frostburg Police Chief Royce C. Douty, Frostburg University Chief of Police Cindy R. Smith, as part of the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigations Task Force (C3I).
According to evidence presented at Blank’s four-day trial, on May 30, 2014, Blank used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to produce images documenting the sexual abuse of the minor. A search conducted by law enforcement on June 2, 2014 revealed that Blank possessed images documenting the sexual abuse of the minor female on his cellular phone.
As a result of his conviction, Blank will be required to register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Blank faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison, followed by up to lifetime of supervised release, for each of the two counts of production of child pornography, and a maximum of 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles has scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. Blank remains detained.
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 and the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigations Task Force (C3I), comprised of the Maryland State Police, Cumberland Police Department, Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Frostburg Police Department, Frostburg University Police Department and Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office, for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judson T. Mihok and Aaron S. J. Zelinsky, who are prosecuting the case.
Rockville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for “Sextortion”Read the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Marc Joseph Punzalan, age 21, of Rockville, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for producing child pornography in connection with a scheme in which he met young girls through social media and internet chat rooms and convinced them to send him sexually explicit photographs of themselves. When the girls told him they no longer wanted to send the increasingly graphic images he requested, Punzalan threatened to post the images online and/or tell the girls’ friends and families.
Judge Motz also ordered that Punzulan pay restitution of $10,000, and that upon his release from prison, Punzalan 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 and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to Punzalan’s plea agreement, from January 2012 through January 2014, he contacted four minor female victims between 12 and 16 years of age, and persuaded them to send him sexually explicit photographs of themselves, using cell phone applications, and internet social media and chat messaging sites. Punzalan assumed the identity of at least one minor victim and used that victim’s identity to convince other minor females to send him sexually explicit images.
Each of the victims informed Punzalan at different points that she no longer wished to send him sexually explicit images. Punzalan responded to each girl by threatening to send the images to the victim’s family and friends or publicly post the images if the victim did not send him more images depicting increasingly graphic sexual conduct. Punzalan created social media accounts in the victims’ names and posted images he had received of the victims on those accounts.
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 and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristi N. O’Malley, who prosecuted the case.
Four Baltimore Area Drug Dealers Sentenced in Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and HeroinRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Four defendants were sentenced to at least 10 years in prison in connection with a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and/or heroin, for attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and/or heroin, and committing these crimes while on supervised release from previous federal convictions. All four defendants were convicted on March 20, 2015, after a nine day trial. Five other defendants previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy.
U.S. District Judge Richard D Bennett sentenced Cornell Dion Brown, a/k/a “Nelly,” age 29, of Baltimore on June 30, 2015, to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin, and for attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
On June 29, 2015, Judge Bennett sentenced Germaine Cannady, a/k/a “Jermaine Cannady,” and “Main,” age 39, to a total of 18 years in prison: 16 years in prison, followed by six years of supervised release, for the drug conviction; and two years in prison, consecutive to the sentence for the drug conviction, for violating his supervised release from two previous federal convictions. On June 26, 2015, Judge Bennett sentenced Dominic William Parker, a/k/a “Nick,” age 30, of Baltimore, to a total of 151 months in prison; 121 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for the drug conviction; and an additional 30 months in prison for violating his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
On June 25, 2015, Judge Bennett sentenced co-defendant Ronald Timothy Sampson, a/k/a “Little Ronald,” age 35, of Windsor Mills, Maryland, to a total of 13 years in prison: eight years in prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, for his role in the drug conspiracy; and five years in prison, consecutive to the sentence imposed for the drug conspiracy, for violating his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Ellerman of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department.
At the nine-day trial, the government argued that on August 11, 2014, each of the defendants agreed to purchase kilogram amounts of cocaine and/or heroin from a cooperating individual (CI). Law enforcement had previously seized 25 kilograms of cocaine and six kilograms of heroin from a concealed compartment in a motor home that the CI used to transport the drugs from California to Maryland. The defendants agreed to meet the CI in the parking lot of a Baltimore area mall to complete the drug transaction. The telephone calls with the defendants arranging the transactions were recorded.
Witnesses testified that Brown and co-defendant Tavon Hopkins were arrested after they arrived to pick up the four kilograms of cocaine Brown had agreed to purchase from the CI. At the time of their arrest, law enforcement recovered $157,000 in cash from a bag in their vehicle. Cannady and Parker were also arrested when they arrived at the meeting location to pick up the cocaine and heroin requested by Cannady. No cash was recovered from Cannady and Parker, although the CI explained that they were usually provided with heroin and cocaine without payment up front. Cannady and Parker had in their possession multiple cell phones and a police scanner.
According to evidence presented at trial, Sampson indicated that he wished to purchase cocaine and heroin. Sampson told the CI that he was calling up his buyers to get as much money as possible to give to the CI for the purchase of the cocaine and heroin. When Sampson met the CI to complete the drug transaction, he was also arrested. Law enforcement seized $10,500 after a search of Sampson and his vehicle.
According to court documents and their plea agreements, on August 11, 2014, Guy Agnant, Jr., Donte Taylor, and Antoine Washington were contacted by a cooperating individual (CI) concerning their desire to obtain drugs. As a result of the call from the CI, Agnant indicated to the CI that he wanted to purchase five kilograms of cocaine and Taylor indicated a desire to purchase cocaine and heroin. Agnant and Taylor went to meet the CI and were arrested. Washington traveled with co-defendant Vincent Cooper to meet the CI in order to purchase five kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of heroin. Law enforcement saw Washington and Cooper arrive at the arranged meeting place and they were arrested. Between Washington and Cooper they had with them more than $223,000 to purchase the drugs.
Guy Bordes Agnant, Jr., age 38, of Laurel, Maryland was sentenced to 10 years in prison, for attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Judge Bennett sentenced Antoine DeMarr Washington, age 42, of Washington, D.C. and Donte Eugene Taylor, age 39, of Baltimore, to 12 years in prison and five years in prison, respectively. Washington and Taylor had previously pleaded guilty to attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. Vincent Cooper, age 47, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 11 years in prison, for his participation in the drug conspiracy and Tavon Alexander Louis Hopkins, age 38, of Baltimore also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, DEA and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Romano and Seema Mittal, who prosecuted the case.
Former Correctional Officer Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison in Baltimore Jail Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced former correctional officer Ashley Newton, age 31, of Baltimore, today to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy, involving the smuggling of drugs and contraband inside the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC), and for money laundering conspiracy. Newton was convicted on February 5, 2015, after a more than two month long jury trial.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Secretary Stephen T. Moyer of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS); Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
“Correctional officers were in bed with inmates, in violation of the first principle of prison management,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
“We remain committed to protecting the public, our employees, and the inmates by aggressively rooting out corruption. We applaud the work of the U.S. Attorney and all of our law enforcement partners in this ongoing effort,” said Secretary Stephen T. Moyer of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
According to trial testimony and court documents, BGF has been the dominant gang at the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC), and in several connected facilities, including the Baltimore Central Booking Intake Center, the Women’s Detention Center, which houses many men, and in the Jail Industries Building. Tavon White and other BGF leaders and members incarcerated at BCDC were involved with and often directed the smuggling of contraband into BCDC, including cell phones, tobacco and drugs, through the services of correctional officers (COs), who received payments, gifts, or a share of the profits.
According to evidence presented at trial, Newton was a correctional officer (CO) at the BCDC who smuggled contraband into the jail for distribution by BGF inmates. In return, Newton and other COs received payments, gifts or a share of the profits.
According to trial evidence and other court documents, Newton smuggled drugs and other contraband for a succession of BGF leaders starting as early as 2008. She had long-term sexual relationships with at least two BGF inmates, including Duron Young, a/k/a Pinky. Newton smuggled pills, marijuana and tobacco for Young, and during the conspiracy, Newton smuggled pills for Pinky almost daily. Newton also opened cells doors of inmates for BGF members. For example, on May 19, 2011, Newton opened a grill that allowed a large number of BGF inmates to attack and repeatedly stab an inmate. In 2012, Young became angry at another inmate, whose offense was that he was transporting a lot of contraband around the prison for people other than Young. Newton opened the door of the inmate’s section to permit Young to go in with another BGF gang member and beat up the inmate. Newton also warned the BGF of upcoming prison searches by correctional officers. Newton arranged for money to be sent to inmates and facilitated phone conversations between inmates, including calls from other prisons to BGF leader Tavon White.
This case was developed as a result of the efforts of the Maryland Prison Task Force, formed in 2011 with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors. The Task Force has met regularly for over three years, generating recommendations to reform prison procedures and producing leads that have been pursued by state, local and federal criminal investigators. Investigations are continuing.
Forty of the 44 defendants charged in the racketeering conspiracy have been convicted, including 24 correctional officers. Thirty-five defendants pleaded guilty and five defendants were convicted after trial. Three defendants were acquitted and one defendant died.
To date, 22 of the correctional officers, including Newton, have been sentenced to up to 51 months in prison.
BGF leader Tavon White, age 37, pleaded guilty to his participation in the racketeering conspiracy and testified at the trial and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Inmates and leaders in the BGF gang, Russell Carrington, a/k/ Rutt, age 34, and Joseph Young, a/k/a Monster, age 33, both of Baltimore, were convicted after trial and sentenced to 210 months in prison and 15 years in prison, respectively.
U.S. Attorney Rosenstein recognized the efforts of the other members of the Maryland Prison Task Force, including: the Maryland State Police, Prince George’s County Police Department, United States Marshals Office, DEA, Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Baltimore Police Department, and Maryland Prison Task Force, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Robert R. Harding and Ayn B. Ducao, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Armed Robber Pleads Guilty to Two Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Donte Maurice Johnson, age 30, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2015, to two commercial robberies and to using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, on November 2, 2013, Johnson robbed a grocery on Claremont Avenue in Baltimore. Johnson held a shotgun to the store owner’s head and demanded money. A co-conspirator stood inside the door as a look-out. The robbers took between $600 and $700.
On November 25, 2013, Johnson and the co-conspirator robbed a convenience store, located on Philadelphia Road in Baltimore. Specifically, two employees were working at the counter area of the store and two men approached the counter. Donte Johnson pointed a shotgun at both employees and demanded that they open the registers. In fear for their lives, the clerks complied. Johnson reached over the counter and obtained money from one register. The co-conspirator walked behind the counter and retrieved money from another register. The total loss to the store was $153.
Donte Johnson continued to rob the store’s customers. As this was happening, a customer was able to leave the store and get into his vehicle, which was parked in the store’s parking lot. He called 911 and waited for the robbers to exit. The customer saw the robbers run across Philadelphia Road to the parking lot of a bar across the street, and enter a dark green Honda Civic. The customer followed Johnson and the co-conspirator so he would be able to give directions to the police. Once the robbers turned onto Square Ridge Road, the car stopped, and Donte Johnson fired one round from a shotgun at the customer in his vehicle.
Baltimore County Police detectives were able to locate the shotgun used in the convenience store robbery. The shotgun had two unfired shotgun shells lying on the ground next to it and one fired shotgun shell casing loaded in the action of the gun.
Johnson and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Johnson will be sentenced to between 183 and 198 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for September 2, 2015 at 2:15 p.m. Johnson remains detained.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore City Police Department and the Baltimore County and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Bonnie S. Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Wife of Department of Defense Employee and Subcontractor Conspire to Fraudulently Obtain over $750,000 from Contracts with Aberdeen Proving GroundRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Sandra Nixon, a/k/a “Lisa Hart,” age 52, of Silver Spring, and Kenneth Dawson, age 52, of Niceville, Florida, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"Ms. Nixon and Mr. Dawson unlawfully manipulated the federal contracting process, a system the public expects to be fair and transparent, and that the Defense Department relies upon to support our men and women in uniform," said Robert Craig, Special Agent in Charge for the DCIS, Mid-Atlantic Field Office. "The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, its law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney's Office are committed to maintaining the integrity of the contracting process through the identification and investigation of those alleged to have abused it."
Sandra Nixon was married to co-defendant Mark Nixon. Mark Nixon was a civilian employee of the Department of Defense, and worked at the U.S. Army Research Laboratories (ARL) in Hampton, Virginia, and Aberdeen, Maryland. From 2008 to December 2010, Nixon was the director of the Vehicle Technology Directorate with ARL at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Kenneth Dawson was a longtime friend of the Nixons.
Sandra and Mark Nixon also had a financial interest and management role in the operation of the following companies: Motile Robotics, Inc. (MRI), located in Joppa, Maryland; Atlantic Capital Enterprises (ACE); and Arrow Technical Incorporated (ATI).
Sandra and Mark Nixon reached an agreement with Kenneth Dawson to create and operate MRI. Dawson had full time employment with two different defense contractors that required him to report to work at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where he lived. In 2007, Dawson used his personal credit cards to pay for startup costs associated with MRI, and the Nixons reimbursed Dawson for these expenses. Although Dawson was the supposed president of MRI, in reality, Sandra and Mark Nixon created MRI, provided significant input regarding its operation, and were in effect a silent and undisclosed partner, owner and co-president. They helped operate MRI using the aliases “Lisa Hart” and "Paul Martin" in order to conceal their financial interest.
According to their plea agreements, in 2008, Mark Nixon determined that microsystem controls research was needed, including the fabrication of a small open-jet wind tunnel. Mark Nixon created and approved government documents that caused ARL to fund this research, and became the designated team leader for ARL on the research project.
In January 2009, the United States awarded a large defense contractor a task order to construct the open flow wind tunnel from February 2008 to 2011, worth approximately $3.6 million. Mark Nixon persuaded the defense contractor to use MRI as a subcontractor. Mark Nixon also played an important role in the government awarding the defense contractor another task order to construct a closed circuit wind tunnel from January 2009 to 2011, for approximately $3.5 million, under which MRI was a subcontractor. Mark Nixon provided the contracting officer with a technical evaluation of the contract and its cost, and acted as the government official overseeing and managing this work on a routine basis.
Pursuant to the conspiracy, the United States was billed for more than $35,000 in false labor charges by a relative of Sandra Nixon, who was characterized as an aerospace engineer. In reality, the relative was a retired school employee. Although Mark Nixon knew that he had a prohibited financial interest in MRI, he conducted a technical evaluation of MRI’s capabilities as a subcontractor, and approved the false invoices.
MRI received more than $5 million in federal funds under these task orders. Mark Nixon caused MRI to pay money to ATI, and ATI to pay ACE. The three defendants personally benefited from over $750,000 sent to these companies. The Nixons personally received more than $400,000 as a result of the task orders awarded to MRI.
Sandra Nixon and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts her plea agreement, Nixon will be sentenced to six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Kenneth Dawson faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Sandra Nixon and Dawson also agree to pay restitution of at least $750,000. U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis has scheduled sentencing for Sandra Nixon on October 2, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. and for Kenneth Dawson on October 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Mark Nixon, age 54, of Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty on June 15, 2015 to the conspiracy and to acts affecting a personal financial interest. Mark Nixon and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts his plea agreement, Nixon will be sentenced to 42 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Mark Nixon also agrees to forfeit and pay restitution of at least $750,000. Mark Nixon is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
The National Procurement Fraud Task Force was formed in October 2006 to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud associated with the increase in government contracting activity for national security and other government programs. The Procurement Fraud Task Force includes the United States Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community and a number of other federal law enforcement agencies. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Task Force, demonstrate the Department of Justice’s commitment to helping ensure the integrity of the government procurement process.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit, DCIS and FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and P. Michael Cunningham, who are prosecuting the case.
Drug and Gun Supplier for Cherry Hill Gang Sentenced to over 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Nathaniel Lightford, a/k/a “Taboo,” age 35, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, today to 135 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, in connection with his supervision of street distributors belonging to a group known as “Coppin Court” which operated in the Cherry Hill section of Baltimore.
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; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, since at least 2003, Lightford was a main supplier of drugs to the Coppin Court group in the down the hill section of Cherry Hill. From 2003 to 2005, Lightford supplied a group of Coppin Court members who ran a shop referred to as the “Purple City” with crack cocaine and heroin, and stored his drugs in a stash house located at 800 Bethune Road in Cherry Hill. In 2005, Lightford supplied heroin to a highly successful heroin shop run by members of Coppin Court. And on at least one occasion in 2012 or 2013, Lightford supplied at least one Coppin Court member with crack cocaine and heroin at Lightford’s music studio, which is located in nearby Brooklyn.
On July 5, 2013, in the 900 block of Bethune Road, Lightford stabbed a Coppin Court member in his back with a knife.
Lightford has also supplied the Coppin Court group with firearms, including at least one assault-type weapon. Lightford stored the firearms in locations around the Coppin Court area so that members could access the guns for their protection from a rival gang or from robbery.
Because Lightford supplied both narcotics and firearms to the members of Coppin Court, he was viewed and operated as a supervisor of the street distributors. During his participation in the drug conspiracy Lightford admitted to distributing between three and 10 kilograms of heroin, and between 840 grams and 2.8 kilograms of cocaine base.
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 thanked the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department and Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Andrea L. Smith, Seema Mittal and Patricia McLane, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Baltimore Armed Robber Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Rob Three Cell Phone StoresRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Justin Jose Snow, a/k/a “J.O.,” age 22, of Baltimore today to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to rob three cell phone stores in which Snow used a firearm.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Chief Gary Gardner of the Howard County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement and court documents, Justin Snow, his brother Johnny Snow, their cousin Taylor Snow and Arkeene Redditt-Abrams planned to steal cash, cell phones and other electronic devices, and then sell the stolen merchandise. Prior to June 17, 2014, the defendants had shoplifted two to three cell phones at a time from stores and sold them, but decided that they could make more money by robbing cell phone stores of larger quantities of cell phones.
On June 17, 2014, the defendants used a car rented by Taylor Snow to travel to an AT&T store on Dual Highway in Hagerstown. Taylor Snow entered the store to conduct surveillance. Justin Snow then entered the store brandishing a gun and directed the store employee to get on the floor. Johnny Snow stood near the door and Redditt-Abrams remained in the car parked outside. When the defendants realized the store had cameras, they fled in the waiting car.
A few hours later the defendants drove to an AT&T store in Ellicott City, Maryland. Redditt-Abrams entered the store to “case” it. After he left, the Snows entered with Justin Snow again brandishing a gun. They stole cash, cell phones and tablet computers worth more than $18,000. Surveillance video at an adjoining gas station captured images of Taylor Snow’s car at the gas pumps and while it was parked in front of the AT&T store. The video showed the defendants leaving the car and entering the store, and a short time later, running from the store and getting back into the car.
After Johnny Snow’s arrest, on June 24, 2014, Justin and Taylor Snow traveled to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where Justin used a gun to rob a T-Mobile store of cash, cell phones and tablet computers. Police responding to the scene saw their car and pulled it over. They noticed that Justin Snow appeared to be changing his clothes while sitting in a passenger seat, and recognized clothing that matched witness descriptions of clothing worn by the robbers. At this point, Taylor Snow, who was driving, pulled away and a high speed chase reaching speeds of up to 100 mph ensued. As the robbers’ car approached an exit of Route I-81, it abruptly pulled over. Justin and Taylor Snow were arrested. A search warrant was executed for the car and police seized 28 unopened boxes each containing a cellphone stolen from the store.
Johnny Devon Snow, age 20; Taylor Yvonne Snow, age 23; and Arkeene Antoyn Redditt-Abrams, a/k/a “Duke,” age 26, all of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the robberies. Johnny Snow was sentenced on June 4, 2015 to 150 months in prison. Taylor Snow was sentenced to nine years in prison. Redditt-Abrams is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2015.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI and Howard County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney John F. Purcell, who prosecuted the case.
Pizza Shop Owner Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Exporting Firearms and Accessories to PakistanRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Kamran Ashfaq Malik, age 35, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland today to two years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for unlawfully exporting semi-automatic rifles, parts and accessories to Pakistan.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Malik owned and operated a pizza shop in Upper Marlboro, and maintained a second residence in Lahore, Pakistan. Co-defendant Waleeb Aftab worked at the pizza shop. According to Malik’s plea agreement, between September and October 2012, Malik purchased, or caused to be purchased, approximately 48 AR-15 100 round dual drum magazines from various firearms and related accessories dealers. In order to take advantage of the lack of magazine capacity restrictions in Virginia, some of the purchases were made by Malik under the name, Virginia address and bank account of an associate. In other instances Malik provided a false commercial shipping address in Springfield, Virginia.
Between October and November 2012, Malik shipped or caused Aftab and others to ship, several illegal shipments of firearms and firearms parts and accessories to Lahore, Pakistan. In order to conceal the unlawful export of defense items, which are controlled for export, Malik placed false return addresses and names on the packages, as well as falsely identified the contents of the packages, and falsely declared the contents to be of nominal value. Malik directed Aftab to do the same.
On November 28, 2012, during a routine airport security screening in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, one of the packages was found to contain firearm parts and accessories that are prohibited from export to Pakistan without an export license, including: two lower receivers of a semi-automatic rifle, two rifle bolt carriers, rounds of magazines, an optical gun sight and an LED rail mounted flashlight with laser. The defendants never obtained the required licenses to export such items.
On March 7, 2013, after arriving at JFK Airport from Pakistan, Malik’s cell phone and laptop computer were subjected to a border search. Malik’s cell phone contained pictures of AR-15 style semi-automatic rifles and magazines, in some cases in the hands of individuals. The pictures were taken at locations near his residences in Pakistan and Maryland. A text message was also found on Malik’s phone that referenced the tracking number of the shipment detained in Dubai.
On March 6, 2014, Malik dropped off a package for shipment to Pakistan. Malik provided a false address and falsely identified the contents as “screw holders and metal screws.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents intercepted the package, which was found to contain 28 .223 caliber bolt carriers. Those items are regulated for export. Malik never sought nor obtained a valid export license for those items.
Malik received numerous export warnings regarding the export restrictions on firearms and related accessories. A notice of these export restrictions were contained on the firearms transaction records for various weapons purchased by Malik between 2012 and 2013, including the purchase of the Colt M-4 whose lower receiver was confiscated in Dubai. In addition, the shipping invoice receipts for the various shipments to Pakistan completed by Malik, or Aftab acting at his direction, contained an export notice and signature block for the shipper certifying that the identifying information for the package was accurate and that it was being shipped in accordance with U.S. export regulations.
Co-defendant Waleed Aftab, age 23, also of Upper Marlboro, pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to time served of one year.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised Baltimore HSI for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant United States Attorney Christine Manuelian, who prosecuted the case.
Hyattsville Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulent Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Norman D. West, age 48, of Hyattsville, Maryland and Washington, D.C. pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit theft of public money in connection with a fraudulent tax refund scheme.
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; Jeffrey S. DeWitt, Chief Financial Officer of the Washington, D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue, Criminal Investigation Division; and John L. Phillips, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Inspector General.
According to West’s plea agreement, West is a musician and operated a putative tax preparation business known as “Flash Cash Financial,” or “Flash Cash,” which had a purported business address in Baltimore, Maryland.
West and his co-conspirators obtained the personal information of “recruits” which West used to file false tax returns in order to generate a fraudulent refund. West initially marketed his scheme using flyers placed in low income areas and the relied upon word of mouth. West paid a co-conspirator a $100 referral fee per recruit. West and his co-conspirators obtained the identities of at least 197 individuals. Using the personal information of those individuals, West made up the rest of the tax returns in order to generate refunds. West listed false wages, falsely claimed educational tax credits, and falsely claimed earned income tax credit.
West filed 197 federal tax returns that claimed $391,553 in fraudulent tax refunds, all of which was issued by the IRS. In addition, West filed 28 fraudulent returns with the District of Columbia, which generated an additional $16,668.30 in fraudulent refunds. All of the refunds were deposited in bank accounts opened by West in the name of Flash Cash. West paid the recruits a small portion of the fraudulent refunds, usually about $500, and kept the rest for himself and his co-conspirators.
The total tax loss is $408,221.30, which is the amount West is required to pay in restitution as part of his plea agreement. West faces a maximum sentence of five year in prison. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for September 21, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the IRS-CI, the Washington, D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Department of Treasury Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Bockin, who is prosecuting the case.
Harford County Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Eric Maurice Clanton, age 35, of Edgewood, Maryland today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Ellerman of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler; Chief Henry Trabert of the Aberdeen Police Department; Bel Air Police Interim Chief Jack Meckley; Chief Teresa Walter of the Havre de Grace Police Department; and Harford County State’s Attorney Joseph I. Cassilly.
According to his plea agreement, as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking, the Harford County Narcotics Task Force intercepted cellular telephone calls and text messages from members of a drug trafficking organization operating in Harford County. Based on the intercepted calls and texts, Eric Clanton was identified as a member of the organization.
For example on August 26, 2014, investigators intercepted a series of text messages between Clanton and a co-conspirator in which they discussed Clanton and a courier traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to obtain cocaine. Clanton also discussed which source of supply to use. On September 27, 2014, Clanton and a courier traveled to Philadelphia to meet with a cocaine source of supply. An intercepted conversation between the source and Clanton revealed that Clanton had paid the source $63,410, but owed the source another $190. Based on Clanton’s conversation with the source, law enforcement believes Clanton purchased approximately two kilograms of cocaine, since the cost of a kilogram of cocaine at that time was $30,000 to $35,000.
On October 6, 2014, Clanton and a courier again traveled to Philadelphia to meet the same source of supply. The vehicle operated by Clanton was stopped on its return to Maryland. A search of the vehicle recovered approximately 1.25 kilograms of cocaine.
Clanton admits that he made numerous trips to Philadelphia to obtain cocaine, which was then transported to Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties, where Clanton and other members of the conspiracy redistributed the drugs. During his participation in the conspiracy, Clanton was responsible for the distribution of at least five kilograms of cocaine.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore and Harford County Narcotics Task Force, comprised of members of the Harford County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police, Aberdeen Police Department, Bel Air Police Department, Havre de Grace Police Department and the Harford County States Attorney’s Office. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Former High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland –Peter Flynn, age 61, of Silver Spring, Maryland pleaded guilty today to possessing child pornography.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Flynn is a former special education teacher in Montgomery County. According to his plea agreement, on April 3, 2014, a Maryland State Police Corporal was conducting an online investigation into individuals sharing child pornography on a file sharing network. The MSP Corporal downloaded approximately 205 images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct that Flynn made available through the file sharing network.
On September 30, 2014, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Flynn’s residence and seized two computers from his basement. Flynn also agreed to be interviewed and admitted that law enforcement would find child pornography on his computer. A subsequent forensic analysis revealed approximately 28,785 image and 795 videos of child pornography and child erotica on the two computers, the majority of which constituted child pornography. Some of the images documented the sexual abuse of prepubescent children, including bondage and violence.
Flynn and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Flynn will be sentenced to between 24 and 78 months in prison. U.S. District Judge George Jarrod Hazel has scheduled sentencing for October 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.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 Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and HSI Baltimore for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristi N. O’Malley and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Mulroe of the U.S. Department of Justice, who are prosecuting the case.
Robber Exiled to over 9 Years in Prison for Commercial RobberiesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Cornelius Westly Jennings, Jr., age 27, of Washington, D.C., today to 111 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a conspiracy to rob two businesses and for using a firearm during a crime of violence.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Director in Charge Andrew G. McCabe of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Michael E. Scott of the Mount Rainier Police Department; and Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh.
According to Jennings’ plea agreement, on May 31 and September 19, 2012, Jennings and his co-conspirators committed three robberies of fast food restaurants. Jennings’ role in the conspiracy included driving his co-conspirators to the robbery site, conducting surveillance of the businesses prior to the robberies, planning the robberies with his co-conspirators, knowing that at least one co-conspirator would be armed with a gun, entering the businesses and participating in the robberies, and receiving a portion of the proceeds of the robberies.
Specifically, on May 31, 2012, Jennings, Anthony Akrah Morris, and Tiffany Edmundson, robbed a fast food restaurant located in the 15000 block of Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville, Maryland. The robbers wore masks and Jennings was armed with a handgun, which was brandished at employees in the store. The co-conspirators forced employees to open the restaurant’s safe and stole $1,400 from the safe. The robbers fled in a vehicle being driving by another co-conspirator who was acting as a lookout. Co-conspirator Chavez Tyrone Smith was also in the vehicle
On September 19, 2012, Jennings drove Morris and another co-conspirator to the same fast food restaurant in Burtonsville that he robbed on May 31, 2012. Morris and the other co-conspirator, both armed with guns, entered to restaurant and brandished the guns at individuals inside the restaurant. The co-conspirators forced employees to open the safe and stole $657 in cash, then fled to the vehicle in which Jennings was waiting. Jennings then drove to another fast food restaurant in the 4000 block of Powder Mill Road in Beltsville, where Morris and the co-conspirator again robbed the restaurant, brandishing their firearms at persons in the restaurant. Morris and the co-conspirator took $105 from the restaurant cash registers. After forcing employees to open the safe, Morris and the co-conspirator stole another $900 from the safe. The co-conspirators again ran to the car where Jennings was waiting and Jennings drove away.
Jennings admitted that he received a portion of the money stolen in the three robberies.
Anthony Akrah Morris, age 25, of Burtonsville, Maryland, was convicted after trial and sentenced to 505 months in prison for conspiring to commit robbery, two counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. Chavez Tyrone Smith, age 36, of Washington, D.C., previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob two businesses and to using a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Tiffany Edmundson, age 26, of Greenbelt, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15, 2015, at 1:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, Mount Rainier Police Department and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein praised the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance and coordination. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan, who prosecuted the case.
Attorney and Senior Employee of Quantell, Inc. and Intaset Technologies Corporation Pleads Guilty in Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Jonathan Mickle, age 43, of Asheville, North Carolina, formerly of Taneytown, Maryland, pleaded guilty late yesterday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and to tax fraud, in connection with schemes to defraud the United States by illegally obtaining millions of dollars in federal contracts, and to defraud the employees of two Maryland corporations of their health and welfare benefits.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Steven Anderson, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; Marc I. Machiz, Director of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Labor Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Small Business Administration Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson; and Brigadier General Keith M. Givens, Commander Air Force Office of Special Investigations .
According to his plea agreement, from 2004 through 2012, Mickle worked for Quantell, Inc. and Intaset Technologies Corporation, headquartered in Carroll County, Maryland, but with offices in Garrett County, Maryland and elsewhere. Quantell and Intaset provided labor services, including environmental science, engineering and information technology services, to federal and state agencies and the private sector. Shaun Tucker, and his wife, Joanne Tucker, were controlling officers and majority shareholders of Quantell, Inc. and Intaset Technologies Corporation.
Federal Procurement Fraud
During the course of Mickle’s employment, Quantell and Intaset obtained federal contracts and task orders. Mickle’s responsibilities included task order proposals and during the time period August 2004 to July 2005, Mickle worked as the Chief Operating Officer of Quantell. According to the plea agreement from at least 2005 to 2010, there were misrepresentations made by Quantell and Intaset, including that they were separate companies, in order for the companies to bid on federal government set-aside contracts designed to benefit small businesses. If the companies had been treated as affiliated companies for contracting purposes, they would not have been eligible for the millions of dollars of small business contracts they obtained, including a 2011 multi-million dollar contract for work to be performed by Quantell at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Mickle assisted in Quantell and Intaset bidding on, and securing, government contracts, even though he knew that the information put in those bids was false. For example, by 2008 Mickle learned that the companies self-certified false information when bidding on government contracts, including false information about past revenue, the number of employees, the size and headquarters of the bidding company and the management and ownership of the bidding company. Despite this knowledge, Mickle continued to work on the preparation of government contract bids. As a result, Quantell and Intaset fraudulently obtained government contracts worth more than $10 million.
Employee Benefit Fraud
Many of the Quantell and Intaset contracts with the federal government were only available to companies that certified that they would use a portion of the money paid on the contract to provide bona fide health and welfare benefits to their employees pursuant to the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA). As a result, the service contract employees across the country that were hired by Quantell and Intaset were covered by the SCA. From 2005 to 2008, SCA money paid to Quantell and Intaset under federal contracts was deposited into qualified employee health and welfare plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). At this time, the ERISA plans had a third party administrator and trustees who were not associated with the Tuckers, Quantell, and Intaset.
According to Mickle’s plea agreement, beginning in 2008 the SCA funds were no longer contributed to the ERISA plans. Instead, Mickle and his co-conspirators created various entities with no legitimate business purpose (the shell companies), that were used to divert the SCA funds for use by members of the conspiracy, including Mickle, instead of using the money for the benefit of the Quantell and Intaset employees. Mickle and other co-conspirators made false statements that the shell companies were providing bona-fide health benefits and falsely representing that the employees were receiving all of the benefits to which they were entitled. The members of the conspiracy also created fake documents to support the financial transactions involving the SCA funds, including fake invoices. The conspirators had meetings to divide up the SCA funds on a periodic basis among themselves.
Mickle admitted that from 2007 through 2010, the conspirators illegally diverted at least $675,000 of employee benefit money for their personal use, victimizing more than 190 employees. Mickle personally obtained more than $100,000 from October 2008 to February 2010. According to Mickle’s plea agreement, during the entire period of the conspiracy, including after Mickle left Quantell and Intaset, the members diverted approximately $1.6 million of employee benefit money for their personal benefit, causing harm to more than 250 victim employees.
Tax Fraud
Finally, Mickle acknowledged that he submitted a false joint tax return for the 2011 tax year, in which he reported that his taxable income was zero, and the amount of tax due was $830. In fact, Mickle’s taxable income was $30,753, and the tax owed was $11,957.
Mickle faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the gain or loss for the wire fraud conspiracy, and a maximum of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine for tax fraud. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz has scheduled sentencing for November 3, 2015, at 2:15 p.m.
Shaun Tucker, a/k/a “Shawn Turner,” and “Mark Tyler,” and his wife, Joanne Tucker, a/k/a “Joanne Krcma,” “Jill Swanson,” and “Jocelyn Turner,” both age 49, of Keymar, Maryland, were previously charged for their roles in the scheme and are scheduled to go to trial in September, 2015.
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. Department of Labor –OIG/Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, IRS – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor - Employee Benefits Security Administration, DCIS, SBA Office of Inspector General, and Air Force Office of Special Investigations for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry Gruber and Judson Mihok, who are prosecuting the case.
Westminster Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud in Scheme to Steal Almost $2 Million of Clients’ MoneyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –Jasper Buck, age 59, formerly of Westminster, Maryland and elsewhere including Sanford and Lake Mary, Florida, pleaded guilty today to mail fraud arising from an investment fraud scheme in which Buck stole more than $1.96 million from clients.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to his plea agreement, Buck worked for mortgage companies, but held himself out to investors as an experienced investment advisor. Buck admitted that from October 2006 through at least December 2014, he told his victims that he was a representative of Portfolio Financial Group (PFG). Buck told the victims that PFG would loan money provided by the victims to borrowers who needed funds quickly or were unable to obtain traditional bank loans and were therefore willing to pay a higher interest rate on the loans. In fact, there were no such borrowers, and Buck used the victims’ money for his own personal use or to further his fraud scheme.
Buck told his victims that there were other owners and employees of PFG. However, bank accounts for PFG listed Buck as a signatory, and PFG’s addresses were listed as either Buck’s personal residence or shipping and packaging stores such as UPS.
Buck convinced some victims to invest all or a portion of their retirement savings often through loans taken out of the victims IRA or 401(k), or to refinance their home mortgages and use lines of credit, in order to invest the proceeds with Buck through PFG. Buck promised the victims that they would receive a monthly return on their investments greater than the victims’ monthly loan payments. In addition, he convinced some victims to move their retirement savings into an account with a self-directed IRA custodian for the purpose of then having those funds transferred to him. Rather than investing the money turned over to him, Buck used some of the money on himself, as well as to pay other victims in order to convince those victims that their investments were earning the promised returns.
To conceal the scheme, Buck issued payments to some victims, using funds received from other victims, to convince them that their investments were earning the expected returns. Buck made telephone calls and sent text messages and emails to victims making false statements regarding purported investments, to lull the victims into believing that their loan principal was safe and that their purported investments were sound.
Beginning in January 2014 when Buck had exhausted all of the victims’ funds in his PFG account and could no longer make any payments to the victims, he falsely represented that: there was no issue with PFG financially; PFG was updating software, or was slowed by new federal regulations, or was being sold to another company and no assets could be released until the sale was complete; victim money was in PFG’s possession, but Buck could not physically access it; or that Buck was pursuing legal action against PFG.
As a result of the scheme, Buck obtained at least $1,961,364 from the victims, which is the amount Buck is required to forfeit as part of his plea agreement.
Buck and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Buck will be sentenced to 63 months in prison. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III has scheduled sentencing for October 2, 2015.
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 FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Delaney, who is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Maryland Day Camp to Ensure Equal Rights for Children with EpilepsyRead the Press Release
The Justice Department signed a settlement agreement today with Camp Bravo, a day camp that operates in Towson, Maryland, just outside Baltimore. The settlement resolves allegations that Camp Bravo violated a child’s civil rights by denying her admission to the camp because she has epilepsy, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Because the child would need emergency medication administered if she were to have a prolonged or acute repetitive seizure, Camp Bravo denied her admission. Though the medication, Diastat, is designed to be administered by trained laypersons and could save the child’s life, Camp Bravo would not permit non-medical staff to administer the medication and later refused to permit the camp nurse to accompany the child on field trips or bus rides. As a result, the child was not able to attend Camp Bravo for two consecutive summers.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by private camps and child care programs. Under the ADA, such entities must make reasonable modifications to their policies, practices or procedures when necessary to provide equal access to a child with a disability, unless a modification would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods and services. It generally will be a reasonable modification required by title III of the ADA for certain public accommodations, such as camps and child care programs, to train laypersons to administer Diastat.
“Equal access to camps and child care programs is essential to children and parents across the country,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division. “These programs allow children with disabilities to learn and play with their peers and develop important social skills. The Civil Rights Division will not allow the exclusion of children with seizure disorders where life-saving medication can be safely administered by trained laypersons.”
“Federal law prohibits businesses from discriminating against children with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein of the District of Maryland.
Under the agreement, Camp Bravo will admit the child for all future camp sessions of the child’s choosing, as long as she is of eligible age, and will pay $8,000 to the family to compensate them for Camp Bravo’s failure to admit the child when she previously applied. In addition, Camp Bravo will train its staff on the ADA and, if a child with epilepsy is enrolled in the camp, on epilepsy and seizures. The camp will also adopt and enforce a nondiscrimination policy, as well as an emergency anti-seizure medication administration policy and procedure. The department will monitor Camp Bravo’s compliance with the agreement for three years.
ADA enforcement is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Those interested in finding out more about this settlement or the obligations of camps and child care programs under the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access its ADA website at www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed online at http://www.ada.gov/complaint/.
Inmate Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison in Baltimore Jail Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced inmate Joseph Young, a/k/a Monster, age 33, of Baltimore, today to 15 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy, involving the smuggling of drugs and contraband inside the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC), and for money laundering conspiracy. Young was convicted on February 5, 2015, after a more than two month long jury trial.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Secretary Stephen T. Moyer of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS); Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to trial testimony and court documents, BGF has been the dominant gang at the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC), and in several connected facilities, including the Baltimore Central Booking Intake Center, the Women’s Detention Center, which houses many men, and in the Jail Industries Building. Tavon White and other BGF leaders and members incarcerated at BCDC were involved with and often directed the smuggling of contraband into BCDC, including cell phones, tobacco and drugs, through the services of correctional officers (COs), who received payments, gifts, or a share of the profits.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Young was a high-ranking BGF member and a rival of Tavon White within BGF while he was incarcerated at BCDC beginning in early 2012. Young was expected to replace Tavon White as BGF’s leader inside the jail. In October and November 2012, Young sold marijuana, prescription pills, cell phones and tobacco that correctional officers smuggled into the jail. Young directed another inmate, Cyrus Beads, to buy marijuana at $350 an ounce and package it in one-gram bags, which he would sell for $50 inside BCDC. Young explained that they would make a $1,050 profit from each ounce. Young had a romantic relationship with Raylanair Reese, who lived outside the jail and supplied Young with cell phones and Percocet pills. Evidence at trial also showed that Correctional Officer Kimberly Dennis was a major smuggler of contraband for Young.
This case was developed as a result of the efforts of the Maryland Prison Task Force, formed in 2011 with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors. The Task Force has met regularly for over three years, generating recommendations to reform prison procedures and producing leads that have been pursued by state, local and federal criminal investigators. Investigations are continuing.
Forty of the 44 defendants charged in the racketeering conspiracy have been convicted, including 24 correctional officers. Thirty-five defendants pleaded guilty and five defendants were convicted after trial. Three defendants were acquitted and one defendant died.
BGF leader Tavon White, age 37, previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the racketeering conspiracy and testified at the trial and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Inmate Russell Carrington, a/k/ Rutt, age 34, of Baltimore, also a leader in the BGF gang, was convicted after trial and sentenced to 210 months in prison.
To date, 21 of the correctional officers have been sentenced to up to 42 months in prison. Outside supplier Raylanair Reese, age 33, and Correctional Officer Kimberly Dennis, age 27, both of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and were sentenced to 34 months and two years in prison, respectively.
U.S. Attorney Rosenstein recognized the efforts of the other members of the Maryland Prison Task Force, including: the Maryland State Police, Prince George’s County Police Department, United States Marshals Office, DEA, Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Baltimore Police Department, and Maryland Prison Task Force, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Robert R. Harding and Ayn B. Ducao, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
For Profit Education Company to Pay $13 Million to Resolve Cases Alleging Submission of False Claims for Federal Student AidRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Education Affiliates (“EA”), a for-profit education company based in White Marsh, Maryland, has agreed to pay $13,000,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to the Department of Education for federal student aid for students enrolled in its programs.
The settlement agreement was announced today by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Mizer of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division; U.S. Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell; and Inspector General Kathleen Tighe of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General; United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Kenneth Magidson; United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Joyce White Vance; United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Carter M. Stewart; and United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee David Rivera.
“Students who apply for federal financial aid to attend trade and professional schools are required to show that they have the necessary skills to complete the educational program and work in the field,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein of the District of Maryland. “This settlement resolves the government's allegations that Education Affiliates defrauded the government by changing students' test scores and enrolling students with invalid diploma mill high school 'diplomas' ordered online.”
“Today’s settlement is an excellent example of cooperation among multiple offices of the federal government to achieve a result that protects federal student aid funding and the interests of individual students,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Schools have an obligation to live up to their commitment to the government and their students when they accept federal student aid funds.”
EA provides post-secondary education training programs in a variety of healthcare and trade professions. EA operates 50 campuses in the states of Maryland, Florida, Texas, Alabama and Ohio under various trade names, including All State Career, Fortis Institute, Fortis College, Tri-State Business Institute Inc., Technical Career Institute Inc., Capps College Inc., Driveco CDL Learning Center, Denver School of Nursing and Saint Paul’s School of Nursing, which provide post-secondary education training programs in several professions in the states of Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Ohio and Texas.
The government alleged that employees at EA’s All State Career campus in Baltimore altered admissions test results so as to admit unqualified students, created false or fraudulent high school diplomas, and falsified students’ federal aid applications, and that multiple EA schools referred prospective students to “diploma mills” to obtain invalid online high school diplomas. These allegations also led to criminal convictions of two All State Careers admission representatives, Barry Sugarman and Jesse Moore, and a test proctor, Jacqueline Caldwell.
“The various cases that were settled here include numerous allegations of predatory conduct that victimized students and bilked taxpayers,” said Under Secretary Ted Mitchell of the U.S. Department of Education. “In particular, the settlement provides for repayment of $1.9 million in liabilities ordered by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan that resulted from EA awarding federal financial aid to students at its Fortis-Miami campus based on invalid high school credentials issued by a diploma mill. Secretary Duncan made clear that such abusive behavior would not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with the Justice Department and other federal agencies to ensure that postsecondary institutions face consequences when they violate the law.”
The settlement agreement also resolves allegations related to EA schools in Birmingham, Alabama, Houston and Cincinnati, including violations of the ban on incentive compensation for enrollment personnel, misrepresentations of graduation and job placement rates, alteration of attendance records and enrollment of unqualified students.
“Using fake high school diplomas is a particularly insidious abuse of the federal student aid system,” said Inspector General Kathleen Tighe of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General. “Students received only a worthless piece of paper.” Tighe commended the efforts of Office of Inspector General staff and Department of Justice attorneys whose outstanding investigative work led to this significant settlement.
The settlement resolves five lawsuits filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private citizens to sue on behalf of the United States and share in the recovery. As part of this resolution, the five whistleblowers will receive payments totaling approximately $1.8 million.
The settlements were the result of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Texas, Northern District of Alabama, Southern District of Ohio, and Middle District of Tennessee, the Department of Education and its Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas F. Corcoran and Rebecca Koch who handled the Maryland cases.
The cases are captioned United States ex rel. Roman v. All State Career, Inc. and Education Affiliates, Inc., Civil Case No. JKB-10-1730 (D.Md.); United States ex rel. Thomas v. Education Affiliates, Inc., Civil Case No. JKB-14-332 (D.Md.); United States ex rel. Andrews v. Education Affiliates, Inc., et al., Civil Case No. H-13-2366 (S.D. Tex.); United States ex rel. Atkins, et al. v. Fortis Institute and Education Affiliates, LLC, Civil Case No. CV-14-1107-S (N.D. Ala.); and United States ex rel. McArthur, Gruff & Associates LLC v. Education Affiliates, Inc., Civil Case No. 1:14-CV-977 (S.D. Oh.). The False Claims Act claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Baltimore Heroin and Cocaine Distributor Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Thomas Linwood Jones, age 45, of Baltimore, Maryland today to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Ellerman of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, DEA agents conducted an investigation of Jones’ drug distribution operation in 2013 and 2014. From at least November 2013, Jones admitted that he conspired to distribute heroin and cocaine. On January 14, 2014, law enforcement executed search warrants at locations associated with Jones, including a storage unit in Milford Mill, Maryland, Jones’ residence, a house used by Jones in Lochearn, Maryland, and Jones’ pick-up truck. Law enforcement recovered $652,000 in cash, approximately 2.5 kilograms of heroin, approximately 5.5 kilograms of cocaine, a hydraulic kilogram press, cutting agent and digital scales.
During the course of the conspiracy, Jones admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of at least one kilogram of heroin and at least five kilograms of cocaine.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Warwick and Seema Mittal, who prosecuted the case.
Member of Baltimore Heroin Distribution Organization Sentenced to over 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Antoine Wiggins, age 39, of Baltimore, to 126 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. Judge Hollander also ordered Wiggins to forfeit a total of $141,901 in cash, a Rolex watch, diamond necklace, a boat and a vehicle, seized during the investigation.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to court documents and information presented at his plea hearing, as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that operated primarily in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Wiggins was intercepted in telephone calls and other recordings arranging heroin transactions, and was also captured on surveillance video. Wiggins leased an apartment in the 1600 block of Whetstone Way in Baltimore, which was used by the organization as a transit point for couriers who were transporting heroin. Law enforcement executed search warrants at Wiggins’ residence, as well as the Whetstone Way apartment, and recovered more than $132,000 in cash, heroin, money counters and other items.
Over the course of the conspiracy Wiggins was responsible for the distribution of between one and three kilograms of heroin.
A total of 12 defendants, including Wiggins, Anthony Miles, a/k/a “Bigs,” and “Fat Boy,” age 31, Enzo Blanks, a/k/a “Zo,” age 30, and Marlow Bates, a/k/a “Low,” age 33, all from Baltimore, have been convicted for the heroin distribution conspiracy. Miles, Blanks and Bates were also sentenced to 10 years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Romano and Seema Mittal, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Former Chief of Baltimore City Division of Transit and Marine Services Sentenced to Prison for Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Barry Stephen Robinson, age 65, of Accokeek, Maryland, today to a year and a day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with a bribery scheme perpetrated in 2014 while Robinson was Chief of the Division of Transit and Marine Services of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation. Chief Judge Blake also ordered Robinson to pay forfeiture in the amount of $20,000, of which all but $13,550 had already been seized.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Baltimore City Inspector General Robert H. Pearre, Jr.; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
“Barry Stephen Robinson took a $20,000 bribe to cancel a $60,000 debt owed to Baltimore City, and a $70,000 bribe to allow the theft of city property worth $250,000,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “This sort of corruption can occur when dishonest people are trusted to handle valuable government property.”
“Using his official position and the resources of Baltimore City, Robinson abused the trust placed in him in order to personally enrich himself,” said Thomas Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. “IRS-Criminal Investigation stands committed to weed out individuals, such as Robinson, who take the path to financial enhancement through greed and corruption at the expense of those they serve.”
Barry Robinson was Chief of the Division of Transit and Marine Services of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation and supervised Baltimore City’s “Circulator” and “Water Taxi” programs. He had authority to approve contracts with advertisers and vendors and to purchase and pay for goods and services.
In the spring of 2013, Robinson received a check for $40,000 payable to the Baltimore City Director of Finance, in payment for advertising on Circulator buses. Robinson returned the check and proposed that for $20,000 in cash, he would cancel the $40,000 debt to the city and provide written documentation that it had been paid. The debtor declined the offer at that time. In January 2014, Robinson renewed his offer to extinguish the debt to the City of Baltimore. This time, he offered to cancel $60,000 of debt in return for $20,000 in cash. From January 23 to March 11, 2014, Robinson received four cash payments of $5,000 each. In return, Robinson provided a signed letter on Baltimore City letterhead falsely stating that the $60,000 debt had been paid.
Robinson also admitted that he stole and sold bus shelters belonging to the City for $70,000. In 2011, Robinson arranged for Baltimore City to purchase 13 bus shelters from a Canadian company for $249,290. On multiple occasions from May 2013 to March 2014, Robinson said since the city did not keep track of the shelters, he planned to sell them for his personal benefit. On April 9, 2014, Robinson accepted $70,000, in return for the city’s bus shelters.
Seeking to disguise the source of the bribery proceeds, Robinson deposited the cash bribe payments he received into two bank accounts in the name of another person, and used a portion of the proceeds to install carpeting, televisions and a range hood in his home.
According to court documents, the intended loss to the City of Baltimore from Robinson’s schemes was approximately $310,000.
U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, the Baltimore City Office of Inspector General and IRS-Criminal Investigation, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara S. Sale, who prosecuted the case.
Washington, D.C. Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Takoma Park Armed Robbery and Carjacking ShootingsRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Tonnie Deonte Floyd, age 23, of Washington, D.C., today to 222 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for robbery, discharging a gun during the robbery and carjacking, in connection with an armored car robbery and a carjacking in which a victim was shot in the head and arm.
The sentenced was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; the members of the FBI Cross Border Task Force - Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Assistant Director in Charge Andrew G. McCabe of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Washington Field Office; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department; and by Chief Alan Goldberg of the Takoma Park Police Department.
According to his plea agreement and court documents, on October 26, 2012, Floyd, Anthony Cannon, and Marcellus Freeman, driving a stolen Jeep, followed a Garda Cash Logistics armored transport vehicle to the Cricket store located in the 1300 block of University Boulevard East, Takoma Park, Maryland. A Garda employee went into the store and picked up a bag containing $3,911. As the employee returned to the armored truck, he was confronted by two co-conspirators with guns. The Garda employee dropped the money bag and at least one co-conspirator fired a gun at the employee. The employee shot back. One of the co-conspirators picked up the money bag. The co-conspirators ran back to the stolen Jeep. As the co-conspirators drove away, the employee continued to fire his handgun at the Jeep, striking a tire and the back window. Floyd was wounded in the shoulder during the gunfire.
The co-conspirators left the Jeep in a neighborhood nearby because it had a flat tire as a result of the shooting. They saw a man entering a vehicle, and shot the man in the arm and head, causing permanent and life-threatening bodily injury, then stole his vehicle. They drove the vehicle into the District of Columbia, where they set it on fire.
Marcellus Ramone Freeman, a/k/a Derrick Relando Pitts, age 24, also of Washington, D.C., previously pleaded guilty to robbery, discharging a gun during the robbery and carjacking. Freeman and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts his plea agreement, Freeman will be sentenced to between 241 months and 30 years in prison at his sentencing on July 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
A federal jury convicted Anthony Terrell Cannon, age 26, of Washington, D.C., on September 12, 2014 of conspiracy, robbery, carjacking, two counts of discharging a gun during a crime of violence and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. Cannon awaits sentencing.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI Baltimore and Washington Field Offices, the Prince George’s County and Montgomery County Police Departments, the Metropolitan Police Department and the Takoma Park Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau and Bryan E. Foreman, who prosecuted the case.
Leader of Howard County Bloods Gang Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Anthony Preston, a/k/a “40,” or “Tone,” age 29, of Laurel, in Howard County Maryland, today to 19 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to participate in a racketeering conspiracy, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in connection with his membership in the Bloods gang operating primarily out of Howard County, Maryland.
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; Howard County Police Chief Gary L. Gardner; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino.
According to his plea agreement, Preston was a member of the Bloods since at least 2007. Preston is a leader of the “Swann” set, a sub-group of the Bloods. Preston achieved the rank of “O.Y.G” or “O.G.,” (Original Young Gangster or Original Gangster), terms used for a leader in the gang with authority over other Bloods members.
Preston and his co-defendants were identified as members of the Bloods as the result of a long term investigation conducted by ATF and the Howard County Police Department. The investigation included four court ordered wiretaps on gang members’ cell phones. The Bloods, a national criminal street gang with members operating in and around Howard County, Maryland, committed violent acts within the gang to maintain discipline, and against rival gangs.
The investigation began with an assault and robbery of an ATF confidential informant in Columbia, Maryland, on November 8, 2011. The ATF was planning a controlled purchase of firearms from co-defendant and fellow gang member Michael Johnson, a/k/a “Ace,” a/k/a “Bloody Mike” after Johnson provided via text two photos of firearms, an assault rifle and a handgun, available for purchase by the CI. Instead, Johnson directed other gang members to rob the CI. Investigation revealed that Preston had been in contact with Johnson on the day of the robbery and was photographed holding the same rifle pictured in the texts sent to the ATF CI.
Among his criminal activities as a gang member, Preston admitted that he: attended gang meetings, supported incarcerated gang members, participated in discussion regarding gang sanctions, and planned and executed retaliation against others who he felt undermined his authority within the gang. Preston also planned, participated and approved of acts of violence, and was a leader in drug trafficking to and with fellow gang members. Preston, and his Bloods associates, regularly carried firearms in connection with and in furtherance of their unlawful acts. Preston admitted to directing or participating in at least 4 assaults, including a March 18, 2012, assault over a drug debt during which Preston threatened to later return and “shoot up the place,” a February 21, 2013, attempted assault of an individual causing problems with members and associates of Preston’s set, an April 12, 2013, attempted assault of someone Preston described as a “fake Blood,” and an April 20, 2013, assault of a former gang member with a knife and mace in a convenience store. The convenience store assault was captured on video, and Preston is seen hitting the girlfriend of the gang member in her face and attempting to spray her with mace. Citizens, including a young child, were injured by the mace sprayed by Preston during the assault. Preston was later overheard by law enforcement admitting to the assault and stating that if he’d had his gun with him Preston would have killed the man.
Preston also admitted that he began selling drugs, including crack cocaine and oxycodone, as early as 2007. Between February and May 2013, Preston was intercepted on numerous wiretap calls with other co-defendants discussing narcotics sales. Two co-defendants each supplied Preston with at least 9000 mg of Oxycodone.
On May 8, 2013, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants and arrested approximately 20 individuals connected with the Bloods gang, including Preston. A search warrant executed at Preston’s residence recovered, among other things, a .22 caliber revolver, with one live round of ammunition, brass knuckles, various prescription pills, marijuana, $1,222 in cash, and several cellular telephones. Preston has prior convictions for armed robbery and attempted armed robbery, and, as a result, was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
To date, 19 defendants have pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering and drug conspiracies. Judge Russell has also sentenced co-defendants: Giovanni Wright, a/k/a "G," age 22, of Elkridge, Maryland, to 18 years in prison; Michael Dominique Johnson, a/k/a "Ace", age 20, of Columbia, Maryland to 205 months in prison; Kenneth Ragan-Armstrong, a/k/a "Keezy," age 23, of Savage and Laurel, Maryland, to 193 months in prison; Rouchell Chesson, a/k/a “Black,” age 31, of Washington, D.C., to 10 years in prison; Christopher Lloyd McGann, a/k/a “Toker,” age 23, of Columbia, Maryland, to eight years in prison; Ryan Gladden, a/k/a "Fats," age 27, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 7, 2015, to 92 months in prison; and David Jerome Robertson, age 23, of Columbia, Maryland to 81 months in prison.
Mr. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Howard County Police Department, Baltimore Police Department and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in this investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel M. Yasser and Sandra Wilkinson, who prosecuted the case.
Laurel Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Prison for Robbery, Abduction and Sexual Assault ff ProstitutesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Ajibola Erogbogbo, age 19, of Laurel, Maryland, today to 97 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; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; Chief Richard McLaughlin of the Laurel Police Department; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.
According to his plea agreement, Erogbogbo was a security guard at Six Flags amusement park in Largo, Maryland, and a student at Anne Arundel Community College.
On January 9, 2014, a prostitute posted an ad for sex on the internet and Erogbogbo arranged a “date” at a hotel in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. Erogbogbo arrived wearing a vest that read “POLICE,” and had a metallic badge in one hand and a gun in the other. He told the prostitute that she was under arrest and instructed her to write her name and personal information on a yellow notepad he brought with him. Erogbogbo then handcuffed the woman, took her driver’s license and asked about her involvement in prostitution. Erogbogbo removed the handcuffs and demanded money. The woman responded that she did not have any cash. While Erogbogbo searched her belongings and the hotel room, the woman secretly sent a text message to another prostitute working in the same hotel, who knocked on the hotel door.
Erogbogbo answered the door, took out his gun and pointed it at the second prostitute. He handcuffed both women. When he couldn’t find any money, Erogbogbo ordered the second prostitute to write down her phone number and leave the hotel, leaving the initial prostitute with him.
Erogbogbo took the prostitute out to the side entrance of the hotel, telling her that she was going to jail. As they headed towards his parked vehicle, the prostitute broke free and ran back to the front desk yelling for help. The front desk attendant called 911. Erogbogbo fled in his vehicle. Anne Arundel County Police responded and recovered surveillance video footage from the hotel showing Erogbogbo arriving at the hotel, entering the lobby wearing a vest and attempting to take the prostitute away from the hotel.
On January 11, 2014, Erogbogbo again phoned the prostitute after she posted a new commercial sex ad and attempted to arrange another “date.” Based on the information provided by the prostitute, members of the Maryland Child Exploitation Task Force (MCETF) arrived in the area of the hotel and set up surveillance. Erogbogbo, however, never appeared.
A third prostitute told MCETF members that she had arranged a “date” with Erogbogbo who called her after she had posted an online prostitution ad. A fourth prostitute hid in the closet as a precaution. When Erogbogbo arrived in the hotel room, he identified himself as a police officer and placed the prostitute in handcuffs. Erogbogbo was wearing a vest that read “POLICE”, a law enforcement belt, a holstered gun on the right side and a second gun in a left-side drop holster. Erogbogbo also showed her a metallic badge. When the fourth prostitute emerged from the closet, Erogbogbo demanded that they give him their prostitution money. The prostitutes gave Erogbogbo a total of $1,400. Erogbogbo returned $600 to the fourth prostitute and took $800 from the third prostitute. Erogbogbo wrote a phone number on a piece of yellow paper, told the victims to call him if they needed future assistance from the police, removed the handcuffs and left.
On February 19, 2014, MCETF personnel met another prostitute who said that she too had been recently robbed by Erogbogbo. Erogbogbo had made a “date” with this fifth prostitute from her online post. When he arrived at her hotel room, he said that he was a police officer in the “Human Trafficking Unit.” He showed a badge, and wore a ballistic vest with a “POLICE” patch, and carried a radio that he periodically spoke into. He also carried a handcuff pouch, handcuffs and a gun in a leather holster. After asking the woman several questions regarding her involvement in prostitution, Erogbogbo said that the “only way” to avoid arrest was to have sex with him. The woman at first refused. When she would not take off her clothing, Erogbogbo threatened to put handcuffs on her. He began having sex with her, but stopped when she became unresponsive.
The next day, the prostitute posted a new online prostitution ad under the direction of MCETF. Erogbogbo contacted her to make a “date.” Although she had not told Erogbogbo her exact location, Erogbogbo soon walked into the hotel lobby en route to the “date.” When Erogbogbo encountered the Laurel City Police in the lobby, he attempted to flee. He was stopped by the police as he was attempting to re-enter his vehicle parked outside of the hotel. Erogbogbo was wearing a gold Six Flags Loss Prevention badge and a Smith and Wesson replica BB gun, holstered on his belt.
Police searched Erogbogbo’s residence and vehicle and recovered handcuffs, radios, pepper spray, badge holders and a yellow notepad that contained names, driver’s license numbers, phone numbers and addresses of women, including the prostitutes previously described.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County Police Departments, Laurel Police Department, Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Offices and Maryland Child Exploitation Task Force for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel C. Gardner and James A. Crowell IV, who prosecuted the case.
Glen Burnie Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Stealing $4 Million from a CharityRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced William Peters, age 64, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, today to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, and conspiring to commit money laundering. Judge Motz also entered an order that Peters forfeit and pay restitution of $4 million.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to his plea, Peters was a board member of a charity that provided financial support to Native American communities and individuals. Peters and coconspirator Brian Brown, the former president of the charity, falsely represented that if the charity funded Charity One, Inc., a nonprofit corporation Brown created and controlled to effectuate the fraud scheme, Charity One would use the funds for scholarships for American Indians. Peters and Brown, however, intended to use the funds for their own benefit.
Peters used his board membership position to cause the charity to execute a series of endowment agreements in which the charity agreed to fund Charity One with $1 million per year for five years. Charity One purportedly agreed to maintain and invest the funds for scholarships for American Indians.
In fact, however, Peters and Brown distributed the proceeds of their fraud scheme to themselves. To do so, Peters created and controlled a corporation called August First, Inc., which he used to receive and distribute to himself $950,244 of the fraud proceeds. Brown created and controlled a corporation called Aria Inc. to receive and distribute to himself $3,011,751 of the proceeds. Peters and Brown falsely characterized the funds as consulting fees on their federal income tax returns filed for 2006 to 2009 in order to conceal the source of these funds.
Peters has agreed that the actual loss to the charity is $4 million.
Brian J. Brown, age 58, of Beaverton, Oregon previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the conspiracy and was sentenced in federal court in Oregon on May 7, 2015 to 37 months in prison.
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 FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Uram for the District of Oregon and Jefferson M. Gray for the District of Maryland, who prosecuted the case.
Federal Charges Filed Against Armed Man Arrested in Penn North After Baltimore RiotsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Robert “Meech” Tucker, age 23, of Baltimore, yesterday for being a felon in possession of a gun.
The indictment 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 City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.
“Police officers save lives when they detect, investigate and arrest armed criminals, and we are thankful for their proactive work,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “People who throw bricks and bottles at police officers should be arrested and go to jail, just as they would if they attacked any other human being.”
According to the allegations in the federal indictment and documents filed in state court, on May 4, 2015, police, who were patrolling in the Pennsylvania Avenue/North Avenue section of Baltimore, the same area impacted by street riots several days earlier, noticed that Robert “Meech” Tucker was displaying characteristics of an armed gunman. When police approached Tucker, he ran and threw a Ruger Blackhawk .357 handgun to the ground, causing it to fire. Fortunately no one was hit by the bullet. When police caught Tucker, he repeatedly screamed as if he had been injured, but Tucker was not injured. Bystanders then threw bricks and bottles at police officers.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office sponsors statewide training seminars for police officers to identify characteristics of armed gunmen and safely investigate them.
Tucker faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Tucker is presently in state custody. His initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore has not yet been scheduled.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, 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 Matthew Hoff, a cross-designated Baltimore Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to Exile cases, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Ronald Ross, age 27, of Baltimore, today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.
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; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, from January to June 24, 2014, members of the conspiracy obtained bulk quantities of heroin and packaged the heroin for retail distribution. The prepackaged heroin was provided to Ross on a daily basis, who then sold the heroin to retail customers at an open-air drug “shop” in the vicinity of the intersection of Baltimore and Bentalou Streets in Baltimore.
During his participation in the drug conspiracy, Ross admitted that he and others distributed between 100 and 400 grams of heroin of heroin.
Co-defendants Eric Johnson, age 38, Keith Gilliam, age 21, Sara Jones, age 29 and Nicholas Jones, age 23, all of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy. Johnson, Gilliam and Sara Jones are scheduled to be sentenced on July 23, 2015. Nicholas Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on August 31, 2015.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised ATF, the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew K. Hoff, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney, who prosecuted the case.
Temple Hills Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Justin Alonza Jefferson, age 22, of Temple Hills, Maryland, today to seven years in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. Judge Chuang ordered that upon his release from prison, Jefferson 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).
Under the law, children who are abused to produce child pornography, and whose images are traded on the internet are entitled to restitution. Judge Chuang also ordered Jefferson to pay restitution totaling $7,500 to three such identified victims, whose images were among the child pornography Jefferson possessed.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo 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 Jefferson’s plea agreement, in December 2012, Jefferson uploaded files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On April 5, 2013, a search warrant was executed at Jefferson’s residence and law enforcement seized Jefferson’s laptop computer and an external hard drive, among other items. Jefferson was interviewed and admitted that he had been collecting child pornography since he was 12 years old and that his laptop and external hard drive contained images and videos of child pornography. A subsequent review of the laptop and external hard drive revealed approximately 8,000 image files and 800 movie files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Jefferson further admitted that he traded child pornography via the internet. A search warrant was executed for Jefferson’s email account and law enforcement seized numerous emails to and from Jefferson attaching image files of child pornography.
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 HSI Baltimore and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation, and thanked the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas A. Mitchell and Michael T. Packard, who prosecuted the case.
Sheppard Pratt Director and Her Husband Charged in Illegal $2.5 Million Billing SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Lyneth Nyabiosi, age 49, and her husband, Willie Evans III, a/k/a “James Davies” and “James Davis,” age 53, both of Bear, Delaware, on charges arising from a scheme to falsely bill Nyabiosi’s employer, Sheppard Pratt Health Systems, for approximately $2.5 million for work purportedly performed by a company that the defendants secretly controlled. The indictment was returned on June 16, 2015 and unsealed today following the arrest of the defendants.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sheppard Pratt Health System is a private, non-profit health system in Maryland which offers mental health, substance use and special education services. Sheppard Pratt’s main campus is located at 6501 North Charles Street, Towson, Maryland. From November 2005 to September 2014, Nyabiosi was the director of the Health Information Management Department (HIM Department) of Sheppard Pratt. The department was responsible for receiving, organizing and storing patient medical records. As the director, Nyabsiosi was the highest ranking employee in the HIM Department.
According to the eight count indictment, Nyabiosi and Evans controlled and operated an entity named Information Management Solutions Technology (IMST), which purported to specialize in record management. On March 7, 2007, Nyabiosi, on behalf of Sheppard Pratt, entered into a contract with IMST to manage medical records for Sheppard Pratt, in violation of Sheppard Pratt’s conflict of interest policy. From 2006 to October 2014, and to conceal the inherent conflict of interest, the defendants falsely represented to Sheppard Pratt and others that IMST was operated by an account representative named “James Davis” and “James Davies,” when in fact no such person was employed by IMST.
The indictment further alleges that from 2007 to August 2014, the defendants submitted over 150 false invoices requesting that Sheppard Pratt pay IMST approximately $2.5 million. The invoices requested payment for work which was never performed, or for excessively inflated amounts for the work that was actually performed. For example, the invoices and other documents provided to Sheppard Pratt falsely represented that IMST stored and then shredded hundreds of thousands of boxes of sensitive medical records, when in fact IMST had stored substantially less. Nyabiosi, nonetheless personally approved all of the false invoices, thus causing Sheppard Pratt to mail checks to IMST totaling approximately $2.5 million. The defendants deposited the money in their bank account and used the money for personal expenditures, including loan and mortgage payments; home renovations and upgrades; personal wire transfers to Africa; and vehicle, food, clothing and entertainment expenses.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of $2.6 million, two residences located in Bear and Newark, Delaware and three vehicles.
The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the eight counts of conspiring to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. An initial appearance was held for Nyabiosi yesterday and for Evans today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. The defendants were released on home confinement and under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services.
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 the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant United States Attorney David I. Sharfstein, who is prosecuting the case.
Owner and Two Employees of Medical Equipment Provider Indicted for Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Harry Crawford, age 55, Elma Myles, age 51, and Matthew Hightower, age 33, all of Baltimore, Maryland, on charges related to a scheme to defraud Medicaid and other health care benefit programs out of at least $900,000. The indictment was returned on June 3, 2015 and unsealed on June 17, 2015, upon the arrest of the defendants. These charges are part of a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in 17 cities, including Baltimore.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to the three-count indictment, Crawford owned and operated RX Resources and Solutions (RXRS), a durable medical equipment provider located in Randallstown, Maryland. RXRS provided hospital beds, wheelchairs, and disposable medical supplies including adult incontinence products, diabetic test strips and wound care items. Crawford was President and CEO of RXRS. Myles worked at the company and was responsible, among other things, for billing health care benefit programs for supplies provided by RXRS. Beginning in 2012, Hightower worked as a delivery driver for RXRS.
The indictment alleges that from 2010 through May 2014, Crawford and Myles conspired to defraud Medicaid and other health benefit programs by billing for supplies that were never provided, or overcharging for materials actually delivered, and by billing for supplies that were unneeded and had not been prescribed by a physician. The indictment alleges that Hightower joined the conspiracy in May 2012.
Specifically, the indictment alleges that the defendants used the personal identity information of clients to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid and other health care benefits programs for disposable medical supplies that were not delivered to the beneficiary. In addition, the defendants allegedly delivered medical supplies to beneficiaries who did not need the supplies and whose physicians had not prescribed the supplies, even after the beneficiaries reported that they did not want or need the supplies. The indictment alleges that Hightower would sign or have someone else sign delivery tickets when deliveries had not actually taken place so that the records of RXRS would falsely document the delivery. According to the indictment, Hightower provided the forged and fraudulent delivery tickets to RXRS as part of his duties.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of $900,000, as the proceeds of the offense.
The defendants face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy and for health care fraud; and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft. An initial appearance was held for all the defendants on June 17, 2015 in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. The defendants were released under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services.
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.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of the Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), a joint initiative announced in May 2009 between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since their inception in March 2007, Strike Force operations in nine locations have charged over 2,300 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $7 billion.
Today’s enforcement actions resulted in charges against 243 individuals, including 46 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, as well as the three defendants charged in Maryland, for their alleged participation in Medicare and Medicaid fraud schemes involving approximately $712 million in false billings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the HHS-OIG and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office and the Maryland Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra Wilkinson and Aaron Zelinsky, who are prosecuting the case.
Jamaican National Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Sophia Jones, age 40, a Jamaican citizen residing in Montgomery Village, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute heroin and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking. Jones was convicted on January 24, 2014, after a 12-day jury trial.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ivan Arvelo of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police.
According to testimony at her trial, Jones was a member of a drug conspiracy which involved at least one kilogram of heroin and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. As part of the drug conspiracy, Jones’ co-conspirators transported drugs from Mexico into Texas and then on to Maryland. For example, beginning in late July 2012, co-defendants Amir Ali Faraz and Javier Escobar-Bucerra, traveled from Texas to Maryland with heroin to sell. A marijuana customer of Faraz’ introduced them to Harold Bartrum. Bartrum was only interested in purchasing marijuana, but located a customer for the heroin. Faraz and Escobar-Bucerra sold nine ounces of heroin through Bartrum to this individual and discussed with Bartrum returning to Maryland with marijuana.
In September 2012, Faraz and Escobar-Bucerra traveled to Maryland from Texas with at least one kilogram of white powder heroin and between 9 ounces and 2.2 pounds of black tar heroin. Bartrum again assisted them in selling the heroin, arranging sales to several people, including Cecil McCalla. According to trial testimony, McCalla contacted his niece, Sophia Jones, who agreed to sell the heroin. During the investigation, Jones was intercepted in telephone conversations arranging for the distribution of heroin on at least four occasions. On October 7th and 11th Jones distributed a total of approximately 14 grams of heroin. On October 9th Jones distributed 50 grams of heroin and on October 15th she distributed between100 and 110 grams of heroin. Jones was also intercepted discussing efforts to obtain marijuana and Bartrum’s efforts to get marijuana from the Texas sources (Faraz and Escobar-Bucerra).
Amir Ali Faraz, age 46, of Laredo, Texas, was also convicted after trial and was sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute heroin, using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking and interstate travel to promote drug trafficking activities.
Javier Escobar-Bucerra, age 30, of Laredo, Texas; Harold Bartrum, age 44, of Hyattsville, Maryland; and Cecil Rex McCalla, age 50, of Adelphi, Maryland, pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. Escobar Bucerra and Bartrum were each sentenced to 64 months in prison; and McCalla was sentenced to 140 months in prison.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore, the Prince George’s County Police Department, Maryland State Police and Virginia State Police, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah A. Johnston and Leah J. Bressack, who prosecuted the case.