District of Maryland
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Dundalk Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Prison in Scheme to Burn Down House to Collect InsuranceRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Hassan Hammoud, age 60, of Dundalk, Maryland, today to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to destroy a conspirator’s Maryland home by fire to collect $3 million in insurance proceeds. Judge Bennett entered an order requiring Hammoud to pay restitution of $828,773.
The sentence announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, co-conspirator Saleh Fakhoury owned a home in Lutherville Maryland. Hammoud worked for Fakhoury at Alfeo’s, a pizza restaurant owned by Fakhoury. In 2007, Fakhoury bought a second home in Florida. By March 2009, Fakhoury owed over $200,000 to credit card companies, utilities and other service providers, as well as over $1.7 million to banks for the mortgages on the properties he owned.Fakhoury and Hammoud schemed to destroy Fakhoury’s home in Lutherville by arson. Fakhoury intended to collect the insurance and pay off his debts. Fakhoury agreed to pay Hammoud $20,000 to set his home on fire. The two agreed that when the insurance company paid Fakhoury, Fakhoury would pay $50,000 for having his house set on fire, and the money would be sent overseas. Hammoud purportedly hired others to set the fire.
On March 12 or 13, 2009, a fire was deliberately set at the Lutherville home. The fire self-extinguished and minimal damage was sustained. On March 14, 2009, a second fire was deliberately set using paint thinner. The home was completely destroyed. Fakhoury paid Hammoud the agreed upon $20,000 to have the house set on fire.
In September 2009, Fakhoury executed a sworn proof of loss to collect $3,155,197 in insurance. The loss statement was false, in that it claimed items were destroyed or damaged in the fire when, in fact, the items were not consumed in the fire, and the fire was intentionally set. The insurance company denied the claim but paid $828,773 to the mortgagor of the Maryland home. On December 2, 2011, Fakhoury filed a civil action against the insurance company in an effort to recover monies under the insurance policy, and claim over $3 million in compensatory damages.
Saleh H. Fakhoury, age 49, formerly of Lutherville, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. As part of his plea agreement, Fakhoury has agreed to dismiss the civil lawsuit he filed.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF, Baltimore County Police Department and IRS - Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra Wilkinson and Judson T. Mihok, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Felon Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Robbing A Towson Cell Phone StoreRead the Press Release
Violated His Supervised Release From a Previous Bank Robbery Conviction
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Antonio Rennard Gilliam, age 43, of Baltimore, today to 135 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for a commercial robbery and for violating his supervised release from a previous bank robbery conviction.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 James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on August 19, 2013, Gilliam robbed a cell phone store in the 800 block of Taylor Avenue in Towson. Gilliam told a store clerk that he wanted to switch his phone service. Gilliam lingered in the store until there were no other customers, then approached the cash register with his hand in his pocket, as if he were carrying a handgun. Gilliam leaned over the register counter and yelled at a store employee demanding all the money from the register. Gilliam took approximately $300 from the store, then ordered the store clerk to the back of the store and ordered another employee to go outside. Gilliam then ran away.
A short time later, Baltimore County Police officers responding to the robbery saw Gilliam, who matched the description of the robber, at a nearby intersection. They ordered Gilliam to stop, but he ran into a wooded area on the south side of Goucher Boulevard. Gilliam was found hiding in the woods and arrested. During a subsequent interview with police, Gilliam admitted robbing the cellular telephone store, as well as robbing a swimwear business in Towsontown Mall on August 15, 2013, taking about $300. Gilliam denied having a gun during either robbery.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney John F. Purcell, Jr., who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Felon Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Robbing A Towson Cell Phone StoreRead the Press Release
Violated His Supervised Release From a Previous Bank Robbery Conviction
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Antonio Rennard Gilliam, age 43, of Baltimore, today to 135 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for a commercial robbery and for violating his supervised release from a previous bank robbery conviction.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 James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on August 19, 2013, Gilliam robbed a cell phone store in the 800 block of Taylor Avenue in Towson. Gilliam told a store clerk that he wanted to switch his phone service. Gilliam lingered in the store until there were no other customers, then approached the cash register with his hand in his pocket, as if he were carrying a handgun. Gilliam leaned over the register counter and yelled at a store employee demanding all the money from the register. Gilliam took approximately $300 from the store, then ordered the store clerk to the back of the store and ordered another employee to go outside. Gilliam then ran away.
A short time later, Baltimore County Police officers responding to the robbery saw Gilliam, who matched the description of the robber, at a nearby intersection. They ordered Gilliam to stop, but he ran into a wooded area on the south side of Goucher Boulevard. Gilliam was found hiding in the woods and arrested. During a subsequent interview with police, Gilliam admitted robbing the cellular telephone store, as well as robbing a swimwear business in Towsontown Mall on August 15, 2013, taking about $300. Gilliam denied having a gun during either robbery.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney John F. Purcell, Jr., who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Felon Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of A Gun and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Robert Fitzgerald, age 35, of Baltimore, today to 130 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.
According to court documents, on October 16, 2012, Baltimore Police detectives executed a search warrant at Fitzgerald’s residence and seized 44 zip lock bags containing heroin, packaging material and other drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, 36 zip lock bags containing marijuana, a food saver clear plastic bag with marijuana, $1,284, a loaded .32 caliber revolver, a .22 revolver and a box of ammunition with .32 caliber rounds.
Fitzgerald had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
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 H. Brandis Marsh, Jr., a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to Exile cases, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Cocaine Dealer Exiled to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Kevin Gerard Wyche, age 27, of Baltimore, today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.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 Gregg L. Bernstein.
According to his plea agreement, on June 26, 2013, Baltimore City Police officers executed a search warrant at Wyche’s residence for evidence of narcotics trafficking. Police recovered four plastic bags containing a total of 100.79 grams of cocaine; a plastic bag containing 10.44 grams of marijuana; drug paraphernalia; and a bag containing over 115 rounds of ammunition, all which were hidden in the ceiling of the basement between the floor joists. Law enforcement also recovered computers, cell phones, and drug packaging material from the front basement bedroom where Wyche was staying. During a taped interview with police, Wyche admitted that the drugs and ammunition belonged to him. Wyche had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a gun or ammunition.
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 Assistant United States Attorney Bonnie S. Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Nine Alleged Members of the Jenifer Drug Trafficking Organization Charged by Indictment and Implicated in A 2012 MurderRead the Press Release
82 Kilograms of Cocaine Having a Street Value of $8.2 Million Seized During the Investigation
Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted nine defendants – seven men and two women – who are alleged to be members of the Jenifer drug trafficking organization (Jenifer DTO) for conspiring to distribute kilograms of cocaine in the Baltimore metropolitan and Woodbridge, Virginia areas. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of $15 million. The indictment was returned on September 3, 2014 and unsealed on October 9, 2014 upon the arrests of defendants.The search warrant affidavit was unsealed today after the execution of 25 search warrants. During the searches, law enforcement recovered 27 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $3 million; several hundred thousand dollars in cash recovered from the residences of some of the defendants; over $2 million in jewelry, including a 16 carat diamond ring; and luxury vehicles.
“The indictment and affidavit describe how drug organizations transport cocaine to Baltimore and move cash out of the city by relying on a network of suppliers, couriers, distributors, dealers and money launderers, and by using vehicles with hidden compartments,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “The affidavit also explains how law enforcement agents catch drug dealers by using physical and electronic surveillance, wiretaps and cell phone data.”
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.The arrests and searches were the result of coordinated operations by the DEA, IRS – Criminal Investigation, Baltimore City Police Department and Baltimore County Police Department, with the assistance of agents from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
The indictment charges the following defendants, all of whom are presently in federal custody:
Kedrick Arnold Jenifer, a/k/a “Ricky Jenifer,” “James Howard Collier, Jr.” and “Rick,” age 43, of
Bowie, Maryland;
Tyrone Allen, age 42, of Bel Air, Maryland;
Brooke Renee Lunn, a/k/a “Brooke Thomas,” and “Brooke Renee,” age 48, of Baltimore;
Tracy Muse, a/k/a “Kimberly Scott,” age 41, of Pearland, Texas;
Thomas Simmons, age 37, of Hampton, Virginia;
Andre Brewer, age 35, of Elkridge, Maryland;
Michael Williams, age 40, of Baltimore;
Kermit Clark, age 44, of Baltimore; and
William Hegie, age 54, of Baltimore.All of the defendants were arrested last week Thursday, October 9, 2014, except for Michael Williams who turned himself in on Friday, October 10th.
According to an affidavit in support of search warrants, law enforcement started investigating the Jenifer DTO in March 2013. The Jenifer DTO is a Baltimore-based drug trafficking and money-laundering organization with ties to Houston, Texas; Staten Island, New York; and Woodbridge, Virginia.
From September 2012 to September 2014, the Jenifer DTO allegedly obtained kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Houston and distributed the cocaine throughout the Baltimore area and in Woodbridge, Virginia.
"The arrest of these alleged Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) members emphasizes the proactive work that the Drug Enforcement Administration and our law enforcement partners undertake every day to stop the flow of drugs from entering the Baltimore metropolitan area,” stated Gary Tuggle, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Baltimore District Office. “DEA’s investigation of this DTO was a long-term, highly complex effort which used a myriad of investigative techniques to expose this DTO. Additionally, by hitting drug trafficking organizations where it hurts them most and seizing drug proceeds, in this case cash, vehicles and properties, we are crippling their ability to ever return.”
Kedrick Jenifer is the alleged leader of the drug organization. He directed the collection and transportation of money from Baltimore to Houston, and the transportation of cocaine from Houston to Baltimore.
The affidavit alleges that the drug organization concealed money and cocaine in hidden compartments in vehicles that were driven between Baltimore and Houston. The vehicles were sometimes transported on car carriers. Cocaine and cash were stored at the homes of the defendants, their family members, and at a business complex called RCH Plaza on West Franklin Street in Baltimore. Vehicles with hidden compartments were brought to the business complex, where DTO members concealed large amounts of cash or cocaine.
The affidavit alleges that in October of 2009, while traveling from Baltimore to California, Jenifer and Tyrone Allen stopped in Phoenix, Arizona. At the Phoenix airport, police seized $97,020 and three cell phones from Jenifer, and $70,680 and eight cell phones from Allen.
On September 27, 2012, the affidavit alleges, Brooke Lunn and a man named John Moore were arrested near Houston with approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a vehicle. Tracy Muse, believed to be a girlfriend of Jenifer, posted bond for the release of Lunn and Moore. Lunn and Moore returned to Maryland.
On October 20, 2012, Moore was fatally shot in the back of the head in Baltimore. According to the affidavit, his murder is believed to be related to the cocaine seizure.
On July 2, 2013, Arkansas Highway Patrol searched a vehicle transported by the Jenifer DTO from Baltimore to Houston by car carrier, while it was being driven back to Baltimore. From a hidden compartment in the rear of the vehicle, 23.8 kilograms of cocaine were seized. Following the seizure, Jenifer allegedly returned to using Lunn to transport cash and cocaine between Baltimore and Houston. Since August 2013, Lunn is believed to have made 30 trips between the cities, transporting cash and cocaine.
In June 2014, agents saw Simmons give Jenifer a black bag in a parking lot in Woodbridge, Virginia. Virginia State Police pulled Simmons over 60 miles away and seized two kilograms of cocaine from a black bag concealed in a hidden compartment in Simmons’ vehicle.
Jenifer owns World Fed Apparel, Inc., a clothing store in Baltimore. Jenifer is also a co-owner of Flavor Factory, LLC, which is believed to own an ice cream franchise in Baltimore.
Jenifer and his companies currently own the following vehicles:
2013 Rolls Royce Ghost valued at $296,000,
2014 Ferrari 458 Italia valued at $271,000,
2014 BMW M6 valued at $113,925,
2015 Ford F-250 truck valued at $56,000,and a 2012 Acura ZDX, a 2010 Honda Crosstour, a 2006 Acura and a 2009 GMC Denali truck. Jenifer kept some high end vehicles at a storage unit in Laurel, Maryland. Brewer allegedly bought a 2014 Mercedes S63 AMG, worth approximately $156,900.
The defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The defendants had their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, Virginia and Texas last week. Hegie and Clark consented to detention. A detention hearing was held on October 14, 2014, in federal court in Baltimore for Lunn and she is detained. A detention hearing in federal court in Baltimore is scheduled for Jenifer, Allen and Brewer on October 16, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively, and for Muse on October 17 at 10:00 a.m. Williams is detained until arrangements are completed for his release on home detention with electronic monitoring. Simmons is in custody in the Eastern District of Virginia. No date has been set for a hearing for him in Maryland.
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 DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation and Baltimore City and County Police Departments for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Marshal Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for their assistance in the execution of the search and arrest warrants, and the Virginia State Police who assisted with the June 2014 seizure of cocaine.
Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys John W. Sippel, Jr. and Scott A. Lemmon, who are prosecuting the case, and expressed his appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Texas and the Southern District of New York for their assistance in the prosecution of this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Case.
Columbia Businessman Admits to Using Client Money for His Own Illegal BenefitRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Pedro Santiago, age 43, of Columbia, Maryland pleaded guilty today to wire fraud in connection with two fraud schemes in which he illegally used $282,000 of his clients’ money.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, from February 2009 to January 2010, Santiago engaged in two separate fraud schemes, holding himself out in both schemes as a managing partner and business consultant for DST Services, located at 7500 Greenway Center Drive in Greenbelt, Maryland. DST Services was not registered to do business in Maryland.
In the first scheme, Santiago promised that he would obtain a business line of credit for a victim of between $550,000 and $750,000, if the victim paid Santiago $20,500. On February 12, 2009, Santiago caused to be wired $20,500 from the victim’s bank account in California into Santiago’s account in Maryland. Instead of obtaining the line of credit for the victim, Santiago spent the money on himself and others.
In the second scheme, Santiago promised victims that if they loaned him money, or invested with him, he would broker a deal involving crude oil or other commodities in which the victims would receive a return on their loan or investment. Santiago caused five victims to wire transfer or send by check a total of $261,500. Instead of using the money to broker deals involving commodities, Santiago used the money for himself or others.
Santiago faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Santiago has agreed to forfeit and pay restitution of $282,000, the total loss under both schemes. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz scheduled his sentencing for January 27, 2015, at 2:15 p.m.
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 Nicolas A. Mitchell, who is prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Couple Plead Guilty to Armed Robbery of A Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
Also Admitted to Robbing Three More Convenience Stores at Gunpoint
Baltimore, Maryland – Brandon Ferrell, age 23, and Stephanie Amber Smith, age 24, both of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to an armed robbery of a convenience store on September 27, 2013, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The couple admitted that they also committed three other armed convenience store robberies two days later.The guilty pleas 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; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.
According to their plea agreements, on September 27, 2013, Ferrell and Smith stole approximately $160 from a convenience store located in the 3500 block of Boston Street in Baltimore. Ferrell entered the store first, grabbed an iced-tea and walked to the counter. Then Smith entered the store, pointed a semi-automatic pistol at the clerk, and demanded money. Ferrell removed the money from the cash drawer located behind the counter. Ferrell and Smith then fled the store.
Ferrell and Smith robbed three other convenience stores at gunpoint on September 29, 2013.
Ferrell, Smith and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts their plea agreements, Ferrell will be sentenced to 22 years in prison, and Smith will be sentenced to 13 years in prison. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. has scheduled sentencing for Ferrell on December 17 and Smith on December 18, 2014, both at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney James G. Warwick, who is prosecuting the case.
Serial Armed Robber Exiled to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Perpetrator of 13 Robberies or Attempted Robberies Has “Committed his Last Robbery”
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced John Joseph Wilson, age 54, of Dundalk, Maryland today to 30 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for armed robbery of a bank and post office, and the use of a firearm during a robbery. Judge Russell also ordered Wilson to pay restitution of $48,818.01.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; Postal Inspector in Charge Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Harford County Sheriff L. Jesse Bane; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Harford County State’s Attorney Joseph I. Cassilly.
“If we are serious about reducing gun crime, we need to be serious about sentencing armed criminals to long terms in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Hopefully John Joseph Wilson has committed his last armed robbery.”
According to his plea agreement, from July 2010 to October 2013, Wilson robbed or attempted to rob: four banks on eight occasions, one post office on three occasions and a supermarket on two occasions. These robberies occurred primarily in Harford and Baltimore Counties, and total $49,046.17. In all but one robbery, Wilson pointed a firearm at an employee. During his final robbery, Wilson shot at a citizen who was chasing him.
Beginning on July 22, 2010, Wilson stole $6,883.50 from the Mars Supermarket located on Philadelphia Road in Baltimore, after pointing a semi-automatic handgun at a clerk and taking money from her cash drawer. Wilson returned to the same store on August 27, 2010 and robbed the same clerk with the same gun, stealing $6,064.01.
On September 30, 2010, Wilson pointed a pistol at a bank clerk and stole $8,297 from a cash drawer at Madison Square Federal Savings Bank in Fallston, Maryland. When Wilson returned to the bank on October 9th, the employees recognized him from the earlier robbery and refused to let him enter the bank. Wilson pointed a handgun at the employees before fleeing.
A couple years later, on November 5, 2012, Wilson used a short-barreled shotgun to steal $4,116.66 from the BB&T Bank in Fallston.
Wilson used the revolver or shotgun to steal $490 from the Benson Post Office on Connolly Road in Fallston on December 12, 2012; $8,684 from Sovereign Bank on Emmorton Road in Bel Air, Maryland on December 17, 2012; and $8,960 from the same Sovereign Bank on January 4, 2013.
Wilson returned to the same BB&T Bank in Fallston on February 4, 2013 and stole $930. This time, instead of displaying a gun, Wilson showed a bank clerk his cell phone to display his demands for “Large bills” and “no dye pack.”
On April 27, 2013, after initially being thwarted from entering the Sovereign Bank on Emmorton Road in Bel Air, Wilson returned to the Benson Post Office. Using a revolver, he forced a postal clerk to open a safe. He took $821 from the safe and cash drawers.
On September 6, 2013, Wilson stole $3,800 from the Liberty Federal Savings and Loan Association Bank on Belair Road in Bel Air, after pointing a gun at an employee.
Finally, on October 5, 2013, Wilson again robbed the Benson Post Office. When the postal clerk saw Wilson’s gun, she fled to a business next door. The proprietor of that business chased Wilson, who turned and fired one shot toward the proprietor before fleeing away from the area. Postal Inspectors and Maryland State Police processed the crime scene at the Benson Post Office and developed evidence that assisted in the identification of Wilson as a suspect.
Wilson was arrested on October 9, 2013. The revolver and shotgun used in all but one of the robberies were recovered.United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Maryland State Police, Baltimore County Police Department, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore City, County and Harford County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney P. Michael Cunningham, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore School Police Officer Sentenced to Two Years in Prison in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Napoleon McLain, Jr., age 31, of Randallstown, Maryland today to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. McLain was an officer with the Baltimore City School Police Force (BCSPF). BCSPF officers are granted police privileges to carry firearms and conduct arrests within the City of Baltimore.
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.“It is shocking when a police officer is caught selling illegal drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Fortunately there is no evidence that the defendant distributed drugs to school students.”
According to his plea agreement, from no later than December 2012 to August 2013, while he was employed as a BCSPF officer, McLain was a member of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. McLain bought multiple ounces of cocaine base at a time from his suppliers, which he sold to others. On four occasions between December 2012 and August 2013, McLain sold a total of approximately 150 grams of cocaine base to a confidential source for $9,800.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney David I. Sharfstein, who prosecuted the case.Baltimore Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of A GunRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Deandre Murphy, age 31, of Baltimore, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.
According to his plea agreement, Baltimore City Police officers were patrolling the Cherry Hill area of Baltimore when they saw Murphy, who was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. That seemed unusual to the officers since the temperature was about 90 degrees. Due to recent violence in the area, the officers approached Murphy to speak with him. As they approached from the rear, the officers saw the handle of handgun in Murphy’s pants. Murphy was not aware of the officers’ presence at that time.
One of the officers put his hand over the handle of the handgun and yelled “gun” for the protection of the other officers. Murphy struggled with the officers, but was subdued and the handgun, a .22 caliber pistol, fell from his waistband area. Murphy had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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 Assistant United States Attorney A. David Copperthite, who prosecuted the case.
Get Away Driver Pleads Guilty to Three Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Committed Three Bank Robberies While on Supervised Release for Previous Gun Convictions
Greenbelt, Maryland – Dillian Nathaniel Tucker, age 36, of Greenbelt, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to three bank robberies.
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; and Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to Tucker’s plea agreement, on April 6, Tucker drove himself and co-defendant Reginald Lasley to a SunTrust bank in Landover, Maryland. Lasley entered the bank, presented the teller with a note demanding money and took $4,810. Lasley got into the black van being driven by Tucker and they left the scene. On April 9 Tucker drove himself and Lasley to a Sun Trust Bank in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in the same black van. Lasley again presented the teller with a note demanding money and stole $5,370, leaving the area in the van driven by Tucker.Two days later, on April 11, 2012, Tucker drove himself and Lasley in the same black van to the M&T Bank, in Largo, Maryland. Tucker entered the bank, approached a teller window, and asked for change. Tucker then exited the bank and advised Lasley to enter the bank to rob it. Several minutes later, Lasley entered the bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller complied and Lasley stole $1,390. Lasley exited the bank, got into the black van, and Tucker drove away from the bank.
Later on April 11, 2012, Prince George’s County police officers saw the black van and attempted to pull it over. Tucker, who was still driving the van, made a quick U-turn and attempted to flee. After a short chase, Tucker stopped the van, and Tucker and Lasley attempted to run away. Police officers caught and arrested Tucker immediately. Lasley was caught later that day, and law enforcement officers recovered from Lasley a robbery demand note and the money stolen earlier from the M&T Bank. Officers also recovered from the black van another robbery demand note and the hat and shirt that Lasley wore during the M&T bank robbery.
Tucker committed each of the robberies while on supervised release in connection with firearm convictions in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.
Tucker and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea, Tucker will be sentenced to 92 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte previously sentenced Reginald Anthony Lasley, age 42, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to a total of 18 years in prison - 16 years for the robbery of a store and three bank robberies and an additional two years in prison for violating his supervised release in connection with previous federal bank robbery convictions. Judge Messitte also ordered Lasley to pay restitution of $29,150.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam K. Ake, who is prosecuting the case.
Former Postal Service Employee Indicted for Scheme to Defraud the Workers Compensation ProgramRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted Larosa Bolton, age 53, of Laurel, Maryland, today on charges of theft of government property and making false claims in connecting with fraudulent claims for medical travel expenses.The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Paul Bowman of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge Bill Jones, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations.
According to the indictment, Bolton was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a city carrier at the Laurel post office. Between 1993 and 1998, she sustained three separate injuries, all of which qualified her to receive workers compensation benefits. As part of the program, beneficiaries, such as Bolton, are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses to and from medical appointments related to the relevant injury, even if the employee returns to work. Bolton began receiving workers compensation benefits in 2001.
The two-count indictment alleges that between January 2008 and July 2014, Bolton received compensation for travel expenses for medical care relating to one of Bolton’s injury claims. Specifically, Bolton submitted vouchers for travel expenses for 1,170 trips for medical care. The indictment alleges that 89 of those trips were for medical care, but no medical care occurred for the remaining 1,081 trips that Bolton claimed. As a result of the fraudulent vouchers submitted by Bolton, the indictment alleges that she was paid at least $96,563.26 in reimbursement for travel to which she was not entitled and the indictment seeks forfeiture in that amount.
Bolton faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for theft of government property and for making a false statement. No court appearance has been scheduled for Bolton.
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 Department of Labor- Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Hollis Raphael Weisman, who is prosecuting the case.
Stockbroker Indicted for Scheme to Defraud Clients of More Than $1 MillionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Gary Clark Steciuk, age 39, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Heber Springs, Arkansas, today on charges of mail fraud, securities fraud and money laundering, related to a scheme to defraud his clients of more than $1 million.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.
According to the five count indictment Steciuk was a stockbroker, who worked primarily out of his home in Buffalo Grove. Steciuk was authorized to sell securities, such as stocks, bonds, option, mutual funds and variable annuities. In approximately 2009, Steciuk established a business, College Funding Solutions, ostensibly to provide investment advice to clients interested in investing and saving for college expenses, and opened a business bank account in the name of the business.
The indictment alleges that from January 2008 through August 2014, Steciuk embezzled funds from his clients’ investment accounts. These accounts were established and funded with client retirement funds and were maintained by the issuers of the annuities. The indictment alleges that Steciuk used a variety of methods to embezzle the funds. For example, Steciuk allegedly submitted forged forms to change his clients’ address at the firm that issued the annuities to a post office box in Hampstead, Maryland, that Steciuk controlled, then directed the firm to send funds from his clients’ accounts by check to the post office box. Steciuk then allegedly forged the clients’ signatures on the back of the check, which were in the clients’ names, and deposited the checks into bank accounts he controlled. In addition, the indictment alleges that: Steciuk created fraudulent and unauthorized loans from the clients’ annuities for his benefit; used forged transfer forms and forged checks to make unauthorized withdrawals; and liquidated the annuities in their entirety and stole the proceeds.
The total loss resulting from the fraudulent scheme is alleged to be at least $1,064,501, and the indictment seeks forfeiture of that amount, as well as property in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Westminster, Maryland and Maui, Hawaii.
Steciuk faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for mail fraud, each of three counts of securities fraud and for money. An initial appearance is scheduled for October 10, 2014, in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. Steciuk is detained.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
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. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Bockin, who is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Howard County Bloods Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
19 Defendants Have Pleaded Guilty to Federal Racketeering and Drug Conspiracies
Baltimore, Maryland – Anthony Preston, a/k/a “40,” or “Tone,” age 27, of Laurel, in Howard County Maryland, pleaded guilty today to 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 guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; 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 has supported fellow incarcerated gang members, participated in gang meetings and discussions regarding gang sanctions, and planned retaliation against gang members suspected of cooperation. 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 oxycocone, 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.
Preston and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Preston will be sentenced to 20 years in prison. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2015, at 11:30 a.m.
To date, 19 defendants have pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering and drug conspiracies. Judge Russell has sentenced co-defendants Michael Dominique Johnson, a/k/a "Ace", age 20, of Columbia, Maryland to 205 months in prison and Kenneth Ragan-Armstrong, a/k/a "Keezy," age 23, of Savage and Laurel, Maryland, to 193 months in prison; and David Jerome Robertson, age 23, of Columbia, Maryland to 81 months in prison. Co-defendants Giovanni Wright, a/k/a "G," age 22, of Elkridge, Maryland, Ryan Gladden, a/k/a "Fats," age 26, and Kyle Austin, a/k/a "Fowdy," age 23, pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2015; December 12, 2014; and December 22, 2014, respectively.
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 are prosecuting the case.Defense Contractor Agrees to Pay $13.7 Million to Settle Allegations of OverbillingRead the Press Release
Baltimore – DRS Technical Services, Inc. has agreed to pay $13.7 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by overbilling the government for work performed by DRS personnel who lacked the job qualifications required by contract.The settlement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Attorney General Joyce R. Branda for the Justice Department’s Civil Division; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office, an investigative arm of the Department of Defense – OIG; Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit; and the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), an audit arm of the Department of Defense;.
“Companies that submit false bills to the government must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.
“Contractors that fail to provide qualified labor as promised are not entitled to bill the government as though they had,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Joyce R. Branda for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will pursue contractors that claim taxpayer funds to which they are not entitled.”DRS Technical Services, Inc. (DRS) is principally located in Herndon, Virginia and is a subsidiary of DRS Defense Solutions LLC. DRS designs, integrates, operates and maintains satellite and wireless network solutions and telecommunication services and security systems for government and private sector customers. DRS C3 & Aviation Company, which is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is an indicrect subsidiary of DRS and provides services to government agencies, including aircraft maintenance, logistics and depot support, and engineering support. Between March 2003 and December 31, 2012, DRS and its predecessors were awarded time and materials contracts for services and supplies to be provided to the Army’s Communication and Electronics Command (CECOM) in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to the Coast Guard for aircraft maintenance.
The government contends that from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2012, DRS billed CECOM for work performed by individuals whose job qualifications did not meet all the qualifications prescribed by the contracts for the labor categories under which their efforts were billed, thereby falsely increasing the amount of money DRS claimed and CECOM paid. Similarly, from December 19, 2009 to December 18, 2011, the government contends that DRS charged the Coast Guard’s Aviation Logistics Center for work performed by individuals whose job qualifications did not meet the qualifications prescribed by the contract, again, thereby inflating the cost of the services provided.
“This settlement is yet another example of the tenacity and hard work of our Army CID agents,” said Director Frank Robey of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Major Procurement Fraud Unit (MPFU). “It is a testament to MPFU's continued resolve to hold companies accountable for the work they do for the U.S. government.”
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
The settlement was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the Justice Department’s Civil Division, DCAA, DCIS and the Army’s CID Investigative Command’s MPFU. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tarra DeShields handled the case.Prior Felon Exiled to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Dealing and Possessing A GunRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Vyron A. Cox, Jr., age 28, of Washington, D.C., today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a gun and possession with intent to distribute 5.45 grams of marijuana.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.
According to his plea agreement, on December 27, 2012, Prince George’s County Police officers in the area of 2400 Chillum Road in Hyattsville, Maryland saw Cox repeatedly getting in and out of several cars, leading officers to suspect that Cox was involved in drug dealing. Marked patrol units were called to the scene and an officer approached Cox who was inside a car. As the officer approached the car, Cox got out and began to walk away. Cox ignored police requests to stop, and kept reaching for his front pockets and waistband.
Officers also saw a black object in Cox’s right hand. They ordered Cox to stop and lay down. Cox held his hand under his body, resting on his waistband. From that area, officers seized a loaded, black handgun. They also seized 12 plastic bags of marijuana from Cox’s front pants pocket and additional plastic bags of marijuana from the car. The bags contained a total of 5.45 grams of marijuana. Prior to this time, Cox had been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department, Maryland Attorney General’s Office and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to Exile cases, and Assistant United States Attorney Kelly O'Connell Hayes, who prosecuted the case.
Former Maryland Licensed Counselor Indicted for Sexually Exploiting an Infant in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
Federal Search Warrant for Email and Analysis of Cell Phone Lead to Charges for Abuse of Helpless Infant; Sent Videos and Images Using Messaging App
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Stephen H. Schaffner, age 34, of Greensboro, Maryland, yesterday on charges arising from the sexual abuse of a six week old baby who was born prematurely. The indictment alleges that Schaffner conspired with Michael Lutts, age 50, of San Diego, California, to abuse a six-week-old foster child and transmit recorded images and videos of the abuse to Schaffner. Lutts is facing federal charges in San Diego related to his conduct and the investigation is continuing.Anyone who may have information related to the investigation of Stephen Schaffner is asked to contact the FBI at 410-265-8080.
The indictment 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; Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Howe of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – San Diego Division; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, 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.“Thankfully, most technology companies continue to honor federal search warrants and most cellular phones can be searched with a warrant,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “If telecommunications companies provide software and hardware that is immune from federal search warrants, pedophiles will be free to commit such egregious crimes with little risk of detection.”
According to the 10 count indictment, Schaffner was a licensed clinical professional counselor in Maryland until his license was suspended on June 14, 2014. Schaffner was also a licensed associate counselor in Arizona until his Arizona license expired in 2011.
The indictment alleges that Michael Lutts lived in San Diego, California and worked as a pediatric nurse at a hospital in San Diego County. Lutts was also a foster parent. On August 4, 2014, Lutts brought to his home a six week old baby boy, born prematurely, who was placed in his care as a foster child. That evening, Lutts, in California, texted Schaffner, in Maryland, images of the infant. Over the next several hours, Schaffner allegedly exchanged numerous graphic and sexually explicit messages with Lutts about Lutts engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the infant. Lutts sent Schaffner videos with the infant, including images of an adult performing oral sex on the infant. Schaffner is alleged to have directed Lutts to sexually abuse the infant in order to produce sexually explicit images and videos and send them to Shaffner.A criminal complaint filed in California alleges that authorities obtained a federal search warrant in April 2014 for an email address of a person who was distributing child pornography, which led them to other suspects who were transmitting child pornography. On August 26, 2014, authorities obtained a search warrant for Lutts’s residence and seized a cell phone that contained images and videos of Lutts allegedly sexually molesting the infant.
Schaffner faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison for the conspiracy and for each of nine counts of sexually exploiting a child, followed by up to lifetime supervised release,. On October 1, 2014, Schaffner had his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore and was detained.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was 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.Elkton Drug Dealer and Philadelphia Supplier Each Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Heroin Organization Operated in Cecil County, Maryland, and in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Michael Roberts, a/k/a “Spook,” age 27, of Elkton, Maryland today to 10 years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.Yesterday, Judge Blake sentenced co-defendant Jorge Ayala-Pizzaro, age 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the same charge.
The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Special Agent in Charge David G. Dongilli, Philadelphia Division of the DEA; Cecil County Sheriff Barry A. Janney, Sr.; Chief Matthew Donnelly of the Elkton Police Department; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Cecil County State’s Attorney Ellis Rollins; and Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr. of the Delaware State Police.
According to his plea agreement, since at least December 2012, Roberts worked with Rachine Garnett to distribute the bulk quantities of heroin that Garnett obtained from sources in Philadelphia and New York, including co-defendants Jorge Ayala-Pizarro and Luis Lugo-Santiago. Law enforcement intercepted numerous calls between Roberts and Garnett. Generally, Garnett would contact Roberts to let him know he was ready to resupply Roberts with heroin. In addition to discussing drug transactions, Garnett and Roberts would discuss the location of police officers in the area to help avoid detection by law enforcement.According to Ayala-Pizzaro’s plea agreement, he obtained kilograms of heroin, then took the bulk heroin to an apartment rented by Lugo-Santiago, where he and his co-conspirators cut it and repackaged it for further distribution. The heroin was sold to customers in Maryland and Delaware, including Rachine Garnett. Garnett would contact Lugo-Santiago to obtain heroin or provide cash for prior heroin purchases. Lugo-Santiago arranged a meeting with Ayala-Pizzaro or another associate. Garnett would meet Ayala-Pizzaro and others in Philadelphia where he would obtain a new supply of heroin and/or drop off the cash. Garnett and Ayala-Pizzaro had vehicles with hidden compartments where they could store either heroin or money. Often to exchange drugs, money or both, they would simply switch vehicles when they met. Over the course of a seven month wiretap, investigators identified 59 money deliveries from Garnett totaling $1,668,510, for the purchase of approximately 8.98 kilograms of heroin.
Ayala-Pizzarro also handled the transport of heroin and money to and from customers in Delaware, and was overheard by law enforcement discussing drug transactions and the finances of the organization.
On August 15, 2013, investigators executed a search warrant at Ayala-Pizzaro’s apartment and recovered drug paraphernalia, packaging material and $5,329 in cash. A search of Ayala-Pizzaro’s vehicle recovered over a kilogram of heroin packaged in a number of clear plastic baggies from a hidden compartment.
Roberts and Ayala-Pizzaro admitted that over the course of the conspiracy they were responsible for the distribution of at least 400 grams and 10 kilograms of heroin, respectively.
Seven defendants have pleaded guilty to their participation in the heroin conspiracy. Judge Blake sentenced Rachine Huron Garnett, a/k/a “Sheen,” “Red,” “Ray,” and “Blockhead,” age 38, of Elkton, Maryland, to 10 years in prison and sentenced Abel Nunez-Reyes, age 30, of Philadelphia, and Barry Jenkins, Jr., age 24, of Elkton, each to two years in prison. Orlando Nunez De Leon, age 37, of New York, New York, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31, 2014, and Luis Lugo-Santiago, a/k/a “Papi,” and “Andres Galvez,” age 39, also of New York, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5, 2014.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, Cecil County Drug Task Force, and Delaware State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein also recognized the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Delaware, Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York and the New York Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark and James G. Warwick, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.National Institute of Justice Awards Nearly $2 Million to Baltimore County Public Schools to Support School Safety ResearchRead the Press Release
Baltimore – The Office of Justice Programs’ National Institute of Justice (NIJ) today announced it has awarded the Baltimore County Public Schools and its research partner, the University of Maryland at Baltimore, $1,965,158 to study school safety by focusing on students with emotional and behavioral health issues. NIJ received more than 100 applications from school districts and their research partners around the country, and made 15 awards to the highest scoring, most relevant and rigorous studies.Schools across the country are struggling with how to formulate comprehensive and effective programs to address the mental health needs of students and thereby help preserve school safety. The study in Baltimore, known as “Promoting School Safety: A Comprehensive Emotional and Behavioral Health Model,” will employ a randomized controlled study design involving 44 schools to evaluate the impact of a new comprehensive emotional and behavioral health crisis response and prevention (EBH-CRP) intervention on school safety. This project will build on existing school and community resources to implement a streamlined emotional and behavioral health crisis response and prevention protocol and comprehensive continuum of services, including universal prevention, early identification, assessment and service linkage, crisis response and post-crisis relapse prevention. The research conducted by the University of Maryland at Baltimore will generate evidence about the effectiveness of a large-scale, multifaceted, mental-health-focused intervention.
Nationally, NIJ awarded nearly $63 million to school districts and research organizations through the Comprehensive School Safety Initiative (CSSI) to fund 24 research projects under two different solicitations. The first, “Investigator-Initiated Research,” includes nine awards to research organizations totaling more than $18 million. The Baltimore County Schools was awarded money under the second solicitation, “Developing Knowledge about What Works to Make Schools Safe,” under which NIJ provided more than $45 million to 15 school districts and their research partners. CSSI is a large-scale, multi-agency research effort to build knowledge about effective approaches to increasing school safety nationwide.
“We know a great deal about how to make schools safe in general but very little about the specifics for various settings and populations,” said Dr. William J. Sabol, Acting Director of NIJ. “With this $63 million investment, the nation will gain an understanding of school safety that is scientifically sound, practical, and that can be easily interpreted and used by schools.”
President Obama’s January 2013 plan to end gun violence emphasized keeping guns out of potentially dangerous hands and recognized that additional actions are needed to make our schools safer. CSSI was launched in early 2014 in response to a Congressional request for a broad, research-based effort to increase safety in the nation’s schools.
The initiative has three primary goals: to collect national-level data; to convene stakeholders to identify and share best practices; and to conduct innovative research and evaluate pilot projects in school districts. The programs and policies within CSSI are designed to produce evidence about what works in such areas of school safety as effectiveness of school resource officers and mental health professionals, violence and bullying reduction, and effectiveness of such restorative justice interventions as youth courts. The initiative will also examine potential unintended consequences of school safety efforts, including the excessive use of exclusionary discipline and arrests of students.
Although NIJ has primary responsibility for CSSI, the program is a collaborative effort among more than 20 federal partners, including the Departments of Justice, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and the Treasury. This partnership will allow the federal government to make a significant impact on school safety by investing limited funds in research that has practical applications for every school in the nation. By determining what interventions work best for specific schools and students, CSSI will provide professionals with a body of knowledge to help them make decisions about which programs will be most effective — and most cost effective — for their particular schools and their challenges.
A list of the awards and more information about CSSI are available at www.nij.gov, keywords: “School Safety.”
Convenience Store Operator Sentenced to 46 Months for Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
Last of Ten Store Owners Indicted in September
Sentenced for $1.2 Million in Fraud
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Abdo Mohamed Nagi, age 55, a citizen of Yemen residing in Baltimore, today to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for two counts of food stamp fraud and six counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash. Judge Motz also entered an order that Nagi forfeit $1.2 million which he had illegally obtained from the food stamp program.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William G. Squires, Jr. of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.“Abdo Mohamed Nagi collected $1,200,000 from the USDA food stamp program without providing any food,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “He distributed $600,000 in cash to the ‘recipients’ and put $600,000 in cash into his own pocket.”
Nagi entered his guilty plea on the first day of his trial on July 21, 2014. According to the indictment to which he pleaded guilty, Nagi owned and operated New York Deli and Grocery, located at 1207 West Baltimore Street, in Baltimore. Through the store, Nagi participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program. In Maryland, the program provides eligible individuals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card called the Independence Card, which operates like a debit card. Recipients obtain EBT cards through the state Department of Human Resources, then use the EBT card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers.
Nagi knew that it was a violation of SNAP regulations to trade cash for SNAP benefits. Nevertheless, from February 2011 through May 2013, Nagi exchanged SNAP benefits for cash at less than face value of the EBT benefits, in violation of the food stamp program rules. Typically, Nagi and kept up to 50 percent of the benefits for himself. To avoid detection, Nagi often debited funds in multiple transactions within minutes of each other. As a result of these illegal cash transactions, Nagi admitted that he obtained more than $1.2 million for food sales that never occurred.
Nagi split the proceeds with the SNAP recipients, keeping approximately $600,000 in illegal profits for himself and distributing $600,000 in cash to recipients.
In separate cases, all 10 convenience store owners or operators indicted in September 2013 in connection with schemes to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash have pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud and/or wire fraud, and all have sentenced to up to 38 months in prison. These defendants were also ordered to pay forfeiture of up to $371,439.21, and/or restitution of up to $1.4 million.
Two more retailers, Abdulmalik Abdulla, age 37, and Ahmed Mohssen, age 54, both of Baltimore, were indicted in January 2014. A federal jury convicted them of food stamp fraud and wire fraud on August 8, 2014, following a four day trial. They are scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2014.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised USDA’s Office of Inspector General and FBI for their work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Rosenstein expressed appreciation to Secretary Ted Dallas and the Maryland Department of Human Resources, as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their assistance in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Leo J. Wise, who prosecuted this case.
Conspirators Exiled to at Least 11 Years in Prison on Drug, Robbery and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow today sentenced Antonio Edwards, age 41, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, to 20 years in prison, followed by eight years of supervised release; and sentenced co-defendants Shane Elliott Hare, age 27, of Hyattsville, Maryland, to 11 years in prison, and Gregory Antoine Williams, age 28, of Washington, D.C., to 150 months in prison, each followed by five years of supervised release. Edwards, Hare, and Williams were convicted at trial on July 27, 2014 of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to carry and use firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking; and carry and use of firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking. Edwards was also convicted of possession of ammunition by a felon.The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.
According to the evidence presented at their nine-day trial, from May 9 to 16, 2013, Shane Hare, Antonio Edwards, Gregory Williams and co-defendant Marvin Bowden, conspired to rob drug dealers operating in Baltimore, Maryland, and sell over five kilograms of cocaine, using firearms. Witnesses testified that on May 9, 2013, the co-conspirators were introduced to an undercover agent who proposed robbing a stash house. The conspirators agreed to commit the robbery and intended to resell the stolen narcotics to customers in the Prince George’s County and Washington Metropolitan area.
According to trial testimony, on May 14, 2013, the conspirators met again with the undercover agent and outlined their plan to carry guns and execute the robbery soon after the undercover agent entered the stash house. The conspirators told the undercover agent that they would wear black clothing with police insignias as disguises and yell “Police” upon entering. On May 16th, the conspirators left the hotel room they used to prepare for the robbery and drove to the location where they planned to commit the robbery. The conspirators were arrested, and law enforcement seized two loaded pistols from under and in the car used by the conspirators.
Co-conspirator Marvin Bowden, Jr., age 31, of Colmar Manor, Maryland, was sentenced on July 21, 2014, to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and for conspiracy to carry and use firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department and Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorneys Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to Exile cases, and Jennifer Sykes, a prosecutor with the Department of Justice Criminal Division, who prosecuted the case.Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Conspiracy and Is Sentenced to 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Travis Lamont Foote, a/k/a “Cash,” age 31, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Bredar ordered that upon his release from prison, Foote 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 guilty plea and sentence were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to Foote’s plea agreement, from September through November 2012, Foote used social media sites to persuade and entice females to work for him in his prostitution business. For example, in September 2012, Foote contacted an 18 year old woman living in Florida (Jane Doe 1) on Facebook, using a female online identity he created using the name “Cash Treasure.” Jane Doe 1 had dropped out of high school and was trying to get back into school or find employment. Foote, using the “Cash Treasure” persona, told Jane Doe 1 that “she” knew someone who would be able to assist her. Foote then reached out to Jane Doe 1, as a friend of “Cash Treasure,” stating that he could help Jane Doe 1 to get back into high school and get a diploma, but it would require her to move to Baltimore. After Jane Doe 1 agreed, Foote paid for an airline ticket for Jane Doe 1 to fly from Florida to Baltimore sometime in September.
Foote met Jane Doe 1 at the airport and drove her to a motel in Catonsville, where he had rented four rooms, three of which were occupied by other females. It was then that Jane Doe 1 learned that Foote was running a prostitution business and the he expected Jane Doe 1 to work for him, engaging in sex with men for money for Foote’s benefit. At first Jane Doe 1 refused, but eventually she agreed and began having sex with men for money, with all of the proceeds going to Foote.
During this time, Foote was using internet websites to advertise the women, including “Malaysia,” and “Mercedez,” who was Jane Doe 1, as available for prostitution. On November 14, 2012, an undercover detective from the Baltimore County Police Department Vice Unit called the number on one of the advertisements to schedule a “date” with “Malaysia.” The undercover detective met Malaysia at the agreed upon time and place. Malaysia was arrested. Officers located and arrested Jane Doe 1 in the hallway. She was holding a baby monitor which was receiving a live video of the interior of Malaysia’s room, where police had conducted the undercover operation. Officers also located and attempted to arrest Foote but he struggled and ran away.
Foote was arrested on May 16, 2013, after a Baltimore County Police officer conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in which Foote was a passenger. In addition to Foote and the driver, there was an 18 year old female, Jane Doe 2, riding in the vehicle. Jane Doe 2 was listed in police records as a possible runaway. Foote and the driver were on their way back to a motel after taking Jane Doe 2 on an “out-call,” taking her to meet a man who paid to have sex with her. Two other females were located at the motel who worked as prostitutes for Foote and the driver. Jane Doe 2 and the other two females were advertised for prostitution on an internet website, and stated that they gave their earnings to Foote, the driver and another person.
Foote admitted that Jane Doe 2 began working for him in April 2013 and had approximately 100 “dates” with men for money that was provided to Foote. In May 2013, Jane Doe 2 tried to leave the motel after refusing a request from one of the men. Foote pursued her into the hallway and stairwell and physically fought with Jane Doe 2, returning her to the motel room by physical force.
This case was investigated by the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders. Members include federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members. For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/priorities_human.html.
Report suspected instances of human trafficking to HSI's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Judson T. Mihok, who is prosecuting the case.
Perry Hall Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in A Conspiracy to Defraud the City of BaltimoreRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - Robert Johnson, age 33, of Perry Hall, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, related to a scheme to defraud the City of Baltimore through the reissuance of fraudulent checks for pay and benefits.The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Robert H. Pearre, Jr., Inspector General, City of Baltimore Office of Inspector General; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.
According to his guilty plea and court documents, Robert Johnson was employed in the Consumer Relations Service of the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Johnson admitted that from July 11, 2013 through August 2, 2013, he and his co-conspirator, who was employed as an accountant in the Finance Department of the City of Baltimore, conspired to defraud the City of Baltimore. During the time of the conspiracy, Baltimore City employees who left their employment were entitled to a lump sum check of any pay and benefits for which they qualified. Johnson and his co-conspirator used the financial and identity information of former employees to request fraudulent employee benefit payout checks, which Johnson then deposited into his personal account and used for the benefit of the conspirators.
According to his plea agreement, Johnson’s co-conspirator identified individuals who had received and cashed large lump sum payments and then requested that such checks be reissued, as if they had not been received. These duplicate checks were printed at the Baltimore City Finance Office, where the co-conspirator stole the checks. The co-conspirator delivered the checks to Johnson, endorsed “Pay to the Order of Robert Johnson,” purportedly signed by the recipient. Johnson endorsed and cashed the checks, and deposited the proceeds into a bank account he controlled. Johnson used the funds for his own purposes and to fund meals and other purchases for the benefit of his co-conspirator.
For example, on July 11, 2013, Johnson deposited a check made out to Victim 1, in the amount of $14,741.09, and fraudulently endorsed to Johnson with a forged signature of Victim 1. On July 31, 2013, Johnson deposited a check made out to Victim 2, in the amount of $58,485.91. Again, the check was endorsed to Johnson with a forged signature of Victim 2. Both victims had previously received and cashed their initial lump sum payment checks and the duplicate checks were issued and endorsed to Johnson without their knowledge or permission.
After Johnson attempted to wire some of the funds to pay off an account at a different financial institution, Johnson’s bank was alerted to the suspicious transactions and referred the matter to the City of Baltimore Office of the Inspector General, who sought the assistance of the Finance Department in determining the authenticity of the endorsements. Johnson’s co-conspirator was tasked with the investigation and notified Johnson of the problem. According to Johnson’s plea agreement, the co-conspirator attempted to derail the investigation and obtain release of the funds by the bank by claiming to have spoken with the check recipients, who confirmed that the endorsements were genuine. In fact, neither statement was true. Meanwhile, Johnson’s bank had reversed the deposits and returned the funds to the City of Baltimore, leaving a large deficit in Johnson’s account balance. Johnson obtained funds from his co-conspirator to repay the amount due.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Johnson fraudulently obtained between $70,000 and $120,000, all of which was ultimately recovered.
Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud conspiracy; and two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III has scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2015 at 11 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the Baltimore Office of Inspector General, Baltimore City Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tamera L. Fine and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Felsen, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney, who are prosecuting the case.
Delaware Man Indicted for Murder for HireRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted Marquis Antwan Mack, a/k/a “Ice,” and “Goldie,” age 31, of Dover, Delaware, today for use of the telephone and interstate travel in the commission of a murder for hire.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; and Chief Paul M. Bernat of the Dover Police Department.
The indictment alleges that from September 3, 2014 through September 12, 2014, Mack used his cellular telephone and traveled from Delaware to Maryland to arrange a murder for hire. According to indictment Mack allegedly agreed to pay $1,000 for the murder.
Mack faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for use of the telephone and interstate travel in the commission of a murder for hire. An initial appearance has not yet been scheduled. Mack remains detained.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised ATF Baltimore and its Delaware Field Offices, and the Dover Police Department, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel C. Gardner and Leah J. Bressack, who are prosecuting the case.
Conspirator Sentenced to over Four Years in Prison for Bank Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Stole Checks from Mailboxes
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Paul Essel, age 27, of Laurel, Maryland, today to 57 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with two bank fraud schemes. Judge Grimm also ordered Essel to pay forfeiture and restitution of $418,435.48.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Postal Inspector in Charge Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; John L. Phillips, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Michalko of the United States Secret Service – Washington Field Office.
“Stealing mail to commit identity theft and fraud not only jeopardizes people’s trust in the U.S. postal system, it threatens the overall financial health of our communities,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Gary Barksdale, U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division. “Today’s sentencing confirms that anyone using the U.S. Mail for criminal activity will be brought to justice and held accountable.”
According to his plea agreement, from June 14, 2010 to March 11, 2013, Essel and co-defendant Nelly Dadson opened bank accounts in their own names and in the names of shell corporations that they controlled. Essel and others used counterfeit checks that resembled convenience checks that had been stolen from mailboxes in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. The counterfeit checks contained names, addresses and account information that appeared on the convenience checks. Essel deposited these counterfeit checks into accounts controlled by the conspirators and then withdrew funds from the accounts. Essel also provided checks to Dadson with instructions to deposit these counterfeit checks into accounts that she controlled, withdraw the funds and provide the funds to Essel, for which Essel paid Dadson.
In addition, from June 14, 2010 to November 13, 2012, Essel and Dadson conspired to defraud Home Depot. On multiple occasions, a conspirator placed an order by phone with a Home Depot store for flooring in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $8,000, using a stolen credit card number. Within a few days, a conspirator called to cancel the order and supplied a debit card number of a conspirator, including Essel and Dadson, requesting that the refund for the order be placed on the conspirator’s debit card. At Essel’s request, Dadson received 38 credits to her bank accounts totaling approximately $141,159.07, which she then withdrew and provided to Essel. Essel paid Dadson $600 to $800 per transaction. Essel also received at least three credits to his bank accounts totaling approximately $8,902.96, which he withdrew.
The total loss caused by Essel’s conduct is between $400,000 and $1 million, and involved between 10 and 50 victims.
Nelly Dadson, age 24, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to her participation in the schemes and was sentenced to four years in prison, for conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Judge Grimm also ordered Dadson to forfeit and pay restitution of at least $251,745.52.
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. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Treasury – Office of Inspector General and U.S. Secret Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein praised Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Foreman, who prosecuted the case.
Calvert County Man Indicted on Drug Charges, Including the Distribution of Heroin Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted Russell Edward Johnson, age 23, of Lusby, Maryland, today on charges of drug distribution, including one count of distribution of heroin resulting in death.The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans; and Calvert County State’s Attorney Laura Martin.
“Heroin is quickly becoming the drug of choice, leaving in its wake countless victims who have succumbed to heroin related overdoses, and in some cases, death. Today, Mr. Johnson is charged with supplying heroin, causing the ultimate, tragic death of an innocent person. Heroin has claimed another casualty: a victim that could have been your brother, your father, or a friend,” said Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division. “This investigation was a collaborative effort of DEA and the United States Attorney’s Office, Calvert County Sheriff’s Department and the Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office. Together we send a message that drug dealers will pay the price for their acts. DEA will use all resources at its disposal to investigate and arrest those individuals whose only motivation is greed and who carry with them a complete disregard for human life.”
The four count indictment alleges that on April 10, 2013, Johnson possessed oxycodone with the intent to distribute and that on July 11 and July 18, 2013, Johnson distributed heroin. Finally, the indictment alleges that on July 18, 2013, Johnson distributed heroin and a person died as a result of using that heroin.
Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison for distribution of heroin resulting in death; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of the two counts of distribution of heroin and for possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute. An initial appearance has not yet been scheduled. Johnson is currently detained on related state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge of the Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Arun G. Rao and Daniel C. Gardner, who are prosecuting the case.
Waldorf Armed Career Criminal Exiled to over 17 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of A GunRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Louis Martin, age 51, of Waldorf, Maryland, today to 210 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A federal jury convicted Martin on April 9, 2014.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 and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Baltimore Field Office.
According to the evidence presented at Martin’s five-day trial, law enforcement intercepted numerous calls indicating that Martin was attempting to obtain a firearm, planning to commit a robbery, and participating in the re-sale of stolen items. Martin was a previously convicted felon and as a result, was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Witnesses testified that the investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at Martin’s residence on April 24, 2013. Martin was interviewed by FBI Special Agents who testified that Martin told them that he believed officers were at his home that morning because he told several people that he had been watching an armored truck and planned on robbing it. Martin also admitted to the agents that he had recently been trying to purchase a gun.
During the course of the search Martin left the residence to go to work. After Martin left, officers searched the second floor master bedroom, and discovered a loaded firearm folded within a stack of jeans in Louis Martin’s closet. Agents testified that they drove to Martin’s place of employment to interview him. When they informed Martin about the firearm recovered from his house, he admitted that he knew the gun was in his bedroom closet when the FBI searched his residence. Martin was arrested on May 1, 2013.
Martin was previously convicted of robbery; armed bank robbery; and bank robbery and use of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI’s Washington and Baltimore Field Offices for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Leah J. Bressack and Deborah A. Johnston, who prosecuted the case.
Temple Hills Bank Robber Sentenced to Six Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Pierre Ramone Washington, age 29, of Temple Hills, Maryland today to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for bank robbery. Chief Judge Chasanow also ordered Washington to pay restitution of $13,861.
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 Kevin Davis; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess; Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.
According to his plea agreement, between May 22 and September 26, 2013, Washington committed five bank robberies. In each case, Washington entered the bank and presented the teller with a note demanding money. Washington stole a total of $13,861.Specifically, Washington robbed: the Capital One Bank in the 11000 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, on May 22nd, stealing $3,109; the TD Bank in the 700 block of Crane Highway in Glen Burnie Maryland on June 27th, stealing $1,694; the Capital One Bank in the 21000 block of Frederick Road in Germantown, Maryland, on July 24th, stealing $5,700; the Bank of Glen Burnie in the 1200 block of Generals Highway in Crownsville, Maryland, on September 17th, stealing $2,298; and the SunTrust Bank in the 4600 block of Old Branch Avenue in Temple Hills, Maryland, on September 26th, stealing $430.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and the Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Prince George’s County State’s Attorneys’ Offices for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas A. Mitchell and Deborah A. Johnston, who prosecuted the case.
Lanham Man Sentenced to 45 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud Conspiracy Where He Took Control of Victim Bank AccountsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Baldwin Nnamdi Chukweum Osuji, age 26, of Lanham, Maryland, today to 45 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and for aggravated identity theft. Judge Motz also ordered Osuji to pay restitution of $128,256.21.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; and Postal Inspector in Charge Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.
According to his plea, from May 2011 through April 2013, Osuji participated in a scheme to defraud financial institutions by using victims’ personal identification information and impersonating the victims in phone calls with the bank. Specifically, Osuji called financial institutions and impersonated victims, using the victims’ personal information, which he obtained from a third party, to gain access to the victims’ bank accounts.
Once access was granted to victim bank accounts, Osuji changed the online identification and password and took over control of the bank account. Osuji obtained images of the victims’ checks online and used those images to reproduce fraudulent checks, using the bank account information of the victims as well as means of identification of the victims, for example, their names and signatures.
Osuji and others then deposited these fraudulent checks into bank accounts of co-conspirators, and using the co-conspirators’ personal information withdrew and attempted to withdraw cash from these accounts.
On April 5, 2013, a federal search warrant was executed at Osuji’s residence. Law enforcement recovered from his home and his computer various debit cards used in connection with the scheme, copies of fraudulent checks, check stock for making fraudulent checks, and documents detailing victim account information.
Osuji admitted that he defrauded and/or utilized the personal identifying information of at least 56 individuals. The actual loss associated with the fraud is approximately $128,256.21.Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since the inception of FFETF in November 2009, the Justice Department has filed more than 12,841 financial fraud cases against nearly 18,737 defendants including nearly 3,500 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel M. Yasser and P. Michael Cunningham, who prosecuted the case.
Conspirator in Bank Fraud Scheme Sentenced to over Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Antonio Holmes, age 29, of Washington, DC, today to 30 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit bank fraud and for aggravated identity theft. Judge Titus also ordered Holmes to pay restitution of $363,738.71.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Michalko of the United States Secret Service - Washington Field Office; and Postal Inspector in Charge Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.
According to his plea agreement, from January 2010 to May 2012, Holmes conspired with Lateef Akande and others to defraud financial institutions. As part of the scheme, Lateef Akande recruited Holmes and other individuals to provide personal bank information regarding existing bank accounts in their names, or to open new accounts in their own names. Akande and others then caused third-party checks to be deposited into those bank accounts. For any of the checks that cleared, the co-conspirators would withdraw monies from those accounts.
For example, on January 28, 2010, Holmes deposited a fraudulent check drawn on the account of a victim, and made payable to Holmes in the amount of $34,450.90. On January 30, 2010, Holmes cashed a check for $3,900, drawn on the same victim’s account and made payable to Holmes.
Holmes admits that as a result of his participation in the fraud scheme the loss or intended loss is at least $400,000.
Lateef Akande, age 37, of Bladensburg, Maryland, was sentenced on July 14, 2014, to 175 months in prison for conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering. Judge Titus also ordered Akande to pay restitution of $418,042.58.
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 praised the Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys David I. Salem and Thomas P. Windom, who prosecuted the case.Heroin Courier and Dealer Plead Guilty to Maryland Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Rahdel Sharbaan, age 31, of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty on September 24, 2014, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. Co-defendant Gary Barham, age 52, of Easton, Maryland, pleaded guilty on September 15, 2014, to the same charge.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Washington County Sheriff Douglas W. Mullendore; and Hagerstown Police Chief Mark Holtzman.
According to their plea agreements, since early 2014, Rahdel Sharbaan and Gary Barham conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin. During the course of the conspiracy, Sharbaan was working with co-conspirators to obtain bulk quantities of heroin from sources in New York and transport that heroin to Maryland for further distribution. Specifically, Sharbaan would meet with sources in New York and obtain the heroin, then he would travel (generally via bus) to Baltimore, Maryland, where he would provide the heroin to a co-conspirator. Barham obtained bulk quantities of heroin from that same co-conspirator, which he then re-distributed in and around the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Sharbaan would take the proceeds of prior heroin transactions from the co-conspirator in order to pay the source in New York.During the investigation, law enforcement obtained a wiretap on phone lines used by a member of the conspiracy. Through those wiretaps, they intercepted numerous calls between Sharbaan and the co-conspirator discussing travel to and from Baltimore and the heroin business. Investigators also saw Sharbaan and the co-conspirator meeting at the Baltimore Travel Plaza to deliver new supplies of heroin.
Barham was also overheard by law enforcement on numerous calls discussing heroin sales with the co-conspirator. For example, on April 2, 2014, law enforcement overheard Barham and the co-conspirator discuss meeting at a restaurant in Bowie, Maryland, so that Barham could obtain a supply of heroin. Law enforcement then saw Barham and the co-conspirator meet at the restaurant to conduct the drug transaction.
Over the course of the conspiracy, it was reasonably foreseeable to Sharbaan and Barham that the conspiracy distributed at least 100 grams of heroin.
Sharbaan faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for the conspiracy. Barham and the Government have agreed that if the Court accepts his plea agreement, Barham will be sentenced to 132 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for Barham on November 17, 2014 at 3:00 p.m., and for Sharbaan on January 8, 2015, at 3:00 p.m.Co-defendant Jeffrey Michael Anderson, age 35, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is scheduled to go to trial on October 27, 2014. Charges are pending against co-defendants Reginald Jones, age 26, of Bronx, New York; Shawn Christopher Malley, age 25, of Crofton, Maryland; Amanda Jo Palmer, age 32, of Hagerstown, Maryland; and William Ulysses Robinson, age 38, of Grasonville, Maryland.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI-Baltimore, DEA, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Hagerstown Police Department for their work in the investigation and recognized the Maryland Natural Resources Police, St. Michael’s Police Department, Easton Police Department, Ocean City Police Department and Talbot County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth S. Clark, who is prosecuting the case.Glen Burnie Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of Guns and Improvised Explosive DevicesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles sentenced Todd Wheeler, age 28, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, today to 46 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a prohibited person, specifically an unlawful user and a person addicted to drugs, in possession of firearms, including improvised explosive devices.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; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis; Fire Chief Michael E. Cox, Jr. of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department; and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.
According to Wheeler’s plea agreement, on January 1, 2014, Wheeler was treated at the hospital for injuries the he told hospital officials he sustained from an explosion when he was attempting to make fireworks. Wheeler attempted to flee the Emergency Room but was apprehended by police who were called to the scene. Police were directed to the home of Wheeler’s grandmother in Millersville, Maryland. She confirmed that Wheeler often stayed there and gave police permission to search the home and an outbuilding located on her property. Officers recovered chemicals used to manufacture high explosives, as well as other explosive materials. Investigators learned that Wheeler received packages at that address and stored the materials in the outbuilding.
The next day, ATF agents interviewed Wheeler, who remained in custody at the hospital. Wheeler advised agents that he was injured when he mixed chemicals and they exploded. He also told the agents that he had previously made explosive devices and detonated them in his yard. A search warrant was executed at Wheeler’s residence in Glen Burnie by Anne Arundel County Police. Over the next two days law enforcement recovered, among other things: several improvised explosive devices, as well as the chemicals and explosive materials used to make them; drugs and drug paraphernalia; a Walther pistol, flare gun and signal flare launcher, along with a conversion kit to allow the launcher to shoot 12 gauge shot gun shells; and 12 gauge shot gun shells.
Further investigation revealed that Wheeler had history of drug addiction dating back to at least 2006. At the time of this incident Wheeler was on probation for driving under the influence of a controlled substance and in a drug test conducted by his state probation officer shortly before the incident Wheeler tested positive for seven different controlled substances.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, FBI, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, and the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys A. David Copperthite and Harvey E. Eisenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Armed Robber Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Robbing Seven Convenience Stores During an Eight Day SpreeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Monte Glascoe , age 24, of Baltimore, today to nine years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for robbery and brandishing a gun in furtherance of robbery. Judge Quarles also ordered Glascoe to pay restitution to the victims totaling $2,625.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; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.
According to his plea agreement, from July 18 to 26, 2013, Glascoe and co-defendants Gary Howard and Michael Emmanuel Smith robbed at least seven Baltimore 7-Eleven stores, located at: 6314 Eastern Avenue; 3436 Wilkens Avenue; 5512 Park Heights Avenue; 2500 Liberty Heights Avenue; 6700 Brentwood Avenue; 211 West 28th Street; and 3204 Hollins Ferry Road. Glascoe, Howard and Smith would choose a store to rob, steal a vehicle to use during the robbery; brandish a firearm during the robbery; and steal money and cigarettes during the robbery. In each robbery, Glascoe pointed a gun at victim employees. The conspirators stole money from the cash registers, cigarettes and other merchandise, and stole cash, a cell phone and folding knife from employees at the stores.
Gary Howard, age 34, and Michael Emmanuel Smith, age 28, both of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the robberies. Howard was sentenced to 235 months in prison on September 2, 2014 and Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1, 2014, at 1:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew K. Hoff, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney assigned as part of the Baltimore initiative to combat violent crime, who prosecuted the case.
Husband and Wife Indicted for Embezzling from Employee Benefit Plans and for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Shaun Tucker, a/k/a “Shawn Turner,” and his wife, Joanne Tucker, a/k/a “Joanne Krcma,” “Jill Swanson,” and “Jocelyn Turner,” both age 49, of Keymar, Maryland, for embezzling from employee benefit plans and for tax evasion. The indictment was returned on September 16, 2014 and unsealed yesterday.The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Bill Jones, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Washington Regional Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; Regional Director Marc I. Machiz of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; and Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office..
The Tuckers were officers and shareholders of Quantell, Inc. and Intaset Technologies Corporation. Both companies had employee health and welfare plans in which employees deposited their contributions. The Tuckers also served as the plan administrators of both companies’ employee plans, and as representatives of the plan sponsors, Quantell and Intaset.
According to the five count indictment, in October, 2009, upon Shaun’s request, the bank holding the companies’ plan funds issued a check for $50,000 from the Intaset employee plan and a check for $100,000 from the Quantell employee plan, payable to MT&B, a company that the Tuckers had registered with the IRS. On October 9, 2009, the Tuckers caused the two bank checks to be deposited into a bank account for MT&B.
On January 4, 2010, the Tuckers allegedly caused a bank check for $42,344.32 and another check for $92,655.24, to be deposited into the MT&B bank account. These remaining funds were also assets of the Quantell and Intaset plans.
The indictment alleges that from November 2009 to April 2010, the Tuckers caused money to be transferred from the MT&B bank account, and eventually used more than $200,000 to pay for the construction of a 5,000 square foot home in Swanton, Maryland and other personal benefits.
The indictment further alleges that on April 8 and October 7, 2010, Shaun Tucker falsely stated to representatives of the Department of Labor (DOL) that there had been no transfers of any Quantell plan assets. On November 8, 2010, Shaun Tucker submitted a form to DOL falsely certifying that all of the remaining assets from the Quantell plan had been transferred to a Quantell - MT&B employee plan, while knowing that the Tuckers had instead used the funds for their personal benefit.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of $284,999, the total amount of money which the Tuckers allegedly embezzled from the company employee plans, along with the residence in Swanton and a 2011 BMW.
Finally, according to the indictment, the Tuckers filed a joint tax return for 2009 in which they falsely reported income of $180,251, when in fact they knew that their income was $821,579, upon which taxes of $256,069 were owed.
“Business owners have an obligation to their employees and as taxpayers.” said Thomas J Kelly, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington DC Field Office.
The Tuckers face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on each of four counts of embezzling from an employee plan; and a maximum of five years in prison and a $100,000 fine for tax evasion. An initial appearance has been scheduled for the defendants on October 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Today’s announcement is part of 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 – Office of Inspector General, IRS – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor - Employee Benefits Security Administration, and DCIS for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry Gruber and Judson Mihok, who are prosecuting the case.
Washington, DC Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Prison for Two Armed Robberies in Prince George’s CountyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Gregory Evans, age 28, of Washington, DC, today to 114 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery 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 Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.
According to Evans’ plea agreement, on January 22, 2014, Evans and others robbed a store in the 4100 block of Southern Avenue in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Evans and a co-conspirator forced a store employee at gunpoint to open the cash register. While Evans was taking the money from the cash register, his co-conspirator placed a gun to the head of a second victim and stole $785 from the victim’s pockets.
A little over an hour later, Evans and two co-conspirators entered a liquor store located in the 3300 block of Walters Lane in District Heights, Maryland. Evans brandished a black handgun, jumped over the counter, pointed the gun at store employees and ordered the employees to lie on the ground. A second co-conspirator brandished a silver handgun and stood by the front door. A third co-conspirator jumped the counter and removed money from a cash register. Evans then pointed his gun at one of the employees and ordered the employee to open another cash register. Evans took the money from that register, opened another cash register and removed money from that register as well. Evans and the co-conspirators then left the liquor store, got into a van and fled the area.
A witness saw Evans and the co-conspirators leave the store and followed them. The witness called 911 and relayed a partial Maryland tag number. Law enforcement located the van and pursued the van into Washington DC, where the van came to a stop near 57th Street and Clay Place, NE. Officers saw individuals exit the van and run away. Officers apprehended Evans and co-defendant, Donnell Calloway.
Donnell Calloway, age 28, of Washington, DC, is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He is currently in federal custody on charges filed in Washington, D.C.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to Exile cases, who prosecuted the case.
Owner of Tax Preparation Business Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Filed 283 False Tax Returns, Resulting in the IRS Paying Almost $1 Million in Refunds
Baltimore, Maryland – Jennifer Rodriguez, age 40, of Hyattsville, Maryland pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States in connection with the filing of 291 false tax returns.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.“Identity thieves are becoming more creative and conniving,” stated Thomas J. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office. “They steal identities, steal from the U.S. taxpayer and prey upon innocent victims.”
According to her plea agreement, Rodriguez owned a tax preparation service known as Latin Multi Services, located in Silver Spring, Maryland. From October or November 2010 to January 2012, Rodriguez filed false income tax returns using the stolen identities of Puerto Rico residents. The stolen identities were obtained from a co-conspirator residing in Puerto Rico who appeared to group the stolen identities by families, including minor children. Rodriguez falsely listed the tax payers’ home addresses as her own home address in Maryland, or variations of her business address. These tax returns also included fabricated income and deductions. All of the fraudulent returns requested refunds to be deposited in bank accounts that Rodriguez or a co-conspirator controlled.Over the course of the scheme, Rodriguez filed 283 false tax returns which caused IRS to pay $983,382 in fraudulent refunds.
Rodriguez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz scheduled sentencing for January 12, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the IRS – Criminal Investigation for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan E. Foreman, who is prosecuting the case.Montgomery County Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Commit Four Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Marvel Alegria, age 24, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, today to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit armed robbery in connection with four robberies of Chipotle restaurants. Judge Bennett also ordered Alegria to pay restitution of $24,900.
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; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Washington County Sheriff Douglas W. Mullendore; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Carroll County State’s Attorney Jerry Barnes; Washington County State’s Attorney Charles P. Strong; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.According to her plea agreement, Alegria was a general manager at the Chipotle restaurant in Mt. Airy, Maryland until July 17, 2012 when she was fired for violating company policies. She became upset about her termination, and began discussing robbing the Chipotle restaurant with co-defendant Lamont Bonds, with whom she was having a relationship. Alegria advised Bonds of the best time to commit the robbery, and how to access the store and its safe which contained money.
On July 22, 2012, Bonds and Alegria recruited co-defendant Norman Guifarro to participate in the robbery. That evening, Bonds and Guifarro entered the restaurant wearing masks Bonds had made from tee shirts. Bonds, armed with a shotgun, forced the manager into the office at gunpoint and obtained the money from the safe, while Guifarro, armed with a knife, held the other employees on the floor. Bonds and Guifarro stole $5,000 in cash and fled after forcing the employees into a bathroom. Bonds and Guifarro divided the stolen money among themselves and Alegria.
On August 4, October 21 and November 25, 2012, Bonds, armed with what appeared to be a black semi-automatic pistol, robbed Chipotle restaurants in Hagerstown, Gaithersburg and Damascus, Maryland, respectively, using similar methods as in the first robbery. In the August 4th robbery, Bonds and another man stole $9,400 from the safe. Alegria drove Bonds to and from the Gaithersburg and Damascus robberies where Bonds stole $7,000 and $3,500, respectively. In each robbery, Bonds forced the manager to open the safe at gunpoint.
Lamont Bonds, age 26, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Norman Guifarro was convicted in Carroll County Circuit Court of the Mt. Airy robbery and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Maryland State Police, Montgomery County Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Montgomery, Washington and Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney A. David Copperthite, who prosecuted the case.
Gaithersburg Man Pleads Guilty in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Phong Dinh Tran, age 40, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit bank fraud arising from a scheme to use a straw purchaser to buy a liquor store.The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Small Business Administration Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Postal Inspector in Charge Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.
According to his plea agreement, Tran created R&K Real Estate Investment, Inc. to buy Potomac Wine & Spirits, a liquor store in Hagerstown, Maryland. Tran was the majority and controlling owner of R& K, and K.P. had a minority ownership interest. In May 2006 Tran and K.P. signed agreements to buy the liquor store for $899,000 and the real estate that the store occupied for $400,000.
Tran sought Joon Park, a principal of Jade Capital & Investments, to broker a loan for the store’s purchase. Tran and Park discussed obtaining a loan at PNC Bank that was guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Because Tran had significant debt from the purchase of residential properties, Park advised that Tran would not likely be approved for an SBA guaranteed loan.
Tran disclosed to Park that he could use a straw buyer, T.C.P., for the loan. Tran and Park agreed that they would falsely represent to PNC that T.C.P. would be the owner and operator of the liquor store. Tran asked the straw buyer to apply for the loan and promised that he, Tran, would pay all the bills for the store and make the loan payments. The settlement for the sale of the liquor store to R&K occurred on September 29, 2006. The straw purchaser falsely represented to PNC that he was the president of R&K. The funds needed to close the transaction were provided by Tran, not the straw purchaser. PNC funded a loan of $950,000.
After the closing, Tran ran the liquor store. On January 22, 2007 Tran sold a 50% stake in the store to another individual for $380,000. During the sale, Tran represented to the individual that he owned 100% of the store. In 2007, Tran stopped making loan payments to PNC and the loan went into default.
Tran faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. scheduled his sentencing for December 18, 2014, at 1:00 p.m.
In a separate case, Joon Park, a/k/a “Joon Pak,” and “Joon Paik,” age 44, of Falls Church, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to his role in a bank fraud conspiracy arising from a scheme to fraudulently obtain numerous business loans guaranteed by the SBA, with resulting losses of over $100 million. Park submitted false SBA loan applications on behalf of his clients from 2003 to 2011. Judge Quarles sentenced Park on June 20, 2013 to 15 years in prison and ordered Park to pay a money judgment of $91,449,700.
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 SBA-OIG, FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise and Sean Delaney, who are prosecuting the case.
Eighth Defendant Convicted in Residential Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Conspirators Used Other Individuals’ Identities, False Income and Credit Information to Induce Lenders to Provide Home Mortgage Loans
Greenbelt, Maryland – A jury convicted Annika Boas, age 37, of Mount Rainier, Maryland on September 19, 2014, for conspiracy, wire fraud and making a false statement on a loan application, arising from a residential mortgage fraud scheme.The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Cary A. Rubenstein of the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General - Office of Investigations; Acting Inspector General Michael P. Stephens of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Kathy Michalko of the United States Secret Service – Washington Field Office; John L. Phillips, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to the evidence presented at her four day trial, from March 2007 to November 2008, Boas conspired with real estate agent Edgar Tibakweitira, Ayoub Luziga, with whom Boas was in a relationship, and others, to fraudulently secure residential mortgage loans by making false statements during the loan application and approval process. The conspirators used stolen or false identity information, false documents – including W-2 forms, earnings and banks statements – and false credit information to induce lenders to provide mortgage loans to straw purchasers, such as Boas and others recruited by Luziga and Tibakweitira. As part of the scheme, Tibakweitira inflated the sales price of the property by creating false documents for repairs and renovations that were never made. After the settlement, the conspirators divided up the cash received for the purported repairs.
Specifically, witnesses testified that the conspirators obtained the identity information of a least four individuals, without those individuals’ knowledge or permission. According to witness testimony, Boas and other conspirators assumed the identities of these individuals and acted as straw buyers to obtain the loans used to purchase the properties. The evidence showed that Boas assumed the identity of one of the victims, using a North Carolina driver’s license with the victim’s name but Boas’ photo, to pose as the victim at the settlement for two properties.
As a result of the conspiracy, Boas caused between $400,000 and $1 million in losses to federally-insured financial institutions.
“The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General (HUD-OIG) investigates allegations of waste, fraud and abuse in HUD sponsored programs such as our FHA program,” said Special Agent in Charge Cary A. Rubenstein of HUD-OIG’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “This group, including several mortgage industry professionals, perpetrated a sophisticated mortgage fraud scheme designed to enrich themselves at the expense of lenders and the FHA Insurance Fund. The efforts that brought us this verdict demonstrate that when law enforcement is made aware of schemes that place the public and the FHA Insurance program at risk, we will commit the necessary resources to make sure the fraudsters are brought to justice and are no longer in a position to engage in fraud.”
Boas faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for the conspiracy, for each of two counts of wire fraud, and for each of two counts of making a false statement on a loan application. U.S. District Judge George Jerrod Hazel has scheduled sentencing for Boas on January 7, 2015 at 9:00 a.m.
Co-conspirators Edgar Tibakweitira, a/k/a “Edgar Julian,” “Charles Edgar Tibakweitira,” and “Edgar Gaudious Tibakweitira,” age 46, of Severn, Maryland and Ayoub Luziga, age 35, of Bowie, Maryland, have pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and are scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. and November 24, 2014, at 11:30 a.m., respectively.
Five other conspirators have also pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme, including: Tibakweitira’s wife Flavia Makundi, age 42, of Severn; Mokorya Cosmas Wambura, age 41, of Takoma Park, Maryland; Raymond Abraham, age 47, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Cane Mwihava and Abdallah Suleiman Kitwara, both age 43, of Bowie. Wambura was sentenced to five years in prison and Makundi was sentenced to time served. Mwihava is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., Abraham is scheduled to be sentenced on October 27, 2014 at 11:30 a.m., and Kitwara is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2014 at 9:00 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/priorities_financialfraud.html.
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. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HUD-OIG, FHFA-OIG, Treasury OIG, U.S. Secret Service 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 Kevin DiGregory, Investigative Counsel for the Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General, who prosecuted the case.
Career Offender Pleads Guilty to Robbing Queenstown Diamond StoreRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Roy Lee Tolbert, age 43, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty on September 18, 2014, to the armed robbery of a diamond store in Queenstown, Maryland.
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; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney Lance G. Richardson.
According to the facts agreed to at the plea hearing, on May 19, 2013, Roy Lee Tolbert, entered a diamond store in Queenstown wearing a ball cap, wig, fake beard, sunglasses, an oversized suit jacket, jeans, and dark colored shoes. Tolbert went to the back of the store, removed a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at one or more employees of the store, demanding the diamonds that were in the display case. An employee complied with his demands and Tolbert stole approximately 59 engagement-style diamond rings worth an estimated $362,000, placing them into a gray backpack that he was wearing over his stomach.The robbery was witnessed by an off-duty Maryland State Police sergeant, who provided Tolbert’s description to a 9-1-1 operator, then followed Tolbert as he left the store. The State Police sergeant saw Tolbert run behind a building to a waiting motorcycle. Tolbert removed his disguise and placed it into the backpack, then put on a black and neon motorcycle helmet and a black and neon motorcycle jacket. The State Police sergeant continued to follow Tolbert and saw him flee onto a section of Nesbit Road in Grasonville, Maryland, that is a dead-end street. The State Police Sergeant blocked the road until uniformed troopers arrived on the scene. They located Tolbert running through a nearby open field. Tolbert was able to reach the wood line in the area and escape capture. Found hidden on the property of a nearby residence was the motorcycle, the motorcycle helmet and jacket, and the disguise worn by Tolbert in the robbery.
Tolbert’s DNA was recovered from the fake beard and helmet. The owner of the motorcycle, which had been reported stolen in 2010, was Tolbert’s girlfriend. In July 2013, she had filed a request for a protection order, in which she mentioned that Tolbert had a gun, and further described him in a confrontation “pacing the lot with something silver in his hand”. This matches the description of the weapon used during the robbery, which was a semi-automatic handgun with a silver slide.
Tolbert told another person that he committed the robbery, and showed this individual the diamonds. Tolbert also offered to sell diamonds to a co-worker.Tolbert faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the commercial robbery; and a mandatory minimum of seven years, consecutive to any other sentence, and up to life in prison for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Maryland State Police and Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bonnie S. Greenberg, who is prosecuting the case.Washington, D.C. Man Admits to Taking A Nine Year Old Girl to His Government Office to Have SexRead the Press Release
Agrees to be Sentenced to Between 144 and 210 Months
Greenbelt, Maryland – Kevin Robinson, age 53, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to transporting a minor to engage in sex.The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Chief of Police Robert D. MacLean of the U.S. Park Police; and Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to his plea agreement, on October 18, 2013, Robinson drove a nine year old girl and her parents to their home from a dental appointment, and dropped the parents off. Robinson then drove with the girl and other passengers to his girlfriend’s house, where he dropped off the other passengers. Robinson drove the girl to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Greenbelt, Maryland where he worked.
They entered his office and the girl began playing games on Robinson’s computer. Robinson then told the victim to remove her clothes. Robinson licked the victim’s chest and bit her breast, cutting the skin and causing a mark. Robinson attempted to have sex with her and the victim told him to stop. The victim put her clothes back on and they left BARC.
Once in his vehicle, Robinson told the victim to perform oral sex, which she did. Robinson then drove the victim back home. The victim told her parents what happened. The parents called the police. The victim was taken to the hospital. DNA analysis identified Robinson’s saliva on the victim’s breast.
As part of his plea agreement, Robinson 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).
Robinson and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Robinson will be sentenced to between 144 to 210 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus has scheduled sentencing for January 14, 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 U.S. Park Police and HSI Baltimore for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Hollis Weisman, who prosecuted the case.
Fraudsters Plead Guilty in Scheme to Finance the Purchase of Luxury Vehicles with the Identity Information of OthersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Michael Lee Kelly, age 34, of Baltimore, Maryland pleaded guilty today to a bank fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, in a scheme to use the identity information of others to finance luxury automobiles for his own use and to rent to others.Co-conspirators Michael Christopher Marshall, age 35, of Baltimore; Smita Esha Shandelya, age 28, of Pikesville, Maryland; and Jamila Nashira Davis, age 35, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme earlier this week.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to their plea agreements, Kelly and co-defendant Michael Christopher Marshall selected automobiles to purchase from Maryland dealerships and then used the identity information of other individuals to purchase and finance the purchase of those vehicles. In some cases the individuals were willing participants. In other cases, Kelly and Marshall used stolen identity information, counterfeit identification documents, and an imposter posing as the victim to compete the purchases.For example, in May of 2010, Marshall asked Kelly to find an individual who was about the same age as “GY,” an individual whose stolen identity information was in Marshall’s possession. Marshall knew that GY had an excellent credit rating. According to the plea agreements, Kelly recruited a family member to pose as the victim GY and obtained a counterfeit identification bearing the personal identity information GY but the picture of his family member. Kelly, Marshall and Kelly’s family member purchased a 2007 Mercedes S-550, a 2009 Audi S5, and a 2008 BMW using the GY identity.
According to their plea agreements, Shandelya had a romantic relationship with Marshall; and Davis had a romantic relationship with Kelly. Both women knew that Marshall and Kelly were not employed but drove luxury vehicles. Both women knew that Marshall and Kelly would not qualify to purchase and finance so many vehicles, and subsequently learned that Marshall and Kelly used the identifying information of others to purchase the cars. At Marshall’s request, in the summer and fall of 2010, Shandelya purchased vehicles for Marshall to rent to others by completing false financing applications that reflected inflated income, and which she supported with counterfeit employment pay stubs. In November 2010, Davis attempted to purchase a car for herself, but was denied financing. Kelly provided Davis with a color photocopy of a license bearing the identity information of “GN” for her to use as a co-signer. Although Davis did not know GN, nor did she recognize the person pictured on the license, she provided the photocopy to the car dealer. After the car dealer told Davis that GN would have to appear in person, Kelly went to the car dealership with the individual pictured in the fake GN identification and completed a new credit application using GN as the co-signer. The real GN had placed a credit alert on his credit report and received an alert regarding the application for credit in his name. He called the dealership, which cancelled the sale. The real GN arrived at the dealership shortly after Kelly and the GN imposter left the area.
As a result of the scheme, Marshall is responsible for between $400,000 and $1 million in fraudulently obtained vehicles; Shandelya is responsible for between $200,000 and $400,000 in fraudulently obtained vehicles; and Kelly is responsible for between $120,000 and $200,000 in fraudulently obtained vehicles.
Kelly, Marshall and Shandelya each face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for the bank fraud conspiracy. Kelly and Marshall also face a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence for aggravated identity theft. Davis faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison for a misdemeanor count of identity theft. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for Kelly on January 9, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.; for Marshall on January 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.; for Shandelya on December 16, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.; and for Davis on December 17, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the U.S. Secret Service and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamera L. Fine, who is prosecuting the case.Aberdeen Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Sexual Contact with Two Boys at Fort Lee, Virginia and for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Marcus Smith, age 21, of Aberdeen, Maryland, on September 18, 2014, to 12 years in prison followed by 25 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Judge Quarles ordered that upon his release from prison, Smith 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 Eastern District of Virginia Dana J. Boente; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Harford County Sheriff L. Jesse Bane.
According to his plea agreement, in the summer of 2011, Smith was suspected of committing sexual assaults at a military installation in Virginia. FBI agents interviewed him and a search warrant was executed at his residence. The investigation revealed that on June 25, 2011 at a home on Fort Lee, Virginia, Smith had sexual contact with a nine year old boy. After Smith followed the victim into a bathroom, Smith called him into a bedroom. Smith restrained the victim, pulled off the victim’s pants and underwear, and touched the victim’s genitalia.
Also, from July 2009 to June 25, 2011 at a home on Fort Lee, Smith had sexual contact on more than one occasion with another child who was eight to 10 years old during this time. Smith made the victim remove his clothes and Smith touched the victim’s genitalia. Smith admits he ejaculated during his contact with the second victim on at least one occasion.
In the summer of 2012, further information was provided to the FBI that Smith may have child pornography in his possession. Law enforcement again executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence on August 24, 2012 and seized a cell phone which contained images of child pornography, including boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham from the District of Maryland and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Hart from the Eastern District of Virginia, who prosecuted the case.
Three Time Robber of Trucks Carrying Pharmaceuticals Exiled to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Used Guns, and Caused Serious Injury to One Truck Driver;
Attempted to Rob a Fourth Truck
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Robert Neil Sampson, age 53, of Lanham, Maryland, today to 25 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit robbery, robbery and using a firearm during a robbery.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Antoinette V. Henry of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Douglas A. Middleton, Chief of the Henrico County (Virginia) Police Division.
According to his plea agreement, Sampson and others committed three armed robberies in 2012 of two courier companies, Accurate Courier Express (ACE) and The Courier Connection (TCC), and attempted a fourth robbery. Both companies had contracts with AmerisourceBergen Corporation (ABC) to transport pharmaceuticals from Glen Allen, Virginia to Landover, Maryland, and from Landover to other locations in Maryland and the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
On May 29, 2012, an ACE driver transported an ABC shipment of pharmaceuticals from Glen Allen to Landover. After the driver backed the tractor trailer up to the cargo door of the facility, Sampson and a co-conspirator pulled up in a motor vehicle. The co-conspirator pointed a handgun at the driver and ordered him into the tractor cab. Sampson then entered the tractor cab. The driver was ordered into the sleeper portion of the tractor cab and told to put a pillow case over his head. The driver refused. Sampson and the co-conspirator threatened to shoot him, but then allowed the driver to run away. A short time later, Prince George’s County Police Department patrol units located the tractor trailer on Nicole Drive in Lanham. A subsequent inventory revealed that pharmaceuticals had been stolen.
On July 13th, as an ACE driver was driving a shipment of pharmaceuticals out of ABC’s distribution center in Glen Allen, Sampson and a group of co-conspirators used a number of vehicles to block the delivery truck approximately 300 feet from the front gate. Several co-conspirators, armed with handguns, removed the ACE driver from the cab of the vehicle, wounded the driver with a taser gun, zip-tied the driver’s hands and feet and rolled him down a steep embankment. The co-conspirators then drove off with the truck. Investigators later found the truck abandoned near the crime scene. Pharmaceuticals were missing. The driver of the truck sustained serious bodily injuries and was treated at a local hospital; he suffers from protracted impairment of the use of his hands.
On August 14, two ACE drivers were driving along 75th Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland, to deliver a shipment of pharmaceuticals on behalf of ABC. Sampson and a co-conspirator suddenly blocked their path with a van. The co-conspirator leaped onto the running board of the passenger side of one of the trucks and attempted to force his way into the truck. The truck continued to travel down the street and the co-conspirator jumped off the truck. Sampson, who was wearing a hard hat, approached the driver’s side of the other truck, brandished a handgun, and attempted to get into the truck. Sampson was eventually thrown off the truck. Sampson’s DNA was found on a hard hat recovered from the scene. Sampson was treated for a wound at a hospital in Baltimore the next morning.
On August 31, an employee was moving a truck inside the TCC warehouse located in Hyattsville, when Sampson, who was wearing an orange construction vest, and two co-conspirators entered the warehouse. At least one of the three men produced a handgun and ordered the TCC driver out of the truck. The TCC driver complied and ran out of the facility. Sampson was later identified in security camera footage of the robbery.
A search warrant was executed in September of 2012 at Sampson’s residence, and law enforcement recovered some of the stolen pharmaceuticals, zip ties and an orange construction vest.
The total amount of loss from the robberies was between $250,000 and $400,000.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FDA – Office of Criminal Investigations; Richmond, Virginia and Washington, D.C. offices of the DEA; the Henrico County (Virginia) Police Division; and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Arun G. Rao and Mara Zusman Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.
Prior Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Austin Portner, age 55, of Hagerstown, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography and of having a prior sex offense conviction. Judge Bennett ordered that upon his release from prison, Portner must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his plea agreement, on November 14, 2002, Portner was convicted of second and third degree sex offenses in Washington County, Maryland for having sexual contact with a 10 year-old victim. He was released from prison in 2009. Portner was employed in Pennsylvania.
In August of 2012, Maryland State Police discovered multiple handwritten letters between Portner and an individual who was incarcerated at the Maryland Correctional Institute in Hagerstown for sexual offenses involving children. Portner referred to the inmate in his letters as “Big Brother.” The mailings contained sketches of young children portrayed in lascivious manner with attending captions describing sexual contact with men, and references to the predation of children. Portner also explained that he had found a computer and that he was visiting websites for child pornography. One of the letters contained a photo of two young girls whom Portner stated were located in Pennsylvania.
When asked about the letters, Portner stated that he met “Big Brother” while he was in prison and that they shared a mutual interest in sex with children. Portner looked forward to the inmate’s release from prison so that he could learn how to attract young children. Portner stated that after his release from prison, he had viewed child pornography roughly one to three times a week from his residence on a netbook computer that linked to the WiFi network of a nearby coffee shop. Portner initially stated that he had destroyed the computer and that he no longer owned or had access to a computer, but later acknowledged owning a computer.On February 11, 2013, law enforcement recovered a laptop computer from Portner’s residence, as well as additional letters between Portner and his “Big Brother.” The computer contained more than 200 images of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the images included photos of young children and infants who are bound or restrained and subjected to physical and sexual abuse.
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 Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark W. Crooks, who prosecuted the case.
Jeffrey Cohen Charged in Superseding Indictment with Wire Fraud, Money Laundering and Making False Statements to Fraudulently Obtain over $100 Million in Insurance PremiumsRead the Press Release
Allegedly Created and Transmitted False Documents and Made False Statements
Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Jeffrey Brian Cohen, age 39, of Reisterstown, Maryland, with wire fraud and money laundering in addition to the charges of making false statements to an insurance regulator that were included in the original indictment. The superseding indictment was returned on September 16, 2014.The superseding 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 William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Postal Inspector in Charge Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.
According to the superseding indictment, Cohen acted as the president and chairman of the board of a Delaware corporation Indemnity Insurance Corporation RRG (Indemnity). Cohen previously controlled a District of Columbia corporation called Indemnity Insurance Corporation of DC, Risk Retention Group (Indemnity-DC), which was a predecessor entity to Indemnity. Both companies were located in Sparks, Maryland, and provided general liability insurance, liquor liability insurance, and excess liability insurance coverage to their customers, which were individuals and companies involved in the entertainment industry, such as nightclubs, concert tours, and special events. Both companies operated in several states, including Maryland. In 2012, Indemnity insured more than 3,000 policyholders, and collected over $25 million in premiums.
The Delaware Insurance Commissioner and the DC Insurance Commissioner were charged by law with the responsibility of protecting insurance policyholders and the general public by regulating insurance companies and risk retention groups and their products to ensure among other things, that insurance companies and risk retention groups have the ability to pay claims.
According to the 12-count superseding indictment, Cohen obtained and attempted to obtain money from insurance policyholders and potential insurance policyholders of Indemnity-DC and Indemnity based on financial ratings, financial audits, and insurance regulatory approvals that Cohen fraudulently obtained. The indictment alleges that beginning in January 2008, and continuing until the fall of 2013, Cohen defrauded insurance policyholders and prospective insurance policyholders in order to obtain more than $100 million in insurance premiums, by falsely representing the financial status of Indemnity-DC, Indemnity, and other Cohen controlled entities to insurance policyholders, prospective insurance policyholders, the rating agency A.M. Best, to independent auditors, the DC Insurance Commissioner, and the Delaware Insurance Commissioner.
Specifically, the superseding indictment alleges that Cohen created false financial documents, including bank statements, letters of credit, and confirmations of bank account balances. These documents allegedly included a bank confirmation from a fictitious entity called RBCI, purportedly showing that Indemnity-DC had a bank account with a balance of $10 million as of December 31, 2009, and a bank confirmation dated March 1, 2013, purportedly from RBC Government Demands, showing that Indemnity’s bank account ending in 6652 had a balance of $5,097,276. According to the indictment, Cohen transmitted these false documents to A.M. Best in order to obtain financial ratings for Indemnity-DC and Indemnity that were not based on the companies’ true financial condition. Cohen then allegedly touted the A.M. Best ratings to potential policyholders, policyholders, and regulatory agencies. Cohen also allegedly transmitted false and fraudulent emails, management representation letters, financial statements, and other documents to the auditing firms Marcum and BDO so the auditors would provide an unqualified audit opinion on Indemnity-DC and Indemnity financial statements that Cohen knew were false.
According to the superseding indictment, Cohen caused Indemnity-DC and Indemnity to issue insurance policies exceeding the coverage limits authorized by the DC Insurance Commissioner and the Delaware Insurance Commissioner. To conceal the true financial condition of the companies, Cohen allegedly transmitted fraudulent audited and unaudited financial statements for Indemnity-DC and Indemnity to the DC Insurance Commissioner and the Delaware Insurance Commissioner. Cohen also allegedly made false statements to representatives of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner in June 2012.According to the indictment, Cohen also conducted financial transactions with the proceeds of the scheme. Specifically the indictment alleges that Cohen transferred $666,667.67 from a corporate account he controlled to an account in the name of a law firm, and Cohen transferred $200,000 from a corporate account he controlled to one of his personal accounts.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of $100,866,667.67, believed to be the proceeds of the scheme.
Cohen faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of five counts of wire fraud, 10 years in prison for each of two counts of money laundering, and 15 years in prison for each of five counts of making false statements to an insurance regulator. No court appearance has been scheduled and Cohen remains detained.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, HSI Baltimore, IRS – Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Joyce K. McDonald, who are prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Felon Exiled to over 8 Years in Prison for Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles Jr. sentenced Greyling Chase, age 53, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 105 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit an armed robbery of a drug dealer.
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; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.According to Chase’s plea agreement, in March 2013, Chase agreed with a confidential source to rob a stash house full of cocaine. Chase and the source subsequently met to plan the robbery and Chase confirmed that he would bring a gun to use during the robbery. On April 8, 2013, Chase and codefendant Rodney Ellis met with the source to commit the robbery. Chase’s vehicle was stopped and the two were arrested. Law enforcement recovered a 9mm handgun and a .32 caliber handgun from the vehicle.
Chase subsequently agreed to be interviewed by law enforcement and admitted that he planned to participate in the robbery of a drug dealer and that he had obtained a gun to use in the robbery.
Rodney Ellis, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced to 97 months in prison on June 17, 2014.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, DEA, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney James T. Wallner, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Armed Robber Admits to Robbing and Attempting to Rob Three Stores and Two Customers in One DayRead the Press Release
Items From Two Robberies Committed Two Days Earlier Were Found in Defendant’s Home
Baltimore, Maryland – Thomas Mims, age 53, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to robbery and using a firearm during a robbery.The plea agreement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on February 3, 2014, Mims walked into a Rite-Aid on Belair Road in Baltimore, gestured towards his waistband to suggest that he was armed and demanded money from the cashier. The cashier ran away. After first trying to run after her, Mims ran from the store and drove away.
Later that day, Mims walked into Foreman Mills, a retail store also on Belair Road, and demanded money from an employee who was holding a cash register drawer at the customer service desk. Mims lifted his shirt to display the butt of a handgun. The employee ran away with the drawer into a back office. Mims then approached a cashier and demanded money from her register. The cashier saw Mims holding the gun in his hand. Mims also demanded that a customer give him her purse. When the customer’s fiancé intervened by pushing Mims away, Mims pointed the gun at the customer and pulled the trigger. The gun did not fire.
Mims left the store and pointed his gun at another customer in the parking lot, demanding her purse. When that customer did not immediately comply, Mims snatched her purse, ran to his vehicle and drove away.
Later that day, Mims entered the Rainbow Shop on Erdman Avenue in Baltimore and displayed his gun, demanding money from the cashier. The cashier gave him $400 from the register. Mims demanded more money and when the cashier said there was none, Mims put his finger on the trigger of the gun and told the cashier she better not have lied to him. Mims then fled and drove away.
Witnesses called 911. Baltimore police officers soon located a vehicle that matched descriptions provided by witnesses. When officers pursued the vehicle, it sped off and led officers on a high speed chase. Police trapped Mims’ vehicle in a cul-de-sac and as officers approached on foot, Mims sped toward them in his car. As a result, one officer shot Mims in the arm. Several minutes later the chase ended and Mims was arrested.
Police executed a search warrant at Mims’ house and car. They seized a loaded handgun, two ski masks, and clothing worn by the suspect in an earlier robbery at a Subway restaurant two days earlier on February 1, 2014, along with items stolen from an earlier robbery at Walgreens, also on February 1.
Mims faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum sentence of life for using a firearm during a robbery; and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the robbery. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. scheduled sentencing for December 16, 201, at 1:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, FBI and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Debra L. Dwyer and Special Assistant United States Attorney Piper F. McKeithen, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to Exile cases, who is prosecuting the case.
Washington, DC Man Convicted in Armed Robbery and Carjacking ShootingsRead the Press Release
Investigation by FBI’s Cross Border Task Force Results in The Conviction of the Final Defendant in a Violent Robbery and Carjacking
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Anthony Terrell Cannon, age 25, of Washington, D.C., late on September 12, 2014, of conspiracy, robbery, carjacking, and two counts of discharging a gun during a crime of violence, and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, in connection with an armored car robbery and a carjacking in which a victim was shot in the arm and head.The conviction 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; Chief Alan Goldberg of the Takoma Park Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.
According to the evidence presented at Cannon’s two week trial, on October 26, 2012, Cannon, Tonnie Floyd, and Marcellus Ramone Freeman, a/k/a Derrick Relando Pitts, 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 exited the armored truck, 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.
The evidence also included a recorded call between Cannon and an inmate at Prince George’s County Detention Center in which Cannon acknowledged his participation in the crimes and expressed disappointment in leaving an evidence trail in the stolen Jeep.
Cannon faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy; 20 years in prison for armed robbery; life in prison for each count of using and discharging a weapon during a crime of violence; 25 years in prison for carjacking; and 10 years in prison for interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.
Co-conspirator Tonnie Floyd, age 22, of Washington, D.C., previously pleaded guilty to robbery, and discharging a gun during the robbery and carjacking. Floyd is scheduled to be sentenced on November 25, 2014. Marcellus Ramone Freeman, a/k/a Derrick Relando Pitts, age 23, also of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to the same offenses. Freeman and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts his plea, Freeman will be sentenced to between 241 months and 30 years in prison at his sentencing on December 11, 2014.
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, the Takoma Park Police Department and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau and Bryan E. Foreman, who are prosecuting the case.