District of Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland – An Arizona man is facing indictment stemming from an attack of an airline passenger that forced an emergency landing at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

Layne Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, is charged with interfering with flight crew members and attendants and assaulting those individuals by striking, beating, and wounding in connection with the incident.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Colonel Nicholas Augustine, Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA Police).

According to the indictment, on Sept. 3, 2026, Lundeen assaulted an airline passenger aboard a flight flying from Dallas, Texas, to Newark, New Jersey, resulting in the unscheduled landing in Baltimore. Lundeen also allegedly interfered with flight crew members or flight attendants attempting to perform their duties by intimidating the staff. 

Specifically, Lundeen made physical contact with the flight attendant or flight crew member; disregarded instructions from flight attendants or flight crew members; directed abusive and aggressive language, including racial slurs, towards flight attendants or flight crew members; and engaged in disruptive and hostile behavior toward flight attendants, flight crew members, and other passengers.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Lundeen faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for interference with flight crew members and attendants and a maximum of one year for assault by striking, beating, and wounding.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and MDTA Police, for their work in the investigation, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, for their valuable assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ty Pittinger who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted a Maryland man, today, in connection with a COVID-19 healthcare fraud scam.

Marc Aaron Potash, 57, of Rockville, is charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and seven counts of healthcare fraud. The charges stem from Potash submitting false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), and other insurers for at-home, self-administered COVID-19 tests. Potash is also charged with five counts of conducting transactions in criminally derived proceeds. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Darren B. Cox, FBI Washington Field Office; Inspector General T. March Bell, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Michael R. Esser, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General (OPM-OIG). 

According to the indictment, between January 2022 and May 2026, Potash allegedly conspired with others to personally enrich himself and maximize the financial success of Tiero, LLC, a company located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Through the conspiracy, Potash, Tiero’s founder and chief executive officer, and his co-conspirators schemed to obtain money through false and fraudulent representations to insurers. 

The indictment further alleges that as part of the healthcare fraud scheme, Potash and his co-conspirators sent false emails, letters, and paperwork to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to obtain a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification for Tiero. As part of the conspiracy, Potash and his co-conspirators submitted documents that falsely portrayed Tiero’s medical providers performing on-site COVID-19 testing at the company’s purported lab.  The co-conspirators then used Tiero’s CLIA license to submit fraudulent claims to insurers that listed false dates of service, a fake place of service, and a phony rendering provider for COVID-19 tests that would have been administered or analyzed by a provider at Tiero.  

However, in reality, Potash and his co-conspirators merely shipped over-the-counter, self-administered COVID-19 tests to insured individuals across the country.  In total, Potash and his co-conspirators caused the submission of more than $100 million in false and fraudulent healthcare claims, resulting in more than $50 million in insurance payments to Tiero. 

The indictment also alleges that Potash engaged in multiple monetary transactions in criminally derived property.  This included Potash purchasing a Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and $4 million real property in Beallsville, Maryland, along with two security transfers totaling more than $4 million and $8 million, respectively. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Potash faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, each count of healthcare fraud, and each count of conducting transactions in criminally derived proceeds. 

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI, HHS-OIG, and OPM-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan S. McKoy and Joshua Rosenthal, who are prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man received a federal-prison term, today, for plotting the murder of woman, in a case of mistaken identity where the intended target was a federal witness. The May 2016 murder resulted in the death of Latrina Ashburne.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher sentenced Matthew Hightower, 44, to 40 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for using a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime. The sentence was ordered to run concurrently, beginning today, to the prison term Hightower is currently serving for the murder of David Wutoh.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According to court documents, in May 2016, Hightower solicited others and conspired to kill Ashburne’s neighbor — a female federal witness — in retaliation for providing information to a law enforcement officer and to prevent her from testifying against him at an official proceeding. Hightower learned that the federal witness provided law enforcement with information about his involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme and the murder of a separate victim, David Wutoh. At the time, Hightower faced federal indictment for both matters.  While incarcerated pre-trial, Hightower used jail calls and letters to communicate with others to conspire to kill the federal witness. 

Ashburne, who lived next-door to the federal witness, and was similar in age and appearance, was shot and killed as she entered her car outside of her home. Davon Carter, 46, of Baltimore, the shooter, and Clifton Mosley, 49, of Baltimore, the accomplice, are currently serving federal life sentences for their roles in the murder plot. 

On September 22, 2016, after a seven-day trial, a federal jury convicted Hightower, and then he received a 380-month prison term, followed by five years of supervised release, for collection of a debt by extortionate means, and use of interstate facilities for extortion resulting in death in connection with the murder of Wutoh. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HHS-OIG, FBI, ATF, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Hagan and Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting this case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md. 

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Agency Quotes

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland

“Witness intimidation strikes at the heart of our justice system. This defendant not only sought to silence a federal witness — for the second time — but also caused the death of an innocent woman in the process,” Hayes said.  “Today’s sentence demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing anyone who threatens or attempts to harm witnesses. We will continue to work with our federal and local partners to ensure that witness intimidation is met with firm and decisive accountability.”

Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, HHS-OIG

“Today’s sentencing reinforces our commitment to standing with victims and their families, providing closure and justice for Ms. Ashburne’s family and supporting those who are vulnerable,” Dixon said. “HHS‑OIG will continue working tirelessly with our partners to hold accountable those who commit violent crimes, including murder, threaten federal witnesses, or defraud health care programs that serve individuals who rely on them.”

Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Baltimore

“Latrina Ashburne was an innocent woman who should still be with her family and loved ones. Instead, they live with the daily grief and trauma of losing her,” Paul said. “The FBI and our partners will continue to stand firm against anyone who endangers members of our community.”

Charles Doerrer, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Baltimore

“This significant sentence shows that violence, especially when perpetrated to interfere in federal proceedings, will not be tolerated,” Doerrer said. “We pledge to continue to work with our state, local, and federal partners to ensure witnesses in Baltimore feel safe to come forward.”

Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department

“Latrina Ashburne was an innocent woman who tragically lost her life because she was mistaken for someone else,” Worley said. “This case is a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of law enforcement working together to hold those responsible accountable. The Baltimore Police Department is proud to stand with our federal and local partners in pursuing justice for Ms. Ashburne and her family and ensuring that those who use violence to undermine our justice system are held accountable.”

Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man received a federal sentence after pleading guilty to firearm charges. 

U.S. District Court Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced Michael Lemon, 22, to 78 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a machinegun and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Authorities found Lemon, a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, in possession of a modified Glock pistol when apprehended.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to court documents, on December 30, 2025, BPD officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a breaking and entering by a group of young men at a Baltimore multi-residence building. As the officers arrived at the building, they observed Lemon, who fit the description of the suspect from the 911 call, hurriedly attempting to start a motorbike. 

Officers then apprehend Lemon and discovered that he possessed a Glock pistol. Additionally, there was a machinegun conversion device, sometimes referred to as a “switch,” affixed to Lemon’s pistol which enabled the gun to fire automatically. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Conner who prosecuted this federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Washington, DC, man received a federal-prison term, today, in connection with a conspiracy to commit burglaries of multiple pharmacies spanning three different states.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher sentenced Deontae Britton, aka Deaundre Blount, to 80 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit pharmacy burglaries. Britton, 33, received the sentence for his role in conspiring to break into 20 different pharmacies throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Marie Maguire, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division.

According to court documents, Britton and his co-conspirators — Harold Dorman, 40, of Chillum, Maryland, and William Sherod, III, 58, of Ft. Washington, Maryland — burglarized the pharmacies, between January 2022, through April 2022, igniting a tri-state, multi-agency law-enforcement investigation. Authorities found that during each burglary, two masked individuals, including Britton, wearing dark clothing, entered the pharmacies after business hours. Sherod, who served as a lookout, parked in a separate vehicle nearby. 

At each pharmacy, one individual used a blue pry bar, while the other person utilized a large silver Halligan bar — a forcible entry tool used by firefighters consisting of a claw, blade and tapered pick — to break in. This tactic caused damage to the doors, frames, and locks.

Once inside, the co-conspirators remained in each store for less than two minutes, searching for, and then stealing, controlled substances that they could then unlawfully distribute. The individuals stole controlled substances including Oxycodone HCL, Promethazine-Codeine syrup, Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, Adderall, Suboxone, and fentanyl patches.   

Sherod received a 40-month sentence, along with three years of supervised release, while Dorman’s case is still pending.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FDA, FBI, and DEA, for their work in the investigation, along with the Baltimore County Police Department; Howard County Police Department; Montgomery County Police Department; Ocean City Police Department; Rockville Police Department; Salisbury Police Department; Washington County Police Department; Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Harrisburg Police Department (PA); Mercersburg Police Department (PA); Lower Allen Township Police Department (PA); Albemarle County PD (VA); Augusta County Sheriff’s Office (VA); Harrisonburg Police Department (VA); Louisa County Sheriff’s Office (VA); and Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office (VA) for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Hagan and Sarah Simpkins who are prosecuting this federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, a Maryland man is facing indictment in connection with a gift-card scheme.

Sharieff Tate Pierre, 36, of Randallstown, is charged with 21 counts of wire fraud and 21 counts of aggravated identity theft for using stolen credit cards to purchase gift cards. Pierre allegedly victimized 21 individuals, causing $53,300.49 in losses.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – Washington Division, Executive Special Agent in Charge Kathleen Woodson, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office, and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According to court documents, in July 2021, USPIS, USPS-OIG, and BCPD began investigating Pierre after a financial institution filed a complaint. The financial institution stated that some of its cardholders in Maryland did not receive their credit cards in the mail. Then unauthorized charges were subsequently made on those accounts. 

As stated in the indictment, Pierre obtained credit cards from victim institutions intended for other individuals. He used the names and dates of birth of the credit-card holders, without lawful authority, and illegally purchased gift cards. Pierre then used Western Union to transfer the cash value balance of fraudulently purchased gift cards to cash. Additionally, Pierre used personally identifiable information to obtain lines of credit from financial institutions to purchase and register vehicles without the victim’s knowledge.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Pierre faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and up to two years for each count of aggravated identity theft.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPIS, USPS-OIG, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Higgins and Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man pled guilty to charges in federal court, today, after he unknowingly agreed to sell drugs and firearms to an undercover law-enforcement officer.

Robert William Garland, 33, of Elk Mills, is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The charges stem from an undercover drugs and firearms investigation.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Alison M. Healey, Harford County State's Attorney; and Sheriff Jeff Gahler, Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the guilty plea, in January 2025, an undercover Harford County Drug Task Force detective learned that Garland was looking to sell firearms. The detective then spoke with Garland about purchasing firearms over the phone. During the conversation, Garland agreed to sell the detective three rifles and a crossbow for $3,000.

Then Garland met the detective in a Harford County shopping-center parking lot to conduct the transaction. The detective entered Garland’s vehicle and observed the rifles on the rear seat wrapped in clothing. Garland removed the rifles and placed them in the detective’s trunk in exchange for $3,000. He also gave the detective two 30-round large capacity magazines, a range finder, and a crossbow. Garland is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions.

 Additionally, Garland offered to sell the detective drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and others. The detective arranged to purchase one ounce (28 grams) of methamphetamine for $350. Then on Feb. 5, Garland met the detective at a Harford County Royal Farms. Garland entered the detective’s vehicle and placed a bag of methamphetamine in the detective’s cupholder. In exchange, the detective gave Garland $350. 

Garland faces a maximum of 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson set sentencing for Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2027, at 10 a.m. 

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore County softball coach pled guilty in federal court, today, to charges connected to sexually abusing a former player who was a minor at the time. 

Michael Joseph Pusateri, 59, of Nottingham, pled guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor. Pusateri also recently pled guilty to sexual child abuse against the same victim in Baltimore County Circuit Court, resulting in a 10-year sentence.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According to the guilty plea, from at least March 2025, through July 2025, Pusateri coerced and enticed a minor victim, who was 16 and 17 years old at the time of the abuse. Pusateri groomed the minor victim through text messages and coerced and enticed the child into sending him sexual images. He then saved the messages and CSAM on his cellphone. Additionally, Pusateri sent the minor victim several pictures of his genitals.

After law enforcement seized his cellphone, BCPD uncovered over 400 phone calls between Pusateri and the minor victim from March 21, through July 25. The minor victim met the Baltimore County softball coach when she was approximately 8 years old. The victim joined Pusateri’s club softball team, when she was 11 or 12 years old, where he coached her through the time of the abuse.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

Pusateri faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, with a maximum of life in federal prison, for coercion and enticement. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2027, at 2:30 p.m.

A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man pled guilty in federal court, today, to child sex abuse crimes.

Gleybar Josue Ramirez-Clemente, 21, of Frederick, pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Ramirez-Clemente pretended he was a minor while engaging with the minor victim on a social media platform and then eventually sexually exploited the child. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, Chief Kevin Meyer, Frederick Police Department (FPD), and J. Charles Smith III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County. 

According to the guilty plea, in July 2025, Ramirez-Clemente began sexually exploiting a minor victim, who was 15 and 16 years old at the time of the abuse, using his Instagram social media account. Ramirez-Clemente used a fake persona, “Jefe,” to contact the minor victim and told her he was 16. 

After several weeks of communicating, the minor victim was unaware that she was actually engaging with Ramirez-Clemente. Ramirez-Clemente eventually asked the minor victim for sexually explicit images of herself. After the minor victim sent Ramirez-Clemente the sexually explicit images, he then coerced and enticed her to send additional images. Then “Jefe” threatened to expose the minor victim’s actions to others, including members of their community, if she did not comply. 

Ramirez-Clemente continued to use his fake persona, “Jefe,” to threaten the minor victim, coercing her to engage in sex acts while he recorded the abuse.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

If convicted, Ramirez-Clemente faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, FPD, and State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court, today, to drug and firearms charges stemming from an incident involving a police foot chase. 

Quran Cox, 33, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Ivan J. Bates, State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to the guilty plea, in December 2023, a BPD detective was surveilling the 100 block of West Hamburg Street by a CitiWatch camera when he observed Cox hold and manipulate a pack of suspected drugs. The detective then radioed his colleagues to arrest Cox.

When law enforcement arrived, Cox fled down an alley into the courtyards of an apartment complex. Law enforcement then pursued Cox on foot. During the pursuit, officers observed Cox reaching in his waistband with both hands as he ran. The law enforcement officers ordered Cox to “stop running,” “stop digging,” and to “put it down,” believing that Cox was reaching for a firearm. 

Then when Cox slipped and fell on the grass, detectives caught up to him and attempted to secure his arms behind his back. As law enforcement made the arrest, they observed a loaded magazine on the ground near Cox’s right hand and a firearm in his left hand. Law enforcement recovered the firearm, loaded with one round of ammunition in the chamber and an additional six rounds of ammunition in the magazine.

A further search of Cox revealed 53 gelcaps of fentanyl, 22 jugs of cocaine, and $167 in cash. Detectives also recovered a key to Cox’s vehicle that was parked in the same block. Then a K-9 conducted a scan which produced a positive alert for contraband. Detectives then recovered 14 additional rounds of ammunition in the driver’s door pocket.

Cox faces a maximum 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. He is also facing a minimum of five years and a maximum of life for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Sentencing is set for Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 10 a.m.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man learned his fate in federal court, stemming from a firearm incident in the parking lot of a convenience store.

U.S. District Court Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced Demond Thompson, 23, to 52 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Thompson, a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, threw a loaded firearm across a populated parking lot of a convenience store when approached by police officers.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to court documents, on December 21, 2025, BPD detectives were looking for Thompson in connection with an arrest warrant for failure to register as a gun offender. Detectives located Thompson walking on the sidewalk and attempted to speak with him. Then Thompson fled southbound into a populated Northwest Baltimore shopping-center parking lot. 

As law enforcement pursued Thompson on foot, he reached into his front waistband, took out a firearm, and threw it across the parking lot.  The firearm then hit the ground and landed next to a truck as a civilian stood in the doorway of the vehicle. When the firearm fell, the magazine base plate broke, causing 17 live rounds of ammunition to scatter on the ground. Law enforcement subsequently captured and arrested Thompson.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandria A. Bell and Jonathan S. Tsuei who prosecuted this federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that a Maryland man is facing federal indictment in connection with child sex abuse crimes. 

Charles Mark Wooters, 34, of Easton, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child; transportation of child sex abuse material (CSAM); and receipt of CSAM; along with five counts of possession of CSAM.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Alan Lowrey, Easton Police Department.

According to the indictment, in November 2025, Wooters allegedly uploaded more than two dozen CSAM files, depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to an internet-based file storage account. Additionally, law enforcement found that Wooters possessed CSAM files on multiple electronic devices and an internet-based cloud storage account associated with his email address.

Wooters is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor and a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years for transporting CSAM. He also faces a minimum of five years for receipt of CSAM, along with a maximum of 10 years for each count of possessing CSAM. 

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and Easton Police Department for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court to drug-trafficking crimes stemming from his role in a cross-country drug operation.

David Carroll, 35, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The charges are in connection with a Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) drug investigation.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).

According to the guilty plea, in 2023, federal and local law enforcement agencies began investigating a Baltimore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) distributing large quantities of cocaine.  The DTO transported bulk quantities of cocaine from California to Maryland and then stored them in various Maryland stash houses. Carroll then distributed the cocaine in Baltimore. 

Through surveillance, investigators observed Carroll frequenting one of the DTO’s stash houses in a Baltimore apartment.  Then in October 2023, investigators watched as Carroll left the Baltimore Apartment with suspected drugs concealed under his clothes.  Two days later, investigators seized a duffle bag with 19 kilograms of cocaine that another DTO member left the Baltimore Apartment with. 

Following that drug seizure, investigators continued monitoring Carroll’s activities, including his Baltimore residence where he conducted drug transactions.  In January 2024, investigators observed Carroll conducting a hand-to-hand transaction with a drug customer on the front porch of his home.  Investigators also witnessed suspected drugs carried into the residence in November 2023 and March 2024.   

Then in May 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Carroll’s residence where they recovered three loaded firearms, 20 boxes of ammunition, more than 100 grams of fentanyl pressed pills, and more than 300 grams of cocaine.   

Carroll faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances along with a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.  U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar set sentencing for Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m. 

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, HSI, IRS-CI, BCPD, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Miner and Stanton Lawyer who are prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man learned his fate in federal court for committing child sex abuse crimes.

U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Mark Travis Brigham, 37, of Mount Airy, to 25 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually exploiting a child and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Brigham pled guilty to the charges in June 2026.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Sheriff Charles A. Jenkins, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; and J. Charles Smith III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County.

According to court documents, between September 2023 and August 2024, Brigham persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced three minor females, between 13 and 14 years old, to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He used his cellphone to produce multiple sexually explicit images of the victims. Brigham also placed a hidden camera in a bathroom and secretly recorded adults and minors showering and using the toilet. 

On August 6, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Brigham’s Mount Airy residence. During the search, law enforcement seized a tablet, digital camera with a SD card, and two cellphones, along with 35 firearms, ammunition, and a magazine. Investigators then examined the devices and uncovered the CSAM files.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. 

Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters. Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County, for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandria A. Bell and Paul E. Budlow who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A former federal senior official, who pled guilty to theft charges, received a federal sentence, today, in connection with a timecard scheme. 

Chief Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan sentenced Evester Edd, 64, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to two years of supervised probation, including three months of home confinement on electronic monitoring, for theft of government property. Additionally, Judge Sullivan ordered Edd, a former Peace Corps (PC) senior human resources employee, to pay $20,758.50 of restitution and perform 250 hours of community service.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Inspector General Joaquin E. Ferrao, Peace Corps Office of Inspector General (Peace Corps OIG); James Hodge, Acting Principal Deputy Inspector General, performing the duties of Inspector General,Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG); and Inspector General Robert J. Feitel, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of the Inspector General (NRC OIG). This prosecution supports the objectives of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

According to court documents, Edd worked daily from his duty station at PC headquarters in Washington, D.C., or an alternate site, as the agency also allowed teleworking. Beginning in September 2024, and continuing through November 2024, Edd falsely recorded work hours that he did not work in PC’s time-and-attendance system. During this time frame, Edd submitted his time and attendance sheet electronically from his alternative telework duty station. The false entries resulted in PC paying Edd for hours he did not work.

After NRC OIG’s Cyber Crimes Unit investigators analyzed Edd’s NRC-issued laptop for the specified timeframe, they found that on nearly a daily basis, Edd signed on from his residence to work for the NRC during his PC work hours. Additionally, on nine of the days that he worked as a contractor, Edd, remotely signed into the NRC network but did work for the NRC while sitting in his workspace at PC headquarters during the PC workday.

Investigators also determined that Edd sent numerous government documents from the agencies’ accounts to his personal AOL email account. Many documents were related to employment actions and included personally identifiable information (PII), along with other confidential details.

When law enforcement executed a search warrant on Edd’s Silver Spring residence, investigators searched his electronic media. During the search, investigators identified a thumb drive that contained government documents, including documents containing federal employees’ PII. The documents on the thumb drive dated back to Edd’s previous periods of federal employment from at least the 1990s. In December 2024, Edd retired from federal service during the pending criminal investigation.

This prosecution is the result of a yearslong investigation led by the Peace Corps OIG in partnership with FHFA-OIG, NRC OIG, and other law enforcement partners. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the Peace Corps OIG, FHFA-OIG, and NRC OIG for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Baldwin who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted a West Virginia man on multiple charges in connection with robbing banks in Maryland.

Jordon Larine Redfern, 30, of Martinsburg, is charged with bank robbery, carjacking, attempted armed bank robbery, and armed bank robbery.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment, today, with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.

According to the four-count indictment, on May 29, 2026, Redfern robbed a Windsor Mill, Maryland, bank, taking approximately $6,300 in cash. Two days later, on May 31, Redfern carjacked a luxury vehicle in Washington County, Maryland. Then on June 1, Redfern attempted to commit an armed robbery of a bank in Baltimore, and then later committed an armed robbery of a second bank in Baltimore, stealing approximately $41,590 in cash. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Redfern faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison for armed bank robbery and a maximum of 15 years for carjacking.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation, along with the Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore Police Department; Berkeley County, WV, Sheriff's Office; Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; Washington County Sheriff's Office; Maryland Transportation Authority Police; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Higgins and Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Two Baltimore men are facing indictment, today, stemming from a federal drug-trafficking takedown operation.

Charles “Bok” Byers, 48, and Darryl “DJ” Hairston, Jr., 48, who operated a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Baltimore, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime in connection with the takedown. Byers and Hairston are also charged with illegally possessing three loaded firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Both co-conspirators are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to prior convictions.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); Sheriff Sam Cogen, Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). 

According to the indictment, law enforcement found that Byers and Hairston possessed and conspired to traffic 400 grams or more of a substance or mixture containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, along with a substance or mixture containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (“crack” cocaine). Court documents state that beginning in May 2026, investigators observed Byers consistently purchasing large quantities of cutting agents, such as quinine and mannitol, along with drug-packaging materials, from a Baltimore County store. The investigation revealed that this usually indicated that the DTO had recently received a bulk supply of narcotics. 

Then investigators observed Byers taking the drugs and supplies to a Northeast Baltimore stash house for processing.  Byers and/or Hairston then transported the processed drugs to different locations, often including an open-air street shop, that Hairston oversaw, on Druid Hill Avenue in West Baltimore. 

After bringing the narcotics to the street shop, the co-conspirators allegedly put the drugs in a secondary indoor stash location or at an outdoor ground stash for his subordinates, who were teenagers, to distribute.  During the investigation, agents observed adolescent males conducting hand-to-hand transactions at the street shop.  Shortly after law enforcement identified the Druid Hill street shop, an undercover agent began conducting controlled purchases of larger quantities of drugs from Hairston directly. 

Later, state and local law enforcement executed search warrants at stash locations in July and August, respectively. Then on Sept. 22, agents executed federal arrest and search warrants for multiple locations and vehicles linked to Byers, Hairston, and other DTO members. When law enforcement executed the arrest warrants, the co-conspirators immediately began smashing all cell phones in their possession. 

Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement recovered thousands of gel capsules of confirmed and suspected fentanyl, multiple kilograms of powdered confirmed and suspected fentanyl, confirmed and suspected crack cocaine, and confirmed and suspected powder cocaine, along with several firearms. Agents also found bags of suspected fentanyl marked “East Side” and “West Side” at a stash location searched on Sept. 22.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. 

If convicted, Byers and Hairston face a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison for both the conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and the possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as a minimum of five years and a maximum of life for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Byers and Hairston are also facing a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. 

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, ATF, FBI, BPD, BCSO, DPSCS, and BCPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Natural Resources Police and Howard County Police Department, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Levin and Ty Pittinger who are prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that six individuals face indictment stemming from a federal drug trafficking organization (DTO) investigation. 

George Robinson, 58, of Baltimore; Shane Green, 50, of Baltimore; Shawn Hearn, 53, of Baltimore; Cori Grant, 47, of Baltimore; Vanessa Dancy, 59, of Baltimore; and Angela Pugh-Smith, 61, of Dayton, Ohio, are charged with drug-trafficking crimes in connection with the federal investigation. The co-conspirators are all charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances while some of them face additional charges.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland (USMS); and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to the indictment, Robinson is also charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Additionally, Grant, Green, Hearn, and Pugh-Smith are each charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. 

As revealed in court documents, in September 2025, the DEA began investigating the DTO after it learned about Robinson’s reputation as a well-known, large-scale drug supplier in Baltimore.  Confidential sources informed law enforcement that Robinson owned numerous legitimate businesses that he used to launder money. Additionally, the confidential sources estimated Robinson obtained between 50 to 150 kilograms of cocaine at a time.  One source also believed Robinson possessed heroin and/or fentanyl.

Then during the investigation, law enforcement observed that between October 2025 and May 2026, on six different occasions, Robinson received large drug shipments concealed inside steel structures. The steel structures were packed in crates that were loaded on flatbed trailers and delivered to two warehouses in Baltimore. Robinson then allegedly unloaded the drugs and concealed them inside these warehouses. Law enforcement also discovered that Robinson stored drug proceeds inside the crates and steel structures, loaded them onto flatbed trailers, and then shipped them to his drug supplier. 

On May 6, law enforcement executed search warrants at Robinson’s residence, warehouses, laundromat, and other locations associated with DTO members. During the search, investigators seized more than 140 kilograms of cocaine; approximately 10 kilograms of fentanyl; smaller amounts of a variety of drugs; approximately $1.3 million; firearms; drug-packing paraphernalia; and dozens of cellular devices.

If convicted, the co-conspirators face a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison for all counts charged in the indictment. 

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, FBI, USMS, and BPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Baltimore County Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Sippel, Jr., and Calvin Miner who are prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md. 

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Maryland man, today, for sexually exploiting minor victims living in South America. 

U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced William Foster Alger, 76, of Hagerstown, to 138 months in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for coercion and enticement of a child. Alger pled guilty to the child sex-abuse charges in March 2026. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Paul Joey Kifer, Chief of Police of the Hagerstown Police Department (HPD); and Gina Cirincion, State’s Attorney for Washington County. 

According to court documents, between November 2023 and December 2024, Alger used mobile phones and online applications to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce three minor victims to engage in sexual activity. Alger paid the victims’ mothers, through Western Union payments, to send him images of the minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

The victims, who were ages 6 to 16 at the time of the exploitation, lived in Ecuador where Alger traveled to frequently. He eventually purchased land in Ecuador and built a residence. Alger’s iCloud account included numerous photos of him at his Ecuador residence with minor victims and their mothers.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters.  Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, HPD, and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court to charges stemming from his role as a drug trafficker.

Kanye Green, 23, admitted to possession of a firearm and ammunition by the respondent of a domestic violence protective order and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to court documents, on October 28, 2025, as BPD officers conducted proactive enforcement in Northwest Baltimore, they observed Green standing on a corner. Officers noticed Green’s jacket seemed to bulge out, indicating that he possessed a heavy object consistent with a firearm. 

Then officers approached Green and asked him if he possessed a firearm. Green then lifted his shirt and replied “no,” but stated he had weed on him. As Green removed the packet of marijuana from his clothing, an officer observed the handle of a firearm inside of his jacket. Then officers patted Green down and located a handgun in his jacket pocket. 

Officers then arrested Green and subsequently recovered several vials of a controlled substance from his person. Further testing revealed the substance was cocaine and cocaine base.

Additionally, at the time of the arrest, Green was the respondent of a final order of protection for a domestic violence order by the District Court for Baltimore County which prohibited him from possessing firearms and ammunition during the duration of the order.

Green faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He is also facing a maximum of 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  U.S. District Court Judge Deborah K. Chasanow set sentencing for Friday, Jan. 8, 2027, at 1 p.m.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Safe Home. These programs bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Project Safe Home is an initiative under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to reduce domestic violence and prevent escalation to lethal violence by targeting offenders who use or possess handguns with a history of Domestic Violence.

In response, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is working closely with its federal, local, and state partners — along with Baltimore City community organizations — to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety.  This partnership and coordination between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the City of Baltimore ensures that federal resources are leveraged effectively to address intimidate-partner firearm violence. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their collaborative efforts in this investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Godwin and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Y. Hagan who are prosecuting this case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md. 

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Greenbelt, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that authorities arrested a Hyattsville man in connection with a fraud scheme that targeted senior citizens.  

Roy Dave Davis, 34, of Hyattsville, is charged by criminal complaint with bank fraud.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the arrest and criminal complaint with Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – Washington Division.

According to court documents, beginning in May 2023, Davis obtained personally identifiable information for numerous customers of a financial institution. Davis changed the mailing addresses connected to the victims’ accounts to addresses he controlled in Maryland.  He then ordered debit cards in the victims’ names and used them to make ATM withdrawals and direct purchases.

Throughout the scheme, Davis made more than 1,500 fraudulent ATM withdrawals that netted more than $1 million.  He also used victims’ debit cards to purchase more than $100,000 in luxury fashion items.

Davis defrauded more than 40 victims, targeting senior citizens who averaged 81 years old.  Additionally, Davis obtained and used debit cards that belonged to small businesses, deceased individuals, and a charter school. 

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by criminal complaint are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Davis faces a maximum of up to 30 years in federal prison for bank fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPIS for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Jaskiw, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy, who are prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Gaithersburg, Maryland, man for a drug-trafficking offense that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl. 

U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Kelvin Reyes, 27, to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of controlled substances after selling narcotics to the minor victim who contacted him on a social media platform. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Frank Saldana, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Acting Chief Darren Francke, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).

According to court documents, on January 14, 2023, Reyes distributed fentanyl to the teenaged victim. The victim later used the substance and subsequently died.

Evidence shows that late in the evening of January 13, the victim contacted Reyes on Instagram about purchasing fentanyl. Reyes agreed to sell fentanyl to the victim, so he requested an address for delivery. The victim then instructed Reyes to meet her at an elementary school near her residence in Montgomery County. 

The investigation revealed that Reyes’s phone was located at the school where he agreed to meet the victim in the early morning hours of January 14. Ring camera footage from the victim’s residence also confirms she left her residence around the same timeframe and returned home approximately three minutes later. Reyes then posted an Instagram story advertising he was driving around in his car selling fentanyl after he met the victim. 

 The victim’s mother reported that around 7 a.m., she found her daughter in her room in a fetal position with fluid coming out of her mouth and nose area. She also saw a burnt piece of aluminum foil with fentanyl residue next to the victim. An autopsy later revealed that the victim’s cause of death was fentanyl and despropionyl fentanyl intoxication. 

On January 24, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Reyes’s residence where they found a digital scale; clear plastic bags; a plastic zip-top bag containing $5.13 in U.S. coins; and numerous orange zip-top bags, foil, and straws with residue. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, FBI, and MCPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle A. Li and Kenneth S. Clark, who prosecuted this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that after a four-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Maryland man of several child sex-abuse crimes.

The jury found James Edward Howeth, 43, of East New Market, guilty of two counts of sexually exploiting a minor, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and three counts of possessing CSAM.  Howeth faces a mandatory minimum 15 years, and a maximum of 140 years, in federal prison.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty verdict with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP).

During the trial, evidence showed that Howeth enticed and coerced a minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing CSAM. The government also proved that Howeth used a cell phone to distribute CSAM. 

According to court documents, between April 2021 and April 2022, Howeth produced sexually explicit depictions of the minor victim who was 4 and 5 years old at the time. Law enforcement discovered that Howeth possessed more than CSAM files and that in September 2023, Howeth sent a text message to another person with a CSAM file attached. 

Then as part of the investigation, on March 14, 2024, law-enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Howeth’s East New Market home. During the search, law enforcement seized several of Howeth’s electronic devices including two cellphones, a laptop, and a desktop. A search of the cellphones revealed a text conversation in which Howeth discussed his sexual attraction to the minor victim and other children in addition to CSAM images of the minor victim that Howeth produced on two separate occasions. 

Law enforcement also located more than 200 CSAM files on the cellphones and more than 100 CSAM files on the laptop. 

Howeth is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each count of sexually exploiting a minor. He also faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years for distributing CSAM, along with a maximum of 20 years for each count of possessing CSAM. 

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and MSP for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn and Reema Sood who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that a Maryland man made his initial appearance in federal court in connection with a felony theft charge. 

Bankole Olaniyi Akinfe, 49, of Laurel, is charged by criminal complaint with theft of government property. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the criminal complaint with Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari Ph.D., Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG). 

According to the criminal complaint, beginning in December 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services headquarters employed Akinfe as a contractor in its Information Technology Customer Support Center. On August 27, 2026, Akinfe was observed removing at least 10 Random-Access Memory (RAM) modules from USCIS laptops without authorization.  Akinfe was further observed putting the RAM modules in his pocket and taking them off the premises. 

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by criminal complaint are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Akinfe faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison since the total value of the stolen government property exceeds $1,000.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DHS-OIG for its work on this case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle A. Li, who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court to charges stemming from his role as a high-volume drug trafficker. 

Rodrigo Lacayo, 48, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The charges are in connection with a multi-state, federal drug investigation.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Frank Saldana, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS); and Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).

According to court documents, in June 2025, the DEA ran an undercover drug operation to investigate Lacayo. During the undercover operation, Lacayo attempted to deliver money to an undercover officer (UC) for drugs previously provided to him.  But then the UC informed Lacayo that they needed to meet for the delivery another time.  In the meantime, the DEA obtained court authorization to track Lacayo’s cellular location.  Through cellular tracking data, investigators identified Lacayo’s Northwest Baltimore residence and his vehicle. 

On July 8, Lacayo’s cellular tracking revealed that he traveled to Houston, Texas, before traveling back to Maryland on July 10. Then on July 11, the DEA coordinated with the MCPD to conduct a traffic stop of Lacayo’s vehicle. MCPD officers later found Lacayo driving his vehicle in Bethesda, Maryland. Officers then initiated a traffic stop for suspended tags. 

Law enforcement removed Lacayo from the vehicle before a K-9 officer scanned it for the presence of narcotics. The K-9 alerted officers of drugs in the vehicle which led to a search.  Officers then discovered 12 kilograms of cocaine concealed in three car batteries inside the trunk and three cellular phones. 

After the traffic stop, investigators obtained a search warrant for Lacayo’s residence.  During the search of the residence, investigators recovered a hydraulic press, approximately 285 grams of Psilocin mushrooms, and a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition in Lacayo’s bedroom closet. Lacayo is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions.

Investigators also successfully downloaded one of Lacayo’s phones and found additional evidence of drug trafficking.  Law enforcement found photos of packaged kilogram quantities of drugs, large amounts of cash, screenshots of six-figure wire transfers, and voice memos along with WhatsApp messages discussing drug trafficking on the cellphone.    

Lacayo faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances along with a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson set sentencing for Thursday, January 28, 2027, at 10:00 a.m.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, BCPD, BPD, DPSCS, and MCPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Miner who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man received a federal-prison term, today, in connection with his role in a multi-million-dollar money laundering scheme.

Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Adanegbe “Gift” Osemwenkhae, 41, of Upper Marlboro, to eight years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for money laundering. Judge Maddox also ordered Osemwenkhae to pay $20,851,940.80 in restitution. In April 2025, Osemwenkhae pled guilty to serving as a manager and supervisor of the large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG). This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud along with the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF).

According to court documents, beginning in 2020, and continuing until February 2024, Osemwenkhae conspired with multiple individuals to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud. The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the conspiracy.

Osemwenkhae supervised and exercised significant managerial control over the money laundering conspiracy and facilitated the laundering of more than $20 million in stolen proceeds from at least 15 different victims. The victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others. 

 As supervisor, Osemwenkhae used and controlled several different encrypted electronic communication accounts to supervise and manage the money laundering conspiracy. Osemwenkhae directed and worked with members of the conspiracy to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts and/or cause bank accounts to be opened in the name of their shell entity; and receive and launder fraud proceeds.  He also helped coordinate the flow of fraudulent proceeds through various bank accounts and determine how to split funds between each member of the conspiracy as payment for their role in the conspiracy. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland charged 14 defendants in two different cases in connection with the money laundering conspiracy with 13 pleading guilty and receiving federal-prison sentences.  Faizou Gnora, 29, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, remains a fugitive from justice.  The Office also charged other co-conspirators in additional cases.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, and thanked IRS-CI and EPA-OIG for their work in the investigation, and praised the Anne Arundel County, Queen Anne’s County Sherriff’s Office, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County Police Departments for their assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Bijon A. Mostoufi, who prosecuted the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber, for her assistance.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Washington, DC, felon received a federal-prison term for firearm-possession charges. 

Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Kevin Darnell Ayers, 44, to 66 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Jarod J. Towers, Hyattsville Police Department (HPD).

According to court documents, on December 5, 2024, security personnel discovered a loaded handgun in Ayers’s bag as he went through security at the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County. Law enforcement subsequently learned that Ayers was at the courthouse to attend his own trial for domestic-related charges. The handgun contained approximately six rounds of ammunition. 

Ayers’s previous felony convictions prohibited him from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Additionally, Ayers was on supervised release for an assault conviction, along with pretrial release for his pending state charges, at the time he possessed the handgun. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and HPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle A. Li and Kenneth S. Clark who prosecuted this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man is headed to federal prison for firearm crimes. 

U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Jerry Toliver, 37, of Rosedale, today, to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to court documents, on December 19, 2024, BPD officers arrived at a building to assist BCPD detectives with executing an arrest warrant on Toliver. The warrant was in connection with a November 2024 shooting.

BCPD detectives located Toliver sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle. Law enforcement ordered Toliver out of the vehicle and placed him under arrest. As law enforcement searched Toliver, officers discovered oxycodone, cocaine base, and cocaine on him. 

After towing the vehicle to BCPD Headquarters, law enforcement uncovered a loaded handgun with seven live rounds of ammunition under the driver’s seat. Toliver is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions. Additionally, investigators found $3,604.17, along with a large amount of Toliver’s clothing in the vehicle. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, BCPD, and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Godwin who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Honduran illegal alien, unlawfully residing in the United States, to prison, today, for child sex-abuse crimes. 

U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Jose Adan Lopez-Guevara, 38, to 65 years in federal prison, followed by 30 years of supervised release, for sexually exploiting children and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).  In April 2026, a federal jury convicted Lopez-Guevara of 14 counts of sexually exploiting a child and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office (PGCSAO).

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2015 and 2024, Lopez-Guevara sexually abused three minors, ranging from 2 to 11 years old at the time of the abuse.  Lopez-Guevara, who lived in Laurel and Baltimore, produced images and videos of himself and the victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct, many of which were found on the dark web. 

In December 2024, HSI initiated an investigation after its investigators in Portland, Maine, observed previously unseen child sexual abuse videos on the internet.  After identifying Minor Victim 1 in the videos, and determining that he lived in Maryland, investigators quickly referred the matter to HSI Maryland. 

HSI then executed several search warrants in Maryland and discovered Lopez-Guevara in possession of two phones. Investigators forensically examined the phones and discovered additional images of Lopez-Guevara sexually abusing Minor Victim 1, along with depictions of Lopez-Guevara exploiting Minor Victim 2 and Minor Victim 3. Additionally, investigators found hundreds of CSAM images and videos on the phone associated with an encrypted messaging application.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters.  Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, MSP, BCPD, PGCSAO, for their work in the investigation, along with the Center for Hope, for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Budlow and Victoria Liu who prosecuted the case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md. 

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that a Baltimore man faces indictment stemming from multiple armed robberies.

A federal grand jury charged Carlos Moody, 38, with three counts of interference with commerce by threats or violence in connection with the armed robberies of three Baltimore cellphone stores.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to the indictment, in late December 2025, Moody robbed three different cellphone stores, located in the southern and northern areas of Baltimore, in a four-day period.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Moody faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on each of the three counts alleged in the indictment. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ty Pittinger and John W. Sippel, Jr., who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man learned his fate in federal court, stemming from charges for his role as a drug supplier. 

U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Alcedo Hodge, Jr., 30, of Parkville, to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges are in connection with a multi-state Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) drug investigation.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Shane K. Todd, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).

According to court documents, in 2024, the DEA investigated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Richmond, Virginia.  Investigators identified Co-Conspirator 1 (CC-1) as one of the DTO’s re-supply sources, along with Hodge. Then in December 2024, law enforcement intercepted wiretap conversations about the DTO’s cocaine re-supply in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. 

On December 5, investigators covertly followed a DTO member who drove from Virginia to Owings Mills, Maryland, to meet CC-1. During the surveillance, law enforcement observed Hodge arrive at a secluded shopping center parking lot. The DTO member and CC-1 then followed Hodge in their vehicles. 

 While in the parking lot, investigators saw CC-1 exit Hodge’s vehicle. Then, as Hodge left the parking lot, CC-1 called the DTO member over to his vehicle.  Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the DTO member after he returned to Virginia later that day.  Investigators searched the DTO member’s car, recovering one kilogram of cocaine.

Additionally, in January 2025, investigators observed Hodge engaging in another suspected drug transaction. Then on March 17, 2025, investigators initiated a traffic stop on Hodge in Baltimore County after observing an additional suspected drug transaction.  During the traffic stop, a K-9 unit scanned the vehicle and returned a positive alert for the controlled substances.  Investigators searched the vehicle and recovered three kilograms of cocaine; a fully loaded Glock semi-automatic handgun equipped with a 22-round capacity extended magazine; and approximately $78,000 in cash. 

After law enforcement arrested Hodge, investigators searched his Parkville residence. Inside his residence, investigators recovered an additional three kilograms of cocaine; another loaded firearm, which was stolen; and two digital money counters.  Hodge acknowledged that he intended to use the recovered firearms and U.S. currency to facilitate his drug offense. 

The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, BCPD, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Miner who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that a Maryland man is facing federal indictment in connection with child sex abuse crimes. 

Robert Paul Miller, III, 35, of West Friendship, is charged with distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and possessing CSAM.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Gregory Der, Howard County Police Department (HCPD)

According to the indictment, Miller distributed videos depicting adults sexually abusing minors. Miller also maintained a Dropbox storage account, associated with his email address, that contained one or more CSAM visual depictions.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Miller faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for distributing CSAM. Miller also faces a maximum of 10 years for possessing CSAM.   

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and HCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to federal prison for firearm and postal-service theft crimes.

U.S. District Court Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Shykeem Fallin, 24, today, to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person and possession of a stolen key adopted by the United States Postal Service.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – Washington Division, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to court documents, on February 4, 2025, a BPD detective, monitoring a CitiWatch Camera, observed Fallin displaying characteristics of an armed person. The detective saw Fallin adjusting the front waistband of his pants while in a convenience store.

Then Fallin exited the store and approached the driver’s side of a white vehicle with an unknown male who was speaking to a female driver. During the conversation, the officer noticed Fallin repeatedly checking and adjusting an object in the front waistband of his pants. Then the detective saw Fallin walk to the front of the car and pull out a black handgun and hold it against his side.

Fallin then put the firearm back in his waistband and adjusted his pants. After the white vehicle left, Fallin went to his vehicle and entered the driver’s seat. Shortly after, BPD officers arrived on the scene to apprehend Fallin. 

After law enforcement arrested Fallin, officers asked him if he owned a permit for the firearm. But Fallin denied having the firearm. Then law enforcement searched the vehicle and uncovered a loaded firearm that contained 12 rounds of ammunition underneath the driver’s seat. 

Additionally, law enforcement discovered a United States Postal Service (USPS) Arrow Key that fell from the driver’s side visor onto the driver’s seat. An Arrow Key is a government-issued master key that enables postal carriers to open cluster box units, blue collection boxes, and other USPS-secured mail infrastructure.  Upon further investigation, law enforcement learned that the recovered Arrow Key was stolen from a postal carrier on February 3.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the USPIS and BPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, for its valuable assistance. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Rigney and Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III, who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury indicted a Baltimore man, today, for firearm crimes in connection with the FBI’s Summer Heat 2.0 initiative.

Larry Arntay Thompson, Jr., 25, is charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland (USMS).

As part of the FBI initiative, on July 29, 2026, law enforcement located and arrested Thompson on an outstanding warrant for first-degree assault and firearm charges. Officers then searched Thompson and discovered a concealed loaded handgun with a large-capacity magazine and 13 rounds of live ammunition. Upon further investigation, officers determined that the firearm was reported stolen in 2024. Thompson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. 

Thompson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

The FBI launched “Summer Heat” for the second year in a row, targeting violent crime on a nationwide scale. It launched this multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside federal, state, and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, the FBI seeks to aggressively restore safety in communities across the country.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI and USMS for their work in the operation, along with the Maryland State Police, for its valuable assistance. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Izant, who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man received a federal-prison term, today, stemming from a social-security disability benefits scam.

U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby sentenced Andrew Langford, 50, of Ft. Washington, to eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud in connection with the scheme. U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) records show that from January 2014 through May 2021, Langford received more than $270,000 in disability benefits that he was not entitled to.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) Boston–New York- Philadelphia Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Andrew McKay, Mid-Atlantic Field Division of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

According to court documents, Langford devised a scheme to defraud the SSA to obtain money to personally enrich himself and to benefit him and his associates. Back in November 2008, Langford applied for SSA disability benefits, reporting that he was unable to work due to a disabling condition. 

Then in May 2009, Langford applied for child/auxiliary benefits for his three minor children. Later in 2009, SSA notified Langford that he was eligible for and would begin receiving disability benefit payments. SSA also notified Langford of his responsibility to inform the agency if he returned to work or if his health improved. 

As part of the scheme, Langford operated two cleaning companies — NDA Cleaning Services, LLC, and CK Janitors, Inc. — registered in Maryland and Virginia, respectively. Langford utilized an IRS system to apply for Employer Identification Numbers for his businesses associated with the alleged fraud. But Langford failed to report that he returned to work as required. Langford concealed his ownership of the businesses, along with his income and ability to work, from the SSA. 

In August 2020, when a SSA employee inquired about the businesses, Langford verbally advised that he never heard of NDA Janitorial Services or NDA Cleaning Services. Langford also maintained he last worked in 2008. 

But records showed that in March 2015, Langford filed Articles of Organization for NDA Cleaning Services, LLC, and then in October 2018, he filed Articles of Reinstatement for the business. Langford is also listed as the resident agent for the business. Further, records from the Virginia State Corporation Commission Information System show Langford is listed as the director/CEO of CK Janitors, Inc., from November 2015, through April 2018.

Then in September 2019, the SSA mailed Langford a Continuing Disability Review notice, informing him of an impending review of his disability case. In January 2020, after the SSA didn’t receive required documentation, it mailed Langford a proposed decision to end his benefits. The SSA’s decision was based on the agency’s review of documents, including his earning records, as reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

In May 2021, SSA mailed Langford notices informing him that he received SSA disability and child/auxiliary payments overpayments to which he was not entitled. IRS records revealed that Langford earned more than $100,000, annually, for tax years 2012, 2014, and 2016.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the SSA-OIG and TIGTA for their work in the investigation, along with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for its valuable assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who prosecuted this case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that a Maryland man made his initial appearance in federal court in connection with domestic terrorism charges. 

Donald Franklin Swope, 53, is charged by criminal complaint for threats against the President of the United States; interstate communication containing a threat to harm; and influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening or injuring a family member. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the criminal complaint with Special Agent in Charge Brian McDonough, United States Secret Service (USSS) – Baltimore Field Office. 

According to the criminal complaint, between May 12, 2026, and July 27, Swope repeatedly made Facebook posts about harming President Donald J. Trump.  Additionally, on August 5, Swope made multiple Facebooks posts threatening the USSS. Then Swope continued to post threatening posts from August 6 until August 8.  

This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard.

 A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by criminal complaint are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Swope faces a maximum of five years in prison for each count of threatening communications and 10 years for influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USSS for its work on this case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia McLane, who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Baltimore man, today, for his role in a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) operating in a Baltimore open-air drug market.

U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Damon Toogood, 47, to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Law enforcement learned about Toogood’s connection to the DTO while conducting a federal Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) drug investigation. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to Toogood’s guilty plea, in December 2024, law enforcement began investigating suspected narcotics trafficking and narcotics sales on a West Baltimore block.  Investigators identified this block as an open-air drug market, with vehicles stopping to make narcotics purchases from dealers on the street and subsequently driving off. 

Then in April 2025, investigators started making controlled purchases of fentanyl from the narcotics dealers on the block. One individual was later identified as Toogood.  During the investigation, law enforcement observed Toogood repeatedly interacting with other street-level dealers on the block and making numerous suspected narcotics sales.  Between March 19, and May 21, investigators made approximately 10 undercover purchases from the open-air drug market on the block.  Law enforcement received approximately 790 gel caps, containing more than 124 grams of fentanyl. 

As an example, on April 15, an undercover police officer went to the block to make a controlled purchase of narcotics.  After arriving, the undercover officer exited his vehicle and approached Toogood.  The undercover officer requested 50 gel caps, so Toogood went to another individual on the street to collect a baggie containing gel caps of narcotics. 

Toogood then handed the undercover officer a baggie containing 50 gel caps in exchange for cash.  Subsequent forensic analysis showed the gel caps contained more than 15 grams of fentanyl. Then on April 22, the undercover officer returned to the block to make another controlled purchase. 

After arriving, the undercover officer approached Toogood about purchasing 50 gel caps.  Toogood walked down the block to another individual to obtain a baggie containing the gel caps. Toogood, thereafter, handed the undercover officer a baggie containing the gel caps for cash.  The gel caps later tested positive for 14.3 grams of fentanyl.  Law enforcement conducted an additional three controlled purchases on April 29, May 7, and May 21.  During these controlled buys, the undercover officer purchased 100 gel caps each time in exchange for cash.  The 300 gel caps tested positive for a total of 84.3 grams of fentanyl.

This prosecution is part of the HSTF initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, for its valuable assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Rigney who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Nigerian national learned that he is headed to federal prison for eight years, today, after he executed a business email compromise scam to steal millions from two charitable organizations.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang sentenced Olusegun Adejorin, 32, to 96 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information. In August 2024, the FBI extradited Adejorin from Ghana to stand trial for this case. In December 2025, after a six-day trial, a federal jury convicted Adejorin of all charges.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.

According to the evidence presented at trial, between June and August 2020, Adejorin perpetrated a scheme to defraud Victim 1, a charitable organization located in Maryland, that provided investment services to other organizations. Additionally, through the scheme, Adejorin defrauded Victim 2, a charitable organization located in New York, by gaining access to employee email accounts and impersonating employees to induce financial transactions.

Among the acts in furtherance of the fraud scheme, Adejorin registered spoofed domain names, which he used to pose as employees of Victim 2 to request withdrawals of Victim 2’s funds from Victim 1.  Adejorin also fraudulently obtained access to email accounts of Victim 1, which he used to send emails falsely confirming the fraudulent requests made in Victim 2’s name. He ultimately caused more than $7.5 million of Victim 2’s funds to be sent, pursuant to the fraudulent withdrawal requests, from Victim 1 to bank accounts that were not Victim 2’s bank accounts.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI Baltimore Field Office for its work in the investigation along with the FBI Legal Attaché in Accra, Ghana, Office of Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, Republic of Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Services – INTERPOL, and National Intelligence Bureau, for their valuable assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the International Cooperation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana to secure Adejorin‘s extradition   to the United States.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Rosenthal and Darren Gardner, who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A repeat fraud offender faces indictment in connection with access-device-fraud and identity theft charges, stemming from an 11-month credit card scam. 

Curtis Larnell Russell, 73, of Washington D.C., is charged with one count of unauthorized use of access devices and three counts of aggravated identity theft.  

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Chief Scott Brecht of the United States Park Police (USPP).  

According to the indictment, beginning in April 2025, and continuing into March 2026, Russell used one or more access devices, such as credit cards, issued to other people. He engaged in this crime to receive things of value exceeding $1,000.  As alleged in the affidavit in support of a criminal complaint, Russell used credit cards stolen from vehicles parked at recreational areas and other locations.  Soon after the thefts, Russell used the stolen credit cards fraudulently to purchase gift cards, merchandise, and other items.  

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Russell faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for access-device fraud and a mandatory minimum of two years for aggravated identity theft to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. 

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPP for its work in the investigation, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and other local police departments for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Andrea Duvall who are prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that authorities arrested and charged a Maryland father and son with illegally distributing more than a kilogram of fentanyl.    

Rashad Deondre Hicks, 36, of Largo, is charged by complaint with distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Lawrence Alonzo Hicks, 62, of District Heights, is also charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. The charges are in connection with a months-long investigation involving multiple sales of fentanyl.   

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the arrests with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox, FBI Washington Field Office; Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland (USMS); Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll, Metropolitan Police Department; Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD); and Sheriff Troy D. Berry, Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

According to court documents, beginning in January 2026, the DEA, FBI, and CCSO began investigating Rashad Hicks, who authorities believed was selling large quantities of fentanyl that was provided to him by Lawrence Hicks. During the investigation, law enforcement utilized an undercover officer to make eight controlled purchases of fentanyl from Rashad Hicks. The controlled purchases totaled more than 1,300 grams of fentanyl with a street value of more than $100,000. 

Additionally, at the time of the arrests, law enforcement executed several search warrants. Law enforcement recovered from Rashad Hicks’s residence approximately 230 grams of suspected fentanyl, 1018 grams of suspected cocaine base, two loaded firearms, and approximately $5,000 in U.S. currency. Law enforcement recovered from Lawrence Hicks’s residence approximately 9.51 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 2.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine base, 4.4 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, and approximately $10,000 in U.S. currency. The street value of the recovered illegal narcotics is approximately $1,700,000.

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by criminal complaint are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Rashad and Lawrence Hicks face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of up to life in federal prison for distributing 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This prosecution is part of the HSTF initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, FBI, USMS, MPD, PGPD, and CCSO for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Scarpelli and William Moomau who are prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland felon received a federal-prison term, today, for firearm-possession charges. 

Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Dalonte Ray Jones, 22, of Annapolis, to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Acting Chief Amy Miguez, Annapolis Police Department (APD).

According to court documents, on November 11, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jones’s apartment.  During the search, law enforcement found a Glock 17 semi-automatic handgun, with an extended magazine, in Jones’s bedroom. The magazine, which can hold 45 rounds of ammunition, was loaded with 17 live rounds.  In 2023, the firearm was reported stolen.  Jones’s DNA, along with the DNA of three other individuals, was on the firearm. 

Investigators also searched Jones’s iPhone pursuant to a warrant. Law enforcement uncovered numerous videos of Jones holding a variety of firearms, including the firearm he possessed on November 11. 

Jones’s previous felony convictions prohibited him from possessing a firearm and ammunition and included two separate convictions for second-degree assault in January 2023 and April 2023.  Jones was on probation for the April 2023 assault conviction at the time he possessed the handgun in this case. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and APD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who prosecuted this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man entered a guilty plea and received a federal sentence, today, for intentionally setting fire to multiple North Baltimore properties.

Justin Michael Reeves, 29, pled guilty to malicious destruction of property by fire, in connection with the incidents. After Reeves pled guilty, the Honorable Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced him to 63 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea and sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief James W. Wallace, Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD).

According to his guilty plea, on May 10, 2025, Reeves set a fire at a North Baltimore residence. After setting the fire, Reeves returned to the residence at various points to spread the burning materials across the structure and the garage door. An adjacent property’s surveillance camera captured Reeves setting the fire. Additionally, location information from Reeves’ cellphone also shows the phone in the area at the time of the incident. 

Additionally, in the early morning hours of May 14, Reeves set another fire at the same residence. This time, the fire extended to the property next door before fire personnel extinguished it.  Surveillance video from the rear of the residence captured Reeves walking back and forth before and after the fire.  Location information from Reeves’ cell phone also shows the phone in the area during the time Reeves is observed on surveillance footage. On May 16, Reeves returned to the rear of the property to take pictures of the fire-damaged residence. 

Then on May 25, Reeves set a fire at another North Baltimore residence, which was occupied by an individual sleeping in a second-floor bedroom. Surveillance footage captured Reeves on the premises. The captured video shows Reeves walking back and forth near the residence and wearing the same clothing and carrying the same backpack from the May 14 fire. 

On May 28, BPD officers arrested Reeves and seized his cellphone. A search of Reeves’s phone uncovered internet searches about the fires, property records in the area of the fires, and searches relating to additional fires that occurred in the same area in 2024. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, MSP, BPD, and BCFD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man entered a guilty plea in federal court, today, stemming from an incident in which he assaulted a law enforcement officer while resisting arrest.

Demetris White, 44, pled guilty to a superseding information charging him with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers or employees.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Regional Director Jose Ortiz-Diaz, U.S. Federal Protective Service (FPS), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Office, and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Boston- New York- Philadelphia Field Division. 

According to his guilty plea, on May 19, 2025, White entered a Baltimore Social Security Administration (SSA) field office to inquire about his SSA disability benefit payments. Some SSA-benefit recipients access their monthly benefit payments via a Direct Express Debit Mastercard. At the time, White was unable to access his benefit payments because he lost his debit card. 

During his visit, White became upset when an SSA customer-service representative attempted to explain the process to receive a new debit card. He began berating the customer service representative who then pressed a duress button to notify security.

Security personnel responded and asked White to leave the building. Then White berated and threatened to physically assault and spit on security personnel before eventually leaving the building. But due to White’s threats, a federal law enforcement officer responded to the scene. 

The law enforcement officer found White outside of the building, approached him, and attempted to place him under arrest. But White was still irate and physically resisted the law enforcement officer’s attempt to arrest him. In response, the law enforcement officer pointed a taser at White and warned him that he would tase him if he continued resisting. 

White then allowed the law enforcement officer to place him in handcuffs. After the law enforcement officer, who was standing behind White, handcuffed him, White forcibly backwards headbutted the officer, causing a laceration to his lip, resulting in bleeding and swelling. 

White is facing up to eight years in federal prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended FPS and SSA-OIG for their work in the investigation, along with the Baltimore Police Department, for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the federal case. 

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md. 

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man received a federal-prison term, today, for the armed robbery of a Prince George’s County convenience store.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang sentenced Zebedee Alexander Johnson, 36, to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, in connection with the crime.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

According to the guilty plea, on April 29, 2022, Johnson and four others traveled to a Clinton convenience store, where they pointed a firearm at a store employee and ordered him to lie down. They then used a circular saw to break open the store’s ATM and take trays containing approximately $35,020. At the time of the armed robbery, Johnson was on federal supervised release in connection with a 2018 drug-distribution conviction. Johnson admitted that he violated the supervised-release terms, which prohibits him from committing any new crimes, by committing the armed robbery.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Rosenthal and William Moomau who are prosecuting the case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md. 

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Baltimore, Maryland – A former serviceman received a federal-prison term, today, for committing child sexual abuse crimes. 

U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox sentenced Daniel Lara-Salazar, 33, to 15.5 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually exploiting a child. Lara-Salazar committed these crimes while serving in the U.S. Military.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; and J. Charles Smith III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County.

According to his guilty plea, Lara-Salazar, who was stationed in Puyallup, Washington, coerced and enticed a minor female victim, who resided in Maryland, to engage in sexually explicit conduct. From June 2024, through July 2024, Lara-Salazar sexually exploited her by producing and causing the production of sexually explicit images and videos. 

In June 2024, Lara-Salazar began using Snapchat to message the minor victim. Then Lara-Salazar demanded the minor victim send sexually explicit images and videos to him. Snapchat has a feature that causes images to disappear upon receipt. In some instances, the minor victim sent images to Lara-Salazar that were not retained or visible when law enforcement reviewed the account. 

Law enforcement later discovered that Lara-Salazar used Snapchat to communicate with three other minor females, who lived in Texas and elsewhere. He also coerced and enticed them to send sexually explicit images. 

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, and Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joyce R. King who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md.
 

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Baltimore, Maryland – A convicted sex offender received a federal-prison sentence for escaping from a Baltimore halfway house and then failing to register as a sex offender. 

United States Chief District Judge George L. Russell, III, sentenced Ronnie Holmes, 42, of Washington, D.C., to 15 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for escaping from federal custody and failing to register as a sex offender. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland (USMS).

According to court documents, in June 2013, Holmes was convicted of sex trafficking a child in the Eastern District of Virginia. Holmes then received a 168-month sentence, followed by five years of supervised release. As a result of the conviction, Holmes is a Tier II sex offender and required to register for 25 years. 

In January 2025, after serving approximately 11.5 years in a correctional facility, Holmes was transferred to a halfway house in Baltimore to serve the rest of his sentence. He was placed under surveillance via an ankle monitor. Then in July 2025, Holmes escaped from the halfway house and cut off his ankle monitor. Holmes remained on the run for almost a year before authorities apprehended him in June 2026. During his time on the run, Holmes was required to register as a sex offender but failed to do so. 

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USMS for its work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandria A. Bell and Colleen E. McGuinn who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Nigerian national pled guilty in federal court to charges stemming from his involvement with a cross-country unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme.

Akinpelumi Olawale Oyewusi, 60, of Hyattsville, Maryland, is charged with wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in connection with the white-collar crime. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari Ph.D., Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG), and Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, (DOL-OIG).

According to his guilty plea, beginning in September 2020, and continuing through at least March 2021, Oyewusi and others conspired to defraud state workforce authorities, including the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL), to obtain fraudulent UI funds. Through the conspiracy, Oyewusi and his co-conspirators used the identities of real people to obtain fraudulent UI from the state of Maryland and other states. After obtaining access to these UI funds, Oyewusi subsequently transferred and withdrew the stolen funds through electronic transfers and ATM withdrawals. 

Oyewusi and his co-conspirators victimized individuals through identity theft, the state workforce authorities through stealing UI funds, and a financial institution by misdirecting UI fund transfers and fraudulent transactions. He was directly connected to at least $415,874.63 of actual losses and personally obtained at least $25,000 through his participation in the scheme. 

The co-conspirators used victims’ personally identifiable information (PII) to submit false UI claims to various state workforce authorities— including the MD-DOL and the California Employment Development Department. The claims contained victims’ real social security numbers and names but falsified their unemployment status and prior work history to obtain UI funds. 

Co-conspirators elected to receive the UI funds through bank-issued debit cards linked to a bank account. Oyewusi and his co-conspirators ensured that the bank mailed the debit cards to one of several addresses in Maryland and elsewhere. He then accessed the UI funds from the fraudulently opened UI claims and transferred the funds downstream to other members of the conspiracy after obtaining his portion of the fraudulent proceeds. 

Additionally, throughout the scheme, Oyewusi received incoming mail alerts from the U.S. Postal Service, allowing him to track the fraudulent UI debit cards. Oyewusi also personally withdrew thousands of dollars from the UI debit cards in the names of the victims. Typically, Oyewusi withdrew the maximum amount allowed from each card. Oyewusi would then use the same cards to make additional withdrawals at later dates. Between December 2020, and March 2021, at least 18 ATM photos captured Oyewusi withdrawing $18,000 from UI debit cards issued to six different fraudulent claims. Bank records indicate that Oyewusi withdrew approximately $69,000 from the same UI debit cards throughout the scheme.

Sentencing is set for Thursday, December 3, at 2 p.m. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DHS-OIG and DOL-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wenner who is prosecuting this federal case. 

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted a Colorado man for his role in conspiring with his wife to sexually exploit a minor victim. 

The jury found Alekzander Quinn Bywater, 32, formerly of Colorado Springs, guilty of conspiracy to produce visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct outside the United States, sexual exploitation of a minor, distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and advertising CSAM.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, Department of Justice Criminal Division, and Assistant Director Heith Janke, FBI Criminal Division.

“This guilty verdict holds this defendant accountable for the horrific abuse of a child and for his role in distributing videos that documented that abuse. Mr. Bywater’s depraved actions cost him his freedom, so now he’ll be separated from society where he can’t harm other children,” Hayes said. “Our office will continue to work tirelessly with our community and law-enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served as we relentlessly pursue and prosecute predators who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community, whether that abuse occurs here or abroad.”

“Alekzander Bywater left the United States for Mexico and preyed upon the most vulnerable among us, a young child,” Duva said. “Child exploitative hands-on violations are among the most depraved. This defendant and his wife, Anika, perpetrated this heinous crime together, and even tried to profit off their conduct. This case is core to the Criminal Division’s mission of hunting down child predators and removing them from society.”

“The FBI and our partners are working every day to hold criminals accountable for their participation in child sexual exploitation and abuse,” Janke said. “Bywater will now face the consequences for his disturbing and illegal actions, and we are proud to have played our part in making that happen.”

According to court documents, and information provided during the trial, while in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, Bywater, and his wife Anika, 29, formerly of Gonzalez, Texas, created two separate videos of them sexually abusing a young child. In January 2024, on two separate occasions, the Bywaters agreed to create two videos, Video-1 and Video-2, that depicted them jointly engaging in sexually abusing the minor victim in Mexico. Law-enforcement officers learned about the conduct when they discovered videos of the abuse circulating on the internet. 

Alekzander Bywater uploaded Video-1 and Video-2 to Website A, a publicly available website, where he advertised them for sale. Then, on Feb. 6, and 7, 2024, an undercover FBI agent in Maryland purchased and downloaded the videos. 

Additionally, FBI agents recovered Video-1 and Video-2 from a desktop and laptop that were used to commit the offense.  The devices also housed a different video of Alekzander Bywater sexually abusing the minor victim and thousands of CSAM images and videos depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of children other than the minor victim.

Alekzander Bywater is facing up to 150 years in federal prison for conspiracy to produce visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct outside the United States and distribution of CSAM. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

In March 2026, U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Anika Bywater to 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to engage in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. She pled guilty to the charges in December 2025.    

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI Child Exploitation Operational Unit for its work in the investigation, and the FBI’s law enforcement attaché office in Mexico City for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Reema Sood and Acting Deputy Chief Kyle P. Reynolds, Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), who prosecuted the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md. 

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A federal jury convicted a Colorado man yesterday for conspiring with his wife to film themselves sexually abusing a prepubescent child in Mexico and for advertising the videos for sale online.

“Alekzander Bywater left the United States for Mexico and preyed upon the most vulnerable among us, a young child,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Child exploitative hands-on violations are among the most depraved. This defendant and his wife, Anika, perpetrated this heinous crime together, and even tried to profit off their conduct. This case is core to the Criminal Division’s mission of hunting down child predators and removing them from society.”

“This guilty verdict holds this defendant accountable for the horrific abuse of a child and for his role in distributing videos that documented that abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Mr. Bywater’s depraved actions cost him his freedom, so now he’ll be separated from society where he can’t harm other children. Our office will continue to work tirelessly with our community and law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served as we relentlessly pursue and prosecute predators who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community, whether that abuse occurs here or abroad.”

“The FBI and our partners are working every day to hold criminals accountable for their participation in child sexual exploitation and abuse,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “Bywater will now face the consequences for his disturbing and illegal actions, and we are proud to have played our part in making that happen.”

The jury found Alekzander Quinn Bywater, 32, formerly of Colorado Springs, CO, guilty of conspiracy to sexually exploit a minor outside the United States, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor outside the United States, and two counts of advertisement of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to court documents and information provided during the trial, while living in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, Bywater, and his wife Anika, 29, formerly of Gonzalez, Texas, created two separate videos of themselves sexually abusing a young child. In January 2024, on two separate occasions, the Bywaters agreed to create two videos, Video-1 and Video-2, that depicted them jointly engaging in sexually abusing the minor victim in Mexico. Law enforcement officers learned about the conduct when they discovered videos of the abuse circulating on the internet.

Alekzander Bywater uploaded Video-1 and Video-2 to Website A, a publicly available website, where he advertised them for sale. Then, on Feb. 6, and 7, 2024, an undercover FBI agent in the District of Maryland purchased and downloaded the videos.

Additionally, FBI agents recovered Video-1 and Video-2 from a desktop and laptop that were used to commit the offense. The devices also housed a different video of Alekzander Bywater sexually abusing the minor victim and thousands of CSAM images and videos depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of children other than the minor victim.

Bywater will be sentenced on a date to be set in the future. Alekzander Bywater is facing a maximum penalty of 150 years in prison for the charges. A federal district judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Anika Bywater was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release in March for conspiracy to engage in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. She pled guilty to the charges in December 2025.   

The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit investigated the case, with the assistance of the FBI law enforcement attaché office in Mexico City and FBI Washington Field Office.

Acting Deputy Chief Kyle P. Reynolds of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Reema Sood for the District of Maryland prosecuted the case.

This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Baltimore man to prison, today, in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy. 

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher sentenced Jeremy Bethea, 47, to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Through an investigation, law enforcement caught Bethea and his co-conspirators with more than 400 grams of fentanyl, more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack cocaine,” and a quantity of cocaine intended for distribution. Bethea pled guilty to the charges in April 2026.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).

According to court documents, from August 2022, through October 2023, Bethea conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Bethea and his co-conspirators regularly obtained quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine to sell to customers in the Baltimore area.   

Beginning in November 2022, and continuing through May 2023, undercover investigators conducted 15 controlled purchases of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine from Bethea. In January 2023, Bethea sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to an undercover investigator.

Additionally, from June 2023 through August 2023, investigators received authorization to utilize a federal wiretap to intercept communications from three cellphones. The cellphone users included Bethea and other members of the conspiracy.During the wiretap investigation, law enforcement intercepted numerous conversations between Bethea and his co-conspirators discussing and coordinating fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine sales. 

Then on April 17, 2023, as a result of the intercepted calls, BPD officers stopped a vehicle en route to a planned drug transaction. During the traffic stop, law enforcement encountered Bethea and recovered several hundred gelcaps from the source of supply. A DEA laboratory performed an analysis of the substance found inside the recovered gel caps and confirmed it as fentanyl with a total weight of more than 400 grams.

During the investigation, law enforcement also discovered that Bethea used a Sharp-Leadenhall residence to store fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine for distribution. On August 22, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the residence. Investigators uncovered 105 grams of crack cocaine packaged for retail sale and more than 300 grams of marijuana at the location. 

This prosecution is part of the HSTF initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tsuei who is prosecuting this federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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