District of Columbia

WASHINGTON – Khayan Garner, 57, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in prison in connection with distributing videos depicting prepubescent boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Garner, aka “Khy,” pleaded guilty on April 23, 2025, to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered Garner to serve 10 years of supervised release.

            According to court documents, Garner was acting as an administrator of an online public group dedicated to trading child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On June 26, 2024, Garner sent a private message from his account that included a Mega Link containing a folder labeled “CP,” which contained several videos depicting prepubescent boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The recipient was an undercover FBI employee.

            On October 3, 2024, New Jersey law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Garner’s residence. Officers searched Garner’s mobile phone pursuant to the New Jersey warrant. The phone contained, among other things, child pornography and selfies of Garner.

            The FBI Washington Field Office and MPD’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking. Substantial assistance was provided by the Woodbridge Police Department in New Jersey, the New Jersey State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

            The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Shinskie and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Courtney for the District of Columbia.

            This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

24cr533

WASHINGTON — Yelake Meseretu, 41, a former vendor whose company supplied goods to the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury for his role in a conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud that involved illegal kickbacks that Meseretu paid to two DCPS officials, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Following a four-and-a-half-day trial, the jury deliberated eight hours before finding Meseretu guilty of one count of conspiracy to violate federal law, one count of bribery, and one count of honest services wire fraud.

            U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta scheduled sentencing for Feb. 6, 2026. Meseretu faces up to 15 years in prison.

            Joining in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and Inspector General for the District of Columbia Daniel W. Lucas.

            According to evidence presented at trial, Meseretu, owned U.S. Office Solutions, a local office goods and janitorial supply company that did millions of dollars per year in business with DCPS. Over the course of at least five years, Meseretu paid bribes and kickbacks to two DCPS procurement officials. In exchange, the two DCPS officials steered lucrative business and contracts to Meseretu’s company.

            As part of the scheme, Meseretu also agreed to defraud DCPS by delivering significantly fewer quantities of supplies on certain orders submitted by DCPS. In coordination with his two DCPS insiders, Meseretu generated falsified paperwork for supply orders that inflated the number of goods on certain orders. Meseretu’s business shorted the orders by delivering a lesser amount of goods than the amount listed on these orders. Based on false certifications made by or with the knowledge of the DCPS officials, DCPS paid Meseretu the full amount of the orders as if the deliveries had been completed in full. Meseretu split the overpayment with the DCPS officials by paying them cash kickbacks.

            In addition to Garnett’s conviction following a jury trial, Patricia Bailey, a former administrative officer for DCPS’s Cardozo Education Campus, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12, 2023, to one count of bribery for her participation in the scheme.

            Sentencing is pending for each of the three defendants who have pleaded guilty.    

            This case was investigated by FBI’s Washington Field Office and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher R. Howland and John Borchert of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section.

Garnett and Meseretu: 24cr281

Bailey: 23cr336

WASHINGTON – Tony Brown 34, a convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 28 months in prison in connection with his illegal possession of a Ruger pistol, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Brown pleaded guilty June 26 before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. In addition to the 28-month prison term, Judge Boasberg ordered Brown to serve 18 months of supervised release.

            According to court documents, on May 14, 2025, about 7:45 p.m. officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were patrolling the 5200 block of A Street, SE, in a marked police cruiser. From the driver’s seat of the patrol car, an officer observed the handle and magazine of an unholstered pistol showing under Brown’s shirt. The officer exited the police cruiser, approached Brown, and greeted him. As the officer drew nearer, Brown ran away and led officers on a brief foot pursuit.

            Officers apprehended Brown. An officer observed the outline of a handgun below Brown’s right knee. Officers pulled down Brown’s pants to reveal a black Ruger Model 57 that had slipped from Brown’s waistband down his leg during the foot chase. The pistol was loaded with 14 rounds of 5.7x28 caliber ammunition. Brown was initially charged with carrying a firearm without a license.

            Brown has a fifteen-year criminal history marked by a previous 2017 conviction on a felon in possession of a firearm charge in the District and a 2018 conviction for assault on a law enforcement officer in Prince William County, Maryland.

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fucetola and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sumaiya F. Ismail.

25cr160

WASHINGTON – Ricardo Botts, 36, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours of September 21, 2025, in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

           Botts made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide Herrmann on September 23, 2025, where Judge Herrmann found probable cause that Botts committed the offense of second-degree murder while armed and ordered that Botts be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 7, 2025.

           According to court documents, Botts, attacked his 66-year-old mother in the living room of their shared home, stabbing her repeatedly in the head and face. She died within 36 hours. Immediately after the assault, Botts fled from the rear of the home as police officers arrived on scene. The Capital Area Regional Task Force found and arrested Botts in Chantilly, Virginia, on September 22, 2025. 

           Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

           This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Bromwich.

            These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WASHINGTON – Brian Allison, 56, and Angel Hall, 25, both of the District, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to their roles in a violent armed carjacking of a woman in Southeast, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Allison and Hall each pleaded guilty to a charge of carjacking and aiding and abetting. Judge Tanya S. Chutkan scheduled sentencing for Jan. 12, 2026.

            According to court documents, on Feb. 1, 2024, about 11 p.m., Allison and Hall followed the victim into a restaurant on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE. Allison and Hall left without ordering anything, but followed the victim as she left with her food.

            Allison approached the victim as she walked to her vehicle. As Hall stood lookout, Allison flashed the butt of a pistol that he was carrying in his pocket, and said, “Gimme those f---ing keys or I’m gonna bust your head.”

            After the victim handed over her keys, Allison demanded her phone and wallet. Allison then asked for the PIN number to her debit card. The victim provided the number. Allison told the victim if the PIN was not correct, he would kill her.

            Using the key fob, Allison tried to open the trunk to force the victim into it. Allison could not get the trunk open, so he ordered her into the front passenger seat. Hall got into the rear passengers seat. Allison got into the driver’s seat and pulled away.

            Allison drove the victim and Hall to a grocery store on the 4900 block of Marlboro Pike, Capitol Heights Maryland. Allison then told Hall to “bust” the victim if she tried to leave.

            Allison entered the store with the victim’s debit card, withdrew $500 from an ATM, and bought some food. He returned to vehicle and drove them all back to the District.

            Allison parked the car on the 5700 block of Southern Avenue SE. Once stopped, he took one of the victim’s gloves and wiped down the victim’s keys and the steering wheel. Allison returned the phone, keys, and wallet to the victim. Allison and Hall fled on foot towards Central Avenue, SE. The victim drove to the 6th District Station house and reported the incident.

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David W. Lawrence, James B. Nelson, and Emory V. Cole.

24cr157

WASHINGTON – Marcellus Dyson, Jr., 17, of Suitland, Maryland, will be charged as an adult under Title 16 in the shooting of an off-duty firefighter late Saturday night in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of the District, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

           Dyson faces charges of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and aggravated assault while armed. Dyson is expected to have his initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court on Tuesday.

           Joining in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

According to court documents, the victim firefighter was off-duty and walking home from a party about 10:30 p.m. when he was approached by a male wearing a surgical mask at 8th and C Streets NE. The male pulled out a gun, pointed it at the firefighter and stated: “give me everything you got.” The firefighter handed over his cell phone. The male demanded that the firefighter unlock his phone and give him access to the phone’s Apple Pay app. When the firefighter was not immediately responsive to the male’s demands, the male pushed the barrel of the gun into the firefighter’s chest.

           The firefighter grabbed the barrel of the gun. The two struggled. The male fired a shot into the firefighter’s chest. The bullet also struck the male shooter in the hand. The male began to scream as the firefighter and the gun fell to the ground. The suspect male began to run off, but then ran back towards the firefighter and the firearm. The firefighter picked up the gun first. He fired two shots at the male to prevent further attacks. The suspect male was last seen running northbound on 8th Street NE, and then eastbound on C Street, NE.

           The victim firefighter removed his shirt to stanch the flow of blood and cried out for help. He dialed 911 but the call did not go through. A neighbor had arrived at the scene, saw the victim firefighter waiting for somebody to answer his 911 call, and noticed the firearm on the sidewalk.

           The victim firefighter gave the neighbor the phone number to the firehouse where he worked nearby. Once someone answered, the victim firefighter told them he had just been shot and to send someone to help. Metropolitan Police officers arrived soon after. Emergency Medical Services medics transported the victim firefighter to a trauma center to be treated for his wounds.

           Meanwhile, on the 400 block of 9th Street, a witness reported that she had heard a man screaming for help. An individual approached her, stated someone had tried to rob him, and that he had been shot in the hand. The witness began to guide the male to a nearby hospital. Responding police officers found the pair walking and detained the male.

           Officers identified the male was identified as Marcellus Dyson, Jr., and arrested him for assault with intent to rob and transported him to Howard Hospital. While en route to the hospital, Dyson allegedly made a spontaneous utterance stating, “I’m sorry and I won’t do it again.” The statement was recorded on the body-worn camera of one of the officers.

           This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the FBI Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 

           These charges are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WASHINGTON – Deshawn Raphael Loggins, 24, a previously convicted felon on federal supervised release who resides in Capitol Heights, MD, was found guilty on Thursday, September 18, in U.S. District Court of narcotics and firearms charges, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Following a four-day trial, a federal jury deliberated for over a day and found Loggins, also known as “Dae Dae,” guilty of unlawful possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, of unlawful possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

            Judge Dabney L. Friedrich scheduled sentencing for Jan. 13, 2026.

            According to court documents, on June 6, 2024, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were called to a building on the 100 block of Atlantic Street SE, in response to ongoing complaints.      

            Officers entered the vestibule and observed four individuals, including Loggins, seated around in a circle in the hallway. At the foot of Loggins’ chair was a bottle of promethazine-codeine in a woman’s name and a black drawstring bag. Immediately to Loggins’ left was a clear bag containing three grams of a substance that field tested positive for crack cocaine. Loose cash was strewn on a flight of stairs. Through the open door of a nearby apartment, officers observed in plain view suspected crack cocaine, blue zips in clear plastic bags, additional U.S. currency, and a digital scale. 

            Officers placed Loggins under arrest and escorted him outside where he was searched. From Loggins’ pockets, officers recovered $1,689 in cash and a key fob to a rented Dodge Charger. The Dodge Charger was parked nearby. After a trained MPD drug canine sniffed the vehicle, officers conducted a search of the car. In the center console, they found a firearm with an extended magazine, a plastic bag containing 50 grams of crack cocaine, and 177 oxycodone pills of assorted types.

            Loggins has a prior felony conviction for drug trafficking, was recently released, and was on federal supervised release at the time he committed in the instant offense. In October 2022, Loggins was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing cocaine base. As part of that plea, Loggins admitted that he was responsible for selling between 28 grams and 112 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base.  

            This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Washington, D.C. field office, with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. In addition, valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Iris Y. McCranie and Michael L. Barclay of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking (VCNT) section.

24cr505

WASHINGTON – Keon Preston, 19, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in Superior Court for a shooting that occurred in the afternoon on March 23, 2025, and an armed carjacking that occurred later that same day.  Mekhi Greene, 19, of Washington, D.C., also pleaded guilty for the carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Preston pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to assault with intent to kill, possession of a machine gun, and carjacking. Greene pleaded guilty in the Superior Court to carjacking. Sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2025, before the Honorable Judge Deborah Israel. Carjacking carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years of incarceration.  

            According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 4:11 p.m., on March 23, 2025, in the 4600 block of G Street Southeast, Preston and two other unidentified suspects fired approximately 30 rounds at a victim as the victim exited his house and walked towards a bus stop. The victim was not hit, but multiple rounds struck the victim’s house and car.

            Later that same day, at approximately 9:19 p.m., in the 3500 block of East Capitol Street Northeast, Preston, Greene, and two unidentified suspects, wearing masks and dark clothing, carjacked a victim at gunpoint. MPD officers canvassed the area, spotted the vehicle, and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle abruptly pulled into a dead end on the corner of 33rd Street Southeast and C Street Southeast. The defendants fled on foot but were caught by police.  Officers recovered two illegal firearms from the vehicle, one of which had an automatic conversion switch.

            Preston and Greene were arrested at the scene and have been in custody since.

            Joining the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

           This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Green.

WASHINGTON – Ricky Corey Watkins, 33, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 37 months in prison in connection with his possession of a semiautomatic pistol while on parole for several weapons offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Watkins pleaded guilty May 30 before U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the 37-month prison sentence, Judge Howell ordered Watkins to serve three years of supervised release.

            According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were called March 19 to the Harrison Recreation Center, on the 1300 block of V Street, Northwest, for a report of someone who was riding a dirt bike on the baseball field.

            Watkins, who was driving the dirt bike, was handcuffed and detained for operating the dirt bike in a public space. Watkins complained of an injury, and police called D.C. Fire and Emergency Services. 

            After an examination by emergency services personnel, police asked Watkins if he needed to be transported to a hospital. When Watkins said “yes,” police told him he would need to be searched before getting in the ambulance.

            Watkins stood up and attempted to run. As Watkins ran down 13th Street with his hands cuffed behind his back, a tan-colored firearm fell from his person to the ground. Police caught Watkins hiding behind a pickup truck in an alley after a brief chase. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock Model 19X semiautomatic pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and outfitted with a laser sight attachment.

            Watkins has several prior felony convictions and was sentenced to 24 months for a 2010 charge of carrying a pistol without a license. In 2012 he was convicted of four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of aggravated assault while armed, one count of second degree cruelty to children, and two counts of destruction of property and was on parole for those offenses when he was arrested in this case.

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the ATF Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson.

25cr94

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department filed a civil forfeiture complaint today against a 2020 Subaru Forester SUV belonging to a convicted sex offender who distributed child pornography before he traveled to the District in the Subaru for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Kaziah Matthew White, 33, pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2024, to a charge of distribution of child pornography. He was sentenced on May 7, 2025, to 87 months in prison and ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release.

            White, of Long Lake, New York, communicated online with an undercover officer who had posed as an abusive father offering up his own 10-year-old son for sex with others.

            In March 2024, White sent the undercover officer more than 100 videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children and toddlers, as well as sadomasochistic abuse involving a blindfolded child. During the chats, White agreed to meet the undercover officer in Washington D.C. for a “playdate” with the fictional child and even bought them Spiderman-themed underwear to wear.

            White drove the Subaru SUV from Maryland to a coffee shop in D.C. on March 28, 2024, to meet with the purported abusive father. Agents of the FBI-MPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force arrested White soon after arrival.

            The Subaru SUV is currently in FBI custody and will be transferred to the United States Marshals Service in the District of Columbia. 

            The United States regularly seeks to lawfully forfeit defendant property to punish and deter criminal activity by depriving criminals of property used in illegal activities and to recover the assets so that they may be used to compensate victims.

            The government is represented in this case by Asset Forfeiture Coordinator Rick Blaylock Jr. for the District of Columbia in conjunction with Deputy Chief Janani Iyengar of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Section. Former Assistant United States Attorney Jocelyn Bond prosecuted the criminal case.

WASHINGTON – Levita Almuete Ferrer, 65, of Montgomery Village, Md., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 12 months and one day in prison for embezzling more than $650,000 from the U.S. State Department over a two-year period, using the funds to fuel her gambling addiction, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Ferrer, aka Levita Brezovic, pleaded guilty April 30, 2025, to theft of government property. In addition to the 12-month prison term, Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered Ferrer to serve three years of supervised release, to pay $657,347.50 in restitution to the U.S. government, and to not gamble or visit any casinos

            Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Brockschmidt of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Inspector General, and Deputy Assistant Director George Semertsidis of the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Special Investigations.

            As part of her guilty plea, Ferrer admitted that she abused her signature authority over a State Department checking account between March 2022 and April 2024 while working as a Senior Budget Analyst in the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol. She issued 60 checks payable to herself and three checks payable to another individual with whom she had a personal relationship. She printed and signed each check and then deposited all 63 checks, which totaled $657,347.50, into her personal checking and savings accounts.

            After her guilty plea, Judge Cooper set release conditions, which prohibited Ferrer from going to casinos. But the same day that she pled guilty, Ferrer went to the MGM National Harbor casino. She returned to the MGM a week later, gambling on high-limit slot machines. Once the government learned of Ferrer’s casino visits, it brought her behavior to the attention of the Court. As a result, Judge Cooper revoked her release and ordered her detained pending sentencing.

            Ferrer perpetrated her embezzlement scheme by abusing the signature authority that she had over a State Department checking account. Specifically, between March 2022 and April 2024 while working as a Senior Budget Analyst in the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol, she issued 60 checks payable to herself and three checks payable to another individual with whom she had a personal relationship. She printed and signed each check and then deposited all 63 checks, which totaled $657,347.50, into her personal checking and savings accounts.

            Ferrer attempted to conceal her scheme by using a common QuickBooks account at the State Department. After entering her name as the payee on checks in QuickBooks and then printing them, she often changed the listed payee in QuickBooks from herself to an actual State Department vendor. As a result, anyone viewing those entries in the QuickBooks system did not see Ferrer’s name as the payee on the checks unless they accessed an audit trail.

            This case was investigated by the State Department’s Office of Inspector General and Diplomatic Security Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman with assistance from former Paralegal Specialist Sona Chaturvedi.

25cr108

WASHINGTON – Edgar Arrington, 38, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours of July 5, 2025, in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

            Arrington made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide Herrmann earlier today, where Judge Herrmann found probable cause that Arrington committed the offense of first-degree murder while armed, with a hate crime enhancement (gender identity), and ordered that Arrington be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing on October 7, 2025, before Judge Danya Dayson.

            According to court documents, Arrington, a stranger to the victim, Daquan Johnson, ridiculed Johnson for being transgendered as Johnson walked by Arrington on the sidewalk. Arrington continued his harassment of Johnson by hurling slurs at Johnson, ultimately retrieving a firearm from his clothing and shooting the unarmed victim multiple times throughout the body. Johnson died as a result of the injuries.

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna Payyappilly.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

           These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WASHINGTON – Nyzir Miles, 22, of Washington, D.C., was arraigned today at a hearing before the Honorable Robert Salerno on charges of assault with significant bodily injury and other charges stemming from multiple assaults on his former girlfriend in late 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

A grand jury in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia indicted Miles on September 10, 2025, on one felony charge of assault with significant bodily injury, as well as four additional misdemeanor charges: two charges of simple assault and two charges of obstructing, preventing, or interfering with reports to or requests for assistance from law enforcement agencies, medical providers, or child welfare agencies.   

           According to the government’s evidence, on September 2, 2024, around 11:00 p.m., near the 700 block of Decatur Place NE, Miles and his girlfriend had been driving around when they got into an argument and he punched her in the face. Several hours later, Miles again became angry with the victim, and, after taking her cell phone, began to punch the victim repeatedly in the mouth, causing her mouth to fill with blood to the point where the victim was reportedly choking and unable to breathe. An ambulance transported the victim to Howard University Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a dental fracture and several loose teeth, and a wire was inserted to hold her teeth in place. Approximately two months later, on November 10, 2024, Miles again assaulted the same victim and also reportedly interfered with the victim requesting assistance from law enforcement. 

           Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

           This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. 

           This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Lieberman and was also investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Janki Kaswala.

           An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WASHINGTON – Linwood Barnhill, 59, a registered sex offender residing in the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to sex trafficking a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            According to court documents, between April 2024 and April 2025, Barnhill, a former Metropolitan Police Department officer, recruited minor girls to engage in commercial sex acts. Barnhill collected over $10,000 in profits from one of the minor girls whom he exploited in commercial sex. Barnhill also used his victims to find additional minor girls to victimize, by forcing them to work in commercial sex.

            Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for Dec. 12, 2025. Sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life.

            This case was investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Burrell.

            This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

25cr149

WASHINGTON – Herbert Baylor, 68, a former D.C. Department of Corrections caseworker who resides in the District, was sentenced today to six months in federal prison followed by a term of six months of home detention in connection with his role in a contraband smuggling scheme at a facility operated by the Department of Corrections (DOC), announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Pamela Porter, 56, also of the District, was sentenced to six months of home detention for her role in the scheme.

            Baylor pleaded guilty April 16 to one count of bribery before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan. In addition to the six-month prison term and six months of home detention, Judge Chutkan ordered Baylor to serve one year of supervised release and complete 60 hours of community service.

            Porter pleaded guilty April 17 to one count of bribery. In addition to six months of home detention, Judge Chutkan ordered Porter to complete 60 hours of community service.

            Joining in the announcement were FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the Washington Field Office Criminal Division and D.C. Department of Corrections Director Thomas Faust.

            According to court documents, Baylor was a case manager employed by DOC to assist and manage inmates housed at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), a specialized medium security facility that houses inmates receiving specialized medical treatment or monitoring related to substance dependencies.

            Beginning in October 2023, Baylor worked with Inmate-1 and others to smuggle contraband into CTF in exchange for money. Specifically, Inmate-1 directed his non-incarcerated associates, including Pamela Porter, to send CashApp payments to Baylor. Baylor then hid cigarettes or controlled substances on himself to clear security at CTF. Once through security, Baylor brought Inmate-1 to his office and provided him with the contraband. Inmate-1 then distributed the contraband to other inmates at CTF in exchange for money. As part of this scheme, Porter sent Baylor $1,200. In total, Baylor received $7,995, between Oct. 20, 2023, and June 21, 2024.

            On Sept. 19, 2024, Inmate-1 asked Baylor if Inmate-1 could call his attorney to talk about an appeal. Baylor authorized the inmate’s request. But instead of calling an attorney, Inmate-1 called Individual-1 to set up the delivery of prohibited objects to be smuggled into CTF. Baylor agreed to smuggle Suboxone strips into the CTF facility for Inmate-1. Suboxone strips contain Buprenorphine—a Schedule III narcotic drug.

            On Sept. 23, 2024, Baylor met Individual-1 in the parking lot of CTF. Baylor accepted $1,000 in cash from Individual-1 and received a cigarette carton Baylor believed to be filled with Suboxone strips. Following the meeting with Individual-1, Baylor placed the $1,000 in his personal vehicle. He put the cigarette carton inside his underwear. Baylor went through security at the entrance to CTF and entered the facility. At that time, he was arrested.

            As a DOC employee, Baylor’s conduct was governed by the DOC’s Contraband Control policy which states that trafficking contraband of any kind to inmates is strictly prohibited. The policy describes any illegal drug or controlled substance and any tobacco product as major contraband. Additionally, federal law makes it a crime to provide “prohibited objects” to an inmate. Prohibited objects include any controlled substance or any object that threatens “the order, discipline, or security of a prison, or the life, health, or safety of any individual.”

            This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold.

Baylor: 25cr87

Porter: 25cr59

            WASHINGTON – Carlton Simon, 20, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with a homicide that occurred in the afternoon of May 29, 2025, in Northwest D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Simon made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heide L. Herrmann on September 16, 2025, where Judge Herrmann found probable cause that Simon committed the offense of second-degree murder while armed and ordered that Simon be held without bond pending trial.

            According to court documents Simon, a classmate of the 17-year-old victim Angel Dominguez, approached Dominguez on Florida Avenue with a firearm in tow. As Dominguez walked away from him, Simon pointed a gun at Dominguez’s back, before putting him in a chokehold and ultimately shooting him in the chest. Dominguez died as a result of his injuries shortly thereafter.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi.

            These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WASHINGTON – Admiral Robert P. Burke (USN-Ret.), 62, of Coconut Creek, Florida, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 72 months in prison in connection with accepting future employment at a government vendor in exchange for awarding that company a government contract, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

          Following a five-day trial, a federal jury found Burke guilty on May 19 of conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, performing acts affecting a personal financial interest, and concealing material facts from the United States. In addition to the six-year prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered Burke to serve three years of supervised release,  to pay $322,850 in restitution, and to pay $86,748.08 in forfeiture.

          Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Stanley A. Newell of the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Transnational Operations Field Office, and Assistant Director in Charge Reid Davis of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division.   

           “Integrity — not cash — is the currency of public service. Admiral Burke rose to the pinnacle of the U.S. Navy, entrusted with leadership and honor. But instead of leading by example, he cashed in that trust — turning four stars into dollar signs and trading duty for a corporate payday,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: if you sell your honor and trade your influence, you’ll pay the price — in prison time.”

          “No individual, regardless of rank or prior service, is above the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Newell of the DCIS.  “The actions uncovered in this investigation represent a serious breach of the public trust and dishonor the values of integrity and accountability that military service demands.  DCIS remains committed to ensuring that corruption of this nature is met with consequences.”

          “Any individual involved in corrupting Department of the Navy acquisitions will be held accountable, regardless of rank or position,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS remains steadfast in bringing those to justice who commit crimes that erode public trust in the Department of the Navy’s procurement process.”

            "When Burke awarded a contract to Kim and Messenger's company in exchange for future employment, he put himself ahead of thousands of civilian and military personnel serving under his command," said Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division. "As today's sentencing demonstrates, the FBI remains committed to bringing government officials — even four-star admirals — to justice when they abuse their positions of power for personal gain."

          According to court documents and as the evidence proved at trial, from 2020 to 2022, Burke was a four-star Admiral who oversaw U.S. naval operations in Europe, Russia, and most of Africa, and commanded thousands of civilian and military personnel. 

          Burke’s co-defendants, Yongchul “Charlie” Kim  and Meghan Messenger, were the co-CEOs of a company (Company A) and provided a workforce training pilot program to a small component of the Navy from August 2018 through July 2019. The Navy terminated that contract with Company A in late 2019 and directed Company A not to contact Burke directly about contracting actions. 

          Despite the Navy’s instructions, the co-defendants met with Burke in Washington, D.C., in July 2021, to reestablish Company A’s business relationship with the Navy. At the meeting, the co-defendants agreed that Burke would use his position as a Navy Admiral to steer a contract to Company A in exchange for future employment at the company. They further agreed that Burke would later use his official position to influence other Navy officers to award another contract to Company A to train a large portion of the Navy with a value one of the co-defendants allegedly estimated to be in the “triple digit millions.” 

          In December 2021, Burke ordered his staff to award a $355,000 contract to Company A to train personnel under Burke’s command in Italy and Spain. Company A performed the training in January 2022. Thereafter, Burke promoted Company A in a failed effort to convince another senior Navy Admiral to award another contract to Company A. To conceal the scheme, Burke made several false and misleading statements to the Navy, including by falsely implying that Company A’s employment discussions with Burke only began months after the contract was awarded and omitting the truth on his required government ethics disclosure forms. 

          In October 2022, Burke began working at Company A at a yearly starting salary of $500,000 and a grant of 100,000 stock options. 

          This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Trevor Wilmot and former Trial Attorney Kathryn Fifield. It was investigated and indicted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Rothstein.

24cr265

WASHINGTON – Darius Robertson, 32, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 46-months in prison for orchestrating a scheme to smuggle weapons, fentanyl, and cell phones into the maximum-security Central Detention Facility (CDF) while he was awaiting trial for murder, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Robertson pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Previously, on June 6, 2025, Robertson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the October 2021 beating death of his cousin Andre Robertson. Sentencing on the voluntary manslaughter count is scheduled for November 7, 2025. The judge ruled that Robertson’s sentence in this case will run consecutive to the ultimate sentence on the voluntary manslaughter count.

            Joining in the announcement were Director Tom Faust of the D.C. Department of Corrections, FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            According to court documents, between December 2021 and July 2024, Robertson was being held in the facility, also known as the D.C. Jail, when he conspired with at two other detainees from the Clay Terrace neighborhood, two correctional officers, and two members of the community who delivered contraband to the jail. 

            Among the items the conspiracy attempted to smuggle into the CDF in February 2024 were one switchblade knife; an Apple iPhone and USB iPhone charger; two pairs of eyeglasses; a bundle of marijuana; tobacco; rolling papers; gambling dice; three sheets of bonded paper that were damp and contained a synthetic cannabinoid, MDMB-4en-PINACA—a Schedule I Controlled Substance; two plastic-wrapped packages of marijuana; and five individually wrapped packages containing approximately 100 cigarettes.

            Following a series of smuggling incidents in July 2024, the Department of Corrections conducted a search for contraband and seized 269 blue pills which tested positive for fentanyl; 60 cigarettes soaked in an unknown liquid, 255 suboxone strips seven pieces of paper soaked in an unknown liquid; three cell phones; and a number of cigarettes.

            Co-defendants who have pleaded guilty include LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C.

            Vines was sentenced on March 7 to life plus 60 years in prison for the kidnappings and murders of two innocent victims in retaliation for a slaying in which the victims were not involved. On August 13, Vines was sentenced to an additional 46 months for his role in the smuggling scheme.. 

            This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services, and the Metropolitan Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.

24cr520

WASHINGTON – Jalique Wiseman, 20, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today, in Superior Court, to 27 years in prison, for a spree of robberies along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Wiseman pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025, to three counts of armed robbery and three counts of robbery. The Honorable Judge Jennifer Di Toro, of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, sentenced Wiseman to five years for each armed robbery and four years for each robbery to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 27 years’ incarceration. A three-year term of supervised release will follow his term of incarceration.

           According to the government’s evidence, between October 2, 2023, and November 23, 2023, Wiseman robbed multiple people on six separate instances on or near the Metropolitan Branch Trail, using either physical violence or at gunpoint, taking the victims’ cell phones and other property. Wiseman demanded the victims’ passcodes and used that information to access the victims’ financial accounts to transfer money to accounts that Wiseman and his codefendant controlled.

           Wiseman was arrested on November 29, 2023, and he has been in custody since.

           Joining the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

           In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kraig Ahalt., who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON – Keyon Slaughter, 28, of Waldorf, Maryland, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for the December 2022 murder of Dana Bailey, Jr., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Slaughter pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed on June 20, 2025. Slaughter was sentenced on September 12, 2025, by the Honorable Danya Dayson. In addition to the prison term, Judge Dayson ordered Slaughter to serve five years of supervised release.

            According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, on December 5, 2022, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Slaughter entered, the victim, Dana Bailey, Jr.’s, residence in Southeast D.C.    Once inside the apartment, Slaughter confronted Mr. Bailey and shot him once in the chest with a .40 caliber handgun, causing his death. Slaughter fled the apartment.  At the time of the murder, Slaughter was in a relationship with the wife of Mr. Bailey, who was indicted with Slaughter and pleaded guilty to obstructing justice. 

            At the time of the offense, Slaughter was on supervised probation for a 2019 armed robbery conspiracy conviction in Charles County, Maryland. Slaughter was arrested in July 2023 and has been detained since.  

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from MPD’s Homicide Branch. 

            Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles R. Jones, who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON – Christopher Forbes, 30, a previously convicted felon residing in  Suitland, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 66 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Forbes pleaded guilty June 6, 2025, to being a felon in unlawul possession of a firearm. In addition to the 66-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden ordered Forbes to serve three years of supervised release.

            This prosecution came as part of the Make D.C. Safe Again Initiative, which surged resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

            According to court documents, on April 5, 2025, at 5:42 a.m., officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 1800 block of A Street SE after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near the Stadium Armory Metro Station.

            On arrival, officers observed a man, later identified as Forbes, nearby on Independence Ave. SE shouting into his cellphone. Officers approached Forbes and conducted a protective pat-down.

            One of the officers asked Forbes if he had anything on him. Forbes admitted that he had his “dog,” meaning a firearm, on his hip. Officers recovered a Smith & Wesson SD40 .40 caliber pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition. Shell casings found near the scene matched the firearm’s caliber. Forbes was arrested on the scene.

            After tracing the firearm’s serial number, law enforcement determined the gun had been reported stolen in North Carolina.

            A review of law enforcement databases revealed that Forbes had a prior felony robbery conviction in Prince George’s County, Maryland, in 2024, and an active extraditable warrant for failure to appear related to that case. He also had a non-extraditable warrant out of Florida stemming from a prior conviction for discharging a firearm in public.

            Forbes was prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to his felony conviction and his prior misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.

            In his plea agreement, Forbes admitted to firing the pistol at least four times outside the Metro Station.

            This case was investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Duvall.

25cr117

WASHINGTON – Today, Nicholis Dorsey, 33, of Washington, D.C. was found guilty by a Superior Court jury of misdemeanor sexual assault with felony enhancement for sexually abusing five female passengers at various metro transit stations, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Dorsey was convicted of six counts of misdemeanor sexual abuse with a felony enhancement and aggravating circumstances. Dorsey had previously been convicted of sexually assaulting three additional women – all eight women were strangers to him. The Honorable Judge Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for November 14, 2025.

            According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, between January and March 2025, Dorsey approached five women at various metro stations and assaulted them by touching either their buttocks or inner thigh. After each assault, Dorsey would then antagonize each of his victims by engaging in prolonged staring, sometimes coupled with laughter. After committing the assaults, the defendant would promptly leave the stations. In response, detectives from the Metro Transit Police Department created be on the lookout (“BOLO”) flyers using screenshots from metro surveillance footage that depicted the defendant.

            With the help of quick-acting Special Police Officers and Officers from the Metro Transit Police Department, Dorsey was arrested on March 5, 2025, shortly after the final assault, and has been in custody since. He confirmed his identity during a custodial interview, that same day, after being shown two BOLO fliers from the outstanding investigations.

            The investigation revealed that Dorsey had three prior convictions for misdemeanor sexual abuse, rendering him eligible for a felony enhancement under the law.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department.

            In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Anzallo commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metro Transit Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Victim Advocate Veronica Vaughan, who provided support and coordinative efforts for all five victims.

            They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Soter and LaVater Massie-Banks, who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON – Alvin Alexis Cruz Garcia, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for the beating death of Ramon Gomez Yanez at the Ogden Market in Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Cruz Garcia was found guilty of one count of second-degree murder while armed following a four-day trial on June 6, 2025. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced Cruz Garcia to 20 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

            According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 8:28 p.m. on March 23, 2021, 38-year-old Ramon Gomez Yanez, parked his car and made his usual stop at the local food market, Ogden Market, located at 1500 Ogden Street NW. When Mr. Gomez came back outside, the defendant was standing on the sidewalk and urinating much too close to the back of Mr. Gomez’s car. The Ogden Market surveillance video, with no audio available, showed some exchange of words between the two men and then showed Cruz Garcia punch Mr. Gomez down to the ground. While Mr. Gomez was down on the sidewalk, the defendant kicked and punched Mr. Gomez multiple times in the head area, and then just walked away, leaving Mr. Gomez to die on the scene from those injuries.

            Cruz Garcia was arrested on June 7, 2022, and has been in custody since.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Jin Park and Katrenia Shelly who prosecuted the case.

            WASHINGTON—Kelvin Powell, 63, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was sentenced today for the sexual abuse of a 17-year-old minor, who was in the custody of his former employer, the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Powell was found guilty on July 1, 2025, on four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a ward, four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, four counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a ward, and four counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, by a Superior Court jury. The Honorable Judge Rainey Brandt ordered Powell to serve 20 years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Powell is also required to register as a sex offender.

            “The court’s sentencing demonstrates that no one is above the law and that justice will prevail,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “The collaborative efforts of my Office, FBI and MPD is a reminder that criminal actions, especially from a child sexual predator, will be met with serious consequences, especially on behalf of our most vulnerable victims.”

            "Powell is a sexual predator who repeatedly abused a 17-year-old," said Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division. "As his sentencing demonstrates, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will pursue public servants who use their positions to prey on individuals in their care and custody."

            According to the government’s evidence, Powell was a Youth Development Representative (YDR) at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS)’s Youth Services Center (YSC). DYRS is the District of Columbia government agency responsible for the supervision, custody, and care of young people detained while pending charges for a delinquent act. As a YDR, Powell was responsible for the care, custody, and control of the juvenile residents being detained at YSC.

            Between December 2021 through February 2022, Powell used his position and his authority to repeatedly sexually abuse a then-seventeen-year-old minor ward residing at YSC. During that time, Powell repeatedly isolated the minor in areas of YSC that were not covered by video surveillance cameras. In those areas, Powell repeatedly sexually abused the minor by committing sexual acts and sexual contacts to her. In an incident captured by surveillance cameras, Powell sexually abused the minor by groping her clothed buttocks in a hallway at YSC.

            Joining in the announcement was FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Special Agent in Charge Davis commended those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also commended the valuable assistance provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. In addition, they acknowledged the efforts of former Assistant United States Attorneys Risa Berkower and Cara Gardner, who provided critical assistance, Paralegal Specialists Liliana Villamizar and ReShawn Johnson, supported by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liz Aloi and Bryan Han, Victim Specialist Veronica Vaughan, Litigation Tech Specialists Leif Hickling, Will Henderson, and Charlie Bruce, who provided critical assistance. Finally, they thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Visser, Jessica Wash, and Niki Holmes, who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON – Anthony Eugene Burns, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in Maryland, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury of being in unlawful possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for Nov. 24, 2025.

            According to the evidence presented to the jury, on Feb. 25, 2024, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were on patrol in Southeast when they received a call about a disorderly group of people at an apartment building on the 2700 block of Wade Road Southeast. As officers walked to the building, they observed Burns quickly turn and sprint away. 

            As Burns ran, officers saw him make an overhead throwing motion, appearing to toss a dark-colored object over a fence and into a large vacant lot. Burns continued to run through an alley between Eaton Road Southeast and Sumner Road Southeast. Officers briefly lost sight of Burns in the alley; however, they soon found him hiding on the 1200 block of Sumer Road Southeast.

            Officers returned to where they observed Burns throw an object and recovered a black Glock 27 pistol with 21 rounds in an extended magazine and one in the chamber.

            Burns previously pleaded guilty to felony charges in 2017 in connection with a violent armed robbery spree, that included conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, for which he was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Burns was still on probation for those charges at the time of this offense.

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole and Special Assistant United States Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti. Former Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Craft provided valuable assistance as did Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Robinson, Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Teesha Tobias, Litigation Technology Specialist Charles Bruce and Litigation Technology Supervisor Leif Hickling.

24cr151

A Virginia nurse was sentenced today to over 87 months in prison and ten years of supervised release for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on an end-to-end encrypted messaging application. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine.

“The defendant, who occupied a position of trust as a nurse practitioner, used an end-to-end encrypted messaging application to disseminate images depicting the abuse of young children and bragged about the effectiveness of the measures that he used to evade law enforcement detection,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He thought that he could use technology to hide his crimes, but he was wrong. His sentence today should serve as a warning – to those that would harm vulnerable children, we will identify you, prosecute you, and bring you to justice.”

According to court documents, Lucas Fussell, 43, formerly of Onley, Virginia, used the Session messaging application to send and receive numerous videos and images depicting the rape and sexual exploitation of prepubescent boys with another individual. Fussell, who worked as a nurse practitioner, also discussed several of his male patients, including children, in these communications, and boasted about the sophisticated technological measures he took to evade detection by law enforcement. The FBI came into possession of the other individual’s cellphone. In June 2024, Fussell sent an undercover officer nine videos depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent boys. Fussell was then arrested in July 2024 and has been detained since. In December 2024, Fussell pleaded guilty to the indicted charges without a plea agreement.

Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Burrell, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Courtney for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case. CEOS’ High Technology Investigative Unit (HTIU) provided substantial assistance in investigating the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

WASHINGTON – Jariatu Jalloh, 39, a Maryland resident, was arraigned September 8, 2025, on nine counts of first-degree fraud and nine counts of first-degree theft related to fraudulent billing submitted to the District’s Medicaid program,  announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            According to the government’s evidence, Jalloh was employed by a District Mental Health Rehabilitation Service (MHRS) provider as a community support worker (CSW).  MHRS provides for diagnostic and assessment services, counseling, medication, intensive day treatment, and crisis or emergency services.  A CSW provides community support services by helping consumers learn and improve basic life skills, such as managing their medication, increasing social skills, and learning how to apply for housing or a job.

            The indictment alleges that between August 2021 and continuing through July 2023, while employed by the District MHRS provider, Jalloh engaged in a scheme to defraud the District’s Medicaid program by submitting encounter notes for community support services she did not provide and overbilling for services she allegedly provided to District Medicaid beneficiaries.  Through this scheme, Jalloh caused the District government and its Medicaid program to pay over $234,500 for CSW services she did not render and overpayment for services she allegedly provided.

            Joining in the announcement was Daniel W. Lucas, Inspector General for the District of Columbia.

            This case is being investigated by the D.C. Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.  It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Emmanuela Charles, on detail from the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.

            An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  

WASHINGTON – Lucas Allen Fussell, 43, of Onley, Virginia, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison in connection with distribution of child pornography videos depicting the rape and sexual abuse of young boys, videos that he sent to an undercover law enforcement officer in June 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Fussell pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2024, in U.S. District Court, to two counts of distribution of child pornography. The Honorable Rudolph Contreras also ordered Fussell to serve 10 years of supervised release and pay a $20,000 fine.

            According to court documents, Fussell used an encrypted messaging application to send and receive numerous videos and images depicting the rape and sexual exploitation of prepubescent boys with another individual. Fussell, who worked as a nurse practitioner, also discussed several of his male patients, including children, in these communications, and boasted about the sophisticated technological measures he took to evade detection by law enforcement.

            The FBI came into possession of the other individual’s cellphone. In June 2024, Fussell sent an undercover officer nine videos depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent boys.

            Fussell was then arrested in July 2024 and has been detained since.

            The FBI Washington Field Office and MPD’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI Norfolk Field Office, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, the Onley Police Department, CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

            This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc.

            The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Courtney, Caroline Burrell and Trial Attorney James E. Burke IV of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.

24cr345

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has filed a civil forfeiture complaint against over $5 million in bitcoin (BTC). The funds are alleged to be ill-gotten gains from multiple SIM swap attacks targeting victims across the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            As alleged in the complaint, these funds are traceable to the theft and unauthorized transfer of cryptocurrency from cryptocurrency wallets owned by five victims. The thefts took place between Oct. 29, 2022, and March 21, 2023.

            Joining in the announcement were Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the Miami Field Office.

            The perpetrators of these thefts utilized a SIM swapping technique that allowed the perpetrators to authenticate their unauthorized access to the victims’ cryptocurrency accounts and transfer the victim funds to perpetrator-controlled accounts.

            A SIM swap attack is a type of account takeover whereby a perpetrator generally targets weaknesses in multi-factor authentication in order to gain access to a victim’s phone number by swapping the victim’s phone number to a SIM card associated with a phone in the perpetrator’s control. With this access, the perpetrators intercept codes destined for the victim’s phone and utilize those codes to “authenticate” that they are the victim. This allows the perpetrators to masquerade as the victim and conduct unauthorized activity transfers from the victim accounts.

            After each of the five thefts occurred, the perpetrators moved the stolen funds through multiple cryptocurrency wallets and ultimately consolidated them into one wallet that funded an account at Stake.com, an online casino. Many of these transactions were circular in that they eventually returned funds to their original source, and consistent with money laundering utilized to “clean” proceeds of criminal activity.

            For example, from on or about March 20, 2023, to on or about March 22, 2023, shortly after a portion of victim funds were consolidated into a single wallet, that wallet and the Stake.com account engaged in at least 32 circular transactions, including repeated deposits and withdrawals of BTC. Circular transactions obfuscate the origin of funds by inflating the volume of inflows and outflows in an account, making the larger balance (or source of funds) appear to engage in legitimate business.

            For more information regarding SIM swapping and how to prevent it, please visit www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411.

            This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Jessica Peck and Gaelin Bernstein of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Columbia Kevin Rosenberg, Alexandra Hughes, and Asset Forfeiture Coordinator Rick Blaylock, Jr.

            CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and obtained court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. 

WASHINGTON – Phillip Bealle, 39 and James “Stacey” Williams, 54, were each found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for their attack of an adult male victim outside a liquor store in Southwest D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            The verdicts, which took place on September 5, 2025, following a three-day jury trial, were returned in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld scheduled sentencing for November 13, 2025.

            According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, on June 25, 2024, following a verbal altercation inside the liquor store, Bealle charged at the victim outside the liquor store when the victim tried to walk away. Bealle then began to beat the victim with a 2x4 wooden plank from a nearby construction site.  Williams, who had also been standing outside the liquor store, joined in, beating the victim with his metal walking cane. Much of the attack was captured by the store’s surveillance footage.  Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) officers located each defendant a short distance away from the scene of the offense on the same date. The victim was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where injuries to his head were stapled shut.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those investigating the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

            They also commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikéla Cuffy and Katherine Ballou, who prosecuted the case.

            WASHINGTON – Tyzell Myrick, 29, of Bowie, Maryland, has been charged in an indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, on a federal firearms charge as part of the “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Myrick is charged federally with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

            Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            According to court documents, on Aug. 17, 2025, at around midnight, MPD officers were on patrol in the U Street corridor when they noticed Myrick allegedly carrying a firearm in his waistband. The officers recovered a Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol, loaded with one round in the chamber and an additional 20 rounds in the magazine.

            Myrick is prohibited from possession of a firearm and ammunition due to a prior 2018 conviction for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

            This prosecution comes as part of the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful" initiative, which is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

            The case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the MPD. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss is prosecuting the case.

            An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

25cr267

WASHINGTON – Five members of the Avenue Crew a.k.a. the 1080 Clickas a.k.a. Simple City of Washington, D.C., were sentenced for their roles in the April 2020 murder of 21-year-old Brea Moon and shootings that took place in May 2020 and June 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

           DaJuan Jones, 24, pleaded guilty on April 11, 2025, to one count of second-degree murder while armed for his role in the April 2020 murder of Brea Moon and one count of assault with intent to kill while armed for his role in the May 2020 shooting in the 5000 block of H Street Southeast. On September 3, 2025, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced Jones to 23 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

           Charles Hill, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed for his role in the April 2020 murder of Brea Moon and one count of assault with intent to kill while armed for his role in the June 2021 shooting in the 3200 block of 34th Street Northwest. On September 3, 2025, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced Hill to 23 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.

           Dominique Franks, 24, Melvin Morris, 27, and Nkobia Edwards, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill while armed for their roles in the June 2021 shooting on the 3200 block of 34th Street Northwest. On August 22, 2025, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced Franks to 13 years in prison, Morris to 12 years in prison, and Edwards to 11 years in prison, each of which will be followed by five years of supervised release.

           With respect to the April 2020 homicide, according to the government’s evidence, Jones was driving, and Hill was riding in a stolen white vehicle that pulled into the BP gas station located at 4101 Alabama Avenue SE shortly before 10:30 p.m. on April 7, 2020.  Minutes later, a gray sedan pulled into that same gas station with the victim, Brea Moon, in the front passenger seat.  When the gray sedan left the gas station, the white vehicle intentionally followed closely behind.  Shortly thereafter, the white vehicle pulled up beside the gray sedan and multiple gunshots were fired by the occupants of the white vehicle at the gray sedan, including one that struck the victim in the head and killed her.

           With respect to the May 2020 shooting, according to the government’s evidence, Jones rode in a silver car toward the 5000 block of H Street Southeast shortly before 4:00 p.m. on May 2, 2020. After the car stopped nearby, Jones exited the vehicle and fired multiple gunshots in the direction of numerous individuals who were in the front yard of 5023 H Street SE.  Two individuals were hit by Jones’ gunshots, suffering gunshot wounds to their leg and arm, respectively. When Jones was done shooting, he got back into the silver car and the car drove off.

           With respect to the June 2021 shooting, according to the government’s evidence, on June 17, 2021, at approximately 1:35 p.m. Hill, Franks, Edwards, and Morris were inside a stolen silver Dodge Charger that stopped on the 3200 block of 34th Street Northwest, immediately adjacent to John Eaton Elementary School, which was undergoing renovation.  After the car came to a stop, the defendants got out of the car, brandished their firearms, and fired multiple gunshots at an individual, who was standing just 50 to100 feet from the defendants. As a result, the individual suffered multiple gunshot wounds.  

           Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. 

           In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. 

           Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gauri Gopal, Julia Cosans, Sarah Folse, Yasmin Emrani, and Daniel Bromwich, who investigated and prosecuted the case, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Kimak and Alec Levy.

WASHINGTON – Michael Mason, 21, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty on September 5, 2025, to two charges of second-degree murder for the shooting death of 21-year-old Brea Moon in April 2020 in Southeast Washington and the shooting death of 18-year-old Antwuan Roach in May 2020 in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

           His guilty plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval at sentencing, calls for a range of 27-31 years in prison, to be followed by supervised release. Superior Court Judge Jason Park accepted the factual basis for the plea and scheduled sentencing for October 31, 2025. 

           With respect to the April 2020 homicide, according to the government’s evidence, defendant Mason was riding in a stolen white vehicle that pulled into the BP gas station located at 4101 Alabama Avenue SE shortly before 10:30 p.m. on April 7, 2020.  Minutes later, a gray sedan pulled into that same gas station with the victim, Brea Moon, in the front passenger seat.  When the gray sedan left the gas station, the white vehicle intentionally followed closely behind.  Shortly thereafter, the white vehicle pulled up beside the gray sedan and defendant Mason fired multiple gunshots at the gray sedan, including one that struck the victim and killed her.

           With respect to the May 2020 homicide, according to the government’s evidence, defendant Mason learned of Mr. Roach’s location and tracked him to the unit block of Anacostia Road NE shortly before 5:00 p.m.  Mr. Roach was walking alone and was unarmed.  After locating Mr. Roach, the defendant’s vehicle pulled into an alley behind the 3800 block of East Capitol Street Northeast.  As Mr. Roach stepped into the alley, the defendant fired at Mr. Roach killing him.  

           Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. 

           In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. 

           Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gauri Gopal, Julia Cosans, Sarah Folse, Yasmin Emrani, and Daniel Bromwich, who investigated and prosecuted the case, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Kimak and Alec Levy.

WASHINGTON – Richard J. Pavel III, 34, of the District of Columbia, was arrested and charged last week with distribution and receipt of child pornography in the context of actively discussing the sexual abuse of young boys, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

           Following his initial court hearing on September 4, Pavel was ordered to be held until his September 9 detention hearing.

           On Sept. 4, 2025, law enforcement executed warrants at Pavel’s residence in Northwest Washington, D.C., seized multiple electronic devices, and arrested Pavel.

           Pavel communicated with another individual regarding his sexual interest in children. During the course of that conversation, he traded multiple images of child pornography.

           The case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.       

           This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and Metropolitan Police Department’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.  

           The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Bohlen.

25mj197

WASHINGTON – Andrew Juarez, 28, of Baltimore, was arrested last week and charged with travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a nine-year-old girl, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Juarez was arrested Sept. 5, 2025, at a bar in the District where he had gone to meet who he thought was the mother of the girl. He was taken into custody by members of FBI Washington Field Office and Metropolitan Police Department’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

            Juarez was found to be in possession of two cell phones at the time of his arrest. During an interview with task force agents, Juarez indicated that there was child pornography on one of his phones.

            The case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.       

            This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and Metropolitan Police Department’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from the region The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.  

            The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Burrell.

25mj207

WASHINGTON – Darrell Hinkle, 36, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for the April 2023 shooting of Dajuan Blakney, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Hinkle’s guilty plea on September 4, 2025, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval at sentencing, calls for a sentence of between 17 and 21 years in prison, to be followed by supervised release. Superior Court Judge Jason Park accepted the factual basis for the plea and scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2026.

            According to the proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, at 12:01 a.m. on April 21, 2023, Hinkle parked his vehicle in front of an apartment complex located at 1511 19th Street SE. Thereafter, the defendant approached the victim, who was seated on the steps leading to the entrance of the complex. When Hinkle was within a few feet of the victim, he shot him with an assault-style rifle, killing him. He then fled the scene in his vehicle.

            Hinkle was arrested in October of 2023 and has been in custody since.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            This case was investigated by officers, detectives, and other personnel of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Carson. 

            WASHINGTON – Jailen Lucas, 17, and Kelvin Thomas, Jr., 17, both of Washington, D.C., were arrested today by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals on charges of first-degree murder while armed, for the death of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, an intern with the U.S. House of Representatives, on June 30, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            “Eric Tarpinian, a senior at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst was interning in our nation’s capital, pursuing his passion for public service when he was fatally gunned       down. . .an innocent bystander caught in a violent act not meant for him,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “He was shot four times and he leaves behind a grieving mother Tamara, father Robert, a brother Jeremy and sister Angela. This is why from day one I advocated for criminal jurisdiction over younger individuals with family court records. Eric’s murder could have been prevented if we had captured these two, who have a documented history of family court violence.”

            The three armed suspects immediately exited an abruptly stopped stolen vehicle and began firing north on 7th Street NW at two young men who jumped from a bicycle.  Investigators suspect that they were firing at these young men believing that they were from an opposition neighborhood. Congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, of Granby, Massachusetts, was shot and killed. He was not an intended target, according to investigators.

            The arrest team located one suspect, a 17-year-old whose name is being withheld due to his status as a juvenile, in Northwest, and surrounded the residence.  The suspect refused to exit the residence and a SOG tactical K-9 was announced. He was taken into custody without incident.

            The second arrested suspect, also 17, was taken into custody in the 2600 block of 24th Street NE.

            Joining the announcement was U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces S. Serralta Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department, FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Phillip Bates.

            The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force began operations in June 2004 and was among the first regional fugitive task forces to become fully operational following the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. CARFTF has partnership agreements with over 100 federal, state, and local agencies and has eight fully operational offices.

            CARFTF has apprehended over 102,700 fugitives since its inception and has made an extraordinary impact on the apprehension of the region’s most dangerous and violent fugitives, always striving to make their communities safer.

            The Special Operations Group is a specially trained, rapidly deployable law enforcement element of the U.S. Marshals Service, capable of conducting complex and sensitive operations throughout the globe intended to further the rule of law. SOG leverages these enhanced capabilities in support of the Marshals Service mission and the Department of Justice to protect, defend, and enforce the federal judicial system.  

            A criminal charge is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WASHINGTON – Dominic Armstrong, 21, of the District of Columbia., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 120 months in prison in connection with his role in a spree of armed carjackings and robberies across the metropolitan region, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Armstrong, aka “D1” and “Domo,” pleaded guilty April 10, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras to carjacking, to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and to interfering with interstate commerce by robbery (aka Hobbs Act Robbery).

            In addition to the 120-month prison sentence, Judge Contrerars ordered Armstrong to serve 5 years of supervised release.

            According to court documents, on March 17, 2023, about 11:35 p.m. Armstrong and two other individuals, including his co-defendant, carjacked a blue Honda Civic at gunpoint on the 3800 block of Minnesota Ave. NE.

            On March 28, 2023, about 12:50 p.m. Armstrong and his co-defendant Javon Roach participated in a gunpoint robbery of three construction workers who were unloading equipment on the 300 block of K Street SW.

            Armstrong’s participation in the spree of crimes only ceased when he and his co-defendants were brought into custody in Fairfax County, Virginia, on March 30, 2023, after he fled from police on foot while his co-defendants fled in a carjacked vehicle.

            A year following his arrest and conviction in Fairfax County, Virginia, Armstrong committed an additional robbery in D.C. on May 14, 2024, when he robbed an Uber driver at gunpoint.

            On August 1, 2024, Armstrong was charged federally in the March 17, 2023, carjacking  and for brandishing a firearm during that carjacking. Arrested on Sept. 12, 2024, he has remained in custody since.

            Armstrong’s co-defendant Javon Roach, 20, was sentenced June 27 to 228 months in prison for his role in the spree of violent armed carjackings and armed robberies. Co-defendant Andre Rushing, 23, was sentenced August 19 to 108 months.

            This case was investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the Fairfax County Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Gaelin Bernstein and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Duvall of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section.

WASHINGTON – Chauncy Myers, 31, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced for stabbing two people, one of whom was a D.C. Department of Corrections officer at the D.C. Jail, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Myers pleaded guilty on March 14, 2025, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of aggravated assault while armed and one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon.  On September 2, 2025, Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced Myers to seven years of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release.  The government requested a thirteen-year prison term. 

            According to the government’s evidence, on July 13, 2024, the victim was socializing with friends in Triangle Park in Southeast Washington, D.C., when Myers approached the victim with a knife and then stabbed the victim in the abdomen, causing severe organ damage.  Following the stabbing, Myers fled the scene. 

            Myers was later arrested and detained at the D.C. Jail. On December 23, 2024, while in custody, and after a D.C. Department of Corrections officer attempted to enter Myers’ jail cell, he stabbed the officer with a shank causing a puncture wound to the officer’s forearm.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the efforts of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also commended the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Green and Jasmine Dohemann, who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON – Demonta King, 18, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for carjacking a taxicab driver at knifepoint in November 2024 and robbing another victim at gunpoint in August 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            King pleaded guilty on April 4, 2025, to one count of armed carjacking and one count of armed robbery. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered King to serve fifteen years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and denied King’s request to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act.  The government sought a twenty-two-year term of incarceration. 

            According to the government’s evidence, on November 18, 2024, in the 5000 block of Fort Totten Drive, NE, King, while armed with a knife, approached the victim, a taxicab driver, who was standing approximately five feet from his taxicab. King announced a robbery and said, “Give me everything,” and ordered the victim to hand over his keys. King then stabbed the victim in the hand causing him to drop the keys. The defendant retrieved the keys and took the victim’s taxicab, phone, driver’s license, bank cards and other personal items. Officers later spotted the victim’s vehicle, which the defendant was driving at a high rate of speed, in the 500 block of Chillum Road in Hyattsville, MD, when he crashed and fled on foot. Police gave chase and stopped the defendant.

            In a separate incident, on August 26, 2022, in the 100 Block of Gallatin Street and 1st Place NE, King approached a different victim, brandished a firearm, took the victim’s backpack and cell phone, and then struck the victim in the face with the firearm and fled. King was 16-years-old when he committed this offense and was prosecuted as an adult under Title 16.

            Joining in the announcement was and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Greene, who prosecuted the case.

WASHINGTON – Ovideo Flores-Lemus was convicted of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            The verdict, which took place today, was returned by the jury after a multi-day trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Danya Dayson scheduled sentencing for November 14, 2025.

            According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, between 2020 and 2021 the defendant, who was the victim’s supervisor at the commercial custodial company they both worked for, cornered the victim in the bathroom during her cleaning shift and forcibly raped her on three separate occasions. The jury convicted Flores-Lemus for two of those encounters.

            Flores-Lemus faces a maximum statutory sentence of thirty years for each first-degree sexual abuse count. The defendant would be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life when released.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.

            This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaVater Massie-Banks and Sarah Folse.

WASHINGTON – Antoine Turner, 32, of Washington, DC, pleaded guilty today to a charge of second-degree murder while armed for the November 29, 2020, murder of Demeitri Anderson, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

           Turner’s guilty plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon 20–26-year prison sentence, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The Honorable Michael Ryan accepted the factual basis for the plea and scheduled sentencing for November 7, 2025.

            According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, on November 29, 2020, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the defendant, Antoine Turner, drove a rented red Nissan Versa to the 4500 block of B Street SE, Washington, D.C. where he parked the car. The defendant then walked around the block from B Street SE, to 46th Street SE, then took a left on East Capitol Street SE, and entered the rear alley behind the BENCO shopping plaza. He then walked to the front of the Ken’s Beauty Supply located in the BENCO shopping plaza at 4528 Benning Rd SE, Washington, D.C. where at approximately 12:38 p.m. the defendant approached the victim, Demeitri Anderson, from behind and shot him repeatedly in the back of the head and body. An officer was parked in a marked cruiser across the street when he heard and saw the shooting and began driving towards the defendant who ran towards the vehicle he had parked on B Street SE. As the officer approached Turner, the officer observed him with an orange hood over his head and with a gun in his hand as he ran directly in front of the officer’s car. The defendant threw the handgun to the street then got into the red Nissan and fled the scene.

            Turner has been in custody since his arrest on December 3, 2020.

           Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

           This case is being investigated by officers, detectives, and other personnel of the Metropolitan Police Department.

           This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Coronado.

WASHINGTON – Randall Cornell Mack, 42, of Washington, D.C., was arrested September 2, 2025 and arraigned yesterday on an indictment charging him with conspiracy, robbery while armed, first-degree murder while armed (felony murder), possession of a firearm during crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction), stemming from the May 2, 2025, killing of Steven Stewart, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

           Mack, along with his co-defendant Phillip Palmer were indicted on August 6, 2025.  Co-defendant Palmer was previously arrested on this indictment on August 21, 2025. 

Mack appeared September 3, 2025, before Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman where he pleaded not guilty. A detention hearing is set for September 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for both Mack and Palmer.

           According to the government’s evidence, on May 2, 2025, at approximately 12:44 p.m., Mack and Palmer are alleged to have entered 61-year-old Steven Stewart’s apartment inside 633 21st Street NE, robbed him and then shot him multiple times at close range. Mr. Stewart was a vulnerable victim who had to use a wheelchair and/or walker for trips beyond his apartment.

            Mack has a previous murder conviction from 2010, where his probation was revoked in 2011, and he was sentenced to 12-36 years.  Mack was paroled for the murder in 2019, and his parole was revoked in 2024, but he was later released on parole again allowing him the opportunity to kill Mr. Stewart. Mack was to be supervised on parole through 2037.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Dinan.

           An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WASHINGTON – Fouodzing Mbord, 49, of Maryland, was sentenced today in Superior Court for the physical abuse of a vulnerable adult in his care in November 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Mbord pleaded guilty on August 29, 2025, to one count of abuse of a vulnerable adult – injure or threat to injure. The government asked that the defendant be ordered to serve 180 days in jail. However, Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur ordered 180 days in jail but suspended the sentence in full and placed the defendant on probation for one year.

            According to the government’s evidence, Mbord was a home health aide who was caring for the victim, a vulnerable adult, who needed 24-hour care due to his inability to care for himself. On November 19, 2023, Metropolitan Police Officers were called to the victim’s apartment in the 100 block of I Street, SE, for a report of the abuse of a vulnerable adult who was bedridden after suffering a stroke. When officers arrived at the residence they met with the victim’s sister. She explained that she installed security cameras in the victim’s home after being concerned about her brother’s welfare.

            The security camera footage showed that on November 12, 2023, the defendant struck the victim on his backside while cleaning him. After seeing the footage, the victim’s sister asked the defendant why he struck her brother. He said that the victim passed gas in his face while he was cleaning him. He also threatened to do it again if the victim continued the behavior. Then, on November 16, 2023, the victim’s sister, while viewing the security camera, observed the defendant raised his hand up high and strike the victim, who was completely naked at the time.

            Mbord was arrested on November 20, 2023.

            Joining in the announcement was Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas of the D.C. Office of the Inspector General (D.C.-OIG).

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Inspector General Lucas commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, the DC OIG’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also acknowledged Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmanuela Charles, who prosecuted the case, while on detail from the DC-OIG.

WASHINGTON – More than 300,000 kilograms of chemicals used to produce methamphetamine and intended for clandistine labs controlled by the Sinaloa Drug Cartel in Mexico were seized this week by agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Port of Houston, announced U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Acting Director Todd Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

           “This is the largest seizure of precursor chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine in U.S. history,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “China was sending over 700,000 pounds on the high seas to the Sinaloa Cartel before my office seized them. Because President Trump and Secretary Rubio declared the Sinaloa Cartel a Foreign Terrorist Organization, we can now strike faster and hit harder.”

            “This marks the first time a seizure warrant was issued for material support for terrorism,” said Acting Director Todd M Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “After seizing these two shipments, Homeland Security Investigations International worked closely with foreign law enforcement partners to consolidate the shipments in Panama and bring them here to the Port of Houston. I can’t thank all of our partners enough."

            “These many barrels of precursor chemicals are directly linked to one of the most dangerous and deadly terrorist networks, the Sinaloa Cartel. It’s one of the most violent and brutal terrorist organizations in the world. They are responsible for countless deaths, devastation, and destruction of communities in the U.S. and abroad,” said Director of Field Operations Jud Murdock of Customs and Border Protection, Houston. “This represents one of the largest interdictions of its kind in history and highlights the critical role of collaboration and intel sharing in combating threats posed by drug trafficking organization and terrorist groups.”

            The chemicals, which originated in and were sent from China, could have been used to produce nearly 190,000 kilos of methamphetamine – worth about $569 million  if they had reached their intended destination.  Instead, agents seized six shipping containers of benzyl alcohol, a solvent used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, weighing 164,880 kilos and six shipping containers of N-methyl formamide, another liquid organic solvent, weighing 151,560 kilos.

            To put in perspective the impact of this seizure, in Fiscal Year 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) seized a total 78,925 kilos of methamphetamine along the entire southwest border. In order to transport the chemicals from port to a secure HSI storage facility, it took twenty-four, 18-wheeler trucks to transport the sheer volume of precursor chemicals.

            In 2023, more than 34,800 Americans died of overdoses from psychostimulants, primarily methamphetamine.

            The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia obtained the seizure warrant that provided the legal authority to seize the chemicals. Because the Administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on January 20, 2025, the designation provided federal prosecutors in the District the authority to execute the seizure under the terrorism forfeiture provision.

            Joining in today’s announcement were Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz of Homeland Security Investigations, Houston; Director of Field Operations Jud Murdock of Customs and Border Protection, Houston; Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kimbell of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Houston; and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the Houston Field Office.

            The matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia as part of its Cartel Elimination effort, a collaboartion between the office’s National Security section’s Threat Finance Unit (TFU) and Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking (VCNT) section.

            The effort is also a part of the Attorney General’s February 5, 2025 directive, calling for the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations by harnessing the resources of the Department of Justice and empowering federal prosecutors throughout the country to work urgently with the Department of Homeland Security and other parts of the government toward the goal of eliminating these threats to U.S. sovereignty.

##

https://www.youtube.com/@usao_dc/streams

WASHINGTON – Hachikosela Muchimba, 45, a former letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and resident of the District of Columbia, was stripped of his U.S. citizenship and sentenced to 66 months in federal prison today in connection with mail theft and bank fraud scheme that illegally netted him $1.6 million, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

           A federal jury found Muchimba guilty on March 14, 2025, of conspiracy to commit theft of mail and bank fraud; theft of mail; bank fraud; engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity, and unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization.

           In addition to the 66-year prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered Muchimbato to pay $651,068.35 in restitution to victims and to forfeit his ill-gotten gains of $1,273,403.36. Muchimba also will be subject to deportation.

           Muchimba, originally of the Republic of Zambia, was naturalized as an American citizen on May 26, 2022. The mail theft and bank fraud scheme ran from December 2020 until March 2023. On his application for citizenship he falsely claimed to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that he had not previously committed any criminal activity, all the while he was actively conducting his theft of mail and scheme to defraud. Because it was unlawfully procured, the Court revoked Muchimba’s citizenship.

           Joining in the announcement of the sentencing was Special Agent in Charge Kathleen Woodson, of the U.S. Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General.

           According to court documents, between December 2020 and March 2023, Muchimba was a letter carrier based in Friendship Heights, when he executed a scheme to steal U.S. Treasury checks and private party checks from the U.S. mail. The stolen checks were intended for District postal customers living on over 30 different mail routes. Muchimba deposited the checks, sometimes while wearing his U.S. Postal uniform, into bank accounts under his control. Bank surveillance footage captured images of him making deposits and withdrawals of the funds.

           The total amount of the U.S. Treasury checks fraudulently deposited into Muchimba’s various bank accounts was over $1.6 million. Muchimba used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle that included international travel, stays at luxury hotels, and $100,000 spent at gentlemen’s clubs.

           Muchimba was arrested on Sept. 20, 2023, at Dulles International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Zambia. At the time of his arrest, Muchimba had $2,000 in cash in his luggage.

           The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorneys John Borchert and Diane Lucas of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section.

23cr393

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department filed a civil forfeiture complaint today against $868,247 in Tether (USDT). As detailed in the complaint, the funds are alleged to be ill-gotten gains from several cryptocurrency-related confidence scams that targeted victims in the District of Columbia, Texas, Illinois, and Florida, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

           Co-conspirators stole funds from at least four victims between September 2022 and February 2025 and laundered the funds through a convoluted web of cryptocurrency wallets to evade detection and avoid accountability. 

           Joining in the announcement were Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge David K. Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office.

           In late 2022, the FBI Honolulu Division Cyber Squad opened the investigation after a victim in Hawaii reported being defrauded out of $1.3 million by the LME Crypto Group, a scam group impersonating the London Metal Exchange while operating a complex cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme by cultivating long-term relationships with victims online and eventually enticing them to make investments in fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platforms.

           At least one victim of the LME Crypto Group was defrauded in the District of Columbia. In December 2023, that victim reported a $30,000 loss to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).[1] The victim’s complaint explained that they “thought it was an investment to earn big profits in a short amount of time.” The victim went on to state that they bought cryptocurrency through an online platform and invested it in “an app called LME.”

           Cryptocurrency investment fraud typically begins by criminals contacting potential victims through seemingly misdirected text messages, dating applications, or professional meetup or investment groups. In the four cases highlighted in the complaint, the victims were each approached through seemingly misdirected text messages.

           Next, using various means of manipulation, the perpetrators gain the victim’s affection or trust. The perpetrator then recommends cryptocurrency investment by touting their own, or an associate’s, success in the field.

           A common tactic is to direct a victim to a fake investment platform hosted on a website that mimics a legitimate platform. The perpetrator assists the victim with opening a cryptocurrency account, often on an exchange based in the U.S., and then walks the victim through transferring money from a bank account to that cryptocurrency account. Next, the perpetrator provides instructions to the victim regarding how to transfer their cryptocurrency assets to what is in actuality a fake investment platform. On its surface, the fraudulent platforms often show lucrative returns, encouraging further investment; underneath, all deposited funds are routed to a cryptocurrency wallet address controlled completely by the perpetrators.

           The perpetrators frequently allow victims to withdraw some of their “profits” early in the scheme to engender trust and help convince victims of the legitimacy of the platform. As the scheme continues, victims are unable to withdraw their funds and are provided various excuses as to why. Ultimately, victims are locked out of their accounts and lose all their funds.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of a cybercrime – including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, and investment scams – should contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov. In 2024 alone, approximately $5.8 billion in losses from cryptocurrency investment fraud was reported to the IC3.

            The FBI Honolulu Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit provided invaluable assistance. The Department of Justice would like to acknowledge Tether for its assistance in effectuating the transfer of these assets.

            This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Columbia Acting Deputy Chief Kevin Rosenberg and Asset Forfeiture Coordinator Rick Blaylock Jr., along with Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz, Ethan Cantor, and Gaelin Bernstein from the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Department of Justice, and Daniel Zytnick with the Consumer Protection Branch of the Department of Justice.

25cv2967

[1] The Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, is the United States’ central hub for reporting cybercrime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating cybercrime.

WASHINGTON – Travis Thomas, 17, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to shooting multiple rounds in an elementary school playground and armed carjacking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.  Thomas was charged as an adult under Title 16.

            Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill while armed and two counts of armed carjacking. The Honorable Judge Neal Kravitz, of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, scheduled sentencing for November 14, 2025.

            According to the government’s evidence, on April 20, 2025, Thomas got into an online argument with another individual, whom he believed to be affiliated with a rival crew. Thomas proceeded to travel to the 300 block of 53rd Street SE, where he exited a vehicle and fired over 15 rounds into the playground of C.W. Harris Elementary School. One victim suffered a gunshot wound to the forehead and was taken to a local hospital, where surgeons had to remove a bullet. The victim suffered a skull fracture.

            The government’s investigation also revealed Thomas as a suspect from two separate armed carjackings, the first of which occurred on October 30, 2024, in the parking garage of the Safeway grocery store, located at 415 14th Street SE, and the second of which occurred on November 17, 2024, in the 1300 block of Massachusetts Avenue SE. 

            Thomas was arrested on April 25, 2025, and remains in custody.

            Joining the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Green, who is prosecuting the case.

            WASHINGTON – Mustafa Wright, 32, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in an indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, on a federal firearms charge as part of the “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

           Wright is charged federally with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

           Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Jessica M.E. Taylor of the U.S. Park Police.

            This prosecution comes as part of the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful" initiative, which is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

            According to court documents, on August 17, 2025, members of the United States Park Police were on patrol near Poplar Point and Anacostia Drive SE, when they noticed Mustafa Wright driving a vehicle with expired tags. Officers impounded the vehicle after Wright was unable to provide valid registration or insurance. Upon a routine search of the vehicle, officers discovered a Glock 17 9 mm pistol, loaded with one round of 9mm ammunition in the chamber and 22 additional rounds in the 31-round capacity magazine.

            Wright is prohibited from possession of a firearm and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2014 burglary conviction and a 2019 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

            The case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the United States Park Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss is prosecuting the case.

            An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

25cr255

WASHINGTON – Erick Alvarenga, 19, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for his participation in two separate carjackings committed in December 2024 and January 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

            Alvarenga pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, in D.C. Superior Court, to one count of carjacking (unarmed) and one count of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for the December 28, 2024, offense, and to one count of carjacking (unarmed) and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the January 3, 2025, offense. His co-defendant, Malik Kearney, 20, who also pleaded guilty on June 23rd, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2025.

            The Honorable Judge Andrea Hertzfeld ordered Alvarenga to serve 60 months in prison on each count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and 84 months in prison for each count of unarmed carjacking. Both charges in the December 28th offense will run concurrent to one another but consecutive to the charges for the January 3rd offense.

            According to the government’s evidence, at around 4:45 a.m., on December 28, 2024, Alvarenga and Kearney approached the first victim while he was parked in a Jeep SUV in the 6100 block of Eastern Avenue, Northeast, one of whom was armed with a black handgun. The defendants ordered the victim out of the car and to hand them his car keys. The defendants then drove away from the scene. 

            Days later January 3, 2025, the second offense, occurred around 3:00 p.m., in the 4200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, Northeast. The second victim was at a gas station and had finished putting gas in his Dodge sedan. Alvarenga used the Jeep which had been stolen on December 28, 2024, to block in the victim’s car, while Kearney approached the victim with a handgun. After ordering the victim out of his car, Kearney got behind the wheel of the Dodge, and both vehicles then fled in the same direction.

            Alvarenga and Kearney were arrested later that evening and have been in custody since. At the time of their arrest, officers recovered two firearms from the location where the defendants were detained -- one had the serial number removed and the other was a PMF ghost gun.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Special Agent Nelson Rhone, Jr..

            Finally, they commended the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Randle Wilson and Amanda Hoover, who prosecuted the case.