District of Maryland

Greenbelt, Maryland – A West Virginia man pled guilty in federal court to child sex abuse crimes he committed as a member of the U.S. armed forces. 

Jacob Michael Young, 25, of Charleston, is charged with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While serving as an active-duty senior airman in the United States Air Force, and residing at Joint Base Andrews (JBA) in Prince George’s County, Maryland, authorities identified Young as a suspect in trafficking CSAM, which involved the receipt and distribution of CSAM.

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

As detailed in his plea agreement, the FBI received four CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCEMC) from Kik, a software company. Between November 2024 and January 2025, Kik reported that approximately 56 suspected CSAM files were uploaded by four different Kik accounts on Kik Messenger. 

Kik Messenger is a messenger application that allows users to send texts, videos, and other files within the Kik app.  All four CyberTips listed a specific IP address associated with the Kik accounts. Law enforcement traced the IP address to Young’s residence at JBA. 

Then law enforcement executed a search warrant at Young’s residence and seized multiple devices.  During questioning, Young admitted messaging with other Kik users about exchanging CSAM.  Young stated he sometimes paid for CSAM using gift cards or money sent via CashApp, as confirmed by subpoenaed records.  A forensic analysis of Young’s devices revealed more than 200 CSAM files. 

Young and the government reached an agreement that, if the court accepts the plea agreement, he faces 3.5 to 10 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis scheduled sentencing for Tuesday, September 8, at 10 a.m.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation, along with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, for its valuable assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan McKoy who is prosecuting the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A recidivist sex offender received a federal-prison term for committing several child sex abuse crimes.

U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Patrick Daniel McKernan, 45, of Pasadena, Maryland, to 27 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually exploiting a child.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department (AACOPD).

According to court documents, McKernan exploited the minor child for the purpose of producing visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct. In November 2023, and again prior to June 2025, McKernan produced sexually explicit images of the minor and distributed them on the internet. The images were found on the dark web, operated by the Tor Network, in a group messaging app related to child sexual abuse material.  In 2016, McKernan was convicted of possession of child sexual abuse material in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.   

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and AACOPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who prosecuted the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Florida man pled guilty in federal court in connection with a $1.8-billion cryptocurrency fraud scheme.

Rodney “Bitcoin Rodney,” Burton, 56, of Miami, who also has a residence in Prince George’s County, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business stemming from his role as a promoter of the cryptocurrency scam. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – New York.

According to the plea agreement, from June 2020 to January 2022, Burton conspired to provide unlicensed money transmitting services to promote HyperFund and used investors’ funds to enrich himself.  HyperFund, which purported as a legitimate cryptocurrency investment platform, but in truth, was a global wire-fraud scheme that obtained $1.8 billion from victim-investors worldwide. 

HyperFund’s promotional materials made various false claims, including that investors who purchased HyperFund “memberships” would receive between 0.5 and 1 percent daily in passive rewards until the company either doubled or tripled the investor’s initial investment.  Additionally, HyperFund attempted to convince investors that it could generate such high rates of return by claiming that it would disburse payments, in part, from its revenues from large-scale crypto-mining operations. But HyperFund did not have such operations.  Beginning in 2021, HyperFund began blocking investor withdrawals.  

As part of the scheme, Burton controlled several companies that purported to offer consulting services but were in fact unlicensed money transmitting businesses.  He personally received at least $7,851,711 in proceeds from the operation of the unlicensed money transmitting business, including from HyperFund victim-investors located in Maryland. 

Burton faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, at 11 a.m., in front of U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-CI and HSI for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina A. Hoffman who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man received a federal-prison term, today, stemming from an attempted drive-by shooting. 

U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced James Beverly, Jr., 40, to 54 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in connection with the East Baltimore shootout. 

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

“Drive-by shootings create fear, violence, and instability in our neighborhoods,” Hayes said.  “Beverly demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life, and today’s sentence holds him accountable. Importantly, because this is a federal sentence, there is no possibility of parole. Our Office remains committed to protecting our communities from violent offenders like Beverly.”

“ATF is on the front lines of the fight against violent crime,” Doerrer said. “We are proud to stand with our federal and local partners in holding Beverly accountable for his incredibly dangerous behavior.”

According to court documents, in February 2024, Beverly, with his jacket and pants pocket filled with fentanyl and cocaine base packaged for distribution, stood on an East Baltimore corner. He also possessed a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Beverly is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions, including convictions for first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

As Beverly stood on the corner, a dark-colored SUV pulled alongside Beverly. Then the passenger opened fire, shooting approximately 10 rounds at Beverly. When the shooting started, Beverly fell to the ground and remained there as the gunman fired additional shots. 

After the shooting stopped, and the vehicle began pulling away, Beverly pulled out his firearm, rolled over, and started firing in the direction of the fleeing vehicle. A surveillance camera captured Beverly recklessly discharging the firearm 11 times at the vehicle after he was no longer under attack. Beverly then threw the gun into a nearby deli. Then when law enforcement responded to a call about the shooting, BPD officers apprehended Beverly, found narcotics and cash on him, and recovered the firearm from the deli.  

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation.  U.S. Attorney Hayes thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Patricia McLane and Stanton Lawyer for their work on the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A member of a violent extremist network learned his fate in federal court, today, for sexually abusing minors and other crimes. 

U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Erik Lee Madison, 21, of Halethorpe, Maryland, to 30 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually exploiting a child and cyberstalking. Madison sexually exploited at least 10 minor female victims. Judge Maddox also ordered Madison to pay $3,000 in restitution. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department (AACOPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

“Mr. Madison is a child predator who committed heinous acts. As a result, he is going to jail for a long time. This sentence sends a clear message to Madison, and others who abuse and terrorize the most vulnerable members of our community: we will find you, prosecute you, and bring you to justice,” Hayes said. “We’re committed to working with our law-enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who engage in these deplorable acts.”

“Erik Lee Madison, a member and associate of the nihilistic violent extremist group 764, has been sentenced today for sexually exploiting multiple female minor victims via the internet. Victimizing our most vulnerable members of society, is unacceptable,” Paul said. “FBI Baltimore will not stand for these monstrous acts and remains determined to stop these predatory criminals. FBI Baltimore will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold these violent online networks accountable.” 

According to court documents, from November 2024 until November 2025, Madison, a member and associate of “764,” a criminal organization of Nihilistic Violent Extremists, used the internet to create and share extreme content — such as gore, violence, and child sexual abuse material — to extort and blackmail vulnerable teenagers. Madison used the internet to sexually exploit minor females and encourage them to engage in self-harm. The minor female victims were from various locations inside and outside of the United States.

Madison used the internet to cause minor females to produce or stream sexually explicit conduct, cut themselves with razors, and cut signs and words on their bodies. Additionally, Madison coerced the female minor victims into using their blood to write various signs, along with Madison’s monikers, on a wall and then they streamed it to Madison. He also encouraged the victims to injure animals. 

Then Madison extorted the victims through a variety of methods, including threatening to harm them and their families, “leak” or disseminate depictions of the victims engaging in cutting and sexually explicit conduct, “dox” the victims and their family members, and “swat” victims and their family members.

Members of “764” use known online social media platforms to support the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and child sex abuse material with vulnerable, juvenile populations. These individuals often conduct coordinated extortions of teenagers, blackmailing the victims to comply with the group’s demands. 

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

The Justice Department remains vigilant against the threat of Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) networks, like 764, that operate within the United States and around the globe. NVEs often target vulnerable individuals, including minors, using social media platforms to share child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and gore material, and groom victims toward committing acts of violence. Victims are often extorted, coerced, compelled, and blackmailed into complying with NVE demands, including self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder. For more information on how to protect children and others, read about the online risks here: Parents, Caregivers, Teachers — FBI and the FBI’s March 2025 public service announcement.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, AACOPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Maryland twin brothers pled guilty to tax-evasion charges in federal court, today, for their roles in a tax-fraud scheme.

Dennis March, 55, and Greg March, 55, both of Berlin, each pled guilty to one count of tax evasion for concealing income and failing to pay business and individual taxes. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty pleas with Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

According to their guilty pleas, from 2017 until April 2023, Dennis and Greg March both willfully evaded paying the lawful taxes they owed on their business and personal income-tax returns for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. During this time, the March brothers committed multiple affirmative acts in Maryland that constituted tax evasion and attempted tax evasion.  In total, the March brothers each unlawfully concealed more than $4.5 million in income generated from 2017 to 2023, and each failed to pay nearly $1.8 million in taxes on that income.

Beginning in 2017, and continuing into 2023, the March brothers, along with a third business partner, jointly owned and controlled various business entities and ventures, including Elite Marketing Group LLC, Elite MG LLC, and Principal Law Group.  Through the operation of Principal, Elite, Elite MG, and their other entities, the March brothers and their business partner generated significant revenues and income from 2017-2023. 

Instead of paying the taxes they owed, the March brothers worked to hide their incomes.  They concealed their incomes by arranging payments to a shell entity that they controlled. This allowed the brothers to treat payments as expenses or costs of their businesses, when in reality, these payments were effectively distributions of income to themselves.  The brothers also failed to file numerous legally required IRS forms, including required business and personal tax returns.

In September 2021, the March brothers sought to use the income generated through the tax-evasion scheme to purchase various real-estate properties, including in Florida, which they jointly controlled with their business partner. Their purchases included several Florida real-estate properties worth more than $2 million and payments to a Florida building company for the construction of two homes on undeveloped Florida lots.  From 2017 to 2022, the March brothers withdrew more than $3.5 million in currency from business bank accounts. 

The brothers are each facing five years in federal prison for tax evasion. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for Friday, November 6, at 1 p.m.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-CI for its work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari D. Evans and Harry M. Gruber who are prosecuting this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Guatemalan illegal alien, unlawfully in the United States, received a federal prison term, today, for charges stemming from a federal firearms investigation.

Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Lester Ramos Perez, 29, to 78 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. Ramos Perez is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his citizenship status. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Steven Schrank, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Atlanta; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).  This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative.

According to the guilty plea, in July 2024, ATF and HSI special agents began investigating Ramos Perez after suspecting that he was trafficking firearms from Alabama to Baltimore.  Then in September 2024, Ramos Perez started living in Waldorf, Maryland. 

During the investigation, through various law enforcement techniques, agents learned that Ramos Perez conspired with others to traffic firearms. Ramos Perez and a co-conspirator conspired to sell firearms during a controlled recorded transaction in Alabama and Maryland. 

At least two of the firearms Ramos Perez sold to law enforcement were stolen. Additionally, at least two of the firearms Ramos Perez sold to law enforcement are classified as machineguns. Ramos Perez was also advised during this investigation that the individual he was selling firearms to possessed a criminal record and that they were purchasing the firearms on behalf of someone else.  Ramos Perez knew he was selling the firearms to a prohibited person and that the person he was selling them to was not the ultimate owner/end-user/possessor of the firearms that he was illegally selling. 

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, HSI, BPD, and MCPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Y. Hagan who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal jury convicted a Maryland man for his role in conspiring to commit an insurance fraud scam. 

The jury found Davion Percy, 40, of Suitland, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with the auto-insurance fraud scheme. 

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

According to court documents, between December 2019 and February 2020, Percy, then the Chief of the Marlow Heights Special Police Department, conspired with PGPD officer Michael Anthony Owen, Jr., 37, of Accokeek, Maryland, and Maryland National Capital Park Police officer Conrad D’Haiti, 56, La Plata, Maryland, and others to engage in mail and wire fraud designed to obtain money in the control of Liberty Mutual Insurance.

In late 2019, Percy, Owen, and D’Haiti devised a scheme to help D’Haiti avoid paying the loan balance on a 2007 Jaguar XKR that D’Haiti purchased earlier that year. Then the vehicle subsequently developed significant mechanical issues. 

The three co-conspirators committed insurance fraud by fabricating the vehicle’s theft and associated loss. Specifically, Percy agreed to arrange for another co-conspirator to stage the Jaguar’s theft for the purpose of creating a total insurance loss. 

On January 4, 2020, at Percy’s direction, D’Haiti parked and left the Jaguar at the rear of the Marlow Heights Shopping Center. Later that day, also at Percy’s direction, D’Haiti provided Percy with $350 at National Harbor, Maryland, to assist with staging the car theft. Then on January 23, a Liberty Mutual special investigator found the vandalized Jaguar in Marlow Heights, Maryland. 

D’Haiti and Owen subsequently made a false theft report to a PGPD officer who filed a fictitious police report. Then D’Haiti used this false report to substantiate his theft claim against Liberty Mutual. In February 2020, Liberty Mutual paid the Jaguar’s lienholder, Navy Federal Credit Union, $17,585 on the false claim.

Percy faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adeyemi Adenrele and Caroline Schechinger who are prosecuting the case.

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

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

Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Yahya Sowe, 42, of College Park, to 114 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to engage in a large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy.  Additionally, Judge Maddox ordered Sowe to pay $13,050,827.03 in restitution, and to forfeit $1 million. Sowe, who pled guilty to participating in the money laundering conspiracy on December 15, 2025, admitted that more than $11 million in money laundering occurred pursuant to his management or supervisory role in the conspiracy.

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

According to court documents, beginning in 2021, and continuing until his arrest in February 2024, Sowe conspired with multiple individuals to launder proceeds of multiple frauds, including business email compromise schemes. 

The victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others. 

Sowe and his co-conspirators used and controlled several different encrypted electronic communication accounts, which they used in furtherance of the money laundering and to supervise and manage the members of the conspiracy. The co-conspirators worked with each other to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts  in the name of shell entities; and launder fraud proceeds.

Pursuant to the conspiracy, the co-conspirators often engaged in multiple financial transactions in quick succession, frequently layering wire-fraud proceeds in multiple subsequent transactions.  These financial transactions made it more difficult for the victims and law enforcement to recover the fraud proceeds. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland previously charged 14 defendants in connection with the money laundering conspiracy – 13 already pled guilty.  Faizou Gnora, 28, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, remains a fugitive from justice.   

The District Court previously sentenced: 

• Bright Boateng, 45, of Bladensburg, Maryland, to 108 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution of $1,247,950, and a forfeiture of $431,750; 
   
• Victor Killen, 33, of Hyattsville, Maryland, to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution of $7,070,656.46, and a $3 million forfeiture order; 
   
• Gedeon Agbeyome, 31, of Montgomery County, Maryland, to 72 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, along with restitution of $2,938,424.65, and a $2.8 million preliminary order of forfeiture;
    
• Lawrence Ogunsanwo, 33, to 40 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $5,648,816.23;
   
• Lakeisha Parker, 33, of Baltimore, to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and restitution of $8,306,930.95; 
   
• Martin Ogisi, 37, of Severn, Maryland, to 33 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $11,077,044.17; 
   
• Kevin Colon, 34, of Curtis Bay, Maryland, to 27 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and restitution of $2,515,159.63;
   
• Areal Harris, 27, of Hanover, Maryland, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $3,159,482.83;
   
• Lorena Perez Herrera, 29, of Washington, DC, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $1,473,125.58;
   
• Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $733,941.48.

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

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

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

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Government imposter scams are a serious problem, especially among the elderly. Did you know that in 2025, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 375,000 reports about government imposters, with reported losses of $917 million? 

Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) by joining the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC), and other government agencies and organizations across the country, in spreading the word about government and business imposter scams. This is an opportunity to promote dialogue and action about the issue of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

One of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s key priorities is combatting elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  Elder abuse is an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult. 

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to stamping out elder fraud through investigating and prosecuting those who victimize our older citizens,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “We’ll continue to work tirelessly to recover victim funds through restitution and forfeiture and engage in community outreach efforts, alongside our state and local partners, to keep people informed about how to spot and prevent fraud.”

In response to this global issue, EJCC launched its Never EVER Campaign, to help raise awareness about how to recognize and avoid imposter scams. These imposter scammers lie and pretend they are employed with the government when they’re not. Their goal is to trick victims into giving them money and/or access to financial accounts or personal information. 

Tips for recognizing and avoiding a government imposter are:

• Never ever will someone from the government say: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Only a scammer will.
• Never ever will someone from the government threaten to suspend your government benefits if you don’t pay immediately. Only a scammer will. 
• Never ever will someone from the government demand that you pay with a payment app, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards.

First recognized on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, WEAAD seeks to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect suffered by millions of older adults – crimes that are often overlooked or unreported. WEAAD brings attention to the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to elder abuse.

Learn more about imposter scams at ejcc.acl.gov/imposters.   If you spot an imposter scam — or any other type of scam — report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced, today, that a former Maryland-based chief financial officer (CFO), who worked for a multinational company, is facing indictment stemming from an embezzlement scheme and immigration fraud. 

Teresa Desy Majo, 42, a legal permanent resident from Italy, residing in Annadale, Virginia, is charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a perjured immigration document in connection with the scheme. Majo served as CFO for the North American arm of Officine Maccaferri S.p.A, an Italian company, which is comprised of two subsidiaries: a U.S.-based entity, Maccaferri, Inc, and a Canadian-based entity, Maccaferri Canada Ltd. Officine Maccaferri is a geotechnical engineering solutions manufacturer and supplier specializing in soil stabilization. The former CFO used multiple Maccaferri executives’ identities to fraudulently approve alleged employment benefits and compensation to enrich herself. 

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

According to the indictment, beginning in January 2021, and continuing through May 2024, Majo devised a scheme to defraud both Maccaferri USA and Maccaferri Canada. As part of the scheme, Majo created multiple fabricated documents that supposedly authorized extra employment compensation and benefits. Additionally, Majo modified emails from executives to fraudulently authorize other unwarranted employment compensation and benefits. Majo submitted the counterfeit documents to Maccaferri USA and Maccaferri Canada’s payroll departments.  After Maccaferri fired her, Majo withheld her termination from, and otherwise lied to, immigration authorities to obtain legal permanent resident status. 
An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Majo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud, along with a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft. Majo is also facing a maximum of 10 years for possessing a perjured immigration document.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared M. Beim and Jared W. Murphy who are prosecuting this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A New Jersey man received a federal-prison term, today, for his role in a multi-million-dollar bank fraud conspiracy. As part of the scheme, co-conspirators fraudulently obtained more than $35 million in Small Business Administration (SBA) loans from financial institutions to purchase hotels. 

Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Rajendra G. Parikh, 65, of Monroe, New Jersey, to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Additionally, Judge Chasanow ordered Parikh to forfeit $6 million and pay restitution of $6,010,655.72.  In 2025, Parikh and his co-conspirators Mehul Ramesh Khatiwala, aka “Mike Khatiwala,” 44, of Voorhees, New Jersey, and Jennifer H. Watkins, 50, of Marlton, New Jersey, pled guilty to the federal charges. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

According to court documents, Parikh was an owner of KPG Hotel Mgmt. LLC (KPG) and Khatiwala was the owner and managing member of Delaware Hotel Group LLC (DHG), and an operator of GMK Consulting LLC (GMK) and KPG. These LLCs were hotel management and loan brokerage companies located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Additionally, Watkins served as a project coordinator for DHG and managing member of Forza Consulting LLC, a hotel consulting and loan brokerage company located in Marlton, New Jersey.  An additional co-conspirator, Rebecca Marie Cohn, 39, aka Rebecca Marie Stanton, worked as a settlement and title processor for Residential Title & Escrow Company, a real estate title company located in Owings Mills, Maryland. 

As part of the scheme, from August 2018 through February 2020, Parikh, Khatiwala, and Watkins conspired to obtain loan proceeds to buy and sell hotels in connection with a hotel-flipping scheme. “Flipping” is a real-estate investment strategy that involves purchasing property to hold for a short period before selling it to make a quick profit.  During the SBA-loan application process, the co-conspirators made and caused others to make material misrepresentations and omissions to financial institutions regarding the sellers’ identity, familial relationships between parties, and the nature and amount of the equity injected by the borrowers.  The co-conspirators sought loans through the SBA’s Section 7(a) Program, which guaranteed and insured approximately 75-85 percent of these loans, and required that the small business owner/borrower invest a certain amount of their own money into the business to qualify for the loan.

In their guilty pleas, Parikh and Khatiwala admitted that they acted as managers or supervisors in connection with the scheme.  Additionally, Parikh, Khatiwala, and Watkins admitted that they created shell companies using co-conspirators as straw owners of the entities.  These straw owners had no actual ownership interest in the entities as Parikh and Khatiwala were the true owners.  The straw owners signed purchase contracts, operating agreements, and related documents to buy hotel properties in the name of the shell companies. 

Then co-conspirators, supervised in part by Parikh, created a second company to purchase the hotels from the shell companies at substantially higher prices.  After the co-conspirators formed the companies to control both sides of the flip transaction, they solicited banks for small-business loans to finance the buying company’s purchase of the hotel from the straw companies. Then the co-conspirators helped the buying companies qualify for the loans by falsely representing investors’ equity injections to the banks, among other false statements, misrepresentations, and omissions. The financial institutions extending the loans relied on the false statements and misrepresentations. 

Judge Chasanow previously sentenced Khatiwala to seven years in federal prison and Watkins to three years. Additionally, Cohn, who pled guilty to knowingly and willfully making false statements to financial institutions in connection with real-estate settlements, was credited with time served.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FHFA-OIG and FDIC-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Ari D. Evans, who are prosecuting the federal case, and recognized Paralegal Specialists Joanna B.N. Huber and Zharde Todman. 

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A former intelligence community contractor pled guilty to conspiracy charges in federal court in connection with a kickbacks scheme.

David Duggin, 55, of Orrtanna, Pennsylvania, is charged with conspiring to commit offenses against the United States by soliciting and accepting kickbacks. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel Glad, Justice Department, Antitrust Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Allison Russo, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) – Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.

According to court documents, Duggin and his co-conspirators corruptly misused his on-site access to sensitive information at an intelligence agency. The former senior systems engineer and on-site contractor used his access to enrich himself and others by illegally obtaining government contracts for millions of dollars of hardware and software procured by U.S. government customers.  Duggin’s co-conspirators paid him at least $510,000 in illegal kickbacks in exchange for him influencing the procurement process in favor of his co-conspirators. The conspiracy thwarted the competitive bidding process for the U.S. from at least June 2018, through at least April 2024. 

“Mr. Duggin took advantage of his position to enrich himself and his co-conspirators. Our office will not tolerate this greedy, deceitful behavior that, if unchecked, can lead to an erosion of public trust and impact on our national security,” Hayes said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not hesitate to hold accountable any individual who attempts to defraud our government.” 

“Mr. Duggin exploited his position as a government contractor in the intelligence community at the expense of taxpayers,” Woodward said. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to hold those who seek profit through fraudulent schemes, accountable.”

“The defendant broke faith with the men and women of the United States Intelligence Community — who work tirelessly and often anonymously in defense of our nation — to enrich himself with hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks,” Glad said. “The defendant now faces years in prison for corrupting a competitive procurement process backing our national security.”

“Mr. Duggin betrayed the trust placed in him by exploiting his access to sensitive government systems to steer contracts for personal gain,” Russo said. “This outcome reflects the strong partnership between DCIS, our federal investigative counterparts, and the Department of Justice, and underscores our shared commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Department of War and the broader Intelligence Community.”

“David Duggin repeatedly put himself before American taxpayers who trusted him to act on their behalf and for their benefit,” Paul said. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement and government partners to hold accountable those seeking to profit through fraud and deception.”

Duggin is facing five years in federal prison for conspiring to commit an offense against the United States by accepting illegal kickbacks. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DCIS and FBI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Phelps and Matthew Shea, along with Trial Attorneys Elizabeth French, Anna Wang, and Ronald Fiorillo, Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section, who are prosecuting this federal case.

The Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above. Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted a convicted felon on firearm charges in connection with a domestic-violence incident.

Marquis Thomas, 34, of Baltimore, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Thomas knowingly possessed a Hi-Point JHP .45 Auto Pistol loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. The firearm had an obliterated serial number. At the time of the offense, Thomas, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

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

According to the public filings, on October 30, 2025, BPD received a call about a domestic-assault involving a firearm. Upon law enforcement’s arrival at the residence, the victim opened the door and told officers that Thomas left the premises. The victim then led law enforcement into the living room and pointed to a handgun on the couch. Additionally, the victim reported that Thomas hit her in the face three times before pointing a gun at her, saying, “I should kill you right now.” 

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office — in partnership with our federal, local, and state partners — works hard to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are not authorized to carry them. This helps prevent violence and saves lives,” Hayes said. “We support prioritizing our residents’ safety and well-being through our commitment to community trust, strategic enforcement, and violence prevention, especially for those experiencing intimate-partner violence.”

“We are committed to working with our state and local partners to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers,” Doerrer said. “Cases like these highlight the excellent work of our local police, local prosecutors, federal agents, and federal prosecutors.”

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

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

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

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Maryland man to prison, today, stemming from an incident in which the defendant walked down a residential street pointing a firearm at individuals and houses. 

U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced Paul Bond, 36, of Pasadena, to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Bond pled guilty to the charges on February 18, 2026. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department (AACOPD). 

According to court documents, on June 28, 2024, AACOPD officers responded to two emergency calls about an armed man walking on a Pasadena street carrying a gun and pointing it at houses. Upon arrival, officers observed the individual standing in the middle of the street carrying a black handgun in his right hand. 

Law enforcement then drew their service weapons and gave Bond verbal commands to drop the firearm. Bond complied and dropped the firearm on the street before officers eventually arrested him and secured the weapon. A follow-up investigation revealed that Bond pointed the firearm at one person as the individual entered a home in the area. When the incident occurred, Bond was a felon, so he wasn’t permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and AACOPD, for their work in the investigation, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Tsuei who prosecuted this federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man is headed to prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a crash involving a law-enforcement officer on Baltimore-Washington (B-W) Parkway. 

Judge C. Bruce Anderson sentenced Khoran Newell, 43, of Washington, D.C., to one year in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised probation, for driving under the influence and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle in connection with the crash.

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

According to the guilty plea, in the early morning hours of December 27, 2025, Newell struck a USPP officer’s cruiser as the officer conducted a traffic stop on northbound B-W Parkway. During the stop, the officer’s cruiser was illuminated with side, overhead, and rear-mounted flashing lights. 

While the officer leaned into his cruiser’s window, another vehicle suddenly struck it with great force, throwing him over the cruiser and onto the parkway’s shoulder. A later analysis of the vehicle’s event data recorder showed the car was traveling at a rate of 62 mph five seconds before the crash. 

Another USPP officer then attempted to contact the driver of the striking vehicle, who appeared to be asleep at the wheel. The officer eventually woke Newell up and escorted him to the parkway’s shoulder. Newell, who was uninjured, was unsteady on his feet, smelled of alcohol, exhibited slurred speech, and seemed confused about what happened. 

Additionally, the officer attempted to conduct standardized field sobriety and breath tests, but Newell refused. The officer obtained a warrant to draw blood, and then the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined that Newell’s blood alcohol content was .21. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPP for its work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Nazmy who prosecuted this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Charles County, Maryland, man faces indictment in connection with an attack on two federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport.

Cornelius Lionell Queen, 32, is charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers and interfering with security screening personnel at the airport.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Jason Wimer, Acting Assistant Administrator for Investigations, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Colonel Joseph Scott, Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police.

According to the indictment, on April 2, 2026, Queen forcibly assaulted two TSA lead transportation security officers at a security screening checkpoint at BWI Airport. Queen also interfered with the federal officers’ ability to perform their security duties.  Additionally, according to surveillance video shown in court, prior to his alleged assault on the TSA officers, Queen also allegedly attacked a bystander and his two children. Queen also attempted to attack another bystander.

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

If convicted, Queen faces a maximum of 18 years in federal prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers and interfering with security screening personnel.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, TSA, and MDTA Police for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ty Pittinger who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury delivered a verdict that is sending a Maryland man to prison stemming from a wire-fraud scam. 

The jury found Patrick Britton-Harr, 43, of Annapolis, guilty of six counts of wire fraud in connection with a private-jet service scheme. Britton-Harr, who owned and operated a company that offered charter flights on private jets, defrauded customers by making false promises about how he planned to use their money. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty verdict with Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, Justice Department, Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Greg Thompson, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG).

“This conviction sends a strong message that if you scam and defraud others, we’re coming after you with the full weight of the law,” Hayes said. “We will always seek justice for victims. Through his greed and deceitful actions, Mr. Britton-Harr showed a total disregard for the law and others. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law-enforcement partners, is committed to holding accountable individuals who prey on and take advantage of unsuspecting people.”

“Patrick Britton-Harr stole millions of dollars from his customers by lying to them about how he would use and protect their money,” Duva said. “He used his business as a front to fraudulently induce his clients to make down payments for services never provided. Meanwhile he bought yachts, expensive jewelry, and lined his own pockets. The prosecutors and agents who brought this case vindicated the victims. If you prey on, trick, and defraud people, you will be investigated and prosecuted.”

“This conviction holds Patrick Britton-Harr accountable for the lies he told and the millions of dollars he stole from customers to bankroll his extravagant lifestyle,” Paul said. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners work tirelessly to protect victims from fraudsters and will go after anyone who takes advantage of investors for personal gain.”

“Consumers who invest in aviation services deserve honesty and transparency, not deception. Patrick Britton-Harr abused his customers’ trust by misrepresenting how their money would be used and then enriching himself at their expense,” Thompson said. “This verdict reflects the commitment of DOT-OIG and our law enforcement partners to holding accountable those who engage in fraud and threaten the integrity of the transportation industry.”

According to evidence presented at trial, Britton-Harr owned and controlled AeroVanti, Inc. and its affiliated entities. Through AeroVanti, a private air club offering members access to private jets, Britton-Harr set up a limited-time opportunity that invited “Top Gun” members to pay $150,000 upfront to help the company buy a plane in exchange for a block of discounted flight hours. He promised to use their money to purchase specific aircraft, and he pledged to protect their money by delivering the aircraft titles to escrow. The Top Gun members collectively paid approximately $15 million in upfront payments to purchase five aircraft. 

But instead of buying the aircraft, Britton-Harr misappropriated members’ money for his own personal benefit. This included purchasing yachts and jewelry, paying for his living expenses, and renting a $10,000 per month home near Tampa, Florida. Evidence at trial further established that Britton-Harr then attempted to conceal his fraud by obtaining a $1.5 million loan to purchase one of the aircraft he already claimed that he purchased with Top Gun member funds by withholding material information from the lender to obtain the loan.

 Britton-Harr faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison per count. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Additionally, in May 2025, a federal jury separately indicted Britton-Harr on multiple counts of health care fraud and one count of money laundering related to his participation in a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for expensive respiratory tests. The health care fraud trial is slated for October 2026.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and DOT-OIG for their work in investigating these cases. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ari D. Evans and Fraud Section Attorney Ariel Glasner who prosecuted this federal case, along with Fraud Section Trial Attorney Tara Shinnick who provided significant assistance.

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

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A federal jury in the District of Maryland convicted a Maryland man yesterday who owned and operated a company which offered charter flights on private jets. He defrauded his victims of approximately $15 million by falsely promising to use their upfront $150,000 payments to help the company buy a plane in exchange for a block of discounted flight hours and a promise that their money would be protected.

“Patrick Britton-Harr stole millions of dollars from his customers by lying to them about how he would use and protect their money,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He used his business as a front to fraudulently induce his clients to make down payments for services never provided. Meanwhile, he bought yachts, expensive jewelry, and lined his own pockets. The prosecutors and agents who brought this case vindicated the victims. If you prey on, trick, and defraud people, you will be investigated and prosecuted.”

“This conviction sends a strong message that if you scam and defraud others, we’re coming after you with the full weight of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “We will always seek justice for victims. Through his greed and deceitful actions, Mr. Britton-Harr showed a total disregard for the law and others. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law-enforcement partners, is committed to holding accountable individuals who prey on and take advantage of unsuspecting people.”

“This conviction holds Patrick Britton-Harr accountable for the lies he told and the millions of dollars he stole from customers to bankroll his extravagant lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners work tirelessly to protect victims from fraudsters and will go after anyone who takes advantage of investors for personal gain.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Patrick Britton-Harr, 43, of Annapolis, Maryland, owned and controlled AeroVanti and its affiliated entities. AeroVanti was a private air club that offered members access to flights on private jets. Britton-Harr set up a “one-time membership opportunity” that invited “Top Gun” members to pay $150,000 upfront to help the company buy a plane in exchange for a block of discounted flight hours. Britton-Harr promised to use their money to purchase specific aircraft, and he promised to protect their money by delivering the titles of the aircraft to escrow. 

The Top Gun members collectively paid approximately $15 million in upfront payments to purchase five aircraft. But instead of buying those aircraft, Britton-Harr misappropriated members’ money for his own personal benefit, including to purchase yachts and jewelry, to pay his living expenses, and to rent a $10,000 per month home near Tampa, Florida. The evidence at trial further established that Britton-Harr then attempted to conceal his fraud by obtaining a $1.5 million loan to purchase one of the aircraft he had already claimed to have purchased with Top Gun member funds by withholding material information from the lender to obtain the loan.

The jury convicted Britton-Harr of six counts of wire fraud. A sentencing date has not been set. Britton-Harr faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

In May 2025, Britton-Harr was separately indicted with multiple counts of health care fraud and one count of money laundering related to his participation in a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for expensive respiratory tests. He is scheduled to begin trial on that indictment in October 2026.

The FBI Baltimore Field Office and Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Ariel Glasner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Evans for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. Fraud Section Trial Attorney Tara Shinnick provided significant assistance.

Baltimore, Maryland – An Aberdeen, Maryland, woman learned her fate in federal court, today, for committing child sexual exploitation crimes. 

U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Ashley Graybeal, 27, to 17 ½ years in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for sex trafficking a child, sexually exploiting a child, and distributing child sexual abuse material. Graybeal pled guilty to the charges in February 2026.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI – Baltimore Field Office; Alison M. Healey, Harford County State's Attorney; and Sheriff Jeff Gahler, Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, in January 2025, Graybeal began using her Kik account to contact other Kik users. She offered other Kik users sexually explicit images of two minor victims, or to perform sex acts with the two children via livestream, in exchange for money. 

Graybeal then sent sexually explicit images of the two children to other Kik users and received payment for those images through an online banking app. The images were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through their Cybertipline, in February 2025, and law enforcement acted quickly to intervene and recover the two children.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn and Reema Sood who prosecuted this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man pled guilty in federal court to false-claims, identity theft, and wire-fraud crimes in connection with a tax fraud and unemployment insurance (UI) fraud conspiracy.

Daiwor “Mark Brown” Woah-Tee, 53, of Belcamp, is charged with conspiracy to submit false, fictitious, and fraudulent claims to the Internal Revenue Service and wire fraud conspiracy stemming from a scheme to fraudulently obtain UI benefits during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea agreement with Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office; Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG); and Joseph V. Cuffari Ph.D., Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security (DHS-OIG). 

According to the plea agreement, beginning in January 2018, and continuing until December 2024, Woah-Tee and his conspirators knowingly and willfully conspired to defraud the United States and the Department of the Treasury. The co-conspirators filed fraudulent Form 1040s seeking tax refunds from the IRS through fictitious claims based on fraudulent material representations.  Additionally, the co-conspirators identified and recruited individuals willing to become customers of their tax-return business and obtained tax documentation and personal identifiable information from individuals seeking tax-return preparation assistance.

Woah-Tee used the information obtained from individuals to prepare tax filings with the IRS. Then he and the co-conspirators filed or caused the filing of false tax returns, which contained fabricated information regarding the taxpayer’s dependents, income, education expenses, and eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit. 

The co-conspirators caused the IRS to deposit funds into bank accounts that they controlled and then caused the IRS to deliver treasury checks to addresses they controlled.  As a result, the co-conspirators obtained tax refunds they were not entitled to in connection with submitting tax returns in which they illegally sought at least $3.5 million in refunds.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Woah-Tee and his co-conspirators submitted UI applications to the Maryland Department of Labor on behalf of victims, often without the victim’s knowledge, falsely stating that the applicant was entitled to UI benefits.  As a result, Woah-Tee and others caused the Maryland Department of Labor to deposit UI benefits into financial accounts that they controlled, allowing them to withdraw the funds using debit cards for their own personal use.  The co-conspirators obtained more than $550,000 UI benefits.

As part of the plea, Woah-Tee agreed to restitution to the Internal Revenue Service of $3.5 million and restitution to the Maryland Department of Labor of $550,000.  He also agreed to a forfeiture of approximately $4 million.

Woah-Tee is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to submit false, fictitious, and fraudulent claims to the Internal Revenue Service; 20 years for wire fraud conspiracy; and two years for aggravated identity theft. 

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

For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, and DHS-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared W. Murphy and Matthew P. Phelps who are prosecuting this federal case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A former U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employee pled guilty in federal court, today, to charges stemming from a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act scheme that enabled him to illegally obtain more than $176,000.

Simeon Bakare, 55, of Waldorf, Maryland, pled guilty to wire-fraud charges in connection with the scheme. Bakare previously worked on information technology matters for USAID. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Eduardo Santos, USAID Office of Inspector General (USAID OIG).  USAID OIG is a statutorily independent law enforcement agency that has continued jurisdiction to investigate criminal activity affecting ongoing U.S. foreign assistance programs.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It gives financial assistance including forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and other expenses. Established by the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) — administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA) — along with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), helped businesses meet their financial obligations.

According to the guilty plea, beginning in April 2020, and continuing until November 2021, Bakare knowingly and willfully engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA. Bakare admitted he submitted, or caused the submission of, multiple fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications. Additionally, through this scheme, Bakare caused the deposits of EIDL and PPP benefits into bank accounts he controlled. 

In furthering the fraud scheme, Bakare used fabricated documents in support of his fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications.  Bakare submitted at least five false loan applications to obtain EIDL and PPP benefits, along with loan forgiveness, including fraudulent IRS Schedule C Forms and false attestations regarding the existence of sole proprietorships. 

None of the businesses Bakare listed on the applications had significant employees, office space, revenues, costs of goods sold, or business operations. Bakare admitted he used the PPP and EIDL proceeds for improper personal purposes, such as car and housing payments, along with grocery costs. 

Bakare faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. Sentencing is set for Thursday, September 3, at 9:30 a.m.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended USAID OIG for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared M. Beim and Joseph L. Wenner who are prosecuting the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Multiple aliens, unlawfully in the United States, recently pled guilty to illegal immigration crimes. These prosecutions are in connection with the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty pleas with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.

On May 5, 2026, Israel Reyes-Medina, 39, of Mexico, pled guilty to illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien. Prior to this prosecution, federal authorities convicted Reyes-Medina of illegal entry and removed him from the United States on four previous occasions. On January 8, law enforcement found the Mexican citizen in Middle River, Maryland, during an area enforcement operation.

Then on May 27, Nery Adelso Asmen-Raymundo, 43, of Guatemala, pled guilty to illegal entry into the United States. Authorities removed Asmen-Raymundo from the U.S. on two prior occasions – once in November 2009, and again in March 2010. On April 23, law enforcement found the Guatemalan citizen and national in Baltimore.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO and FBI for its work in these investigations. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Mills who is prosecuting these federal cases.

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

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

Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Bright Boateng, 45, of Bladensburg, to nine years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to engage in a large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy.  Additionally, Judge Maddox ordered Boateng to pay $1,247,950 in restitution, and to forfeit $431,750. Boateng, who pled guilty to participating in the money laundering conspiracy on February 6, 2026, admitted that nearly $1.5 million in money laundering occurred pursuant to his direct participation in the conspiracy. 

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

According to court documents, beginning in 2020, and continuing into November 2023, Boateng conspired with multiple individuals to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud in connection with Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the conspiracy.

The victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others.  

As part of the scheme, Boateng and his co-conspirators worked together to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts and/or cause bank accounts to be opened in the name of shell entities; and receive and launder fraud proceeds.

Specifically, Boateng received money from at least seven different EIDLs and used a shell entity to obtain the illegal proceeds. Additionally, he stole the identity of another individual to open business and personal bank accounts that were used to receive fraud proceeds and engage in other financial transactions.  Boateng also used a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license bearing his photo with another person’s information. 

Court records show that Boateng has an extensive criminal history, with more than 20 criminal convictions and more than 40 arrests.  Boateng’s criminal history consisted of a wide range of conduct, including theft, fraud, drugs, and violence.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland previously charged 14 defendants in connection with the money laundering conspiracy – 13 already pled guilty.  Faizou Gnora, 28, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, remains a fugitive from justice.   

The District Court previously sentenced: 

• Victor Killen, 33, of Hyattsville, Maryland, to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution of $7,070,656.46, and a $3 million forfeiture order   
• Gedeon Agbeyome, 31, of Montgomery County, Maryland, to 72 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, along with restitution of $2,938,424.65, and a $2.8 million preliminary order of forfeiture  
• Lawrence Ogunsanwo, 33, to 40 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $5,648,816.23 
• Lakeisha Parker, 33, of Baltimore, to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and restitution of $8,306,930.95 
• Martin Ogisi, 37, of Severn, Maryland, to 33 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $11,077,044.17 
• Kevin Colon, 34, of Curtis Bay, Maryland, to 27 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and restitution of $2,515,159.63
• Areal Harris, 27, of Hanover, Maryland, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $3,159,482.83
• Lorena Perez Herrera, 29, of Washington, DC, to 24 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $1,473,125.58
• Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $733,941.48

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

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

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

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Two Baltimore men received federal-prison terms for their roles in multiple carjackings, including one that resulted in a murder.

U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Jerritt Barron, 24, to 40 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and Jeremy Matheny, 27, to 24 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for an attempted carjacking that resulted in death.

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

According to court documents, in June 2022, Barron and Matheny conspired with co-conspirators Nefertiti Moore, 23, and Antonio Purisima, 25, also from Baltimore, to commit several armed carjackings. Purisima, who is also charged with carjacking resulting in death, engaged in a carjacking scheme with multiple co-conspirators. 

On June 15, Barron, Matheny, and Purisima, followed a victim from Maryland Live! Casino, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, to her Glen Burnie residence. After the victim parked near her home, two co-conspirators approached her, as they brandished handguns, and demanded money and her car keys.  The two masked suspects then drove away in the victim’s car which was recovered less than one hour later in Baltimore. 

Then on June 19, Barron, Matheny, and Purisima, along with Moore, who rode in a black pick-up truck, attempted to carjack a vehicle near an Interstate 95 ramp in Baltimore.  Moore exited the truck and flagged down the victim. Then the co-conspirators blocked the victim’s vehicle with their car from entering the ramp to I-95. Barron and Purisima thereafter exited their vehicle and approached the victim. A co-conspirator then shot the victim who later died from the injuries.  The co-conspirators fled the scene.   Historical cell site data placed Matheny, Moore, and Purisima at or near the scene of the murder.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement extracted latent fingerprints from the Glen Burnie victim’s carjacked vehicle that matched Matheny and Purisima. Additionally, historical cell-site data placed Matheny and Purisima at Maryland Live! Casino and at the scene of the carjacking.  When law enforcement arrested Matheny on June 22, they confiscated a cellphone in Matheny’s possession.

After searching the phone, law enforcement uncovered photos of Barron, Matheny, and Purisima posing with firearms while at Maryland Live! Casino.  The casino’s video surveillance shows the co-conspirators entering a vehicle and then following the victim as she drove her car. 

Purisima pled guilty on April 15, and his sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, at 2 p.m. He is facing a maximum of life in federal prison for carjacking resulting in death. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr. who is prosecuting this federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Virginia man received a prison term, today, stemming from an identity theft scheme. 

U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Jade Ingalls, 45, of Arlington, to 42 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for false use of a passport and aggravated identity theft in connection with the scam. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge David Richeson, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) – Washington Field Office, Chief Charles Penn, Arlington County Police Department (ACPD), and Chief Joseph Kluh, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA). 

According to court documents, Ingalls stole numerous victims’ personal identifiable information (PII) to syphon money from their accounts and to defraud the government and financial institutions. Ingalls, who victimized more than 20 individuals, utilized individuals’ PII to request duplicate driver’s licenses, open bank accounts, and access digital mailboxes. Additionally, Ingalls traveled from city to city for short periods of time using the victims’ PII to rent hotels, furnished apartments, and individually owned rental properties via online rental marketplaces.

Law enforcement later found evidence linking him to the crime spree, including a transaction receipt in a laptop bag; notarized bank account closure authorization form; bank cards; gift cards; fraudulent identification cards; and an ID Card printer. Authorities also discovered several ID cards displaying Ingalls’ picture, but under three different victims’ names, and the Armed Forces of the United States seal.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DSS, ACPD, and MWAA for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who prosecuted the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man is headed to federal prison for more than two decades for committing child sex abuse crimes.

U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced Isaiah Poole, 25, of Suitland, to 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for one count of producing child sexual abuse material.  The charge is in connection with a sextortion scheme in which Poole met and sextorted young girls through social media platforms. 

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

According to court documents, Poole used Snapchat and other social media accounts to manipulate and coerce at least six girls — ranging from ages 9-14 — to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves.  Poole, who pretended he was a teenage girl, manipulated the minor victims into producing and sending him sexually explicit images, often under the ruse of playing truth or dare.  He also directed the minors to expose their genital areas and engage in sexual conduct.  

After some victims informed Poole that they no longer wished to send him sexually explicit images, he threatened to send the images to their families and friends if they did not continue to produce content.  Additionally, Poole distributed the sexually explicit images he received from two minors. 

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation, along with the Maryland State Police and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their valuable assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Treiger and Brooke Oki who prosecuted the case.

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

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

Mark Travis Brigham, 36, of Mount Airy, is charged with sexually exploiting a child and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). 

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

According to his guilty plea, between September 2023 and August 2024, Brigham persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced three minor females to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He used his cellphone to produce multiple sexually explicit images and videos of the victims. Brigham exploited the victims for the purpose of producing visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct. 

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

Brigham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor. Additionally, Brigham faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. 

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

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

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

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

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Jermaine Sturgis, 41, a former lieutenant at Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) in Westover, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, Maryland to 33 months in prison and one year of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to obstruct an investigation into the assault of an inmate.

Sturgis, of Laurel, Delaware, conspired with other correctional officers to cover up evidence that a fellow ECI officer unlawfully assaulted an inmate. A jury convicted Sturgis in December 2025 for conspiring to obstruct justice and destroy records and for making false statements to a federal officer.

“When a correctional officer tampers with evidence or obstructs an investigation into fellow officers, it undercuts the public’s trust in the criminal justice system, thwarts lawful efforts to protect the civil rights of inmates, and threatens the safety of both inmates and other officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable correctional officers who violate the laws they are sworn to uphold.”

“This defendant obstructed a lawful investigation by helping conceal the truth about a violent assault. Our system depends on public officials carrying out their duties honestly and lawfully. Unfortunately, Mr. Sturgis failed to comply with this mandate so now he must pay the price,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Our Office remains committed to prosecuting any individual who engages in such an abuse of trust. No one is above the law.”

“Jermaine Sturgis not only lied about the assault on an inmate but directed a conspiracy to cover up that assault by deleting evidence. Sturgis focused on shielding himself from the consequences of his crimes at the expense of the inmate he swore to protect,” said Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI will vigorously investigate and hold accountable law enforcement officers who exploit their authority and violate the public’s trust.”

According to trial testimony, on July 12, 2021, after one of Sturgis’s junior officers used excessive force against an inmate, Sturgis and other officers conspired to delete a video recording that showed the inmate’s injuries and other evidence that the officer’s use of force against the inmate had been unlawful. During the three-year investigation, Sturgis also made false statements to the state and federal investigators.

Judge Maddox previously sentenced four former ECI correctional officers who had pleaded guilty for their involvement. Samuel Warren was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for assaulting the inmate and obstruction of justice; Neil Daubach was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for witness tampering and obstruction of justice; David Quillen was sentenced to two years of probation with six months home detention for conspiracy and obstruction of justice; and Daric Evans was sentenced to two years of probation with three months home detention for conspiracy.

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Aubin for the District of Maryland and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. The Baltimore Division of the FBI, with assistance from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, conducted the investigation.

Baltimore, Maryland – A former Maryland correctional officer learned his fate in federal court, today, stemming from an incident in which his colleague assaulted an inmate. 

U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Jermaine Sturgis, 41, of Laurel, Delaware, to 33 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiring to obstruct justice and making false statements to a federal officer. In December 2025, after a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted Sturgis for his role in covering up evidence that a fellow ECI officer unlawfully assaulted an inmate. Sturgis previously served as a lieutenant correctional officer at the Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI), located in Westover, Maryland. 

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, Justice Department, Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.

“This defendant obstructed a lawful investigation by helping conceal the truth about a violent assault.  Our system depends on public officials carrying out their duties honestly and lawfully.  Unfortunately, Mr. Sturgis failed to comply with this mandate so now he must pay the price,” Hayes said. “Our Office remains committed to prosecuting any individual who engages in such an abuse of trust. No one is above the law.”

“When a correctional officer tampers with evidence or obstructs an investigation into fellow officers, it undercuts the public’s trust in the criminal justice system, thwarts lawful efforts to protect the civil rights of inmates, and threatens the safety of both inmates and other officers,” Dhillon said. “The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable correctional officers who violate the laws they are sworn to uphold.”

“Jermaine Sturgis not only lied about the assault on an inmate but directed a conspiracy to cover up that assault by deleting evidence. Sturgis focused on shielding himself from the consequences of his crimes at the expense of the inmate he swore to protect,” Paul said. “The FBI will vigorously investigate and hold accountable law enforcement officers who exploit their authority and violate the public’s trust.”

According to the trial testimony, on July 12, 2021, after one of Sturgis’s junior officers used excessive force against an inmate, Sturgis and multiple officers conspired to delete a video recording that showed the inmate’s injuries. The video also contained other evidence of the officer’s use of force against the inmate. During the investigation, Sturgis also made false statements to state and federal investigators.

Judge Maddox previously sentenced four former ECI correctional officers who pled guilty for their involvement in the coverup. Samuel Warren, 40, of Westover, Maryland, received 15 months in federal prison for assaulting the inmate and obstruction of justice; Neil Daubach, 47, of Salisbury, Maryland, received 12 months and 1 day for witness tampering and obstruction of justice; David Quillen, 40, of Ocean View, Delaware, received two years of probation with six months home detention for conspiracy and obstruction of justice; and Daric Evans, 34, of Crisfield, Maryland, received two years of probation with three months home detention for conspiracy.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their work in the investigation and thanked the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for its assistance.  U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati, Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, who prosecuted the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted a Baltimore man in connection with drug trafficking and firearm crimes. 

The jury found Wayne Lee, 36, guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person; possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

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

According to evidence presented at trial, on July 10, 2023, a BPD detective, surveilling the 100 block of North Howard Street on a CitiWatch camera, observed Lee exiting a convenience store. As Lee left the store, an unknown man approached him and engaged in a hand-to-hand drug transaction involving drugs in exchange for money.

After the transaction, law enforcement arrested Lee and recovered six orange-top vials of cocaine base from his right hand upon handcuffing him. Additionally, law enforcement recovered a loaded firearm with six rounds of ammunition, from Lee’s waistband. BPD officers also recovered nine more orange-topped vials of cocaine base, eight additional rounds of ammunition, a clear bag containing approximately eight grams of loose cocaine base, and $937. He possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them and possessed the firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lee is also prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.

Lee faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person; a maximum of 20 years for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances; and a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

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

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

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

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment, charging a Baltimore County man in connection with a violent carjacking.  

Kylin Stubblefield, 41, of Catonsville, Maryland, is charged with carjacking, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person.

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

According to the three-count indictment, in October 2025, Stubblefield committed a carjacking in Baltimore City. During the crime, Stubblefield used, carried, brandished, and discharged a firearm, seriously injuring the vehicle’s owner. Stubblefield is also charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.

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

If convicted, Stubblefield faces a minimum sentence of seven years for brandishing a firearm during the carjacking, and a maximum life sentence in federal prison.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Hagan and John Mark Mastakas who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man pled guilty in federal court, today, to charges stemming from a social security disability benefits scam.

Andrew Langford, 50, of Ft. Washington, is charged with one count of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) records show that from January 2014 through May 2021, Langford received more than $270,000 in disability benefits that he was not entitled to.

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

According to the plea agreement, beginning in January 2014, and continuing through May 2021, Langford devised a scheme to defraud the SSA to obtain money to personally enrich himself and to benefit him and his associates. Back in November 2008, Langford applied for SSA disability benefits, reporting that he was unable to work due to a disabling condition. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Langford faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, September 1, at 10:30 a.m.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the SSA-OIG and TIGTA for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case.

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

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

Alcedo Hodge, Jr., 29, of Parkville, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges are in connection with a multi-state federal drug investigation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hodge faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine along with a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar set sentencing for Tuesday, August 18, at 11 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and firearm charges in connection with a local drug trafficking investigation.  He also agreed that this offense violated the conditions of his federal supervised release.

Davon Taylor, 35, is charged with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Law enforcement caught Taylor with a quantity of cocaine, that he intended to distribute, along with a stolen firearm.  At the time of the offense, Taylor was on federal supervised release for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. 

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

On April 9, 2025, law enforcement agents used a surveillance camera to monitor a large Northwest Baltimore parking lot, known as “the panyard.” Agents observed Taylor arrive at the panyard and engage in hand-to-hand drug transactions before removing an object from his waistband. He then placed the object inside of a pizza box on top of a recycling bin.

Law enforcement arrested Taylor and then agents recovered a handgun, loaded with a magazine containing 12 rounds of live ammunition, that was reported stolen in May 2022. Agents also searched the area and found a bag containing additional plastic bags with numerous vials and jugs of fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base, and a digital scale with white residue on it.  Additionally, law enforcement found $1,549 in cash. 

Taylor faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and a minimum of five years, consecutive to any other sentence he receives, and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  He also faces an additional maximum of two years in prison for violating his conditions of supervised release.

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

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

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

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man received a federal prison term, today, for masterminding a supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits fraud scam and other related crimes.

U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Brendyn Andrew, 34, of Gaithersburg, to 54 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for SNAP benefits fraud, possessing unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and witness tampering, in connection with the scheme. Judge Chuang also ordered Andrew to pay $41,699.79 in restitution.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region, and Special Agent in Charge David Richeson, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) – Washington Field Office. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

In February 2025, a grand jury indicted Andrew for aggravated identity theft, SNAP benefits fraud, social security number misuse, and theft of government property. Then, in May 2025, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Andrew with additional crimes for possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices; aggravated identity theft; passport fraud; and tampering with a witness, victim, or informant.

According to court documents, between February and June 2021, Andrew used the Department of Human Services’ online system to apply for SNAP benefits and obtain electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards later found in his possession. Andrew, who used identities belonging to more than 30 individuals, intentionally misrepresented his identity to obtain the benefits. 

In October 2022, during the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement found Andrew in possession of more than 15 EBT cards in the names of other individuals. Then, in January 2023, and again, in February 2024, Andrew submitted United States passport applications. On the applications, Andrew stated he was other individuals, and without legal authority, used the victims’ social security numbers. One of the individuals is Andrew’s brother. Records obtained from U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed Andrew flew multiple times, using the fraudulent passport he obtained in his brother’s name. 

Additionally, in March 2025, while detained on the original indictment at the Chesapeake Detention Facility in Baltimore, Maryland, Andrew spoke to Dominique Collins, 38, of Stafford, Virginia, his girlfriend and co-conspirator, on the phone. During the call, Andrew asked Collins to delete an e-mail account to make the account unavailable for use in an official proceeding.

In March 2026, Collins pled guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, or informant. Collins’s sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at 9:30 a.m. 

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USDA-OIG and DSS for their work in the investigation, along with the Montgomery County Police Department for its investigative assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Prince George’s County, Maryland, man learned his fate in federal court in connection with an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud conspiracy.

District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Terry Chen, 26, to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with submitting fraudulent CARES Act UI claims. Judge Boardman also ordered Chen to pay $1 million in restitution and imposed a criminal forfeiture of $1 million.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.  This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

According to court documents, beginning in May 2021, and continuing until June 2022, Chen and his co-conspirators engaged in an identity theft scheme to defraud the United States, State of Maryland, multiple financial institutions, and multiple individuals. The co-conspirators submitted false and fraudulent UI benefits claims to the MD-DOL, Maryland’s agency that is responsible for processing the UI claims.  As part of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators fraudulently obtained more than $3.5 million in unemployment insurance benefits.

Co-conspirators Bryan Nushawn Ruffin, 28, of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Kiara Smith, 28, of Fort Washington, Maryland, were employed by Company 1, which provided professional support services to the MD-DOL, including but not limited to customer support and fraud detection.  As part of the scheme, Smith provided a company-issued laptop to Chen and other co-conspirators to access and alter non-public UI data and MD-DOL-maintained databases. This enabled the co-conspirators to maximize the UI payouts on fraudulent UI claims.

The co-conspirators then altered the contact email addresses, online account passwords, and payment methods for existing UI claims.  They furthered the scheme by using the identity theft victims’ personal identifying information (PII). Additionally, the co-conspirators also used their access to the MD-DOL databases to upload and approve documents submitted in support of fraudulent UI claims; remove fraud holds on UI claims; certify weeks for determining UI benefits; and engage in other actions to facilitate the fraudulent UI benefits payments.  During the scheme, the MD-DOL believed it was disbursing UI benefits to debit cards/accounts of UI applicants, but the accounts were opened and controlled by Chen and his co-conspirators.

Judge Boardman previously sentenced Lawrence Nathanial Harris, 32, of Temple Hills, Maryland, Ahmed Hussain, 23, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Zakria Hussain, 28, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, to 180-month, 102-month, and 36-month federal-prison sentences, respectively.  Additionally, Judge Boardman sentenced Ruffin and Smith to 27 and 42 months in federal prison, respectively.

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

For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and FBI for their work in the investigation and the Maryland Department of Labor for its assistance.  Additionally, Ms. Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Joseph L. Wenner, who prosecuted this case. She also recognized the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her valuable assistance.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury indicted a former daycare worker in connection with child sexual abuse crimes.

Simone Unadrea Avery, 23, of Baltimore, is charged with one count of sexually exploiting a child and two counts of possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

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

According to the three-count indictment, on April 23, 2024, Avery, who worked at a daycare center as a substitute, produced two image files depicting a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. She also possessed an iPhone and a hard drive that each contained one or more visual depictions of a prepubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

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

If convicted, Avery faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a child and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years for possessing CSAM.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Reema Sood who is prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A former postal employee pled guilty in federal court to charges connected to a check-fraud scheme.

Derrick Stewart, 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to federal mail theft by a postal employee, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft stemming from conduct while he worked as a clerk at a mail processing and distribution center in Baltimore.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Executive Special Agent in Charge Kathleen Woodson, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office.

According to court documents, beginning in September 2022, and continuing until December 2023, Stewart used his postal service position to embezzle mail, including checks. Stewart then falsely and fraudulently endorsed stolen checks with the identity theft victims’ names and signatures.

Surveillance video captured Stewart depositing stolen and fraudulently endorsed checks into his personal bank accounts. Then on December 2, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Stewart after he exited a postal facility. During the search, law enforcement recovered almost 200 pieces of mail containing more than $700,000.

Stewart faces a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison, including a mandatory sentence of two years consecutive to any other imposed sentence, for aggravated identity theft. The sentencing date is forthcoming. 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPS-OIG and IRS-CI for their investigative efforts.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Motsay and Ari D. Evans who are prosecuting the federal case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a former Maryland law-enforcement officer for his role in a wire-fraud conspiracy.

Judge Lydia Griggsby sentenced Philip James Dupree, 42, of Pikesville, to 70 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, arson, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud in connection with schemes to defraud an insurance company and three different financial institutions. Judge Griggsby ordered Dupree to pay $65,049.14 to the affected insurance company and $3,521 to the affected credit union.  The 70-month sentence was ordered to be served consecutively to an unrelated sentence imposed in the District of Columbia.

Dupree, a former Fairmount Heights Police Department officer, and his co-conspirator, Mark Ross Johnson, Jr., 38, of Camp Springs, a former Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) officer, conspired with others to carry out the schemes.

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

According to court documents, co-conspirators joined forces to commit two separate fraud schemes.  Through the schemes, co-conspirators filed false police reports and falsified loss claims to obtain and attempt to obtain funds from an insurance company along with three different financial institutions. 

In November 2018, as part of the insurance fraud scheme, Dupree and Johnson coordinated to burn Johnson’s Ford F450 truck that was experiencing mechanical and electrical problems.  Dupree “discovered” the burning vehicle while on duty in Fairmount Heights and filed an impound report containing false statements regarding the recovery of the truck.

Johnson then used the report number in support of his claim filed with the insurance company for a total loss on the truck.  He also submitted altered telephone records to his insurer to hide that he participated in a 16-minute conversation with Dupree just before Dupree “discovered” the truck.  A fire investigator, hired by the insurer, testified that the Ford F450 fire was intentionally set, and originated in the passenger compartment of the truck.  The insurer, relying in part on the police report and altered telephone records, paid out more than $68,000 to the lien holder on the truck.

Then, from May 2019 until June 2019, Dupree, Johnson, and others conspired to defraud three financial institutions. They coordinated the withdrawal of money from their financial accounts through ATMs so they could fraudulently claim their money was stolen. Then the co-conspirators sought reimbursement from their financial institutions.

In executing the scheme, Dupree and Johnson coordinated submitting police reports to PGPD. Through these reports, they falsely claimed their debit cards were stolen and then were used to withdraw funds from various ATMs without permission.  One police report that Dupree submitted to support his claim of a stolen debit card was a complete fake. The report was never submitted to the Prince George’s County Record Management System. Additionally, the report included the name of a non-existent police officer as the preparer. It also carried over Johnson’s name as the “victim” from the separate report Johnson asked a co-conspirator to generate to submit to his credit union.  The co-conspirators submitted fraudulent claims to the victim financial institutions seeking reimbursement for the purportedly unauthorized ATM withdrawals.

Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at 2:30 p.m.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation and praised the Fairmount Heights Police Department for its assistance.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Baldwin who prosecuted the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore County man pled guilty in court today, to drug and firearm charges in connection with a federal drug surveillance operation.

Jacque “Hammer” Brown, 50, of Randallstown, Maryland, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, after authorities caught him with fentanyl during a traffic stop.

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

According to the guilty plea, in March 2025, the DEA began investigating Brown after learning that he was dealing fentanyl in the Baltimore region. After investigators identified Brown’s vehicles and Randallstown residence, the court authorized law enforcement to install a GPS tracker on his vehicles and a “ping” order on his cellular telephone.

In April 2025, investigators observed a meeting between Brown and his drug supplier. It appeared that Brown engaged in a re-up with his supplier. A few days after the meeting, investigators saw Brown meet with multiple suspected drug customers throughout the day.  Then law enforcement observed Brown leave his residence that evening with a plastic bag of suspected drugs. When Brown left in his vehicle, investigators initiated a traffic stop.

During the traffic stop, a K-9 officer responded to the scene, scanned the vehicle, and positively detected the presence of narcotics.  After the positive alert, Brown, who was standing with a patrol officer, attempted to flee.  As he fled, Brown threw a clear plastic bag.  Then investigators quickly apprehended Brown, placing him under arrest.

After apprehending Brown, investigators retraced his steps and discovered a clear plastic bag that contained 15 grams of fentanyl on the ground.  Officers also recovered a cellphone from Brown and three additional cellphones from his vehicle.

Following Brown’s arrest, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his Randallstown residence. Investigators searched Brown’s room, recovering 500 grams of fentanyl in multiple plastic bags; multiple digital scales; a hydraulic press; and sifters with drug residue.  Law enforcement also found two firearms, a loaded 9mm Ruger and a Mossberg Maverick 12-gauge shotgun. Brown, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Additionally, investigators searched one of Brown’s phones and discovered messages between Brown and his fentanyl supplier.  The messages revealed that Brown and his fentanyl supplier discussed the high potency of the fentanyl, and that Brown infused cutting agents in the narcotic to reduce the risk of overdosing.

Brown faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances and 15 years for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.  U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson set sentencing for Tuesday, July 21, at 2:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland woman received a prison term for her role in an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud conspiracy.

District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Kiara Smith, 28, of Prince George’s County, to 42 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, in connection with the scheme. Judge Boardman also ordered Smith to pay $3.5 million in restitution and imposed a criminal forfeiture of $275,000.

Smith, who served as a contractor for the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL), allowed her co-conspirators to use her work laptop to alter and approve fraudulent Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act UI claims. She also sought and fraudulently obtained a significant amount of UI benefits separate from the conspiracy.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office.

According to the court documents, beginning in May 2021, and continuing until June 2022, Smith and her co-conspirators engaged in an identity theft scheme to defraud the United States, State of Maryland, multiple financial institutions, and multiple individuals. The co-conspirators submitted false and fraudulent UI benefits claims to the MD-DOL, Maryland’s agency that is responsible for processing the UI claims.  As part of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators fraudulently obtained more than $3.5 million in unemployment insurance benefits.

Company 1 employed Smith to provide professional support services, including fraud detention efforts, to the MD-DOL. As part of the scheme, Smith provided a company-issued laptop to co-conspirators to access and alter non-public UI data and MD-DOL-maintained databases. This enabled the co-conspirators to maximize the UI payouts on fraudulent UI claims. 

Smith’s co-conspirators altered the contact email addresses, online account passwords, and payment methods for existing UI claims.  The co-conspirators furthered the scheme by using the identity theft victims’ personal identifying information (PII). They also used their access to the MD-DOL databases to upload and approve documents submitted in support of fraudulent UI claims; remove fraud holds on UI claims; certify weeks for determining UI benefits; and engage in other actions to facilitate the fraudulent UI benefits payments.  During the scheme, the MD-DOL believed it was disbursing UI benefits to debit cards/accounts of UI applicants, but the accounts were opened and controlled by the co-conspirators.

Judge Boardman previously sentenced co-conspirators Lawrence Nathanial Harris, 32, of Temple Hills, Maryland, Ahmed Hussain, 23, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, Zakria Hussain, 28, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and Bryan Nushawn Ruffin, 27, of Woodbridge, Virginia, to 180-month, 102-month, 36-month, and 27-month federal-prison sentences, respectively. Terry Chen, 25, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, is receiving his sentence on Wednesday, May 20.   

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

For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and FBI for their work in the investigation and the Maryland Department of Labor for its assistance.  Ms. Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Joseph L. Wenner, who are prosecuting this case. She also recognized the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for their valuable assistance.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man learned his fate in federal court, today, in connection with drug trafficking and weapons crimes.

U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Dominick Mackall, 37, of Lexington Park, to 110 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Judge Boardman also entered an order that Mackall forfeit all his firearms, ammunition, and $4,298 in cash.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Sheriff Steven A. Hall, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, on October 26, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mackall’s residence and took him into custody in connection with a five-month narcotics trafficking investigation. During the search, law enforcement discovered multiple loaded firearms, including a ghost gun, and numerous rounds of ammunition in Mackall’s bedroom. Mackall is a convicted felon, so he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Law enforcement also uncovered several controlled substances in different quantities — including 964 fentanyl pills, cocaine, and marijuana — $4,298 in cash. Additionally, law enforcement found reloadable government-benefit cards in other people’s names.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Appleby-Rumon who prosecuted the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Two corporate entities and a shoreside superintendent face criminal charges in connection with the vessel crash that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

A federal court unsealed an indictment, today, charging three defendants with conspiracy to defraud the United States and with causing the death of six construction workers on the bridge, among other charges.

On March 26, 2024, the Motor Vessel Dali, a 900-foot foreign flag container vessel, registered in Singapore, crashed into the Maryland bridge. The indictment alleges that the economic loss in this case is at least $5 billion.

Synergy Marine Pte Ltd, based in Singapore, and Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd, based in Chennai, India, along with Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, 47, an Indian national who worked for both companies as the Technical Superintendent for the Dali, are charged with conspiracy, willfully failing to immediately inform the U.S. Coast Guard of a known hazardous condition, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and false statements. The two Synergy corporations are also charged with misdemeanor violations of the Clean Water Act, Oil Pollution Act, and Refuse Act for the discharge of pollutants into the Patapsco River, including shipping containers and their contents, oil, and the bridge itself.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson, Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD); Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Acting Director Zinnia James, Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS); and Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall, Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID).

"The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a preventable tragedy of enormous consequence," Blanche said. "This indictment is a critical step toward holding accountable those whose reckless disregard for maritime safety regulations caused this disaster. Six construction workers lost their lives, critical infrastructure was destroyed, pollutants were released into the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay, and the economic damage now exceeds five billion dollars. This department is committed to securing justice for the victims and ensuring those responsible are held to account."

“This indictment is the first step in our efforts to hold those accountable who caused the tragic deaths of six people and catastrophic damage to our region,” Hayes said. “The safety of our residents, ports, and infrastructure is of utmost importance to the prosperity of the District of Maryland. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland will continue to pursue those who commit crimes that jeopardize those interests.” 

“The indictment alleges criminal conduct that led to the deaths of six Maryland residents, the destruction of the Key Bridge, and the discharge of pollution into the Patapsco River, causing billions of dollars of damage,” Gustafson said. “Following the laws for safe operation of commercial vessels is essential to doing business in our nation’s ports, especially the Port of Baltimore which sits on the Chesapeake Bay — our country’s largest estuary. Enforcing these laws is necessary to prevent disastrous consequences like the one that brought us here today.”

“The indictment reveals a pattern of deception and egregious violations that led to the unsafe operation of the Dali which recklessly endangered the public and resulted in the ship striking the bridge,” Paul said. “This indictment should send a message to all ship operators that circumventing safety requirements and breaking U.S. laws will not be tolerated. I am proud of FBI Baltimore’s investigative teams who worked diligently over the last two years to find the truth and to hold those responsible accountable.”

“At the core of the Coast Guard's mission is the protection of life and property and the facilitation of commerce,” James said. “The charges announced today reflect the Coast Guard Investigative Service's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of our nation's maritime transportation system. This indictment alleges a reckless disregard for U.S. maritime laws and safety regulations, which had devastating consequences, leading to the tragic loss of six lives and catastrophic environmental and economic damage. Let this be a clear message: CGIS, alongside our federal law enforcement partners, will vigorously investigate and hold accountable any individual or corporation that compromises the safety of our ports and waterways.”

“The United States will not be a safe harbor for violators who pollute our nation’s waterways. Today’s indictment alleges that reckless cost-cutting by dishonest foreign corporations on a foreign-flagged vessel with a foreign crew carrying hazardous cargo resulted in death, disruption of our economy, and the discharge of oil and other chemicals into the Patapsco River and the Chesapeake Bay,” Hall said. “Such tragedy must not happen again. This EPA will ensure that foreign companies do not profit off of polluting American communities. The hard work of our criminal investigators, who were among the first aboard the wrecked ship, was critical for securing this indictment, and we look forward to working with the Department of Justice to prosecute this case.”

According to the indictment, the Dali lost power twice in a four-minute span, as it navigated out to sea from the Port of Baltimore, causing it to crash into the Key Bridge.  The indictment alleges that a loose wire in a high-voltage switchboard likely caused the first power loss. Critical systems on the Dali were originally designed with reliable redundancies and automatic restart capabilities so the Dali could quickly regain power after a blackout. But shortly after the vessel regained power, it lost power again. According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly altered the ship and relied on a flushing pump to supply fuel to two of the Dali’s four generators. However, the flushing pump was not designed to automatically restart following a blackout, and the Dali’s generators could not operate without a fuel supply, so the ship ultimately experienced a second blackout. The indictment alleges that if the Dali used the proper fuel supply pumps, the vessel would have regained power in time to safely navigate under the Key Bridge.

Synergy and Nair are also charged with obstruction of an agency proceeding and providing false statements and documents to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as it conducted a casualty investigation. The obstruction charges relate to, among other things, Nair’s statements to the NTSB that he did not know the Dali was using the flushing pump to provide fuel to two of the generators.

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

If convicted, Synergy faces a maximum sentence of five years of probation for each felony count and a fine of up to twice the amount of the gross gain or loss caused by the allision.  Nair faces a maximum of five years in federal prison for conspiracy; six years for each violation of the Ports & Waterways Safety Act; 10 years for each count of misconduct of or neglect of ship officers; five years for each count of obstructing an agency proceeding; and five years for each count of false statements.

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, CGIS, and EPA-CID for their work in the investigation, along with the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Phelps, Bijon A. Mostoufi, and Kimberly Phillips, along with ENRD Trial Attorney Leigh Rende, who are prosecuting this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – An El Salvadoran illegal alien, who resided in Frederick, Maryland, received a prison term in federal court, today, for his role in the murder of a minor.

U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Jose Ramos Lopez, 26, to seven years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise in connection with murdering Victim 1. As an MS-13 member, Ramos Lopez typically received and sold marijuana and then provided the proceeds to gang leadership. He also collected extortion money from area brothels that the clique leveraged to raise money for the gang.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Interim Chief Kevin Meyer, Frederick Police Department (FPD).

According to the guilty plea, on February 24, 2023, MS-13 gang members, including Victim 1, gathered outside of a Frederick apartment complex. Gang members then lured Victim 1 to a wooded area to smoke marijuana. While in the wooded area, gang members stabbed Victim 1 with knives and slashed him with a machete until he died.

Following the murder, Ramos Lopez came to the murder site to assist gang members with cleaning up and disposing of evidence from the murder of the victim, including weapons and clothing. Gang members additionally dismembered Victim 1’s body, transported it to another wooded area, and then buried it in two clandestine graves.

Subsequently, law enforcement found the area where the MS-13 gang killed Victim 1. They identified a wooded area with a blood trail leading from a chair down the hill to a creek. Law enforcement discovered blood along the creek, blood on rocks, and a white plastic bag with blood.

Then law enforcement uncovered a black trash bag with items covered in blood, including two hats, two coats, and two pairs of pants in a nearby dumpster, along with a grocery bag with blood inside, and a knife.

Law enforcement later recovered portions of Victim 1’s dismembered body from two clandestine graves near Mink Farm Road in Thurmont, Maryland.

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

This case is also part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and FPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth S. Clark and Jared M. Beim who are prosecuting this federal case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland (USAO-MD), honored 19 staff members, eight law enforcement officers, and one civilian, today, for their contributions to upholding the Office’s mission.

USAO-MD hosted its annual awards ceremony at the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse where Hayes also introduced 19 new Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 10 Special Assistant United States Attorneys, and 17 other staff who joined the office since the beginning of 2025.

“Today we recognize the very best of what public service looks like.  Our Assistant United States Attorneys, professional staff, and law enforcement partners bring extraordinary skill, integrity, and dedication to their work every single day,” Hayes said.  “These awards are a way to honor the countless hours and unwavering commitment behind every case completed, every victim served, and every criminal held accountable.  I am extremely grateful for and proud of my office’s and our partners’ teamwork and professionalism in everything that we do to further our shared mission of protecting our communities.”

During the ceremony, Hayes announced the following award recipients:

The Eugene P. “Pete” Twardowicz Award    

• Donzell Tate, Special Agent, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General
• Kari Spaniol, Special Agent, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General
• George Wahl, Special Agent, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General
• Guy Petrillo, Special Agent, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General
• David Rutledge, Supervisory Forensic Accountant, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Nicole Brianna Dell, Forensic Accountant, Federal Bureau of Investigation

This award recognizes law enforcement agents or officers for outstanding cooperation and achievement while working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The award is named for Eugene P. (Pete) Twardowicz who rendered many years of outstanding service to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an IRS criminal investigator and a special investigator for this office.

Rod J. Rosenstein Award 

Charles T. Gregory, Detective, Charles County Sheriff’s Office

Established in 2017, the Rod J. Rosenstein Award is presented to a state and/or local investigator whose cooperative efforts and excellent work reflect the highest traditions of the law enforcement profession.

Hometown Hero Award  

James “Jaime” Bradley, Detective Sergeant, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

Established by the Department of Justice, this award honors a law enforcement officer who demonstrates exceptional commitment to public service, and in particular, demonstrates partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Carl S. Lackl, Jr., Award

Aquana Murray

The Carl S. Lackl Award, established in 2008, is given in honor of Carl Stanley Lackl, Jr., for exemplary perseverance and fortitude in pursuit of justice. In 2006, Mr. Lackl witnessed a murder in Baltimore, identified the suspect, and then agreed to testify against the perpetrator. After law enforcement arrested the suspect, and the State charged him with the murder, the perpetrator (while incarcerated) used a contraband cellphone to contact co-conspirators to arrange to murder Mr. Lackl. Sadly, Mr. Lackl was shot to death outside his home in front of his daughter. All conspirators were convicted on federal charges. 

Barnet Skolnik Award 

AUSA Joseph Baldwin

This annual award honors one or more Assistant U.S. Attorneys who demonstrate outstanding professionalism, determination, and creativity in a case of unusual public significance. Barnet D. (Barney) Skolnik was a former Assistant U.S. Attorney who led teams that prosecuted numerous white-collar criminals and corrupt public officials in the 1970s, including Vice President Spiro T. Agnew.

U.S. Attorney’s Office Awards for Excellence

Established in 2007, the U.S. Attorney’s Awards for Excellence recognize Assistant U.S. Attorneys for excellence in civil advocacy, fraud prosecution, support of a law enforcement initiative, legal support, organized crime prosecution, and violent crime prosecution.

Civil Advocacy

AUSAs Jessica Dillon and Rebecca Koch

Fraud Prosecution

AUSAs Joshua Rosenthal and Darren Gardner

Law Enforcement Initiative

AUSAs Brooke Oki, Spencer Todd, and Carolyn Mills

Legal Support 

Alisha Swiger, Andrew Murray, Kimberly Bolarinwa, and Kristy Penny

Organized Crime Prosecution

AUSA James Wallner

Violent Crime Prosecution

AUSAs Paul Budlow and Spencer Todd
 

Deborah A. Johnston Profile in Courage Award

AUSAs Coreen Mao and Thomas Sullivan

Established in 2019, the Deborah A. Johnston Profile in Courage Award is presented to one or more Assistant U.S. Attorneys who demonstrate extraordinary courage and commitment to duty while representing the United States. During her 23-year tenure, Ms. Johnston served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Chief of the Southern Division, and Senior Litigation Counsel for the office. Ms. Johnston fearlessly took on the most challenging prosecutions in pursuit of justice.  

Employee of the Year

Jenaye Moye

The Employee of the Year Award, which is given for outstanding contributions exemplifying the highest traditions of the office, recognizes sustained superior performance and outstanding achievements by a non-attorney. This award also recognizes the recipient's professionalism, dedication, and comprehensive knowledge in their area of expertise.

Gary P. Jordan Award 

AUSA Thomas Corcoran, Chief of the Civil Division

This is an award presented to an employee for exemplary performance and for upholding the highest traditions of the office: integrity, ingenuity, dedication to public service, and fairness. Gary P. Jordan served with distinction for many years, including as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, first assistant from March 29, 1987, until his death on October 25, 1996, and as interim U.S. Attorney in 1993.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended all the awardees and staff for their hard work and contributions to the success of the office.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – Two Maryland men face indictment for child sexual abuse crimes stemming from the Department of Justice’s Operation Iron Pursuit.

Tarif Jahmil Alston, 43, of Baltimore, and Gleybar Josue Ramirez-Clemente, 21, of Frederick, are charged with sexually exploiting children. Operation Iron Pursuit commenced April 1 and ended April 30.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictments with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche; FBI Director Kash Patel; Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; and Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland (USMS).

The Department announced the results from the one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. Law enforcement located more than 200 child victims and arrested more than 350 child sexual abuse offenders. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort. The Administration for Children and Families recognized April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” Blanche said. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”

“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” Patel said. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”

“One of our highest priorities is protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. Operation Iron Pursuit underscores the Department of Justice and our office’s commitment to relentlessly pursuing and prosecuting individuals who exploit and abuse our children, and ensuring victims are safely returned to their loved ones,” Hayes said.  “We will continue working closely with our community and law enforcement partners to secure justice for every victim.”

“Operation Iron Pursuit is another example of how our Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force is working to protect children across Maryland,” Paul said. “Together with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are taking dangerous child predators off the streets to face justice in federal court.”

“The success of this operation was the result of effective cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement, and I am grateful for the hard work and dedication by the deputies who took part,” Fuchs said. “The recovery of critically missing children and the pursuit of child predators is a top priority of the Marshals Service and operations like this one serve as a reminder that we will not rest until fugitive sex offenders are brought to justice and missing children are reunited with their families.”  

Alston, a previously convicted sex offender, is charged with five counts of receipt of child sexual abuse material, two counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Ramirez-Clemente is charged with sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement, and possession of child sexual abuse material.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Other individuals arrested allegedly committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include:

• A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
• A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
• A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
• A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.

Additionally, a victim recovered includes a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba back home to reunite with the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.

This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, which concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, which concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. Additionally, Operation Restore Justice, which concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.

The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Maryland; State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City; State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County; Baltimore Police Department; and Frederick Police Department for their work on the Maryland investigations.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man received a prison term in federal court today, in connection with a counterfeit money scheme he orchestrated while on federal supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Jason Christian Evans, 51, of Dundalk, to 32 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for the purchase of counterfeit obligations or securities.  Evans purchased and possessed counterfeit federal reserve notes or United States currency that he then used at several stores.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Brian McDonough, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Chief Tim Damon, York County Regional Police Department (YCRPD); Chief Todd King, Springettsbury Police Department (SPD); and Chief James Boddington, Southern Regional Police Department (SRPD).

According to court documents, on January 30, 2025, after serving a sentence for bank fraud, Evans broke the terms of his supervised release by traveling to Pennsylvania. While in Pennsylvania, Evans used counterfeit currency to make purchases at a minimum of five different Giant Food and Weis Market grocery stores.

Then on April 17, law enforcement arrested Evans, in connection with the scheme, while executing a federal search warrant on his Dundalk residence. During the search, investigators seized two cell phones; five computers, including an HP laptop; and counterfeit detecting pens.

Evans confessed to purchasing the counterfeit currency and using it in Pennsylvania. He also acknowledged he used his HP laptop to purchase the counterfeit currency on the dark web from the site “Abacus Market.”

A forensic analysis of the HP laptop revealed zip files that included information about how to age counterfeit currency. The laptop also contained a video demonstrating how to avoid counterfeit-pen detection.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USSS, BCPD, YCRPD, SPD, and SRPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema Sood and John J. Truex Chung who prosecuted the case.

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

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Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to federal prison in connection with a multi-state firearm trafficking operation.

U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Rodney Allen Farrar, 36, today, to 100 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – Washington Division;  Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD); and Chief Estella Patterson, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).

According to the guilty plea, in December of 2023, ATF special agents began investigating Farrar’s co-conspirator, Brian Keith Adams, 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, after law enforcement suspected he was trafficking firearms to the Baltimore area from North and South Carolina.  During the investigation, agents learned through physical surveillance and transactions with undercover agents that Farrar conspired with and aided Adams in trafficking firearms.  Farrar does not hold a federal firearms license and is prohibited from possessing firearms. 

Between February and June 2024, the co-conspirators sold more than 100 firearms to an undercover agent. Additionally, the undercover agent advised Farrar and Adams that he was illegally trafficking firearms to ship to New Jersey to sell to individuals who could not lawfully purchase firearms.  Farrar admitted that he knew the firearms were getting trafficked and illegally sold to individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm and that at least three of the firearms were stolen.

Judge Rubin previously sentenced Adams to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in the firearms trafficking conspiracy and for distributing methamphetamine.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, USPIS, HSI, MSP, DPSCS, BPD, PGPD, and CMPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Y. Hagan who prosecuted this case.

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

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A Gaithersburg, Maryland, man pled guilty in federal court today, to a drug-trafficking offense that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl.

Kelvin Reyes, 27, is charged with distribution of controlled substances after selling narcotics to the victim who contacted him on a social media platform.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, and Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).

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

“As a result of Reyes’s callous actions and disregard for human life, a 15-year-old girl is dead.  Now, he will have to pay the hefty price that he deserves,” Hayes said.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding those accountable who endanger our children and neighborhoods by dealing poison in our communities.”  

“We are dedicated to protecting our community, especially our most vulnerable, from the harmful effects of drug trafficking,” Goumenis said. “Individuals like Kelvin Reyes who disregard the sanctity of our schools and prey on our children must be held accountable. We are utilizing every resource to ensure justice is served and to prevent further tragedies. Together, we can create a safer America for our children to thrive.”

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

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

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

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

Reyes faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for distribution of controlled substances.  If the court accepts the plea, the court agrees to sentence Reyes to no less than 12, but no more than 17 years in prison.  U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman set sentencing for Thursday, September 17, at 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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