District of Maryland

Greenbelt, Maryland – Donnell Duane Berry, age 44, of Forestville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal bank robbery charge.  Berry also admitted that he committed this crime while on supervised release for a previous federal conviction.  

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to his guilty plea, on September 4, 2019, Berry and two other individuals committed the robbery of a bank in Lanham, Maryland.  Berry, who had previously committed a robbery at this same location, wrote the demand note and provided it to his co-defendant, who entered the bank and provided the demand note to the teller, while Berry and the third individual waited in the getaway car.  In fear for her life, the victim teller gave the co-defendant over $4,000 in cash along with a GPS tracker.  The co-defendant took the cash and fled the bank, getting into the waiting getaway car.

As detailed in the plea agreement, a short time later police located the getaway car, which was disabled in an intersection approximately five miles from the bank.  Berry and the other robbers attempted to run away from police, but were all subsequently apprehended.  Officers recovered the following items from a bin underneath the deck of a house near the intersection: the hat worn by the co-defendant during the robbery; the co-defendant’s wallet; and $3,050 in cash, which still had the bank’s GPS tracker in it.  Near the wood line several yards east of the intersection officers also recovered a black and gray backpack with Berry’s identification and credit cards in it.

Berry and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Berry will be sentenced to between 144 and 204 months in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin B. Pulice and Dwight Draughon, who are prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Jermol McCoy, age 37, of Catonsville, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.  At the guilty plea hearing yesterday, McCoy also admitted that he committed this crime while on supervised release for a previous federal drug conviction.  

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Baltimore District Office; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police (MSP); Secretary Robert L. Green of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS); and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

According to his guilty plea, from at least 2018 through 2019, McCoy conspired with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in and around Baltimore.  During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted phone calls and text messages in which McCoy made plans to distribute drugs, spoke about the hierarchy of the drug trafficking organization, and discussed methods to avoid detection by law enforcement.

On November 21, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at McCoy’s apartment in Catonsville, which he used to manufacture and distribute controlled substances.  Law enforcement recovered 4.9 grams of fentanyl in a plastic bag behind the microwave, cutting agent, and drug paraphernalia, including a kilogram press, digital scales, three boxes of plastic baggies, and cellular phones.  In addition, law enforcement recovered a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol concealed in a bag in the bedroom.  McCoy is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition as a result of his previous felony conviction.

McCoy and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, McCoy will be sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for December 15, 2020. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA, the ATF, the Baltimore Police Department, MSP, DPSCS and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joan C. Mathias and Michael C. Hanlon, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Shaykh Abdul-Majid, age 35, of Washington, D.C., for federal armed commercial robbery and for discharging, brandishing, using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to any crime of violence.  At his initial appearance today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Day ordered that Abdul-Majid be detained pending trial.

The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Interim Chief of Police Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

According to the complaint, Abdul-Majid is charged with committing three armed robberies of businesses between June 29 and July 5, 2020.  In each robbery, the complaint alleges that Abdul-Majid entered the store, pointed a silver and black handgun at the employee victims and customers, and demanded money, stealing a total of more than $2,700 in cash, as well as 10 cellular phones worth approximately $7,400, and a customer’s wallet.  As detailed in the complaint, Abdul-Majid wore distinctive clothing and drove the same vehicle in each robbery.

At the robbery on July 5, 2020, the complaint alleges that after the store employee gave Abdul-Majid $200 in store funds at gunpoint, Abdul-Majid then demanded they move to the store’s back storage area. According to the complaint, fearing he would be shot, the employee attempted to remove the handgun from Abdul-Majid, who allegedly fired two rounds during the struggle. The employee’s hand and fingers were cut as he tried to prevent the handgun’s slide from racking as casings were ejecting. After the struggle, Abdul-Majid fled on foot out the back of the business with the store funds. 

On July 7, 2020, detectives located Abdul-Majid in his vehicle, which was parked in Washington, D.C.  Upon seeing law enforcement, Abdul-Majid fled from the vehicle on foot, but was apprehended a short time later. Law enforcement officers seized the vehicle and subsequently executed a search warrant on the vehicle.  During the search, law enforcement recovered clothing consistent with the items worn in the robberies.  Officers also recovered a silver and black handgun, consistent with the weapon used in the robberies. 

If convicted, Abdul-Majid faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for robbery; seven years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for brandishing a firearm; and 10 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the PGPD, for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury in Maryland has returned an indictment charging Gary Rocky Jones, age 41, of Baltimore, Maryland, with distribution and possession of child pornography.  The indictment was returned and Jones was arrested on September 1, 2020.  Jones had his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Beth P. Gesner ordered that Jones be detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for September 9, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

According to the two-count indictment, on April 2, 2018, Jones distributed a video of an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent male.  From January 22, 2020, through January 31, 2020, Jones allegedly used an internet-based file storage account affiliated with his e-mail addresses which contained one or more images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Jones has previous convictions for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor or abusive sexual conduct involving a minor.  Specifically, on July 21, 2004, and June 8, 2006, in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Jones was convicted of two counts of assault in the second degree and two counts of sexual offense in the second degree, respectively.

If convicted, Jones faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography; and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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 www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.   

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Baltimore Police Department Sex Offender Registry Unit for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Budlow, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Igor Cooper Rosensteel, age 29, of Middle River, Maryland, pleaded guilty to access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Rosensteel admitted that he posed as a Secret Service Agent to gain the trust of his victims, then exploited them, stealing bank checks and credit cards, among other things.  The guilty plea was entered on September 1, 2020.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Bo Keane of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; and Lieutenant Colonel Kevin M. Anderson, Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.

According to his guilty plea, on August 3, 2018, Rosensteel was driving in Baltimore when he was pulled over by Maryland Transportation Authority Police for driving with a suspended license.  When the patrol officer requested Rosensteel’s license and registration, Rosensteel instead pulled a law enforcement badge from his pocket, placed it on his lap and told the officer that he was a Secret Service Agent.  The officer detected the odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle and believed that Rosensteel was attempting to use his law enforcement badge to get out of a traffic ticket.  Rosensteel was transported to the police station and continued to maintain that he was a law enforcement officer.  Local police contacted the U.S. Secret Service in Washington, D.C.  A background investigation revealed that Rosensteel had never worked as an officer or employee of the U.S. government.  After real Secret Service agents traveled to the police station in Baltimore, Rosensteel finally admitted that he had lied about being an agent and that the badge was fake.

As detailed in his plea agreement, additional investigation revealed that from approximately January 2017 through February 2019, Rosensteel falsely held himself out to be a federal law enforcement officer and he used this law enforcement status to defraud at least eight victims.  Specifically, Rosensteel used his law enforcement status to get everything from free parking and food in restaurants, to gaining the trust of women he met online.  Using his phony law enforcement persona to create a sense of security and trust, Rosensteel then exploited his victims by cashing out bank loans in the victims’ names, saddling them with resulting debt and fees.  After being invited into victims’ homes, Rosensteel admitted that he surreptitiously searched their belongings, stealing keys, bank checks, and credit cards, then used those items to go on lavish spending sprees, with resulting losses of more than $20,000.

Rosensteel faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for access device fraud and a mandatory two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for November 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the U.S. Secret Service, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police for their work in the investigation, and recognized the Anne Arundel County Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their assistance.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Duey, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury in Maryland today indicted two Nigerian nationals, Johnson B. Ogunlana, age 24, of Middle River, Maryland, and Samson A. Oguntuyi, age 29, of Atlanta, Georgia, on the federal charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail fraud, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of mail by a postal employee and destruction of mail by a postal employee.  

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Imari R. Niles of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and Special Agent in Charge J. Russell George of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

According to the indictment, Ogunlana was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in Brooklyn, Maryland.  Ogunlana understood that his duties and responsibilities as a letter carrier included handling, sorting, collecting, and delivering letter and parcel mail to postal customers residing and conducting business on his assigned postal delivery routes, and preserving and protecting the security of all mail in his custody.

The 30-count indictment alleges that Ogunlana conspired with Oguntuyi and others to steal bank checks, credit cards, and debit cards from the mail, open fraudulent business banking accounts using the names of victim businesses and the stolen identities of victim postal customers negotiate the stolen checks by depositing them into the fraudulent bank accounts, and then conduct transactions with stolen payment cards and with money derived from the stolen checks.

As detailed in the indictment, members of the conspiracy would register fraudulent businesses with state government agencies using the names of victim businesses and the names and identifying information of postal customer identity theft victims as the agents and/or incorporators of the businesses.  Ogunlana and others allegedly used stolen payment cards issued to identity theft victims to pay fees to register some of the fraudulent businesses.  The defendants also allegedly obtained banks checks payable to the victim businesses by intercepting mail sent via USPS, endorsed some of the checks by forging the signatures of identity theft victims, and deposited the checks into the fraudulent business bank accounts the conspirators opened in the names of the victim businesses.  The conspirators then withdrew the money from the accounts through cash withdrawals, debit card purchases and cash back transactions at retail merchants, wire transfers, and by writing checks drawn on the accounts.

The indictment alleges that at least $565,000 was stolen from two victim businesses and that at least eight postal customers were victims of identity theft.

If convicted, Ogunlana and Oguntuyi each face a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and mail fraud and for each of 10 counts of bank fraud.  Ogunlana also faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for access device fraud; a mandatory sentence of two years, consecutive to any other sentence imposed for each of five counts of aggravated identity theft; a maximum of five years in federal prison for each of five counts of theft of mail by a postal employee; and a maximum of five years in federal prison for each of eight counts of destruction of mail by a postal employee.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  The defendants are expected to have initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, although no date has been scheduled..

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and TIGTA for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Maddox, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Clement Robert Mercaldo, Jr., age 61, of Timonium, Maryland and Stepfen Gerard Gaither, age 29, of Randallstown, Maryland, for a murder-for-hire conspiracy, use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, collection of credit by extortion, and for interstate communications with intent to extort.  Gaither is also charged for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department.

According to the 16-count indictment and other court documents, Mercaldo loaned money to a Baltimore County restaurant owner.  The indictment alleges that from March 2019 through February 2020, Mercaldo and Gaither conspired to commit a murder in exchange for cash.  Further, the defendants allegedly sent numerous text messages threatening harm to the restaurant owner, his business partner, and their families, related to non-payments of this loan.  Mercaldo and Gaither allegedly discussed and planned the murder of one or both of the victims.

Finally, the indictment alleges that on June 23, 2020, Gaither possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.

If convicted, Mercaldo and Gaither face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for the murder-for-hire conspiracy and for use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire; a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for both collection of credit by extortionate means and for interstate communications with intent to extort.  Gaither also faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  The defendants will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore at a later date.  Mercaldo and Gaither are currently detained on related federal charges.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Phillip Cline, Jr., age 39, of Elkton, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to making threatening interstate communications.  Cline admitted that during a recorded phone conversation with an employee of an auto loan business, Cline threatened to physically harm the employee, whom he described using racial epithets.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to Cline’s publicly available plea agreement, on February 1, 2019, an employee of an auto loan business contacted Cline about what the business suspected to be a delinquent auto loan.  During the call, which was recorded, Cline was clearly upset with the caller and unwilling to provide information verifying his identity.  Ultimately, Cline, who was advised that the call was being recorded, used racial epithets to threaten the employee with physical harm.  As detailed in the plea agreement, Cline stated to the employee during the telephone call that his “white power friends” will “hang your ass.”

Cline faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for Cline on October 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur and Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband commended the FBI for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Cunningham and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, who are prosecuting the case.

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Phillip Cline, Jr., 39, of Elkton, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to making threatening interstate communications. Cline admitted that during a recorded phone conversation with an employee of an auto loan business, Cline threatened to physically harm the employee, whom he described using racial epithets.

The guilty plea was announced by Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Baltimore Field Office.

According to Cline’s publicly available plea agreement, on Feb. 1, 2019, an employee of an auto loan business contacted Cline about what the business suspected to be a delinquent auto loan. During the call, which was recorded, Cline was clearly upset with the caller and unwilling to provide information verifying his identity. Ultimately, Cline, who was advised that the call was being recorded, used racial epithets to threaten the employee with physical harm. As detailed in the plea agreement, Cline stated to the employee during the telephone call that his “white power friends” will “hang your ass.”

Cline faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for Cline on Oct. 10, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur and Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Cunningham and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar today sentenced Stewart Williams, age 37, of Baltimore, to 77 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a federal robbery charge in connection with a series of four robberies of video game stores committed over a 12-day period.  Judge Bredar previously sentenced co-defendant Kelvin McFadden, age 27, also of Baltimore, to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for the same charge.  Williams and McFadden admitted that they brandished what appeared to be a firearm during each of the four robberies. 

The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Interim Chief William Lowry of the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

According to their guilty pleas, between August 21, 2018 and September 1, 2018, Williams and McFadden robbed four video game stores, stealing electronic retail goods, such as video game systems, and cash.  In each robbery Williams and McFadden entered the store, brandished what appeared to be a gun while accosting the victim employees, stole money from cash registers and/or safes, and forced the victim employees in the store’s “backroom” which contained the more expensive electronic goods, including video game systems, which they also stole.  Each of the four robberies was captured on store security cameras.

Specifically, Williams and McFadden robbed: a store located in the 3600 block of Washington Boulevard in Halethorpe, Maryland, on August 21, 2018, stealing $874 in cash and three video game systems; a store located in the 6900 block of Security Boulevard in Baltimore City on August 25, 2018, stealing $2,839.58 in cash and three video game systems; a store locate in the 1000 block of Taylor Avenue in Towson, Maryland, on August 28, 2018, stealing $414 in cash and six video game systems; and a store located in the 6700 block of York Road in Baltimore, on September 1, 2018, stealing $968 in cash and 12 video game systems.

After the last robbery, responding police officers located McFadden’s car as he and Williams fled the scene of the robbery.  Police dispatched a helicopter that was able to locate McFadden’s car and follow it.  The officer in the helicopter saw Williams and McFadden stop the car near North Stricker Street in Baltimore, flee from the car, bang on the back door of an apartment, and enter the apartment.  Police secured the location and knocked on the apartment door.  The resident allowed the police to come inside, where police located Williams and McFadden.  Search warrants were obtained for the vehicle and for the apartment.  Law enforcement recovered numerous video game systems matching those that were stolen in the last robbery, hats that matched those worn by McFadden and Williams in several of the robberies as captured on the store security cameras, cash recovered inside a black trash bag, a black air pistol that matched the apparent handgun used during the four robberies, and wallets and cell phones belonging to Williams and McFadden.

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the Baltimore City, the Baltimore County, and the Anne Arundel County Police Departments for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel A. Loveland, Jr. and Clinton J. Fuchs, who prosecuted the case.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Dennis Mbongeni Jali, age 35, formerly of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; John Erasmus Frimpong, age 40, of Upper Marlboro; and Arley Ray Johnson, age 61, of Bowie, Maryland on federal charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering.  The indictment was returned on July 27, 2020, and was unsealed today. 

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Matthew S. Miller of the United States Secret Service - Washington Field Office; and Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.

“The defendants allegedly recruited investors at churches, presenting themselves as pastors concerned about the investors’ financial freedom,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “The indictment alleges that instead, the defendants used new investments to further their Ponzi scheme and to fund their lavish lifestyles, including luxury vehicles and private jets.”

“In a time of such financial insecurity, the defendants allegedly preyed on their victims with false hope of financial security,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Boone.  “They used the victims’ hard earned money for luxury cars, private jets and family vacations while the victims ended up with false promises and empty hopes.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has a proud history of protecting the American public from fraud by thwarting criminals using our nation’s mail system in furtherance of their scams,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina.  “This case represents excellent work from Postal Inspectors and our federal law enforcement partners.”

According to the indictment, Jali was the sole owner of The Smart Partners LLC (“Smart Partners”), which Jali organized in Delaware on January 12, 2017.  From at least August 2017 until May 2019, Smart Partners was doing business as “1st Million Dollars,” or “1st Million,” which Jali caused to be registered as a limited liability company with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on January 17, 2019.  1st Million’s offices were headquartered in Largo, Maryland, but had satellite offices elsewhere, including Florida.  Jali served as 1st Million’s Chief Executive Officer and Frimpong served as Chief Marketing Officer.  From May 2018 until May 2019, Johnson served as 1st Million’s Chief Operating Officer.

As alleged in the indictment, 1st Million presented itself as a wealth management and financial literacy company, with its core business offering being a 12-month guaranteed investment contract.  These investment contracts, entitled “Corporate Guarantees,” allegedly guaranteed individuals who invested money with 1st Million monthly returns ranging from 6% to 35% of the initial investment.  At the end of the investment period, the contract allegedly promised that the investor would receive the return of all of the principal invested.  The indictment alleges that the contract represented that the client’s principal would be invested in foreign currency or cryptocurrency.  Cryptocurrency is digital or virtual currency that does not exist in any physical form and is not issued by any government or centralized entity.  Cryptocurrency is designed to work as a secure medium of exchange and can be bought, sold, and exchanged on various online platforms and exchanges.

The indictment alleges that Jali, Frimpong, and Johnson recruited victims to invest in 1st Million by holding promotional events at upscale hotels and event spaces, attending church-sponsored events intended to target investments from churchgoers, and representing themselves as religious men more interested in the philanthropic financial freedom of others than personal financial gain.  The defendants allegedly presented themselves as “pastors,” and told prospective investors that 1st Million’s work was in furtherance of God’s mission as it helped churches and their members achieve personal wealth and financial freedom.

To encourage individuals to invest with 1st Million, Jali, Frimpong, and Johnson allegedly falsely stated that: investors’ principal would be held in a trust account protected from any financial instability of 1st Million or market volatility; that 1st Million and its traders, including Jali and Frimpong were fully licensed and qualified to pursue their investment activities by all relevant federal regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and had extensive experience trading on Wall Street; that the financial condition of the company was healthy and earning astronomical profits; and that the investors’ money would be used to invest in foreign currency and cryptocurrency markets, when in fact, investors’ money was used to pay earlier investors and diverted for the personal use of Jali, Frimpong, and Johnson.  To increase the amount of money obtained from investors, the defendants allegedly promised higher guaranteed rates of return to 1st Million investors who invested greater amounts of money in the investment contracts.

As detailed in the indictment, Jali, Frimpong, and Johnson promised investors that they could increase the returns on their investments, typically by 0.5% per month, for every new investor they successfully recruited to 1st Million.  The defendants allegedly hired “agents” of 1st Million to organize recruiting events to attract more investors, in exchange for a higher return on the agents’ investments.  Jali further recruited investors by allegedly misrepresenting his own personal wealth and exhibiting a lavish lifestyle purportedly paid from his successful currency trading on his personal accounts when, in fact, his lavish lifestyle was allegedly paid for with diverted investor funds.  For example, the indictment alleges that Jali spent at least $47,000 of investor money on luxury vehicles and approximately $78,000 on private jets that he used to fly on personal or semi-personal trips, including a flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington, D.C. on January 9, 2019, with Jali, his wife, and his three children as the only passengers.

Over the course of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges that the defendants persuaded or attempted to persuade investors to provide them with wire transfers, checks, and cash totaling more than $28 million, from numerous victims, under the fraudulent pretense of investing in the foreign exchange and cryptocurrency markets.  The indictment seeks a money judgment of at least $28,021,868.01, including $2,481,994.57 seized from 10 bank accounts associated with the defendants, and a 2016 Porsche SUV.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for a wire fraud conspiracy and for each count of wire fraud; a maximum of five years in federal prison for a securities fraud conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for each count of securities fraud.  Jali also faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for each of three counts of money laundering.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  Frimpong has an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt today at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan.  Johnson is scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Sullivan for his initial appearance on Monday, August 31, 2020.

Jali fled the United States in May 2019, but has since been arrested in South Africa.  The Department of Justice is working to ensure that Jali is brought to justice in the United States.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

The Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission also filed civil actions against the defendants today.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Burden H. Walker and Dana J. Brusca, who are prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Ronald M. Smith, age 46, of Elkton, Maryland, a former Baltimore Department of Public Works (“DPW”) supervisor pleaded guilty on August 27, 2020, to the federal charge of extortion under color of official right for misuse of his authority as a public employee. Smith admitted that he accepted cash payments for work he caused DPW crews to perform for private businesses.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to his plea agreement, in 2014 and 2015, Smith was an employee of the Department of Public Works in Baltimore City ("DPW").  Smith was a supervisor in the Water and Waste Management Division ("WWMD"), and his supervisory responsibilities included receiving work orders, dispatching work crews and supervising the crews on jobsites.  He supervised a crew of approximately eight employees.  Smith generally worked the night shift—from midnight to 8 a.m. and, though he was not a licensed plumber, was responsible for responding to, overseeing and performing service repairs to City water ways, pipes, taps, connections, valves and water mains.

From 2014 through 2015, DPW was not responsible for installation of new or upgraded water service from Baltimore City's water main to the water meter vault of a house or a commercial property.  If a property owner or developer was installing new or upgraded service to a property, the property owner/developer was required to hire a bonded utilities contractor, chosen from a list approved by Baltimore City DPW, to tap into the City's water main and connect from the water main to the property.  The contractor was required to create a water meter vault in which a water meter could be installed to measure water usage for billing to the address.  The property owner/developer, or the utilities contractor hired by the owner/developer, was also required to submit an Application for the Temporary Use of Right of Way to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Right of Way Permits Section, whenever the utilities contractor needed to "cut" into a street or alley to access the water main in connection with the installation of new or upgraded water service, and pay a fee of $300 for traffic control.  The contractor also had to pay a 9% inspection fee for City costs before work could proceed.  After the contractor completed the installation of the service, the contractor was required to repair the street cut.  If the work extended overnight, the contractor was required to install and bolt down a steel plate over the excavation and place asphalt around the edges of the plate to secure it.

In 2014 and 2015, Philip Michael Loverde was a licensed plumber in the State of Maryland and one of the owners of All Service Plumbing and Drain Cleaning (“ASPDC” or “All Service”). ASPDC provided plumbing services in the Baltimore area.   Loverde and ASPDC were not bonded approved utilities contractors permitted to tap into Baltimore City's water mains.

Sometime in late 2014 or in 2015, a contractor in the Baltimore area was building four new row houses.  DPW was not required to install the new water or sewer utilities.  Loverde was contracted for All Service to perform the plumbing work inside his properties.  Loverde mentioned that he had a "utilities contractor," Smith, who could install the water and sewer services for the new construction.   Smith was not a bonded approved utilities contractor and was neither a licensed contractor nor a licensed plumber. Smith obtained no permits for the work or for the street cut. Rather, Smith had DPW employees come to the site with Baltimore City equipment to break the street pavement for the new utilities, causing a large hole in the street and installing two water lines from the public water main to the new vaults.  The DPW employees constructed two vaults which would accommodate two water meters each and installed a "jumper" so that from each vault, two lines ran from the vault to the houses.  The crews also installed one sewer line per house which ran to the sewer line in the street.  Loverde’s contract for the utility work and the interior plumbing for all four houses totaled $92,000.  Of this amount, Loverde paid Smith approximately $10,000 for the installation of water and sewer services. 

From May through October 2015, Smith was paid $12,500 for new water services to be installed at five row houses that were being re-developed.  Without permits or paid traffic fees, Smith caused DPW work crews using DPW equipment to break the pavement, dig the holes, connect the pipe from the water main to the vault and from the vault to the house.  Loverde was not involved. 

In 2015, TRF Development Partners ("TRF"), a non-profit corporation based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was active in renovating certain sections of East Baltimore.   TRF had contracted with the East Baltimore Redevelopment Association to perform an historical rehabilitation of residential properties in east Baltimore.  A supervisor for TRF contracted with All Service for plumbing work at the residences.  In the 1200 block of Gay Street, water and sewer services connected to their respective lines from the back of the properties to a water main and sewer line buried underneath the alley behind the houses.  TRF paved over the back yards of the houses before new water and sewer services had been installed. 

Beginning sometime in 2015, Loverde agreed with Smith and an employee of TRF, that Smith would handle the connection of service from the City's water main to the water meter vault and then from the vault to the inside of the property for the residential and commercial properties on Preston and Gay Streets and perform similar utilities work for the sewer line.  The new lines would run from the front of the houses to connect with a water main and a sewer line in the street; the pre-existing water and sewer lines ran from the back of the properties to the alley and would not be used because of the already completed paving.

TRF had retained the front wall of the properties but had gutted them completely and rebuilt them.  Loverde's company was to be responsible for installing all interior plumbing and fixtures and connecting to the water supply lines and sewer lines that Smith had run into the property for the houses on Preston and Gay Street.

At the request of a TRF employee, Loverde agreed to include in his invoicing the charges for Smith to create the new water and sewer services for the properties.  Loverde agreed to cash the checks from TRF made payable to All Service and to provide the cash to Smith.  Loverde knew that Smith was not a bonded approved utilities contractor but intended to divert City employees, equipment and material to perform the work and to pocket the cash funneled through him by TRF.   

Smith caused DPW work crews to cut the street on Preston and Gay Streets and connect the water and sewer services from the water main or sewer to the house for many addresses.  Smith charged $1600 per address for water and sewer installation, for a total of $14,400, without permits or traffic fees.  Smith caused a DPW crew with a heavy equipment operator to come to North Gay Street at night to cut the pavement, dig into the street and install the new water lines and sewer.  Because the crew worked at night and in haste, the work was badly done, and North Gay Street began to collapse.  The crew had to return at night to finish the street patching job.  Smith also charged TRF $17,500 for the installation of a new dedicated water line for a commercial property at 1759 East Preston Street to provide water to a required fire sprinkler system.  Smith installed the new water line with DPW crews, and Loverde cashed the TRF check and paid Smith.  

Smith met a developer who was tearing down a church at the corner of Elwood and East Baltimore Street.  The developer was rehabbing one row house and building 3 new row houses on the foundation of the old church.  He agreed with Smith that Smith would install new water service for the three new row houses by connecting to the water main on East Baltimore and the water main on Elwood.  They also agreed that Smith could install three new sewer connections to the sewer line that ran down the alley behind the church.  Once again, Smith used DPW crews and equipment to perform this work, obtained no permits, paid no traffic fees, and paid no inspection fees.  Smith was paid approximately $10,000 in cash for this work.  Loverde was not involved.

In all, Smith admitted that he received at least $64,000 for the work performed by DPW crews.  Loverde pled guilty to his role in the extortion scheme on January 22, 2020.

Smith faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has not yet scheduled sentencing dates for Smith or Loverde.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce McDonald, who is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has charged Marek Majtan, age 35, of Frederick, Maryland with committing a scheme to defraud to sell unregistered and misbranded pesticides.  Majtan has been charged via criminal complaint with the following federal charges: mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341; and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), in violation of 7 U.S.C. § 136j(a)(1)(A), 136j(a)(1)(E), and 136l(b)(1)(B).  An initial appearance is set for September 11, 2020 at 2:15 p.m.

The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division; and Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.

“It is particularly egregious to seize on the ongoing pandemic to take advantage of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “My office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who commit COVID-19 related frauds, especially those who endanger the public through their actions.”

“This case shows that consumers need to be cautious of products that make unsubstantiated claims of controlling viruses,” said Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Maryland.  “EPA and our law enforcement partners continue to work to stop the sale of these illegal products.  Consumers can help protect themselves by visiting epa.gov/coronavirus for a list of approved products.”

“Protecting American consumers from fraudsters taking advantage of a public health emergency is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  We continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the Environmental Protection Agency- Criminal Investigations Division as part of the COVID-19 Anti-Fraud Task Force to bring those seeking to exploit people during this pandemic to justice, said Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”

According to the federal criminal complaint, Majtan is alleged to have committed multiple violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”) by fraudulently selling unregistered and misbranded pesticides.  On April 8, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Majtan filed a trade name application with the Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation for “Capitol Cleaning Solutions” (CCS).  It is further alleged that he purchased pesticides of unknown origin from a person he met on Facebook Marketplace and whose last name he did not know.  He then repackaged the pesticides at his home, and created his own handmade label and application directions, using EPA registration information from a discontinued product.  He then advertised on the internet that the product was “Compliant and Approved” by EPA and the CDC. He falsely claimed that the product “Kills 99.9% Bacterias & Viruses” and “Kills Covid 19 & Seasonal Flu,” in an effort to entice people to buy it.

Since May 19, 2020, it is alleged that Majtan sold disinfectant products on eBay without authorization from the EPA.  In addition to selling CCS products on eBay, CCS appeared to market and sell products on a website, http://ccs-box.com, created by Majtan.  He fraudulently claimed that the products were EPA-registered pesticides under FIFRA, that the products were registered with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and that these products were on FIFRA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. Neither CCS nor Majtan has obtained a company number from EPA as required prior to registering a pesticide.  Neither CCS nor Majtan submitted an application for registering a pesticide to the EPA.  CCS does not produce any pesticides registered by the EPA pursuant to FIFRA.  The CCS website stated that 1,231 CCS product bottles had been sold, and the company has served 323 customers.  Majtan admitted to Agents that he falsified those figures to entice buyers. 

On May 20, 2020 EPA-CID and USPIS conducted an undercover purchase of two pesticides sold by CCS on eBay, that were delivered to FedEx.  Based on the undercover purchase, federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at this particular FedEx and seized five additional packages sent by CCS with the undercover purchase intended for customers in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Illinois.

FIFRA requires that pesticides must display on labels the following information clearly and prominently: name, brand, and trademark under which the product is sold; name and address of the producer or registrant; product registration number and producing establishment's number. Additionally, pesticides must display labels containing a warning or caution statement necessary that, if complied with, is adequate to protect human health and the environment.  Majtan failed to include any such labels or to display any such required information.

If convicted, Majtan faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for mail fraud, and up to 1 year in federal prison and a $25,000 fine for a violation of FIFRA.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the EPA-CID and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Lindsay Kaplan, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland –Former Baltimore Police Officer Victor Rivera, age 48, of Nottingham, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer in connection with a scheme to sell three kilograms of cocaine seized during a Baltimore Police Department investigation.  

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

Victor Rivera joined the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) on July 11, 1994 and November 21, 1999, respectively.  In February 2009, Rivera served on a squad with I.L., W.J., C.J., P.G., and K.G., that was supervised by W.K. 

According to his plea agreement, prior to February 19, 2009, W.J. and C.J. told Rivera they had received information from a confidential informant about a large-scale narcotics trafficker operating out of a residence on the 1400 block of Ellamont Street, in Baltimore, Maryland.  On February 19, 2009, Rivera, I.L., and other members of the squad were conducting surveillance at the residence of the alleged narcotics trafficker, an individual whose initials are T.M.  Rivera and another member of his squad, W.K., followed a car from that residence to a nearby school where Rivera saw the driver throw something into a trash container.  Once the driver left, Rivera and W.K. recovered the trash and found it to be empty kilogram drug wrappers.  During this time other officers claimed to have followed a second individual who left the residence who threw trash from the car window, which was found to contain cocaine residue.  Rivera, and other officers remained at the house until W.J. and C.J. obtained a search warrant from a Baltimore City District Court judge. 

As detailed in his plea agreement, Rivera ultimately participated in the search of the residence.  While no drugs were found in the house, officers found car keys, including a key that had the ability to activate an alarm in a vehicle remotely.  A BPD officer activated the alarm and officers heard the alarm sound in a pickup truck that was parked nearby.  Rivera learned that drugs were found in the truck.  Other officers waited with the cocaine until a SWAT team arrived to provide protection during the transportation of the cocaine to BPD headquarters because it was such a large quantity.  In order to transport the cocaine from the scene to BPD headquarters, it was loaded into a BPD surveillance van driven by K.G.  After the cocaine was loaded into the surveillance van, officers followed the SWAT team to BPD headquarters to maintain chain-of-custody over the cocaine.  Forty-one kilograms of cocaine were turned in to the BPD’s Evidence Control Unit on February 20, 2009.  Later that day, a criminal complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland charging T.M. with possessing with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine.

Rivera discovered three additional kilograms of cocaine in the surveillance van that had been used to transport the cocaine to BPD.  These kilograms of cocaine had come from the seizure from T.M.’s pickup truck on February 19 and 20, 2009, but had not been turned in to the BPD on February 20, 2009.  Rather than turn this cocaine in to BPD, Rivera, and others agreed to sell the cocaine and split the proceeds from its sale. 

Rivera sold the cocaine to a confidential informant of his, who trafficked in cocaine.  The source sold the cocaine in Baltimore City.  Rivera received the proceeds of the sale from his source and then shared them with other officers.  Ultimately, Rivera received $20,000 in drug proceeds from the sale of the cocaine seized from T.M.’s pickup truck that had not been turned in to BPD.

On November 1, 2019, Rivera agreed to participate in a voluntary interview with FBI task force officers (“TFOs”).  Rivera was told it was a crime to lie to the FBI TFOs interviewing him and he acknowledged he understood.  In that interview, Rivera made a number of false statements and material omissions.  An example being, the FBI TFO asking, “Did you ever hear of anybody taking any drugs or any money or anything like that from the incident?” to which Rivera replied, “No sir. No.”

Rivera faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment for making false statements to federal agents.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Leo J. Wise, who is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – David Gollahon, age 58, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to the federal charges of armed bank robbery and brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According the his plea agreement, on January 23, 2019 and February 1, 2019, Gollahon and his co-Defendant Richard Tingler committed two armed bank robberies in Baltimore, Maryland and, in connection with both robberies, co-Defendant Richard Adams served as the getaway driver.  During each of the robberies, Gollahon and Tingler each brandished a firearm and threatened victim bank employees.

Specifically, on January 23, 2019, Adams drove Tingler and Gollahon in a gray Hyundai Accent car to the area of the PNC Bank, located in Baltimore, Maryland.  Tingler and Gollahon each had a firearm.

After entering the bank, Tingler, wearing a black ski mask, gray gloves, and a camouflage jacket, carrying a loaded black firearm and black leather duffle bag, and Gollahon, wearing a black ski mask and a gray hooded sweatshirt, carrying a loaded black firearm, told everyone to put their hands up.  Tingler approached the victim teller, pointed his firearm at her and demanded $100 dollar bills and “loose bills” from the bottom drawer of the till.  Meanwhile, Gollahon held the other bank employees and customers at gunpoint in the lobby area of the bank.  He told the bank employees and customers, “don’t move.” 

The victim teller complied with Tingler’s demand for cash and handed over $7,531.00 U.S. dollars.  Tingler and Gollahon then fled the bank on foot.  As they ran through a parking lot, they accidentally dropped $5,584 in cash.  They then got into the gray Hyundai Accent car driven by Adams, and drove away

On February 1, 2019, Adams drove Tingler and Gollahon in a 2006 Chevy Monte Carlo to a M&T Bank, in Baltimore, Maryland.  Tingler and Gollahon each had the same firearm they had used in connection with the January 23, 2019 robbery of the PNC Bank.

After entering the bank, Tingler, wearing a black beanie, gray gloves, and the same camouflage jacket, carrying a loaded black firearm, and Gollahon, wearing a dark colored hoodie, tan jacket colored jacket, and black gloves, carrying a loaded black firearm, approached the teller window.  Tingler pointed his firearm at the teller, and demanded $100 bills. The victim teller complied and handed over cash from the till, but Tingler continued to demand more money.  At the same time, Gollahon approached the teller line with his firearm pointed in the direction of the tellers and bank customers.   

In response to the demands for more cash, the victim teller and a co-worker went to the bank’s vault and removed $40,000 in cash.  They provided that cash to Tingler and Gollahon, who ultimately were given $43,802.00 in cash total.  In addition to the cash, the victim teller also provided a GPS tracker, which was activated. 

Tingler and Gollahon then fled the bank and got into the 2006 Chevy Monte Carlo driven by Adams.  Adams drove the Monte Carlo away from the bank.  Law enforcement received GPS information concerning the location of the GPS tracker taken from the bank, which they relayed to BPD.

BPD officers stopped the vehicle and, when the vehicle was stopped, the GPS tracker became stationary.  Adams, Tingler, and Gollahon were ordered out of the vehicle and arrested.  At the time of his arrest, Gollahon had the same firearm he used during the robbery on his person.  All were transported to the BPD Citywide Robbery Office. 

Law enforcement searched Adams’ 2006 Monte Carlo car and a blue backpack containing $43,802.00 in cash, the GPS tracker taken during the robbery, and the firearm carried by Tingler during both bank robberies. 

Later that day, law enforcement searched Adams’ residence in Essex, Maryland and seized Gollahon’s gray hooded sweatshirt and the black leather duffel bag carried by Tingler during the January 23, 2019 robbery. 

If the Court accepts the parties’ plea agreement, Gollahon will be sentenced to between 12 and 15 years imprisonment for armed bank robbery and for brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for December 10, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended FBI, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Riley and Daniel Loveland, Jr., who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – Donte Bennett, a/k/a Tay, age 27, of Baltimore, Maryland pleaded guilty today to participating in a drug conspiracy that operated in and around the Baltimore metropolitan area, distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Maryland and surrounding states.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

“Donte Bennett was part of a supply chain that distributed opioids—including deadly fentanyl—throughout Maryland and in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Bennett knew that the drugs he sold caused overdoses, but still distributed heroin/fentanyl to his own father—who died as a result.  Drugs—especially opioids—are killing thousands of Marylanders a year.  Federal, state, and local law enforcement are working together to reduce overdose deaths from fentanyl and from all opioids.  Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution and federal time.”

According to his guilty plea, from October 2018 through at least January 2019, Bennett was a street-level distributor in a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) that distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.  The DTO frequently sold over 100 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl on a daily basis.  Customers of the DTO believed they were purchasing heroin, but the DTO adulterated all heroin it sold with fentanyl.  Bennett and other street-level distributors in the DTO worked in shifts to ensure continuous availability and shared phones they used to communicate with DTO leadership and customers. 

As detailed in the plea agreement, Bennett and his co-conspirators were aware that the drugs they distributed caused overdoses.  In fact, law enforcement overheard Bennett discussing with a member of the organization on one occasion how drug customers were falling asleep or passing out from using the DTO’s drugs.  On November 10, 2018, Bennett sold approximately 7.5 grams of heroin/fentanyl to a drug distributor from Virginia.  The drug distributor then gave a portion of this heroin/fentanyl to a customer, who shared a portion of the heroin/fentanyl with a second individual. The customer and the second individual both overdosed after using the heroin/fentanyl.  They were administered Naloxone and admitted to a local hospital.

Bennett admitted that on November 18, 2018, he gave his father a user-sized quantity of heroin/fentanyl that he obtained from the DTO.  Two days later, Bennett’s father died from an overdose resulting from a mixture of heroin and cocaine.  Later that day, Bennett called a member of the DTO and reported that he believed his father died from the DTO’s drugs.

During the course of his participation in the conspiracy, Bennett distributed more than one kilogram of heroin.

Bennett faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the drug distribution conspiracy.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing January 19, 2020 at 10 a.m.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the DEA, the Montgomery County and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the City of Rockville Police Department; the Baltimore County, Howard County, and Montgomery County Police Departments; the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; the Maryland State Police; the West Virginia State Police; the Virginia State Police; the Warren County (VA) Sheriff’s Department; the Winchester (VA) and Front Royal (VA) Police Departments; and the Frederick County and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Offices.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew DellaBetta and Michael Goldsticker, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury in Maryland returned an indictment yesterday charging Jimmie Martin, aka Doodles, of Baltimore City, Maryland, with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby of the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City; and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh.

According to the three-count indictment, on March 6, 2020, Martin, who was previously convicted of a felony offense, knowingly possessed a handgun and an extended magazine with the capacity to hold 30 cartridges of ammunition, and 29 cartridges of ammunition. The firearm and ammunition were in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce. Martin also possessed cocaine with the intention to distribute.

If convicted, Martin faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

This case 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.        

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, BPD, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in this investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Loveland, Jr. and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Gallena, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm today sentenced William Thompson, age 27, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to seven years, and one day in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  Judge Grimm also ordered Thompson to pay restitution of $498.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department

According to his guilty plea, on August 9, 2019, Thompson robbed a convenience store in Silver Spring, Maryland, wearing a black mask, distinctive glasses, a jacket, and light colored gloves.  Throughout the robbery, which was captured on video surveillance, Thompson brandished a semi-automatic rifle.  Thompson pointed the rifle at a store employee and demanded money. Out of fear for his life, the employee gave Thompson approximately $98 of store funds.

The next day, August 10, 2019, Thompson used the same rifle to rob a market located in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Thompson pointed the rifle at the two store employees present and demanded money from the cash register.  In fear for their lives, the victims gave Thompson approximately $400 of store funds. Thompson then fled the store in a blue four-door Subaru sedan.

A little over three hours later, Thompson was involved in a traffic accident in the Subaru in Rockville, Maryland.  A search of the passenger compartment of Thompson’s vehicle led to the discovery of the black mask and gloves that Thompson had used in the robberies, as well a loaded black and gray handgun, in the center console. A search of Thompson’s trunk uncovered the loaded semi-automatic rifle that Thompson had used in the robberies. In addition, numerous additional magazines and hundreds of rounds ammunition were also located in Thompson’s vehicle.

A search warrant executed at Thompson’s residence uncovered more guns and ammunition, along with the jacket and shoes that the Defendant wore during the robberies.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended FBI and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Burden H. Walker, who prosecuted the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, today sentenced Deandre Laquan Jones, a/k/a “Cuz,” age 27, of Towson, Maryland, to 12 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute drugs near a school, and to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According to his guilty plea, from December 2018 to February 2019, Jones distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.  On January 31 and again on February 11, 2019, Jones sold an undercover Baltimore County Police officer two “packs” of heroin—each containing 25 gel capsules—for $375. 

On February 22, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an apartment in Parkville, Maryland, which was rented by Tyrell Curry, Jones’ co-conspirator, and was located within 1,000 feet of a Baltimore County elementary school.  Jones used the apartment to distribute fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine.  From the apartment, law enforcement recovered two baggies containing a total of approximately 345 grams of fentanyl, cutting agents, digital scales, two kilogram presses, and bags of packaging materials.  In addition, officers found documents and an identification card belonging to Jones, and two empty .40-caliber extended magazines, from which the BCPD Forensic Services Section recovered a latent print of Jones’ left thumb.  In the living room, officers located a coffee table that had been custom-manufactured to contain a hidden compartment secured by a wireless lock.  Investigators later learned that the table had been purchased by, and shipped to, Deandre Jones at the Parkville apartment.  When the hidden compartment in the table was opened, law enforcement recovered plastic bags containing 16 grams of fentanyl, 175 grams of heroin, 185 grams of crack cocaine, and 173 grams of powder cocaine, as well as a .410-caliber handgun and 19 rounds of .410-caliber ammunition.

That same day, BCPD officers executed a search warrant at Jones’ residence and recovered three iPhones in the bedroom, and an AK-47 loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition in Jones’ nightstand.  The firearm had been reported stolen in October 2018.  In Jones’ office, officers found a money counter, $13,700 in cash, a one-kilogram block of fentanyl, a loaded 9mm pistol, which had been reported stolen in April 2017, a book bag that contained eight plastic bags containing a total of 1.9 kilograms of cocaine, and five additional bags containing 138 grams of heroin.  A search of Jones’ vehicles recovered two additional loaded firearms and a fourth iPhone.

A subsequent forensic examination of Jones’ iPhones recovered message between Jones and Curry relating to drug trafficking, including discussions about the Parkville apartment, potential customers, sources of supply, possible police surveillance, and ammunition.

As part of his plea agreement, Jones has agreed to forfeit assets obtained as a result of, or used to facilitate Jones’ drug trafficking, including: $13,708 in cash; a 2013 Lexus GS 350; an AK-47 and 30 7.62x39mm cartridges; a double-action revolver and 19 .410-caliber cartridges; two 9mm pistols and 26 9mm cartridges; and a .40-caliber pistol and 13 .40-caliber cartridges.

Jones’ co-defendant, Tyrell Daronte Curry, a/k/a “Mike,” age 28, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI Baltimore and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey J. Izant and Christopher J. Romano, who prosecuted the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Shanta Johnson, age 43, of Germantown, Maryland, on the federal charges of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns and subscribing to false tax returns.  The indictment was returned on July 13, 2020, and was unsealed at her initial appearance today.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Karen Jordan of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG), Washington, D.C. Field Office.  

According to the indictment, Johnson – who is a program analyst at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency - prepared false and fraudulent tax returns from her home as well as from her workplace.  Johnson allegedly prepared fraudulent tax returns for 11 clients for tax years 2014 and 2015.  Johnson reported inflated or fictitious deductions for gifts to charity and unreimbursed employee expenses; false profits or losses to either inflate or reduce her clients’ earned income; and entirely fictitious expenses for educational institutions her clients had not attended.  For example, as detailed in the indictment, Johnson reported for Client A fraudulent unreimbursed employee expenses of $8,125.  The falsities that Johnson created and reported to the IRS reduced tax liabilities for her clients and increased tax credits, including the Earned Income Credit, and refunds for the client-taxpayers.

Further, the indictment alleges that Johnson did not report the money she received from preparing clients’ tax returns on her own tax returns and she falsely reported net business losses to reduce her own reported income.

If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison for each of the 18 counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return; and for each of the three counts of making and subscribing to a false tax return.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the IRS-CI, and DHS-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Bernstein, who is prosecuting the case.

###

Baltimore, Maryland -- Michael Wedington, Jr., age 19, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty on August 20, 2020, to the federal charge of kidnapping for his role in the armed carjacking of two victims in June 2019.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

According to his plea agreement, Wedington participated in two armed carjackings that occurred on June 8 and June 10, 2019, respectively.  In each instance, the victim was intending to purchase tools as part of an alleged transaction that Wedington set up through a cellular phone-based application, “OfferUp,” which connects local buyers and sellers of various products.  When the victims arrived at the designated meeting spot, they were then directed to a second location, where the victims were robbed at gunpoint by Wedington and others, who also stole their vehicles.

In the carjacking on June 8, 2019, the victim arrived in the area of Washington Boulevard and South Monroe Street in Baltimore and was then directed to the 2400 block of West Lexington Street.  Upon arriving, the victim was waived down and approached by Wedington and two other men.  At first the men appeared to load the victim’s van with the purported tools they were purportedly selling.  However, one suspect was armed with a handgun and forced the victim into the rear of his vehicle.  Wedington and his accomplices stole the victim’s wallet and cash, a driver’s license, debit card and his cellular phone.  As they drove away, one suspect placed a handgun in the victim’s mouth and demanded the Personal Identification Number (PIN) to the victim’s debit card.  The suspects drove to a gas station in Northwest Baltimore with the victim still in the van, and one of the suspects used the PIN the victim had provided to obtain cash from an ATM.  The victim escaped from the van in the area of the 7000 block of Park Heights Avenue and called the Baltimore Police Department to report the incident.  The stolen vehicle was recovered five days later in that area of the 2700 block of Tivoly Avenue in Baltimore.

In the second carjacking on June 10, 2019, the victim was lured to the 2400 block of West Lexington Street through the OfferUp application by a user who was purportedly selling tools and equipment.  When the victim arrived, he was directed to the back alley behind West Fayette Street, where Wedington and another individual approached him—both armed with handguns.  The two men took the victim’s wallet, containing over $1,000 in cash, the victim’s two cell phones, and the victim’s Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Wedington was identified in a photo array, and Wedington’s fingerprint was recovered from the van stolen in the second carjacking.  On November 1, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Wedington’s primary residence, which is located near the scenes of the two carjackings, and law enforcement recovered a Toyota car key, a firearm, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, replica firearms, and cellular phones.  Law enforcement recovered from one of Wedington’s cell phones evidence of the OfferUp application and the “Brian” account which Wedington had used to orchestrate the June 8, 2019 carjacking.

Wedington faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled Wedington's sentencing for November 19, 2020.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew DellaBetta and Daniel Loveland, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed against Ronald Alexander, age 50,  Mark Brinkley, age 51, and Thomas Corey Crosby, age 51, all three of Baltimore, charging them with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, 21 U.S.C. § 846.  The criminal complaint was filed on August 12, 2020 and was unsealed at the initial appearance yesterday. Detention hearings have been scheduled for Crosby on Wednesday August 19, 2020 at 11:30 a.m., and Alexander on Friday August 21, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.

The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

In 2001, Alexander pleaded guilty in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin.  Alexander was sentenced to 240 months of incarceration and released from the Bureau of Prisons in or around May 2018. 

Law enforcement had obtained judicial authorization to intercept communications to and from cellular telephones used by Alexander from May through July 23, 2020.  During the course of the investigation, the DEA also obtained authorization to install and maintain a GPS tracking device on a 2019 Dodge Caravan registered to Alexander.  Interceptions of Alexander revealed that he operated a “drug shop” in the vicinity of Spaulding Avenue and Palmer Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland and that Crosby supplied narcotics to Alexander, who then dispersed them to Brinkley, and others. 

Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement intercepted Alexander conducting narcotics-related business on multiple occasions.  For example, on June 19, 2020, Alexander engaged in a lengthy discussion with another individual about a co-conspirator, complaining that the co-conspirator had been getting too high from drugs recently.  Alexander cautioned that the co-conspirator had been pulling out all of his money all at a time and was going to be robbed. As the call continued, Alexander remarked, “I said, be realistic man, you went from selling two to three thousand dollars’ worth of dope to only selling damn near three, four hundred dollars’ worth of dope a day…”  Alexander continued, “You’re only selling that much because you keep running around, you sitting there noddin’, you’ll selling dope like you you’ll sell coke, waiting for people to come to you instead getting out promotin.”

Throughout June 2020, Alexander engaged in conversations with Crosby and Binkley about narcotics dealing, as detailed in the criminal complaint.  For example, law enforcement intercepted Alexander and Brinkley on June 18, 2020, discussing an upcoming narcotics transaction, which occurred later that day.  Alexander also discussed with another individual obtaining firearms, and during that conversation Alexander said that he had two guns, one of which he kept in his house.  Alexander has a felony conviction and therefore, prohibited from possessing any firearms.

On July 23, 2020, DEA investigators executed a search warrant at Brinkley’s residence in Baltimore, Maryland.  Inside the house, investigators encountered Brinkley, another adult and two children.  Agents searched the house and located a safe in the main bedroom, which the other adult unlocked.  Inside the safe, investigators found a grocery bag containing a bag with fentanyl weighing approximately 117 grams, a bag with cocaine weighing approximately 271 grams, and a latex glove containing heroin, weighing approximately 128 grams.  Agents also located an iPhone in the residence.  One agent called a target number belonging to Brinkley, and saw the phone indicate there was an incoming call. 

On August 9, 2020, Alexander received a call from Crosby asking to meet that evening.  At around 9:05 p.m., Alexander arrived at a BP gas station in Baltimore in his Dodge Caravan.  At around 9:09 p.m., a gold Toyota minivan arrived at the gas station. Investigators saw Crosby get out of the gold Toyota minivan and get into Alexander’s vehicle.  After a short period of time, Crosby got out of Alexander’s vehicle and then returned to his vehicle.  At around 9:12 p.m., Alexander left in his Dodge Caravan.  Investigators followed Alexander and conducted a traffic stop of Alexander..  During the stop, investigators searched the vehicle and discovered a plastic bag that contained a white powdery substance in the center console believed to be heroin.  During the stop, Alexander stated that he had taken the drugs from a member of the community in furtherance of his work with the Safe Streets program.  To preserve the integrity of the investigation, DEA investigators seized the suspected heroin and did not arrest Alexander.  Investigators weighed the suspected heroin and it weighed approximately 101 grams.

If convicted, Alexander, Crosby, and Brinkley face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the drug conspiracy.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA, and BPD for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew DellaBetta, who is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury in Maryland returned an indictment charging Julian Bernard-Alexander Blair, age 27, of Washington, D.C., with discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  The indictment was returned on August 3, 2020, and unsealed at Blair’s initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt on August 10, 2020.  At Blair’s detention hearing today, August 14, 2020, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan ordered that Blair be detained pending trial.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division; Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and Chief Amal Awad of the Hyattsville Police Department.

According to the two-count indictment and information presented at today’s hearing, on September 3, 2019, Blair possessed marijuana which he intended to distribute in Hyattsville, Maryland.  During an attempted sale of marijuana to others, Blair allegedly discharged a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking in broad-day light near student housing for Howard University and University of Maryland students.  On that day, law enforcement seized from Blair two firearms, a Glock 43 and a Glock 19.  Law enforcement later executed a search warrant at Blair’s residence and recovered: a fully loaded Glock 30 pistol; an AR rifle; three high capacity AR magazines; three high capacity pistol magazines; an AR magazine; over $15,000 in cash, believed to be drug proceeds; approximately one pound of marijuana; and a digital scale. 

If convicted, Blair faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for using and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).  NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.  NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles.  For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.        

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Hyattsville Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah B. Grossi and Joseph R. Baldwin, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Ronald S. Repass, age 56, of Poolesville, Maryland, on the federal charges of false statements or fraud to obtain federal employees’ disability compensation.  The indictment was returned on August 5, 2020.  At today’s initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan ordered that Repass be released under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Imari R. Niles of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge Derek Pickle, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General.

As stated in the indictment, the Department of Labor’s Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs (“OWCP”) administered major disability compensation programs which provided wage loss benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits for federal government employees who became disabled during the performance of their duties.

According to the indictment, beginning in October 1989, Repass was employed by the U.S. Postal Service at the Poolesville Post Office in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Repass was a rural carrier on December 5, 2014, when he filed a workers’ compensation claim after he fell and hurt his right shoulder.  OWCP granted his claim on February 11, 2015, for a “right rotator cuff tear” based on a finding that Repass was not able to perform any of the routine duties of his job.  Repass began receiving benefits of approximately $3,227 per month on February 22, 2015.

The Department of Labor required disabled employees to annually sign and complete a form certifying that they had not worked for the past 15 months.  The disabled employees were also required to immediately report any improvement in their medical condition or any part-time or full-time employment.  The indictment alleges that in 2016, 2017, and 2018, Repass signed and submitted the form stating that he had not worked for any employer, nor was he self-employed or involved in a business enterprise.  The indictment alleges that during those years Repass worked part-time as a snow plow driver, as a service advisor at an automotive repair shop, as a field supervisor for a home improvement company, as a plumber, and installed window blinds and mowed lawns, all in exchange for pay.

If convicted, Repass faces a maximum sentence of five years for false statements or fraud to obtain federal employees’ compensation.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the U.S. Postal Service OIG and U.S. Department of Labor OIG for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Hollis R. Weisman, who is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – Robert Carl Diienno, age 32, formerly of Laurel, Maryland, pleaded guilty on August 4, 2020, to three counts of enticement to travel in interstate commerce for the purposes of prostitution.  

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Russell E. Hamill III of the Laurel Police Department.

According to his plea agreement, from at least November 2016 through June 2017, Diienno acted as a pimp for Victim 1, and at other times for Victims 2 and 3, who were all adult women.  During that time, Diienno persuaded, enticed, induced, and coerced the victims to engage in a prostitution enterprise that included travel between Maryland and Washington, D.C., Virginia, Florida, and South Carolina in order to service “dates” in acts of prostitution.  The victims provided any money earned from the commercial sex to Diienno, including transferring payments electronically through Internet-based payment services, such as PayPal and Venmo.

As detailed in his plea agreement, Diienno and the victims resided at a residence in Laurel, which was used as a group home and the base of the enterprise.  “Meeting minutes” recovered from the house identify the location as “Duh ho house.”  Some of the meeting minutes are signed by one of the victims and record attendance at the meeting; a report on potential new recruits; and the “Comptroller’s Report” that showed the amount earned by each of the victims related to their prostitution activities.  In the residence and on Diienno’s laptop law enforcement recovered documents titled, “ho Training Manual,” “ho Rules,” and “Pimp/ho Contract.”  The documents stated requirements that a “ho” submits to the control of the “Pimp,” including accepting any punishment the Pimp decides to inflict, with certain limitations, such as punishment must not incur permanent bodily harm, and must stop immediately if blood is drawn, among others.

A text exchange in late May 2017, between Diienno and Victim 3 demonstrated how Diienno coerced the victims.  When Diienno persuaded Victim 3 to “walk the streets” in Washington, D.C., Victim 3 claimed to be ill.  Diienno told Victim 3, “I care about seeing you become a strong ho and a strong person in general…Taking you home is what would show that I don’t care.  That would mean I don’t give a f*** about your development as a person.”

On June 1, 2017, Laurel Police Department was called to the residence for a disturbance at that location.  Victim 1 and Victim 3 were found hiding in a nearby treeline and reported that Diienno had assaulted Victim 1 when she refused to walk the streets.  Diienno was arrested.

During the subsequent investigation, two firearms belonging to Diienno were recovered from the Laurel residence.  At least one victim recalled seeing Diienno handle a firearm and was intimidated by that behavior.

As part of his plea agreement, Diienno must register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

Diienno faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of the three counts of enticement to travel to engage in prostitution.   Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2020, at 2:00 p.m.

This case was investigated by law enforcement agencies that are members of the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force, part of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders.  Members include federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members.  For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/priorities_human.html.

Report suspected instances of human trafficking to HSI's tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form.  Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI and the Laurel Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Baldwin, who is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur of the District of Maryland today announced that Maryland has received $999,990 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs and its component, the Office for Victims of Crime, to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a barbaric criminal enterprise that subjects its victims to unspeakable cruelty and deprives them of the most basic of human needs, none more essential than a safe place to live,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Throughout this Administration, the Department of Justice has fought aggressively to bring human traffickers to justice and to deliver critical aid to trafficking survivors. These new resources, announced today, expand on our efforts to offer those who have suffered the shelter and support they need to begin a new and better life.”

“Human traffickers prey on our most vulnerable—including children—in order to profit from their victims’ misery.  Traffickers often use violence and exploit drug addictions in order to coerce their victims into such crimes as commercial sex rings,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “These grants will help to provide resources to the vulnerable victims of this reprehensible crime.  The Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners will never stop working to end human trafficking.”

The grant, awarded to the Salvation Army and the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors, will provide six to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for trafficking victims, including rental, utilities or related expenses, such as security deposits and relocation costs. The grant will also provide funding for support needed to help victims locate permanent housing, secure employment, as well as occupational training and counseling. The Salvation Army and the University of Maryland SAFE Center are among 73 organizations nationwide receiving more than $35 million in OVC grants to support housing services for human trafficking survivors.

“The Salvation Army of Central Maryland is committed to assisting survivors of human trafficking in reclaiming their lives and determining their futures,” said Beth Luthye, Anti-Human Trafficking Program Director for The Salvation Army of Central Maryland.  “Over the past few years, our core focus has been short-term housing and intensive care management.  This OVC grant will enable us to expand our services to also provide supportive transitional housing and independent housing assistance, as well as partnering with business and community leaders to build out initiatives focused on employment and financial independence.”  Ms. Luthye added, “The Salvation Army program, based in Baltimore City, targets adult survivors of both sex trafficking and labor trafficking throughout the state of Maryland. It is inclusive of women who often find closed doors at other residential programs, including pregnant women, mothers of young children, transgender individuals, and foreign nationals.”

"Stable housing is foundational to human trafficking survivors' ability to rebuild their lives,” said SAFE Center Founder and Director, Susan Esserman. “We feel fortunate to be partnering with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services in a rapid rehousing model to address this urgent housing need. We are grateful for this OVC funding as lack of safe housing is a driver of trafficking."

“Human traffickers dangle the threat of homelessness over those they have entrapped, playing a ruthless game of psychological manipulation that victims are never in a position to win,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will empower survivors on their path to independence and a life of self-sufficiency and hope.”

Human trafficking offenses are among the most difficult crimes to identify, and the scope of human trafficking victimization may be much greater than the limited data reflect. A new report issued by the National Institute of Justice, another component of the Office of Justice Programs, found that the number of human trafficking cases captured in police reports may represent only a fraction of all such cases. Expanding housing and other services to trafficking victims remains a top Justice Department priority.

The Office for Victims of Crime, for example, hosted listening sessions and roundtable discussions with stakeholders in the field in 2018 and launched the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center. From July 2018 through June 2019, 118 OVC human trafficking grantees reported serving 8,375 total clients, including confirmed trafficking victims and individuals showing strong indicators of trafficking victimization.

For a complete list of individual award amounts and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/htvictimsfactheet.pdf

*******

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

###

Baltimore, Maryland – During the month of July, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 16 alleged felons in federal court with illegal possession of firearms in Baltimore City under the Maryland Exile Program, which specifically targets gun crime by combining local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts; community action and revitalization; and public awareness.  The use of federal resources and statutes, which carry significant terms of imprisonment, is especially helpful in prosecuting repeat violent offenders, who pose the greatest threat to public safety.  

The federal charges were announced by United States Attorney Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby of the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City; and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh.

“Reducing violent crime in Baltimore is job one.  We have remained focused on reducing the gun crime that plagues our City, in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “We and our partners will continue to do everything we can to focus on prosecuting the repeat violent offenders who wreak havoc in and terrorize Baltimore’s neighborhoods.”

“Violent offenders brazenly use firearms in Baltimore with no regard for human life and the innocent people who live here. ATF and our partners continue to do everything in our power to bring these criminals to justice,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “When both law enforcement and attorneys at the local, state, and federal level work as a team, it allows investigators to utilize every available resource, expand investigations, and ensure successful prosecutions. The community is a member of this team too. We urge Baltimore citizens to come forward with any information that will help law enforcement get trigger-pullers out of these neighborhoods.”

The 16 defendants listed below, all from Baltimore, were charged in federal court in July for illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person:

• Quanta Butler, age 43;
• Tavon Conyers, age 40;
• Rashaun Curtis, age 22;
• Michael Eaddy, age 33;
• Antonio Johnson, age 20;
• Desmond Johnson, age 25;
• Demetrius Mayes, age 32;
• Richard McCardell, age 38;
• Dwayne Purdie, age 27;
• Nathaniel Ratchford, age 35;
• Reginald Raysor, age 28;
• Michael Sanders, age 36;
• James Stansbury, age 48;
• Sedrick Sutton, age 30;
• Larry Warfield, age 28; and
• Bryant Williams, age 34.
   

Four of the defendants—Butler, Desmond Johnson, Mayes, and Raysor—were previously convicted and/or investigated as part of federal investigations of gangs operating in the Cherry Hill area of Baltimore.

The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are continuing our efforts to address the gun violence plaguing the Baltimore area by using federal statutes prohibiting felons from possessing firearms.  These types of reactive gun cases are part of the Exile program.  Maryland EXILE is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), our violent-crime reduction strategy.  The United States Attorney’s Office, through the use of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, will continue to pursue felons with guns who constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Baltimore.             

If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.  Several of the defendants are facing additional charges related to drug distribution.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  All of the defendants will have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in the near future, if they have not already. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

These cases are all 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The cases are also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.        

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the Baltimore Police Department, the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in these investigations.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia C. McLane, Brandon Moore, Christine Goo, Lindsey McCulley, Michael C. Hanlon, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Tuomey, Richard Gallena, and Lindsay DeFrancesco, who are prosecuting the cases.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Aaron Crawford, age 36, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, for the federal charges of coercion and enticement of a minor and for production of child pornography.  The indictment was returned on July 20, 2020, and unsealed on July 31, 2020, at his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt.  Today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Sullivan ordered that Crawford be detained pending trial. 

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur;  Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Interim Chief Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to the indictment and evidence proffered by the government at today’s detention hearing, in November 2019, Crawford recruited a minor female to perform commercial sex acts in Prince George’s County.  Crawford allegedly directed the victim to send him sexually explicit photographs so that he could use the pictures in Internet advertisements.

If convicted, Crawford faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison for enticement of a minor; and a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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 www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.       

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Prince George’s County Police Department Vice and Sex Trafficking Investigations Unit for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Gregory Bernstein, who are prosecuting the federal case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – The former President and Chief Executive Officer of Cecil Bank, Mary Beyer Halsey, age 59, of Rising Sun, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to the federal charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, receipt of a bribe by a bank official, and false statement in bank records, in connection with the straw purchase of a home in Rising Sun, Maryland, upon which Cecil Bank had foreclosed.  

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Mark P. Higgins of Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region; Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC/OIG), New York Region; Special Inspector General Christy Goldsmith Romero for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP); and Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (SBA/OIG).

“Mary Beyer Halsey used her position as President and CEO of Cecil Bank for her personal benefit, causing a loss to the bank, which had already received federal taxpayer funds as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “Corrupt bank officials undermine the public’s trust in our financial system.”

“The Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) is committed to investigating allegations of fraud committed by officers of financial institutions which are members of the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) because their crimes strike at the heart of the FHLBank System,” said Mark Higgins, Special Agent in Charge of the FHFA-OIG’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “We are proud to have partnered with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland on this case.”

“This plea illustrates the tremendous harm bank insiders can cause when they use their positions for personal gain, breaking the trust placed in them by their employees, shareholders, and customers,” said Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge, New York Region, Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  “We thank our law enforcement partners and appreciate the cooperation between investigating agencies.”

“Today, another bank CEO pleads guilty to committing fraud against the bank while the bank was in TARP,” said Special Inspector General Christy Goldsmith Romero.  “Cecil Bank CEO Halsey pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, making false statements in bank records, and receiving a bribe in a fraud that caused losses to Cecil Bank.  Taxpayers lost nearly $11 million in TARP when Cecil Bank failed.  SIGTARP commends U.S. Attorney Robert Hur and his team for fighting financial fraud related to TARP.”

“OIG and its law enforcement partners are poised to root out fraud and bring wrongdoers to justice,” said SBA Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”

Cecil Bank, located in Elkton, Maryland, had received $11,560,000 in federal taxpayer funds in 2008, under the Capital Purchase Program, as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program.  On April 20, 2011, Cecil Bank initiated the foreclosure of a single-family house located at 127 Ebenezer Church Road in Rising Sun. 

According to her plea agreement, from 2012 to 2013, Halsey conspired with Daniel Whitehurst, an employee of a real estate development company that did business in Maryland, to defraud Cecil Bank and another bank to purchase a home through false pretenses, representations and promises.  Specifically, on March 28, 2012, Halsey and Whitehurst met at a restaurant in Cecil County.  Whitehurst asked Halsey if she could help him and a business partner get a $500,000 line of credit from Cecil Bank.  Halsey agreed to help Whitehurst to obtain a line of credit from Cecil Bank, in exchange for Whitehurst agreeing to serve as the straw purchaser of 127 Ebenezer on behalf of Halsey.  Halsey suggested that she increase the line of credit for Whitehurst to $650,000 to include the funds needed to buy the house.  Whitehurst agreed to Halsey’s request to secretly buy 127 Ebenezer on Halsey’s behalf.  On May 9, 2012, Halsey participated in a loan committee meeting at Cecil Bank that considered and approved a $650,000 line for credit for Whitehurst and a $500,000 line of credit for his business partner. 

Halsey admitted that at her request, on May 14, 2012, Whitehurst visited 127 Ebenezer and provided Halsey with an estimate of the costs to update the house.  Whitehurst determined that beyond replacing the kitchen subflooring at a cost of about $1,000, there were no significant repairs needed.  Whitehurst provided a letter of intent to purchase the home from the bank for $150,000 for Halsey to review.  Halsey suggested lowering the price to $145,000 to allow room to increase the offer later.  Halsey knew that an exterior-only appraisal of the property ordered by Cecil Bank on November 9, 2011, showed a market value of $263,000.  A full appraisal on September 10, 2012, reflected a market value of $295,000.  To support the below-market price that Halsey wanted to pay, Whitehurst included in the letter of intent a list of lower-priced home sales in the same area that were not comparable to 127 Ebenezer and therefore was not reflective of the property’s actual market value.

As detailed in the plea agreement, on May 23, 2012, Whitehurst e-mailed Cecil Bank his offer to purchase 127 Ebenezer for $145,000.  On the same day, during a meeting of the Cecil Bank Board of Directors, Halsey advised the Board that Whitehurst had made a purchase offer of $140,000 for 127 Ebenezer, $5,000 less the actual offer.  To support the below-market price of $140,000, Halsey falsely characterized the property as having “structural deficiencies [that] will require significant repairs.”  Halsey did not disclose her personal interest in the property, nor Whitehurst’s role as her nominee to acquire the property on her behalf.  The Board authorized Halsey to “negotiate the best price.”  Thereafter, Whitehurst submitted a contract for him to purchase 127 Ebenezer from Cecil Bank for $150,000, which Halsey signed on August 17, 2012 on behalf of Cecil Bank.

According to the plea agreement, subsequent to authorizing the sale of 127 Ebenezer, Halsey told Whitehurst that he should not use his line of credit from Cecil Bank to purchase the house, but should instead get the funds from a different source.  Whitehurst applied for and obtained a $100,000 loan from another bank to purchase 127 Ebenezer, fraudulently claiming that he was purchasing the property for himself and that the down payment was from an investment account.  On October 31, 2012, prior to 127 Ebenezer going to settlement, Halsey wired $75,000 to Whitehurst’s bank account to cover the cost of the down payment as well as closing costs and upgrades to the property that Halsey directed Whitehurst to arrange.  To conceal the true purpose of the wired funds, Whitehurst sent Halsey a fictitious real estate contract purporting to show that the $75,000 was the down payment for a different property that Whitehurst owned in Havre de Grace, Maryland.

On November 21, 2012, the settlement of 127 Ebenezer was held with Halsey representing Cecil Bank as the seller, and Whitehurst as the purported purchaser, selling the property to Whitehurst for $150,000.  Both signed the HUD-1 form which falsely represented that Whitehurst had paid approximately $52,566 at settlement, when in fact, the down payment and all related closing costs were paid from the $75,000 Halsey had wired to Whitehurst’s bank account beforehand.  From October 31, 2012 through March 29, 2013, Halsey transferred an additional $60,000 to Whitehurst to cover the cost the upgrades to the house that they had previously discussed, as well as to reimburse Whitehurst for mortgage payments he made on the property.  Halsey and Whitehurst also made plans to transfer title of the property to Halsey by selling the house to her at a price that would minimize the tax consequences of the sale for Whitehurst.

In December 2012, in response to a question from a bank examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond inquiring about the sale of the property to Whitehurst, Halsey falsely stated that she was “not totally familiar with [that] property” and that the bank had difficulty marketing the property and had not listed it with a realtor because of “issues with the county over the bonds outstanding.”

In April 2013, federal agents began interviewing employees and other borrowers about banking irregularities at Cecil Bank.  Title to 127 Ebenezer was never transferred to Halsey.  Halsey never told the bank that she was the true purchaser of 127 Ebenezer, nor did the bank know that Halsey and Whitehurst had orchestrated the sale of the foreclosed property at the fraudulent price of $150,000, instead of the appraised pre-renovation price of $295,000.

As a result of Halsey’s misrepresentations and omissions, the bank lost approximately $145,000.

Halsey faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each offense: conspiracy to commit bank fraud; false statement in bank records; and receipt of a bribe by a bank official.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for November 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

Daniel Whitehurst, age 36, of Bel Air, Maryland, pleaded guilty under seal to the federal charge of mail fraud on April 6, 2018.  Whitehurst faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud.  Judge Chasanow has not scheduled a date for Whitehurst’s sentencing.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FHFA-OIG, Mid-Atlantic Region; FDIC/OIG; SIGTARP; and SBA/OIG for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martin J. Clarke and Harry M. Gruber, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel, III, today sentenced Arinze Michael Ozor, age 37, of Bowie, Maryland, a dual citizen of the United States and Nigeria, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for forgery or false use of a passport, in connection with his use of false passports to open “drop accounts” for a money laundering conspiracy.  Judge Hazel also ordered Ozor to pay restitution of $43,000.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Edwin Guard of the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

According to his plea agreement, Ozor used at least two fraudulent passports as part of a money laundering conspiracy to open eight “drop accounts” to receive the proceeds from fraud schemes, including business e-mail compromise schemes and romance fraud schemes.  The funds deposited to the accounts were largely disseminated to other entities as part of the conspiracy by Ozor and others. 

Specifically, Ozor admitted that he used a Ghanaian passport in the name of Kelvin Green to open accounts at five banks between December 2017 and January 2018.  Although the passport contained purported identifiers for Green, it contained Ozor’s photograph.  When one of the banks froze the account due to suspicion of fraudulent activity, Ozor met with a banker to discuss regaining access to the account and presented the same Ghanaian passport in support of his request. 

Ozor further admitted that from March 23, 2018 through May 1, 2018, he used a purported Beninese passport in the name of Jacob Hessou to open accounts at three additional banks.  As with the Ghanaian passport, the Beninese passport contained purported identifiers for Hessou, but contained Ozor’s photograph.

The investigation found that Ozor does not have a validly issued passport from Ghana or Benin.  In addition, the Kelvin Green Ghanaian passport number and the Jacob Hessou Beninese passport number were actually issued to other individuals by the respective governments and not to Green or Hessou.

More than $976,000 was involved in the money laundering conspiracy from the eight accounts opened by Ozor using the fraudulent passports.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the DSS for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Wright, who prosecuted the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Cornell Slater, a/k/a Chopper, age 34, of Odenton, Maryland, to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; for committing a commercial robbery; and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Slater’s convictions arose from the attempted armed robbery of a food service business in Baltimore on December 5, 2018, during which Slater shot an employee of the business, and from another shooting on November 14, 2018, during which Slater shot the driver of a nearby vehicle.    

Co-defendant Alex Smith, a/k/a Skeet, age 34, of Halethorpe, Maryland, was convicted at trial on January 10, 2020, on federal charges of conspiracy to commit a commercial robbery, attempted robbery, and using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, for his role in the crime. 

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Acting Chief William Lowry of the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

According to Slater’s guilty plea, which was entered on the eve of trial, as well as evidence presented at Smith’s trial, on December 5, 2018, Slater and Smith committed an attempted armed robbery of a food service business, which was Slater’s former employer.  At approximately 3:22 a.m., Slater picked Smith up at his residence and the two traveled to the business.  At 4:30 a.m., four employees arrived for the morning shift to open the store.  Surveillance cameras showed Slater and Smith, who were wearing masks, walking across a parking lot in the direction of the employee entrance.  As employees entered the store, Slater and Smith trailed them through the open door, posing as employees.

As detailed in the plea agreement and described during trial testimony, upon entering the building Slater confronted two victims outside of the manager’s office, pulled out a gun and shot one of the victims in the face.  Slater then forced the other employee toward the direction of the cash room, where the safe was stored.  In the meantime, Smith entered the employee breakroom and confronted two other victims, brandishing a firearm while he ordered the victims to hand over their cell phones and get on the floor.  Once Slater and the victim reached the cash room, the victim quickly entered the room and shut the door behind him, knowing that the door would lock automatically.

Knowing that they had been locked out of the cash room, Smith and Slater fled to Slater’s vehicle and drove off.

In addition to the attempted robbery, Slater admitted that on November 14, 2018, he fired two shots at a woman, striking her in the side.  The woman’s temporary license plate had been stolen from her vehicle on October 26, 2018.  While driving in her neighborhood in the 2500 block of Springhill Avenue in Baltimore on November 14, 2018, the victim saw her stolen license plate on Slater’s car and pulled beside the vehicle to see who had stolen the plate.  Slater confronted the victim for following him and shot her.  The victim was able to describe Slater and his girlfriend, who had also been in the car at the time of the shooting.

Both of the shootings were forensically linked through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) by the shell casings recovered at each shooting scene.  Using information gleaned from both investigations, law enforcement officers were able to locate Slater and subsequently arrest him on December 18, 2018, outside of his residence in Odenton.  At the time of his arrest, Slater’s vehicle was displaying another temporary license plate that Slater stole approximately two weeks earlier.  During a search of Slater’s residence, law enforcement recovered the 9mm pistol used in the two shootings from under Slater’s bed, as well as 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition.  Slater had previous felony convictions, including a prior federal conviction, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Smith faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for a commercial robbery; and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison for aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Judge Bennett has scheduled sentencing for Smith on October 21,, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.

This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) NIBIN.  NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.  NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles.  For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.        

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Goldsticker and James G. Warwick, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury in Maryland has indicted four MS-13 gang members today on federal charges in connection with their MS-13 gang activities, specifically for conspiracy to destroy and conceal evidence in connection with a murder.  Charged in the three-count indictment are Jose Domingo Ordonez-Zometa, a/k/a “Felon,” age 31, of Landover Hills, Maryland; Jose Rafael Ortega-Ayala, age 28, of Washington, D.C.; Jose Henry Hernandez-Garcia, age 26, of no fixed address; and Kevin Alexis Rodriguez-Flores, age 20, of Stafford, Virginia.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington Field Office Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore Office; Interim Chief of Police Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy; Colonel Edwin C. Roessler, Jr., Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department; and Sheriff David P. Decatur of the Stafford County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office.

MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador.  Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Maryland, Virginia, and throughout the United States.  Members of MS-13 are expected to protect the name, reputation, and status of the gang from rival gang members and other persons.  To protect the gang and to enhance its reputation, MS-13 members are expected to use any means necessary to force respect from those who showed disrespect, including acts of intimidation and violence.  MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the gang.  One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible.  Another principal rule of MS-13 is that its members must never cooperate with law enforcement.  Violation of this rule results in an order of death for the offender.

According to indictment, the defendants were members and associates of the Los Ghettos Criminales Salvatruchas (“LGCS” or “Ghettos”) clique of MS-13, with Ordonez being the leader of the LGCS clique.  MS-13 members and associates met on a regular basis to, among other things, discuss gang affairs and report on acts of violence committed by their members, with the goal of inciting and encouraging further violence.  Each clique held clique meetings where business specific to that clique was discussed.  Any perceived indiscretions by members and associates for violations of MS-13 rules were discussed at clique meetings, and punishments known as “courts” or “violations” were issued.  Courts or violations often took the form of beatings by fellow MS-13 members.  More serious violations resulted in the issuance of a “greenlight.”  A greenlight was an order and/or approval to kill.

The indictment alleges that on March 8, 2019, Ordonez held a meeting for LGCS clique members at his residence to discuss clique matters, including recent contacts that an LGCS member (Victim 1) had with police.  During the meeting, Ordonez questioned Victim 1 about his/her recent interaction with police and other matters.  As a result of suspicions that Victim 1 was cooperating with police, the defendants and at least one other MS-13 member allegedly assaulted Victim 1 and another LGCS member who attempted to defend Victim 1 from the assault.  The assault on Victim 1 continued, with Victim 1 being beaten, cut, and stabbed, and culminated with Ordonez, as LGCS clique leader, allegedly ordering Victim 1 be killed.  The indictment alleges that Ortega, Hernandez, Rodriguez, and other LGCS clique members stabbed and murdered Victim 1 on Ordonez’ orders, for reasons including suspicions that Victim 1 had cooperated with law enforcement.

According to the indictment, Ordonez, as LGCS leader, directed Ortega, Hernandez, Rodriguez, and other LGCS clique members and co-conspirators to conceal and destroy evidence of the murder.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that Ordonez directed Ortega and other LGCS clique members and co-conspirators to transport the body of Victim 1 from Maryland to a secluded location in Stafford, Virginia; set the body of Victim 1 on fire; and destroy and conceal other evidence of the murder of Victim 1.  Further, the indictment alleges that while the body of Victim 1 was being transported from the crime scene, Ordonez, Hernandez, and Rodriguez stayed at the crime scene and attempted to destroy, remove, and conceal evidence of the murder of Victim 1, including Victim 1’s blood.  When Ortega returned from disposing of Victim 1’s body, the defendants and others attempted to remove any evidence of the murder, including Victim 1’s blood, from the vehicle used to transport the body.

All of the defendants are currently detained on related state criminal charges.

The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.  Initial appearances have not yet been scheduled in U.S. District Court.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, HSI Baltimore, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Fairfax County, Virginia Police Department, and the Stafford County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Moomau and Erin B. Pulice, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced former Maryland State Delegate Cheryl Diane Glenn, age 68, of Baltimore, Maryland, to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for federal honest services wire fraud and bribery.  Judge Blake also ordered Glenn to forfeit and to pay restitution in the amount of $18,750 each.  

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

“Cheryl Glenn solicited and accepted more than $33,000 in bribes in exchange for official actions instead of doing her duty and putting the interests of the public above her own,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “We expect our elected officials to serve the public, not to use their positions of authority to line their own pockets.  As this case demonstrates, we will work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who betray the public trust.  Cheryl Glenn will now pay the price for her greed by serving time in federal prison.”

“Elected officials owe the taxpayers of Baltimore their honest services and as today's sentence shows, there are serious consequences for violating that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Boone. “The FBI is dedicated to rooting out corruption so that the citizens we serve can feel secure that their elected leaders are putting the public good over their own personal profits.”

According to her plea agreement, until her resignation on December 18, 2019, Glenn was a Maryland State Delegate representing District 45, which covered portions of Baltimore.  During her tenure, Glenn served as the Chair of the Banking, Consumer Protection, and Commercial Law Subcommittee of the Economic Matters Committee; the Vice Chair of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee; and the Chair of the Baltimore City Delegation, among other roles.

As detailed in her plea agreement, from at least March 4, 2018 through February 11, 2019, Glenn defrauded the citizens of Maryland of the right to her honest services by soliciting and accepting bribes in exchange for her official actions.  Specifically, Glenn accepted five bribes totaling $33,750 from an associate in exchange for voting in favor of a bill to increase the number of medical marijuana grower and processing licenses that were available to an out-of-state company; promising to lead the effort to change the law in order to provide a preference for Maryland residency to in-state medical marijuana license applicants; introducing legislation that decreased the number of years of experience required to be a medical director of an opioid maintenance therapy clinic; and introducing legislation that created a class B alcohol and liquor license in District 45.

Glenn admitted that after a meeting on March 5, 2018 with an associate and two businesspersons, she agreed to use her position as a state legislator to vote for a bill which could favor Company 1 in its pursuit of a medical marijuana license, in exchange for $3,000 in cash, which would be used to pay an outstanding tax bill on her residence.  Glenn subsequently voted for the bill after its Third Reading on March 8, 2018, and again on April 7, 2018, after amendments from the Senate.  The bill passed and on April 20, 2018, the associate provided Glenn with $3,000 in cash during a meeting at a restaurant in Baltimore County.

According to the plea agreement, on June 7, 2018, Glenn and her associate met with another businessperson at a restaurant in Baltimore to discuss medical marijuana licenses.  During the conversation, Glenn told the businessperson that people had asked her how a medical marijuana company had been awarded a medical marijuana growing license without having any high-priced lobbyists.  Glenn responded, “… they know God and Cheryl Glenn.”  A few weeks later, Glenn followed up with the associate to see if the businessperson was “lookin’ for [Glenn] to help him or something?”  The associate confirmed that the businessperson did want Glenn’s help and Glenn asked “… is he going to be makin’ a donation or something?”  On August 10, 2018, the associate told Glenn that the businessperson had offered the associate $10,000 to get Maryland law changed so that local businesses would be given priority for medical marijuana licenses.  The associate offered to split the $10,000 with Glenn, who agreed to introduce legislation to get the law changed in exchange for a payment of $5,000.  In order to get the businessperson to make the $10,000 payment, Glenn subsequently sent the associate an e-mail pledging to take the lead in the effort to get the law changed so that Maryland residents received a preference for medical marijuana licenses.  On August 23, 2018, the associate gave Glenn $5,000 in cash during a meeting at a Baltimore restaurant.

Further, Glenn admitted that on October 18, 2018, she pre-filed legislation to reduce the required experience for medical directors at opioid maintenance therapy clinics in order to receive another $5,000 payment from the businessperson.  The payment was provided on October 22, 2018, and Glenn subsequently introduced the bill on January 9, 2019.  Glenn also agreed to introduce legislation to obtain a liquor license for a restaurant that the businessperson wanted to open in Glenn’s district, in exchange for $20,000, with the initial payment of $5,000 to be made up front and the remaining $15,000 payment when the legislation was introduced.  As stated in the plea agreement, Glenn received the $5,000 payment on December 10, 2018.  On January 28, 2019, Glenn introduced the bill to obtain the liquor license and on February 11, 2019, received a bribe payment of $15,000.

Glenn took steps to conceal her illegal activities, including: agreeing not to deposit bribe payments in her bank account; agreeing to meet in person to discuss the details of bribes rather than discussing them over the phone; and creating a false loan note for the $15,000 bribe payment, falsely stating that the money was a gift and was in no way connected to her position as a State Delegate.  On at least two occasions, Glenn texted an associate who was providing the bribe payments on behalf of the businesses and falsely advised the associate that the bribe payments were short a total of $750, which the associate subsequently provided to Glenn.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Leo J. Wise, who prosecuted the case, along with former Maryland Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Hines.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Quention Price, age 27, of Columbia, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to two federal carjacking charges; to discharging a weapon during a crime of violence; and to using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, in connection with a carjacking and attempted carjacking committed on June 15, 2019, in the Inner Harbor area of downtown Baltimore.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur stated, “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to get guns out of the hands of violent criminals and off of our streets.  If you use a gun, you could face federal time, where there is no parole—ever.  Please, put down the guns and save a life—maybe even your own.”

According to his guilty plea, on the evening of June 15, 2019, Price stood in the middle of the street in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor region in front of a Honda Civic, forcing the vehicle to stop.  Price approached the driver’s side door, telling the driver to “open the door” while pulling on the door handle.  When the driver refused, Price became frustrated, walked to the front of the car, pulled out a handgun, and discharged two bullets in an attempt to take the vehicle.  One of the bullets went through the front windshield of the car and lodged in the empty front passenger seat.  The driver and his backseat passenger were able to get away in the car, successfully avoiding Price, who fled the scene.

As detailed in his plea agreement, while fleeing from the first carjacking, Price fired his weapon at a passing Subaru Outback station wagon.  The bullet went through the hood of the vehicle, just below the front windshield.  Price was then captured on surveillance video walking into the middle of Light Street where he approached multiple cars and brandished his gun while pulling on the car door handles.  At approximately 11:00 p.m. Price approached a BMW 325i, climbed onto the hood of the vehicle and began striking the windshield with his gun, cracking the glass and punching a hole, all while screaming at the driver to “get out of the car.”  Price then walked to the driver’s side, struck the driver in the face with the butt of his pistol through an open window, and pulled the victim out of the vehicle by her hair.  After the driver and passenger had exited the car, Price drove the BMW northbound on Light Street towards the Inner Harbor, crashing the car a few blocks away.  As a Baltimore Police officer responded, Price fell out of the car and moved toward the trunk, where he was immediately arrested.  Officers recovered the gun, a .357 revolver, from behind the BMW, where Price was found when police arrived on the scene.  The gun matched the description provided by the driver of the BMW and contained three spent shell casings in the cylinder, indicating that it had been fired three times.  The driver and passenger of the BMW were brought to the scene and identified Price as the carjacker.  Price was also subsequently heard on recorded jail calls admitting to carjacking vehicles and to firing his gun at the vehicles and their passengers.

Price and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Price will be sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.  U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III has scheduled sentencing for September 24, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Goldsticker, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar today sentenced Ahmad Kazzelbach, age 26, of Pasadena, Maryland, to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, on the federal charges of cyberstalking and intentional damage to a protected computer. 

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.

According to Kazzelbach’s plea agreement, beginning in June 2015, Kazzelbach and the victim both worked at Company A, an insurance broker located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and in December 2015 began a romantic relationship, moving into a shared apartment.  In late May 2016, the victim ended her relationship with Kazzelbach.  Although Kazzelbach moved out of their shared apartment, he subsequently began a year-long scheme to harass the victim by compromising her personal online accounts, forging policy cancellation letters on behalf of her clients, and filing false reports with law enforcement that ultimately resulted in the victim being wrongfully arrested and incarcerated on multiple occasions.

Specifically, on July 25, 2016, Kazzelbach created an e-mail account that mimicked the victim’s real e-mail address and within 10 minutes, changed the name on the victim’s Apple account to the fake e-mail address he had created.  Two days later, Kazzelbach initiated a password reset, locking the victim out of the account which controlled certain settings on her iPhone, as well as access to the photos, music, and videos associated with her account.  Kazzelbach also accessed the victim’s Instagram account and changed a portion of her user name to “whore,” and accessed the victim’s online student loan account and changed the account e-mail address to the fake address he had created.

Kazzelbach also admitted that in late August 2016, he used a fax machine at Company A to send two letters purporting to cancel supplemental health insurance policies belonging to two of the victim’s clients, whose information Kazzelbach had accessed through his position at Company A.  On August 28, 2016, Kazzelbach accessed the victim’s own online health insurance account, to which she had previously given Kazzelbach limited access for initiation purposes, and made unauthorized changes to the victim’s race, pregnancy status, and income.  The change in income resulted in the victim being disqualified from the plan in which she had enrolled, potentially modifying or impairing her medical care.

On September 1 and October 1, 2016, Kazzelbach attempted to access the victim’s bank account and tax-filing account, respectively, using a proxy server, which can be used to hide an electronic device’s true location or identity.  However, investigators were able to identify the true Internet Protocol (IP) address from which the attempts were made and determined that the account was subscribed to by Kazzelbach’s father at a residence where Kazzelbach was then residing.

On September 30, 2016, Kazzelbach sent a text message to the victim in which he disguised his real identity by using a “spoofing” program, which used computer software to make it appear as though the message originated from a Florida-based cell phone number that did not belong to Kazzelbach.  In the message, Kazzelbach wrote, “Prepare yourself for what’s coming…the last 3 months were just the beginning.  I have bigger plans for you…I love how easily manipulated you can be.”

As detailed in his plea agreement, Kazzelbach filed a petition for a protective order against the victim on December 10, 2016, in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County, falsely alleging that the victim had physically abused him and made violent threats in text messages and on social media.  A temporary protective order was granted on December 13 and a hearing on a final protective order was scheduled for December 29, 2016.  Between December 13 and December 29, Kazzelbach contacted Anne Arundel County on four occasions to falsely report that the victim was continuing to harass and threaten him in violation of the temporary protective order.  Based on Kazzelbach’s sworn statement, and on text messages, and phone calls on Kazzelbach’s phone that he had spoofed to make it appear that the victim had contacted him, when in fact, she had not, the court issued four arrest warrants for the victim.  On December 29, 2016, the final protective order against the victim was granted, effective for a period of one year.  Then, between December 29, 2016 and June 2017, Kazzelbach made 14 additional false reports to law enforcement, causing seven more criminal actions to be filed against the victim in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties, and resulting in her false imprisonment for four nights.

In March 2017, the Anne Arundel County prosecutor handling Kazzelbach’s case asked for Kazzelbach’s consent to download the contents of his iPhone, but Kazzelbach refused.  The prosecutor told Kazzelbach that if he did not permit a full search of his phone, the Anne Arundel charges against the victim would be dismissed.  In response, Kazzelbach began making false reports to Baltimore County instead.  In May 2017, the Anne Arundel charges against the victim were dismissed.  Baltimore County Police officers subsequently began their own investigation and determined that no attempted or completed text messages were sent from any of the victim’s accounts on the dates and times alleged by Kazzelbach.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI Baltimore Cyber Task Force (CTF), the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey J. Izant and P. Michael Cunningham, who prosecuted the case and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Myers for his assistance.

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Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal information has been filed charging Lamonte Montae Young, Sr., a/k/a “Fats,” age 41, of Frederick, Maryland, on the federal charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm and ammunition by prohibited person, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The criminal information was filed on June 12, 2020.  Young had his initial appearance and arraignment in U.S. District Court late on July 24, 2020, and was ordered to be detained pending a detention hearing on Friday, July 31, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

The federal charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Frederick Police Acting Chief Patrick Grossman; Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins; and Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith.

According to the criminal information and other court documents, members of the Frederick Police Department and agents with Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) began investigating Young in December 2019 in connection with the large-scale distribution of cocaine in Frederick, Maryland.  On February 25, 2020, law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance of Young and followed him into Virginia, where they observed Young engage in what they believed to be a drug transaction.  As Young was driving back into Maryland from Virginia, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on Young’s vehicle for windows that were illegally tinted.  Officers called a canine unit to the scene.  The canine alerted to the exterior of the vehicle for the odor of drugs.  Law enforcement recovered two large boxes from the trunk of the vehicle and the boxes were found to contain more than 21 kilograms of cocaine and 1.5 kilograms of heroin.

Members of the Frederick High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force then executed search warrants at four addresses in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland associated with Young.  During a search of these locations, detectives seized an additional 344 grams of heroin, 3 handguns (1 reported stolen), and $270,000 in United States currency.

If convicted, Young faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin; a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person; and a mandatory consecutive minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

A criminal information is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by criminal information is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI, the Frederick Police Department, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey J. Izant, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Delshawn Harvey, age 41, and Keizye Collins, age 23, both of Baltimore Maryland, pleaded guilty on July 21, 2020, to federal drug distribution charges related to their participation in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and/or fentanyl in the Monument Street area of East Baltimore.  U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced co-defendant, Christopher Redd, age 35, of Baltimore, yesterday to three years in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

The guilty pleas and sentence were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

“The Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force is a critical part of our strategy to make Baltimore safer by identifying and focusing on those groups responsible for the most violent crime in our city,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “The Monument Street area is one of the first areas the Strike Force has targeted and we anticipate that Strike Force cases will make these neighborhoods safer for the law-abiding citizens that live there.”

According to their guilty pleas, in July of 2018, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) Strike Force Group 1 began an investigation of the Monument Street corridor in East Baltimore, which is known to support a high volume of street-level drug distribution and acts of violence associated with the drug trafficking.  During the investigation, law enforcement identified multiple street-level drug trafficking “shops,” with the two most prominent located in the 400 block of North Montford Avenue at Jefferson Street (“the Montford DTO”) and in the 2400 block of East Monument Street at Port Street (the “Out the Mud,” or “OTM DTO”). 

As detailed in their plea agreements, Harvey supplied drugs to the Montford and OTM drug trafficking organizations, among others; Collins was a drug distributor for the OTM drug trafficking organization; and Redd was a wholesale drug customer of members of the conspiracy.  Law enforcement overheard the defendants discussing the distribution of drugs, including powder and crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, among others.

Law enforcement executed search warrants at residences associated with Harvey and his co-conspirators in January and May 2019, recovering more than two kilos of cocaine; drug paraphernalia, including digital scales, packaging materials, and money counters; more than $34,000 in cash, believed to be drug proceeds; and two semi-automatic pistols and ammunition, which Harvey admitted he possessed in connection to his drug trafficking activities.  Harvey is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition as a result of a previous felony conviction.

Collins admitted that he distributed cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin to an undercover detective on at least four occasions, and provided the undercover detective his contact information for future drug transactions.  In addition, in July 2018, Collins handed out free samples of heroin, referred to as “testers,” including to an undercover detective. 

Throughout the course of their involvement, it was reasonably foreseeable to Harvey and Redd, and within the scope of the conspiracy that they or other members of the conspiracy would distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as quantities of cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl during the course of and in furtherance of the conspiracy.  It was reasonably foreseeable to Collins that he or other members of the conspiracy would distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, as well as quantities of cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin.

Collins faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the drug conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Harvey and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Harvey will be sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.  Judge Hollander has scheduled sentencing for Harvey and Collins on September 24, 2020. 

Of the 25 defendants indicted in this case, six—including Redd, Harvey, and Collins—have pleaded guilty.  The remaining defendants have trial dates in October 2020, or in January or May 2021.

This case was investigated as part of the Baltimore Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force, an initiative designed to combat violent crime in Baltimore.  The mission of the Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle the most violent gangs and drug trafficking organizations, and their financial infrastructure, in the Baltimore metropolitan area.  In addition to the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, members of the Strike Force include the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA, the Maryland State Police, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, the Maryland National Guard, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel County Police Departments, and the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaRai Everett and James T. Wallner, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury in Maryland has indicted licensed dentist Edward T. Buford III, age 68, of Silver Spring, Maryland; his business partner Kasandra Vilchez-Duarte, age 44, of Fort Washington, Maryland; and Donnie Amis, age 63, of Washington, D.C. on the federal charges of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud.  The indictment was returned on July 13, 2020, and unsealed today at the defendants’ initial appearance.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS OIG); Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Philadelphia Field Division; and Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas, District of Columbia, Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

According to the indictment, Buford was a licensed dentist in Washington, D.C., where he was the owner and chief executive officer of International Dental Associates, Inc. (IDA).  Vilchez-Duarte was Buford’s business partner and manager of IDA.  IDA was a provider with Medicaid from about July 2011 to the present and billed Medicaid for dental services purportedly provided to Medicaid beneficiaries.  Buford was also enrolled as an individual Medicaid provider prior to April 10, 2015, when Medicaid suspended payments to Buford under his individual provider number.  After that date, Buford and Vilchez-Duarte continued to submit claims to Medicaid through IDA’s Medicaid provider number.  The indictment alleges that from January 2013 through May 2018, Buford and Vilchez-Duarte paid kickbacks to Amis to recruit Medicaid beneficiaries for which IDA billed, and received payment from, Medicaid.

Specifically, the indictment alleges that Buford and Vilchez-Duarte offered and paid kickbacks to Amis and others in exchange for referring Medicaid beneficiaries to IDA for dental services and even employed an individual to drive a van to transport recruited beneficiaries to IDA.  Buford allegedly also sent text messages encouraging Amis and others to recruit Medicaid beneficiaries to refer to IDA for dental services, including dentures and extractions.  Buford and Vilchez-Duarte paid Amis larger cash kickbacks, typically approximately $50 per beneficiary, for beneficiaries Amis recruited who agreed to be fitted for dentures than for beneficiaries who agreed to receive dental cleanings at IDA.  Amis recruited Medicaid beneficiaries by offering cash bribes to induce them to visit and accept dental services, including dentures, from IDA.  According to the indictment, Buford, Vilchez-Duarte, and Amis typically paid and caused to be paid approximately $20 to each recruited beneficiary who agreed to be fitted for dentures and approximately $10 to each recruited beneficiary who agreed to receive a cleaning from IDA.  The beneficiaries typically only received the payment for the initial visit to be fitted for dentures, even though denture fittings require multiple visits and many beneficiaries never returned to IDA after receiving the cash payment.  As a result, many beneficiaries never returned after the initial visit.  On IDA’s premises, Buford, Vilchez-Duarte, and their co-conspirators stored hundreds of undelivered dentures, many of which had been billed to and paid for by Medicaid.

As detailed in the indictment, Buford, Vilchez-Duarte, and Amis submitted and caused to be submitted through IDA claims to Medicaid for dental services purportedly provided to the recruited beneficiaries.  Medicaid then sent checks to a post office box in Silver Spring, Maryland, which Buford identified as IDA’s billing address, as payment for the dental services purportedly provided to the recruited beneficiaries.  Further, the indictment alleges that in approximately April 2016, Buford and Vilchez-Duarte re-enrolled IDA in Medicaid.  In the application, in response to the question, “Have you ever been suspended from the Medicare or Medicaid program, or has your participation status ever been modified (terminated, suspended, restricted, revoked, limited, cancelled),” Buford and Vilchez-Duarte failed to disclose Buford’s suspension from Medicaid.

According to the indictment, from January 2013 to February 2015, Buford and Vilchez-Duarte caused to be submitted to Medicaid under Buford’s individual provider number claims totaling $5.2 million and Medicaid paid approximately $2.7 million of those claims, including approximately $2 million in claims for dentures.  From February 2014 to May 2018, Buford, Vilchez-Duarte, and Amis caused to be submitted to Medicaid through IDA claims totaling $12 million and Medicaid paid approximately $6.4 million of those claims, including approximately $4.5 million in claims for dentures.

If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  The defendants had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt today.  The defendants were released pending trial.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, HHS OIG, SSA OIG, and the District of Columbia OIG’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Bernstein and Jessica Collins, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – Jeffrey R. Cummings, Jr., age 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal charge for enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity during a period of time when Cummings was required to register as a sex offender.  Cummings has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2019. 

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to his plea agreement, in 2008 Cummings was convicted of a sex offense in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, based on his sexual contact with a 10-year-old boy, and was required to register as a sex offender in Maryland.  From March 2017 through July 2019, Cummings operated multiple social media accounts using a variety of aliases, including elaborate, false female personas, to communicate with minor boys under the false pretense that he was a minor girl.  Using his accounts, Cummings coerced and enticed at least six minor male victims, ranging in age from 13 to 16 years old, to send Cummings pictures and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Cummings also admitted that he further distributed some of the sexually explicit photos received from the victims.

As detailed in the plea agreement, during his conversations with the victims, Cummings, posing as a teenage girl, requested the victims to send “her” a sexually explicit photograph or video.  Thinking that they were communicating with a teenage girl, and often after Cummings sent the victims pictures of a teenage girl purported to be pictures of “herself,” including nude images of a pubescent female’s genital area, at least five of the minor victims sent Cummings sexually explicit images of themselves.  In a group chat that included a minor boy and at least two of Cummings’ alias social media accounts, Cummings threatened to publicly post a sexually explicit video of a minor victim if the victim did not meet his demands.  Despite the minor boy’s objections, Cummings subsequently posted the video to a group chat on a social media platform.  Using his alias accounts Cummings continued to taunt the minor boy and threatened to post the victim’s video and address online, and send the video to the victim’s teachers.

Throughout his conversations with several of the victims, Cummings requested that the victims send him their previously worn socks by mail.  Cummings claimed that they were for a “science project,” and even offered one victim “$20 a pair.”

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cummings’ residence on July 19, 2019, and seized his cell phone, which contained images of child pornography, including sexually explicit images of the victims.  The phone also had accessed several of Cummings’ alias social media accounts.  After his arrest that same day, Cummings agreed to speak with investigators.  Cummings made numerous statements attributing exchanges of nude photos on social media and the solicitation of dirty socks for a sexual fetish to his teenage son, stating that he had two sons, ages 15 and nine, who lived with his mother in Pennsylvania.  Further, Cummings stated that he asked his brother to pick up socks from his post office box and deliver them to his son in Pennsylvania.  In fact, Cummings is an only child, has not fathered or raised any children, and his mother has never raised or kept any children for Cummings.

Cummings faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has not yet scheduled sentencing.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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 www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.       

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and FBI for their work in the investigation, and thanked the Baltimore Police Department for its assistance.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary W. Setzer and Christine L. Duey, who are prosecuting the federal case, and recognized Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for his assistance.

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Baltimore, Maryland – Sandra King, age 62, of Owings Mills, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to embezzlement from a labor organization.  King was the president of two separate labor unions, both based in Owings Mills, that represented workers in Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington, D.C.  King pleaded guilty to stealing more than $57,000 from those unions.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and U.S. Department of Labor, Washington District Office District Director Mark Wheeler. 

According to her guilty plea, from October 2014 through September 2019, King served as president of The Federation of Police and Security (“FOPS”), formerly known as the National Union of Protective Services Association, which represents private security guards in Washington, D.C. and Bethesda, Maryland.  King became president after the union’s previous president, J.C. Stamps, pleaded guilty to defrauding FOPS’s employee benefit plan.  On October 3, 2014, investigators with the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) met with King to advise her of her fiduciary obligations as the president of FOPS and further instructed King that the union funds were to be used only for the benefit of union members and that the personal use of union funds was a violation of federal law.

From late 2014 to the present, King was also the president of the Alliance of Independent Workers (“AIW”), which represented the communication staff, mortuary staff, medical records staff, and the child fatality staff at the District of Columbia, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.  Like FOPS, King succeeded Stamps as president of AIW.

As detailed in her plea agreement, as president of FOPS and AIW, King was a fiduciary and had decision-making authority.  King was the sole signatory on all FOPS and AIW bank accounts.  King deposited dues from members of these unions and restitution payments from Stamps into the union bank accounts.  Union dues were intended to fund union purposes, including bargaining with employers, litigating grievances, and providing any administrative support required by FOPS and AIW.

According to her guilty plea, from October 2014 through September 2019, while president of FOPS and AIW, King embezzled $50,939.41 from these unions--$20,368.76 from FOPS and $30,570.75 from AIW.  King admitted that she used union funds for her personal benefit by writing checks to cash, making cash withdrawals at automated teller machines, and making personal purchases using the union debit card.  King used union funds to purchase liquor, pay rent on her apartment, and purchase items at Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon, Apple iTunes, and at grocery stores.  She also used union funds to pay for her personal life insurance and automobile insurance.  Additionally, King’s personal expenditures often caused overdrafts on FOPS’s bank account, which caused FOPS to incur an additional loss of $6,388.50 in overdraft fees and penalties.

As part of her plea agreement, King will be required to pay restitution in the full amount of the unions’ losses, which is estimated to be at least $57,328.01.

King faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for embezzling from the labor unions.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has scheduled sentencing for October 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the Department of Labor for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Phelps, who is prosecuting the case.

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Baltimore, Maryland - James Robert Wissmann, IV, age 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, a police officer with the Baltimore City Police Department, pleaded guilty today to possession of child pornography.  Baltimore Police Department officials suspended Wissmann on July 31, 2019, after a search at his residence.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department.

According to his guilty plea, starting no later than July 2017, using fake names and fake e-mail addresses, Wissmann created accounts on a mobile application that allows users to join a “room” where they can message, video chat, watch videos and images, and share files, and used those accounts to distribute and receive files of child pornography and to discuss the sexual exploitation of children.  The application monitored the activity on its platform and identified Wissmann’s accounts as sharing contraband files, shut down Wissmann’s accounts, and subsequently submitted reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”).  Each time Wissmann’s accounts were shut down, Wissmann created a new account, using fake names and e-mail addresses, and continued to share child pornography and discuss child exploitation.

In 2018 and 2019, Wissmann created at least seven separate accounts on the application after being banned based on trafficking in child pornography.  On October 11, 2018, the application sent five reports to NCMEC relating to child exploitation activity in Wissmann’s account.  All five reports contained images that depict naked prepubescent females. 

As detailed in his plea agreement, Wissmann took a variety of steps to avoid detection by the online platforms and law enforcement.  Those steps included the use of fake names and e-mail addresses when creating accounts; the purchase of a Virtual Private Network account (a service that lets a user access the web privately by routing the connection through a server and hiding the user’s online actions); the use of the Tor anonymity network (used to conceal a user’s location, usage, and identity); regularly deleting, reinstalling, and then deleting various applications; and by using a file-wiping utility to permanently delete files.

On July 31, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at Wissmann’s residence and seized Wissmann’s laptop computer, removable digital media, and mobile phones, which he used to commit the offense.  During a forensic examination of the seized items, investigators found images and videos of child pornography on Wissmann’s laptop, including images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 

As a result of his guilty plea, Wissmann will be required to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). 

Wissmann and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Wissmann will be sentenced to at least four years in federal prison, followed by at least 10 years of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III has scheduled sentencing for October 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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 www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.       

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Baltimore City Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the case.

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Greenbelt, Maryland – Michael Barry Carter, age 47, of Potomac Falls, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of wire fraud and investment adviser fraud, in connection with a scheme to steal more than $6 million.  

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

“For over 12 years, Michael Carter perpetrated a brazen scheme that defrauded victim account holders whose investments he was supposed to protect,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “When his fraud was discovered, Carter repaid some victims by taking money from other victim accounts.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will do everything we can to ensure that justice is served by holding accountable financial advisers who defraud investors of their life savings.”

According to his guilty plea, from August 7, 2006 to April 29, 2011, and again from November 16, 2011 to July 29, 2019, Carter was employed by a financial institution and worked primarily out of the financial institution’s Tysons Corner, Virginia location.  In 2012, Carter was promoted to financial adviser in the wealth management section of the financial institution and was registered to sell securities and act as an investment adviser in Maryland and Virginia, among other locations.  Carter managed and had authority over multiple investment accounts maintained by Victims 1 through 5 with the financial institution, which contained a mix of assets including securities and cash deposits.  As a financial adviser, Carter was required to manage the victim accounts in the best interests of his clients, consistent with their investment objectives, and not for his personal benefit.

As detailed in the statement of facts, from at least October 2007 to at least July 2019, Carter made numerous unauthorized transactions from the victim accounts for his personal benefit, defrauding Victims 1 through 5 of at least $5 million.  To effect the unauthorized wire transfers, Carter caused the submission of an internal bank authorization form that falsely stated that Carter had received verbal client instructions from each victim authorizing the transfer at a specific date and time.  Carter caused the wire transfers to be sent to his personal accounts and used the money to pay for his lifestyle expenses, including Carter’s mortgage, credit card bills, and country club membership fees.

Carter’s fraud was first discovered when Victim 1 and her adult daughter attempted to obtain a bridge loan from the financial institution to cover relocation expenses to an assisted living facility in Florida until the sale of Victim 1’s home in Columbia, Maryland, was completed.  When they applied for the loan, Victim 1 and her daughter discovered that an $800,000 loan had already been obtained in Victim 1’s name, without Victim 1’s knowledge or permission.  The financial institution determined that the disbursement of the loan proceeds went to Carter’s personal bank account and that Carter used his personal e-mail address in furtherance of the fraud.  The financial institution then learned that Carter had transferred approximately $5 million in unauthorized funds associated with clients of the financial institution.

On July 29, 2019, Carter was fired from the financial institution.  On August 2, 2019, during a call with employees from the financial institution, Carter admitted that he had defrauded the five victims over a period of years, that he had forged clients’ signatures on bank authorization forms, that he had created false financial statements to disguise his theft, and in some cases had mailed those financial statements.  With respect to Victim 1, Carter further admitted that he met with the victim at her home and answered Victim 1’s phone in order to authorize the transactions, unbeknownst to Victim 1.  Carter did this in order to overcome the financial institution’s multi-factor verification system required to execute the transactions.

According to the plea agreement, during the course of the scheme Carter made at least 53 unauthorized transfers from his clients’ accounts to his own accounts.  In addition, Carter admitted that he embezzled over $50,000 from a non-profit sports organization located in Loudoun County, Virginia.  In all, Carter stole at least $6,149,162.77.  Prior to his offenses being detected, Carter caused $1,794,052.38 to be returned to the victims.  After learning that his fraud had been discovered, in October 2019, Carter also repaid the non-profit organization for its loss.  Of the total amount repaid, $1,118,318.52 was repaid through transfers Carter made from other victim accounts. 

The net proceeds obtained by Carter was at least $4,355,110.39.  As part of his plea agreement, Carter will be required to pay a money judgment in that amount.

Carter faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud and a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for investment adviser fraud.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for their work in the investigation and recognized the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a related civil proceeding.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin B. Pulice and Jennifer L. Wine, who are prosecuting the criminal case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – iNovex Information Systems, Incorporated (“iNovex”), located in Annapolis, Maryland, has agreed to pay the United States $962,747.42 to resolve federal False Claims Act allegations that iNovex knowingly billed the National Security Agency (“NSA”), a component of the Department of Defense, for work performed by certain iNovex employees who did not meet all of the specialized qualifications required under their contract with NSA.  

The civil settlement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Inspector for Investigations G. Shawn Tate of the NSA Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Craig, Jr. of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office.

“Defense contractors are required to bill for costs actually incurred, and to be truthful in the claims they submit to federal agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners are committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring integrity and compliance with federal agency standards.  This agreement settles the allegations that iNovex billed the federal government for work performed by employees who did not meet the qualifications required under their contract.” 

iNovex provides advanced information technology (“IT”) consulting, engineering, development, and integration services to both the public and private sectors.  In March 2012, iNovex was awarded an NSA contract (“the contract”).  Given the complexity of the work that was to be performed under the contract, the NSA specifically included as a term of the contract the requirement that iNovex provide personnel possessing the training, qualifications, and clearances to accomplish all tasks identified in the contract.  To assure that iNovex understood the skills its employees were required to have to perform the services under the contract, NSA included an appendix to the contract that expressly referenced and attached a set of labor categories prescribing the experience, educational qualifications, and specialized certifications needed for the classes of personnel billed under the corresponding labor category, including the hourly rate that would be paid by the NSA. 

According to the civil settlement agreement, the settlement resolves the allegation that between November 9, 2012 and April 14, 2016, iNovex knowingly billed the NSA, and the NSA paid, for work performed by iNovex employees who were identified by iNovex, on the invoices it presented to the NSA, as System Administrator-IV (“SA-IV”) and System Administrator-III (“SA-III”) positions, despite the fact that those employees did not timely obtain a specific certification required for payment of the rates corresponding to those two labor categories. 

The claim resolved by this settlement is an allegation.  The settlement is not an admission of liability by iNovex, nor a concession by the United States that its claim is not well founded.   

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the NSA’s Office of the Inspector General and the Defense Contract Audit Agency for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tarra DeShields who handled this case.

# # #

The Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint seeking the forfeiture of a Maryland property acquired with approximately $3,500,000 in corruption proceeds by the ex-president of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, through a trust set up by his wife, Zineb Jammeh. 

According to the complaint, Yahya Jammeh corruptly obtained millions of dollars through the embezzlement of public funds and the solicitation of bribes from businesses seeking to obtain monopoly rights over various sectors of the Gambian economy.  The complaint further alleges that Yahya Jammeh conspired with his family members and close associates to utilize a host of shell companies and overseas trusts to launder his corrupt proceeds throughout the world, including through the purchase of a multimillion-dollar mansion in Potomac, Maryland, which the United States seeks to forfeit through the filing of the civil forfeiture complaint.  

“Yahya Jammeh is a former president of The Gambia who allegedly plundered hundreds of millions of dollars from his country and laundered part of those funds to corruptly acquire real estate in the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt.  “Our action today highlights the tireless work of the Criminal Division’s Kleptocracy Initiative and their global law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system and recover the ill-gotten gains of corrupt officials.”

“Ex-Gambian President Yahya Jammeh and his wife thought that they could hide funds stolen from the Gambian people by buying a mansion in Potomac, Maryland,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur for the District of Maryland.  “This action demonstrates that the United States will not allow criminals to profit from their crimes and will seek justice for crime victims both here and abroad.”

“The seizure of this property is just another example of our continued efforts to protect the U.S. financial infrastructure by denying a safe haven for foreign kleptocrats,” said Acting Executive Associate Director Alysa Erichs of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  “HSI will not tolerate our country being used by foreign officials to hide their corrupt activities and launder their illicit proceeds.”

The investigation was conducted by HSI’s Illicit Proceeds and Foreign Corruption Group in Miami, with the assistance of the HSI Office of the Special Agent in Charge for Baltimore and the HSI Attaché Office in Dakar.  HSI established this group in 2003 to conduct investigations into the laundering of proceeds emanating from foreign public corruption, bribery and embezzlement.  HSI’s goal is to prevent foreign-derived, ill-gotten gains from entering the U.S. financial infrastructure.

The case is being handled by Trial Attorneys Steven Parker and Kaycee Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Wine for the District of Maryland.  Substantial assistance was provided by the government of The Gambia and Michael Quinley of the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training.          

HSI Miami Illicit Proceeds and Foreign Corruption Investigations Group was established in 2003 to target corrupt foreign officials around the world that attempt to utilize U.S. financial institutions to launder illicit funds. Since inception, the group has seized over $500 million in ill-gotten gains traced to foreign corruption.  To report suspicious activity, reach out to your local HSI office or call 1-866-347-2423.

The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorney’s Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered assets to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office.  

A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime.  These allegations are not proven until a court awards judgment in favor of the United States.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Cory Collin Fitzgerald Sanders, age 39, of Hagerstown, Maryland, on federal charges of wire fraud, false claims, and aggravated identity theft in connection with his companies’ performance on federal contracts.  The indictment was returned on July 8, 2020, and was unsealed at his initial appearance yesterday.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Derek Pickle, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge John Salazar of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Washington Field Office.

According to the indictment, in June 2014 Sanders formed Sandtech LLC, a Maryland limited liability company whose business was the sale of video teleconference equipment to the Department of Defense and other agencies of the federal government.  Sanders was the sole owner, agent, and president of Sandtech.  As detailed in the indictment, Sanders obtained contracts with federal agencies for Sandtech to provide telecommunications equipment and services.  Sanders caused Sandtech to fail to perform on contracts with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of the Army, which terminated the Sandtech conracts for cause.  Sanders then formed Cycorp Technologies in 2016 to provide the same type of telecommunication services as Sandtech. 

The indictment alleges that from February 10, 2015 through June 6, 2018, Sanders engaged in a scheme to defraud the government by allegedly entering into contracts with federal agencies which required Sandtech and Cycorp Technologies to provide new telecommunications equipment which was still under warranty.  The indictment alleges that in his communications with federal agency contracting officers Sanders provided false information about the delivery, source, warranty, and/or condition of the electronic equipment provided by his companies, including misrepresentations that the equipment was new and protected by the manufacturer’s warranty, when Sanders knew that the equipment was not new, or was new but not under warranty, or was procured through unauthorized channels.  

Further, the indictment alleges that Sanders provided contracting officials with false information and false documents about the credentials, certifications, and qualifications of Cycorp Technologies.  Sanders allegedly provided fabricated and forged documents falsely certifying Cycorp Technologies’ status as an “authorized partner” of two large national telecommunications equipment manufacturers, which would have authorized Cycorp Technologies to buy directly from those companies and/or distribute their new and warrantied products.  One of the documents included the forged name and signature of an official at one of the manufacturers.  In addition, Sanders allegedly submitted invoices on behalf of Sandtech and Cycorp Technologies so that contracting government agencies would pay for deficient or non-existent performance by electronic deposit into business bank accounts.

If convicted, Sanders faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of nine counts of wire fraud; a maximum of five years in federal prison for each of two counts of false claims; and a mandatory two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for aggravated identity theft.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  At Sanders’s initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Mark Coulson ordered that Sanders be released under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the Department of Labor – OIG, the NCIS, and the other federal law enforcement agencies involved for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Maddox and Joyce K. McDonald, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III today sentenced Raheem Benjamin, age 27, of Baltimore Maryland, to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute heroin.  

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.

According to his guilty plea, from February 2018 through May 7, 2019, Benjamin and other co-conspirators agreed to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a drug trafficking organization (DTO) known as “Lex Luthor.”  The Lex Luthor DTO operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as an open-air drug shop in southwest Baltimore, typically selling gel capsules containing a mixture of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.  Benjamin’s responsibilities as a member of the DTO included distributing packs of these gel capsules to street-level distributors—who would then sell the gel capsules to paying customers—and collecting drug proceeds from those distributors in exchange for the packs.

On October 17, 2018, while monitoring surveillance from a pole camera, law enforcement saw Benjamin pull out a firearm.  Officers with the Baltimore Police Department responded to arrest Benjamin, who fled, discarding the loaded firearm.  Police immediately recovered the gun, a revolver loaded with six .22-caliber cartridges.  Officers apprehended Benjamin shortly thereafter.  Benjamin had a previous felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

As a result of the Benjamin’s day-to-day activities obtaining and supplying street-level distributors with narcotics, as well as from his conversations with other co-conspirators and general familiarity with the drug shop’s operation, Benjamin knew that members of the DTO would take possession of and distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.  

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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.        

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Goldsticker, who prosecuted the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III has sentenced Devon Denzel Thompson, age 26, of Woodlawn, Maryland, to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute three kilograms of fentanyl.  Judge Russell also ordered Thompson to forfeit drug proceeds of $14,144 in cash and a .380-caliber firearm and ammunition recovered during a search of his home.  The sentence was imposed on July 9, 2020.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department.

“Law enforcement partners are working together to arrest and prosecute those who peddle deadly fentanyl on our streets and in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.  “Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution.  Devon Thompson added a gun to that equation and will now serve 10 years in federal prison, where there is no parole—ever.  Please, put down the gun and save a life—maybe even your own.”

According to his plea agreement, on March 16, 2018, Thompson fled from a traffic stop, followed by Baltimore County Police Department officers, who observed Thompson throwing items out of the window.  Ultimately, Thompson was stopped and arrested.  Law enforcement recovered drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale and a baggie containing over 40 grams of fentanyl.

Based on those recoveries, law enforcement officers obtained a warrant to search Thompson’s residence.  During the search, law enforcement recovered three kilograms of fentanyl and over $10,000 from Thompson’s bedroom.  Officers also recovered a .380-caliber handgun and rounds of live ammunition from other areas of the house.  Thompson admitted that the drugs and gun were his and that he possessed the gun in connection with his drug distribution.

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher M. Rigali and Lauren E. Perry, who prosecuted the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury in Maryland has returned an indictment charging Arthur Morgan, age 67, of Lorton, Virginia, with federal wire fraud charges, in connection with federal contracts to provide helmets, body armor, and other items to military and other federal entities.  The indictment was returned on July 6, 2020.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Eric D. Radwick of the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Ashan Benedict of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge John A. Salazar, Naval Criminal Investigative Service; and Special Agent in Charge Marc A. Meyer of the U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General.

According to the indictment, Morgan is the Chief Executive Officer of Surveillance Equipment Group Inc. (SEG) and its relevant division, SEG Armor, both of which Morgan managed from Lorton, Virginia .  The GSA enters into government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide supplies and services that are available for use by federal agencies worldwide.  All GSA contracts are subject to the Trade Agreements Act (TAA), which requires that all products listed on GSA contracts must be manufactured or “substantially transformed” in a “designated country.”  China is not a designated country under the TAA.  Contractors were not allowed, under these contracts, to supply products that did not comply with the TAA.  Any such products would have been disqualified from eligibility under the contract.  Further, a contractor’s failure to certify that its products complied with the TAA would have disqualified the contractor from eligibility for the contract.  A contractor who falsely certified that a product was TAA compliant could not lawfully seek payment from the United States for that product.

The indictment alleges that Morgan falsely certified that the ballistic vests, helmets, riot gear, and other items he offered for sale were from designated countries, specifically, Hong Kong and the United States.  The indictment alleges that while representing that none of SEG’s products offered to federal agencies under the relevant contract were manufactured in China, Morgan knowingly provided products that Morgan knew had been manufactured in China, in violation of the TAA and the contract.  SEG received multiple federal government orders under the contract between 2003 and 2019.  According to the indictment, between September 15, 2014 and August 29, 2019, approximately six federal government agencies placed at least 11 orders for ballistic and other law enforcement/security equipment from SEG—which SEG sourced from China in violation of the TAA, as part of the scheme to defraud— totaling approximately $658,866.92. 

For example, the U.S. Navy placed an order with SEG for helmets, and Morgan had a series of e-mail communications with Navy contracting personnel in Indian Head, Maryland, including concerning SEG’s inability to meet the agreed-upon delivery schedule.  The indictment alleges that in his e-mails, Morgan falsely advised the Navy contracting personnel that SEG had a factory in southern Virginia, that the helmets for the order “were in production” there, and that the delays were due to a backorder of materials needed for the helmets. The helmets that Morgan provided under the U.S. Navy order allegedly originated from China before Morgan sent them to the Navy, in violation of the TAA and the contract.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that these products were manufactured by Chinese Company 1, from which Morgan knowingly ordered them.

On February 16, 2016, and March 10, 2016, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service paid SEG $127,069.60 and $191,990.28, respectively, for the U.S. Navy order.  For all of the orders, federal government agencies paid SEG at least approximately $488,976.92.

If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of two counts of wire fraud.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the GSA OIG, the State Department OIG, the ATF, and the NCIS for their work in the investigation, and recognized the Army Major Procurement Fraud Unit, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service for their assistance.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Wright, who is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Eddie Ray Johnson, Jr., age 59, of Brandywine, Maryland, on federal charges of theft of government property and money laundering.  The indictment was returned on July 6, 2020.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Brigadier General Terry Bullard of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Craig, Jr. of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office.

According to the indictment, from January 2003 to February 2018, Johnson was a civilian Air Force employee, most recently as a travel coordinator in the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Legislative Liaison, where he planned congressional travel and reviewed and approved accounting packages submitted by trip escorts, among other duties.  The indictment alleges that from March 2014 through September 2017, Johnson used his government-issued travel credit card to obtain more than $1.1 million in cash advances, at least $774,000 of which he diverted to his own personal use.

According to the indictment, Johnson frequently deposited the stolen funds into a non-interest bearing account opened in his name at a bank branch in the Pentagon.  Employees in the Office of Legislative Liaison were instructed to open such accounts so that they could more easily deposit and withdraw government funds for official use without accruing interest.  After depositing the stolen funds, Johnson allegedly wrote checks to himself, which he deposited into his personal bank accounts, as well as expended the money for his personal use.

If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government property and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for money laundering.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  An initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt has not yet been scheduled.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the Air Force OSI, the DCIS, and the IRS-CI for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana J. Brusca and Elizabeth G. Wright, who are prosecuting the case.

# # #

Baltimore, Maryland – Federal prosecutors in Maryland have filed a federal criminal complaint charging Dogar Singh, age 67, of Carteret, New Jersey, and Rehan Afridi, age 36, of West Deptford, New Jersey, on the federal bank fraud charges related to an alleged $10 million multi-state bank fraud scheme involving 76 businesses, including BBQ Tonite and Al Madina Kabob, which are associated with the defendants.  The complaints were signed on July 2, 2020, and were unsealed at their initial appearances today.

The federal charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Bo Keane of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in October 2019, BBQ Tonite and Al Madina Kabob were identified as being part of a ring of 76 suspect merchants in Maryland, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, that engaged in a refund fraud/invalid authorization scheme where fraudulently authorized refunds were sent to debit cards linked to bank accounts associated with the suspect merchants.  As part of the scheme, multiple suspect businesses refunded the same debit cards.  Over the course of fraud scheme, 2,426 credit or debit card transactions were executed totaling $10,782,047.  The loss associated with Al Madina Kabob alone is alleged to be at least $470,000.

The affidavit further alleges that in April 2019, Singh and Afridi opened multiple business and personal accounts at TD Bank.  Just a few days later, those accounts received large deposits from Al Madina Kabob, totaling $776,900.  Although those deposits were ultimately rejected by TD Bank as fraudulent, Singh and Afridi allegedly withdrew or transferred approximately $232,152.40 before the funds were returned.  Prior to the bank’s rejection of the deposits as fraudulent, Singh and Afridi were seen withdrawing cash at cash windows at casinos in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania as well as issuing checks and conducting cash withdrawals from Automated Teller Machines.

If convicted, Singh and Afridi each face a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  At today’s initial appearance in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois Goodman ordered that Singh and Afridi be released pending trial and that they appear in U.S. District Court in Maryland on the charges on July 15, 2020.

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the U.S. Secret Service for their work in the Maryland investigation, and recognized U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Zachary Terwilliger, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Craig Carpenito, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in New Jersey, and the FBI in Virginia, whose offices also participated in the investigation.  Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judson T. Mihok and Molissa H. Farber, who are prosecuting the Maryland case.

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