District of Maryland

Greenbelt, Maryland – Oluwafemi Charles Igberase, a/k/a Charles John Nosa Akoda, age 54, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty on November 15, 2016, to misusing a Social Security Account number to fraudulently obtain a medical license in Maryland.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Philadelphia Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Special Agent in Charge Drew Grimm of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to his plea agreement, Igberase entered the United States in October 1991 on a nonimmigrant visa.  In November 1991, January 1995, and September 1998, Igberase obtained fraudulent social security numbers using other names and false identifying information.  Between 1992 and 1998, Igberase obtained three certifications from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) under different names, dates of birth and fraudulent social security numbers, in order to practice medicine and get into a residency program in the United States.  The ECFMG Committee on Medical Education Credential subsequently revoked or suspended two certifications in December 1995, after learning that they were fraudulently obtained.  In 1998, after receiving his third ECFMG certification in the name Charles John Nosa Akoda, Igberase was admitted to a residency program in New Jersey.  Igberase was dismissed from the program two years later after officials learned that the social security number he used did not belong to him. 

In 2011, Igberase also used the third social security number to fraudulently apply for federal education loans for his children.  That same year, using a fourth fraudulent social security number that belonged to another individual, and other fraudulent documents in the name Charles John Nosa Akoda, Igbergase obtained a medical license in Maryland, after completing a U.S. residency program.  He went on to practice obstetrics and gynecology and obtained medical privileges at a hospital in Prince George’s County.

In 2012, Igberase, using the Akoda identity, submitted a Medicare Enrollment Application, which was denied based in part on their determination that Igberase did not provide an accurate social security number.

A search warrant executed at Igberase’s residence recovered a false social security card in the Akoda name, a false Nigerian passport for Akoda, a false U.S. visa in the Akoda name, and fraudulent or altered documents related to immigration, medical diplomas, medical transcripts, letters of recommendation and birth certificates.

Igberase and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Igberase will be sentenced to six months in prison, followed by six months of home detention as part of three years of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for February 27, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore, the Offices of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Personnel Management, the FBI, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly O’Connell Hayes and Michael T. Packard, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced James Kingsborough, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Kingsborough was convicted by a federal jury on June 22, 2016.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

According to the evidence presented at the two-day trial, on June 17, 2015, at approximately 11:25 a.m., Baltimore Police officers saw Kingsborough bent over at the waist appearing to be injured.  The officers approached Kingsborough inquiring if he was “OK.” Kingsborough responded he was “on the box,” meaning he had on an electronic monitoring device. Kingsborough departed abruptly and walked across the intersection of North Franklintown Road and West Franklin Street.  As he walked, the officers saw him adjusting his waistband and altering his gait in a manner suggesting he had a firearm.  Kingsborough went into a nearby barber shop and an officer followed him inside.  Kingsborough turned around, grabbed his right midsection, and walked towards the officer.  The officer instructed Kingsborough to show his hands, but Kingsborough refused.  The officer attempted to grab Kingsborough, who shifted out of the officer’s grasp, but the officer was able to grab the back of Kingsborough’s shirt as he squirmed past the officer.  Kingsborough and officer struggled through the shop’s front door and the second officer approached them.  A firearm dropped from Kingsborough’s waistband onto the ground and Kingsborough and the second officer began struggling.  The first officer, fearing for the safety of his fellow officer, deployed his Taser.  The officers arrested Kingsborough and recovered the firearm, a .380 caliber handgun, loaded with .380 hollow point rounds.

Kingsborough is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition as a result of four previous felony convictions, including a conviction for attempted second degree murder.  This offense occurred less than five months after Kingsborough’s release from prison on that conviction.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Metcalf and John W. Sippel, Jr. who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – On November 14, 2016, U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced BGF leader Mark Bazemore, a/k/a Uncle Mark, age 31, of Baltimore, to life in prison for racketeering and drug conspiracies related to his Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang activities.  Judge Bredar sentenced Michael Smith, Jr., a/k/a Mikey, Lil Mike and Mik, age 30, of Baltimore, to 210 months in prison, and Timothy Hurtt, a/k/a Uncle Tim and Tim, age 45, of Baltimore County, to 324 months in prison, each followed by five years of supervised release for participating in a racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy related to their membership in BGF.  A federal jury convicted them of those charges on June 6, 2016.  Bazemore and Hurtt were also convicted of conspiring to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime.  Bazemore was also convicted of conspiring to commit murder in aid of racketeering; and attempted murder in aid of racketeering.

Today, Judge Bredar sentenced Irvin Vincent, age 28, of Hanover, Maryland, to 18 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for racketeering and drug conspiracies related to his membership in the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) gang, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; Chief Gary Gardner of the Howard County Police Department; Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

“If we want to stop the killing in Baltimore, we need to remove the killers from Baltimore,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. 

The Black Guerilla Family (BGF) is a nationwide gang operating in prisons and on the streets of cities throughout the United States.  BGF is involved in criminal activity, including murder, robbery, extortion, narcotics trafficking, obstruction of justice and witness intimidation in Baltimore, in Maryland, and elsewhere. BGF members were required to follow a code of conduct.  Members who violate this code or disobey an order from a superior are subjected to disciplinary measures called “sanctions,” which include fines, physical beatings, stabbings, and murders administered by other BGF members. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, these defendants and other BGF members regularly paid dues to BGF and met to discuss gang business, including: the sanctioning of BGF members; the identities of individuals suspected of cooperating with law enforcement and actions to be taken against them; and the commission of future crimes. 

According to trial evidence, Bazemore, who was a BGF leader, issued sanctions on several fellow BGF members, including the attempted murder of one BGF member who was shot on March 10, 2014, and the murder of another member who was killed on June 16, 2014.  Bazemore and Smith collected dues from BGF members who were dealing drugs in the area of Pratt and Payson Streets, a BGF controlled open-air drug shop in Baltimore.  In addition to collecting dues, the defendants conspired to operate street-level drug shops throughout Baltimore where they distributed heroin.  Timothy Michael Gray, a/k/a “Mike Gray,” who was the Baltimore “city-wide” commander of BGF would often be driven by Hurtt to various BGF-controlled drug shops, like Pratt and Payson, to collect drugs and money from their subordinates.  In addition, Hurtt and Gray provided armed protection in a BGF drug deal.

According to his plea agreement, Vincent obtained wholesale quantities of heroin, which he distributed to other BGF members for redistribution, or provided the heroin to intermediaries to be sold in Howard County, Maryland, and elsewhere. Vincent often packaged his individual units of heroin in small green bags.  Vincent was overheard by law enforcement discussing the wholesale purchase and sale of heroin to various customers in Howard County and other locations throughout Maryland.  On July 8, 2014, Vincent was arrested driving his vehicle after being observed meeting with his source of supply, and a search and seizure warrant was executed on his apartment in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  Agents recovered approximately 75 grams of heroin, as well as heroin packaged in green bags; a loaded Taurus .357 revolver on top of a document containing the BGF oath; and a loaded 9mm handgun.   A later search of Vincent’s car revealed a hidden compartment behind the dashboard containing an additional 50 green bags containing heroin, a ski mask, and a loaded 9mm handgun. 

According to evidence presented at today’s sentencing hearing, two of Vincent’s regular drug customers obtained heroin from him or one of his employees which they provided to two individuals in Howard County who died of a heroin overdose.  According to today’s testimony, after being advised by his customers that someone may have died from using his heroin, Vincent stated that he did not want to hear about it, and told the customers not to bring it up again.

Timothy Michael Gray, a/k/a “Mike Gray,” age 48, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy. Nine other co-defendants pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracies and are awaiting sentencing, including six defendants who are scheduled to be sentenced this week.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI; Baltimore City and Howard County Police Departments; and Baltimore City and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keri Borzilleri, on detail from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office for her assistance in today’s sentencing, and Assistant United States Attorneys James T. Wallner and Clinton Fuchs, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Taft Redd, age 45, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for six commercial robberies committed between July 22 and August 18, 2015.    

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

According to his plea agreement, in each robbery Redd entered the store, approached the register, displayed what appeared to be a black handgun, and demanded money.  Redd stole cash from each store and occasionally took merchandise as well. Specifically, on July 22 and August 18, 2015 Redd robbed the same convenience store located in the 5200 block of Harford Road in Baltimore; on July 22 Redd robbed a shoe store located in the 3200 block of Greenmount Avenue in Baltimore; July 29 and August 12, 2015 Redd robbed the same shoe store located in the 3900 block of Erdman Avenue in Baltimore; and on August 16, 2015 Redd robbed a fast food restaurant in the 2000 block of N. Broadway in Baltimore.

When Redd was arrested on August 19, 2015, he was in possession of a black BB gun that was the same weapon seen by witnesses in the six robberies. 

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Sullivan, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced real estate consultant Alexander Sivels, II, age 32, of Baltimore, and real estate agent Christopher A. Kwegan, age 59, of Randallstown, Maryland, each to 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for related mortgage fraud schemes. Judge Bredar also ordered Sivels to pay restitution of $1,317,314.35, and ordered Kwegan to pay restitution of $530,641.27. Kwegan was sentenced today and Sivels was sentenced yesterday.

Sivels previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud involving the fraudulent purchase of at least nine properties in Baltimore using fraudulent loan documentation and settlement documents, resulting in actual or attempted losses of more than $1.3 million. Kwegan participated in the fraudulent sale of two properties with losses of more than $530,000.

The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge Bertrand Nelson of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General; and Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office.

“Mortgage fraud perpetrators steal by inducing lenders to make loans that will never be repaid, and they harm neighborhoods when the inevitable foreclosures drive down property values,” stated U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to Sivels’ plea agreement and other court documents, Sivels owned Royal Real Estate Consultants LLC, and co-conspirator Cecil Chester worked as an accountant from an office located on New Hampshire Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland.  Co-conspirator Andreas Tamaris purchased, renovated, and then resold distressed row houses in Baltimore City, primarily in Highlandtown.  In 2007 or 2008, Sivels met Andreas Tamaris and agreed to assist Tamaris to find purchasers for houses he had bought and renovated, or that were owned by developers who owed money to Tamaris for renovation work.  Tamaris told Sivels the amount he needed to receive from the sale of each property to recover his investment and earn a profit.  Tamaris told Sivels that he could keep any excess funds generated if Sivels sold the house for more than the amount Tamaris needed to cover his costs.

Between 2008 and 2011, Sivels participated in the sale of at least nine properties, all of which were eventually foreclosed upon, resulting in losses of more than $1.3 million.  In 2008 and 2009, Sivels and Chester recruited buyers to purchase houses, knowing that they did not qualify for the home mortgages.  To enable the buyers to purchase the properties, Sivels and his co-conspirators prepared fraudulent mortgage applications which misrepresented the buyers’ income and assets.  Sivels sometimes created fake tax documents and false pay stubs, and falsified bank statements to reflect the substantial balances referenced by the loan application.  The conspirators often inflated the price of the house to insure a profit for themselves.  At the settlements for the properties, the proceeds of the sale were generally distributed to Tamaris, who would write checks to Sivels for his portion of the profits.  From the sale of just four of the properties Sivels received payments totaling more than $200,000.

In 2010 and 2011, Sivels assisted with the sales of several other Tamaris-owned properties by providing prospective lenders with fraudulent verifications of employment for the purchasers, falsely representing that they worked at a home renovation company Sivels owned, receiving cash payments in return for his assistance.

According to his guilty plea, in the summer of 2008, Kwegan learned that the owner of a row house on Washington Boulevard in Baltimore City was trying to sell his home.  The owner had purchased the property 10 years earlier for $11,500 and Kwegan told him that he could sell it for $75,000.  The owner agreed to sell it for that price. Rather than trying to sell the property at the actual market price, Kwegan requested assistance from Cecil Chester, who was already operating a mortgage fraud scheme and they set the sale price of the row house at $250,000.    

Kwegan arranged to use the personal identifiers of an individual recruited by Chester to buy the property as a straw purchaser.  Kwegan and his co-conspirators knew that the straw purchaser lacked the necessary assets to pay for the down payments and closing costs on the property, or the income to keep up the mortgage payments on the house after the transaction closed.  Chester provided a mortgage loan broker with a false loan application and fraudulent supporting documents which inaccurately represented that the straw purchaser’s employment, annual income, and assets.  Based upon these false representations, a bank wired $242,500 to finance the purchase of the property, at the settlement on September 30, 2008.  Kwegan used his own funds to obtain a cashier’s check in the amount of $9,391.53 to cover the down payment and the straw purchaser’s share of the closing costs.  After the settlement, just $15,773.65 was disbursed to the seller of the property.  In contrast, $145,000 was wired to an entity identified as “CAK,” which were Kwegan’s initials.   These funds were transferred into Kwegan’s bank account.  Kwegan then wrote a check to Chester for $35,000.  No payments were made on the mortgage.  The property went into foreclosure and remains unsold at this time, resulting in a loss of between $150,000 and $235,000.  At today’s hearing, the Court found that Kwegan was also involved in the fraudulent sale of another property with Chester, resulting in a loss of $296,000.  Kwegan derived over $100,000 in proceeds from this transaction and paid another $40,000 to Chester for his assistance.

Andreas E. Tamaris, age 46, of Bel Air, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15, 2016.  Co-conspirator Cecil Sylvester Chester, age 69, of Mitchellville, Maryland pleaded guilty to the fraudulent purchase of seven properties in Baltimore, using fraudulent loan documentation and straw purchasers, resulting in losses of over $1.4 million. Chester is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2016. Michael Gerard Camphor, age 60, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty for his participation in the fraudulent purchase of four properties in Baltimore resulting in losses of over $736,000. Judge Bredar scheduled Camphor’s sentencing for December 19, 2016.

The Maryland Mortgage Fraud Task Force was established to unify the agencies that regulate and investigate mortgage fraud and promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of mortgage fraud schemes. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Task Force, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect consumers from fraud and promote the integrity of the credit markets. Information about mortgage fraud prosecutions is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao-md/financial-fraud-and-identity-theft.

Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.  For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, HUD OIG - Office of Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jefferson M. Gray, who prosecuted the cases.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Alicia Jones, age 48, of Germantown, Maryland, pleaded guilty on November 3, 2016, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in connection with a scheme to submit fraudulent insurance applications using the identities of others, in order to obtain over $630,000 in commissions.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Postal Inspector in Charge Terrence P. McKeown of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.

According to her plea agreement, on November 23, 2011, Jones was licensed to sell insurance in Maryland and soon thereafter began working for Insurance Company A.  Insurance Company A routinely provided insurance agents with advance commission payments at the time a new application was submitted to the company, representing approximately 50% of the total commission due. 

Jones admitted that Between March 2012 and January 2013, she electronically submitted more than 3100 fraudulent insurance applications under her name and insurance license, as well as under the names and insurance licenses of others, in order to obtain the advance commissions.  Jones submitted over 1400 fraudulent applications for over 310 fictitious individuals and over 1700 fraudulent applications for over 370 real persons who were not eligible for policies and did not know the policies were submitted on their behalf.  Jones encouraged multiple family members to obtain licenses to sell insurance and work with her.  Jones submitted fraudulent applications under her name, the names of her family members and others.  Jones either had access or stole access to her family members’ bank accounts in order to withdraw the advance commission payments on the fraudulent policies she submitted under their names prior to them noticing the deposits.

As part of her plea agreement, Jones will be required to pay restitution of $636,278.12, the amount of loss or attempted loss foreseeable to Jones during the conspiracy.

Jones faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2017, at 2:30 p.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney David I. Salem who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Drug City Pharmacy, Inc. and its former owner, Mark Lichtman, have agreed to pay $900,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by dispensing controlled substances pursuant to prescriptions that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose.

The settlement agreement was announced today by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division.

“Pharmacies and pharmacists are responsible for making sure controlled substances prescriptions were issued for legitimate medical purposes,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. “Doctors and pharmacists are the gatekeepers in preventing abuse and diversion of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes.”  

“The abuse of prescription drugs has rampantly spread throughout our communities,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder.  “This abuse has directly resulted in the escalation of heroin addiction and related overdoses. Today’s settlement sends a clear message to all pharmacies that it is essential to dispense controlled substances in compliance with DEA’s record keeping requirements. DEA is dedicated to combat the prescription drug abuse problem in Maryland and throughout the country and to hold pharmacies and its owners like Drug City and Lichtman, accountable.”

Under the CSA, pharmacies have a responsibility to dispense only those prescriptions that have been issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a health care provider acting in the usual course of professional practice.  Knowingly filling an illegitimate prescription subjects a pharmacy to civil penalties under the CSA. 

According to the settlement agreement, Drug City and Lichtman admitted that from January 1, 2010 to April 4, 2012 they dispensed controlled substances in a manner not fully consistent with their compliance obligations under the CSA and related regulations. Specifically, the settlement agreement states that controlled substances were dispensed to individuals that Drug City or Lichtman should have known were diverting the drugs. This settlement caps off an another investigation that began as part of the DEA’s crackdown on prescription drug abuse in Maryland. 

U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA’s Office of Diversion Control, Washington Division, Baltimore District Office for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas F. Corcoran, who handled the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Gregory Lee Butler, Jr., a/k/a Greg Baly, age 22, of Baltimore, today to pay $1 million in restitution, to serve 250 hours of community service and three years of supervised release, after giving him credit for time served (five weeks), for impeding firefighters by puncturing a firehose during the civil disturbance in Baltimore on April 27, 2015.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.

According to the information presented to the court at Butler’s plea hearing and today’s sentencing, on April 27, 2015, riots erupted in Baltimore and at approximately 6:30 p.m. the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) was notified of a fire at the CVS Pharmacy located at 2509 Pennsylvania Avenue, which is adjacent to the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and West North Avenue in Baltimore. Several BCFD engines were dispatched to suppress and extinguish the fire at the CVS. Firefighters deployed fire hoses to provide water in those efforts and to protect firefighters inside and near the building. Throughout the course of BCFD’s fire suppression and extinguishment efforts, rioting continued in the vicinity of CVS Pharmacy.

One hose was attached to a hydrant near the intersection of Pennsylvania and West North Avenues.  Once the hose was attached to the hydrant and the water was flowing into the hose, Butler admitted that he punctured the hose twice using a knife. Both punctures released a high-pressure stream of water from the hose and rendered the hose inoperable.  As a result, the efforts to put out the fire at the CVS were impeded and delayed. 

Federal prosecutors previously have charged four other defendants for arson crimes committed during the Baltimore riots on April 27, 2015. Trevon Green, age 23, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to the arson of a Baltimore food market and admitted that he participated in the looting of a liquor store and assaulted the store’s owner. Green was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.  Darius Raymond Stewart, age 22, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to malicious destruction of property by fire, arising from the arson of a liquor store and was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Donta Betts, age 20, of Baltimore, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for making a destructive device in connection with the April 27, 2015, riots in Baltimore and, in an unrelated case, for discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on July 2, 2015. Raymon Carter, age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty to the federal crime of rioting, including the arson of the CVS Pharmacy on April 27, 2015, and was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $500,000.

The investigation into arsons that occurred on April 27, 2015, is continuing. Anyone with information is urged to call the ATF hotline, 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473). ATF continues to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individual responsible for these incidents.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the ATF, Baltimore Police Department, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Philip A. Selden and Matthew J. Maddox, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland –Richard Byrd, a/k/a Robert Smith, age 43, a Jamaican national residing in Maryland and Arizona, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and to conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. 

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Field Office; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Colonel Woodrow Jones, Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Colonel Frank L. Milstead, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety; Chief Jeri Williams of the Phoenix, Arizona Police Department; and Chief Sean Duggan of the Chandler, Arizona Police Department.

“Richard Byrd ran a major drug distribution ring that generated millions of dollars in proceeds,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

“This is one of the largest and most prolific drug organizations that has been dismantled in Baltimore in recent memory”, stated Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder.  “This investigation and guilty plea is a prime example of how DEA, with our federal and local partners in HIDTA (High Impact Drug Trafficking Area), continues to target and dismantle large scale, complex trafficking organizations that operate in Baltimore, the surrounding metropolitan area, and throughout the nation.”

According to his plea agreement and court documents, from 2009 through April 2014, Richard Byrd was the leader and organizer a drug distribution network which provided for the acquisition, transportation and distribution of cocaine and marijuana.  The sale of marijuana and cocaine generated proceeds in the millions of dollars. These proceeds were counted and packaged in and around Baltimore. Byrd used couriers to transport the proceeds to the Atlanta, Georgia area, then others to transport the money from Atlanta to cities in Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and California, where the cash was used to purchase additional quantities of drugs.

Byrd also acquired a financial interest in a business in order to launder drug proceeds, finance commercial ventures, and pay other bills and expenses. At his direction, several million dollars in cash were deposited into the bank accounts maintained by the business. Many of these transactions involve deposits in excess of $10,000. In addition, Byrd used bank accounts in the name of an alias, Robert Smith, to conduct financial transactions intended to launder drug proceeds, including paying personal bills and expenses.

The conspirators used freight companies to ship drugs obtained in Arizona, California and elsewhere to distribution points in Baltimore, and other east coast destinations.  Rasan Byrd supervised the Arizona-based activities of organization. Under the direction of Richard Byrd, Rasan coordinated the acquisition of large quantities of marijuana and cocaine from Mexican sources of supply and supervised several workers who weighed and packaged the drugs in a way to avoid detection by law enforcement. On April 22, 2013, law enforcement officers in Arizona seized 16 kilograms of cocaine and over 600 pounds of marijuana which were about to be shipped to Byrd’s Baltimore-based distributors.

The Baltimore distributors included Jerome Castle, Joseph Byrd, and Harold Byrd. Castle supervised the Baltimore operation, taking delivery of the drugs, selling them, and collecting and counting proceeds from the drug sales. On April 22, 2013, law enforcement officers in Maryland seized approximately 350 pounds of marijuana and over 10 kilograms of cocaine from businesses and residences utilized by Castle, Joseph Byrd, and Harold Byrd. In addition, almost $58,000 in currency and jewelry valued at more than $400,000 were recovered at the residence of Jerome Castle. The money and jewelry were also proceeds from illegal drug sales.

In addition, over $1 million was seized in Arizona from Richard Byrd in early 2011. In July 2012, an additional of $372,000 was seized from a residence in Arizona occupied by Richard and Rasan Byrd. These money seizures were proceeds from east coast drug sales intended for use in acquiring additional quantities of marijuana and cocaine.

During the course of this conspiracy more than 150 kilograms of cocaine and 20,000 kilograms of marijuana were acquired and distributed by Richard Byrd and his associates.         

Byrd and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Byrd will be sentenced to 26 years in prison and will be required to pay a money judgment of $20 million dollars, as well as forfeit his interest in two properties, three businesses, and 10 vehicles, and forfeit $1,609,411.51 in cash seized during the investigation.  U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for February 9, 2017, at 3:00 p.m.

Brothers Rasan Byrd, age 41, of Houston, Texas, Harold Alexander Byrd, age 27, of Phoenix, Maryland, and Joseph Ibreham Byrd, age 35, of Owings Mills, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. Rasan was sentenced to 14 years in prison and Harold and Joseph were each sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Jerome Adolfo Castle, a/k/a Dontwon Burris, age 37, a Jamaican citizen residing in Pikesville, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Castle was also ordered to forfeit $57,997 in cash, his interest in seven Baltimore properties, jewelry valued at more than $411,000, 98 pairs of men’s shoes, two laptop computers and an I-Pad, seven firearms and ammunition, as well as six vehicles, including a 2009 Jaguar XF Premium.

Maurice Jones, age 62, and Richard Drummond, age 40, both of Baltimore, also pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and were sentenced to seven years in prison and two years in prison, respectively.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA, Baltimore County Police Department, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, IRS-Criminal Investigation, HSI-Baltimore, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix Police Department, and Chandler, Arizona Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys James G. Warwick and Kenneth S. Clark, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging Stephen Charles Williams-Hill, age 32, of Catonsville, Maryland, today for allegedly using a telephone and emails to threaten to kill, intimidate, or injure the victims and their residence by means of an explosive, and communicating in interstate commerce, a threat to kidnap or injure another person. 

The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department, as part of the FBI Joint Violent Crimes Task Force; and Chief Chris Magnus of the Tucson Police Department.

According to the affidavit, from July through October 2016, Williams-Hill, using the name Gio Calle, made numerous threats to the victim and her family.  The affidavit alleges that Williams-Hill called, emailed and left messages, for the victim, her mother and her sibling.  In those calls and emails Williams-Hill allegedly threatened to blow up the building where the mother worked, blow up the family’s residence, kill, maim and torture the victim and the members her family.  Williams-Hill claimed to have a semiautomatic weapon, that he threatened to use to kill the family and individuals at the mother’s work place.  According to the affidavit, on several occasions Williams-Hill stated that he’d been wanting to kill someone since he was six years old.

If convicted, Williams-Hill faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for using a telephone and emails to threaten to kill, intimidate, or injure the victims and their residence by means of an explosive; and a maximum of five years in prison for communicating in interstate commerce, a threat to kidnap or injure another person.  Williams-Hill had an initial appearance this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Baltimore and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for November 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Departments and the Tucson, Arizona Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr. who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland –U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Daniel Hill, age 44, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a stolen gun.    

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

According to Hill’s guilty plea, on October 14, 2014, three Baltimore Police Department officers were on patrol in a marked police vehicle on S. Pulaski Street in Baltimore City.  As the officers approached the 2100 block of Booth Street, they saw a woman and man standing in the block.  The woman appeared scared and the officers approached to investigate.  When the man, later identified as Daniel Hill, spotted the police officers, he ran away. Police pursued Hill through an alleyway and Hill was quickly apprehended.

The woman told police that Hill had brandished a black handgun and demanded money from her.  The woman gave Hill three $20 bills.  She also told police that Hill had thrown the gun into the back yard of a residence and police recovered a .44 caliber handgun from the yard.  After his arrest, Hill was searched and officers recovered three $20 bills from his left side pocket.  At a subsequent interview, after waiving his rights, Hill admitted that he was in possession of the gun.  Investigation showed that the gun was reported stolen in Ohio prior to its recovery in Maryland.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, Jr., who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Martin Aleksandrov Enev, age 27, a Bulgarian national residing in Randallstown, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to possession of device-making equipment with the intent to defraud.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.

According to his plea agreement, on July 20, 2016, Bulgarian Customs Officers contacted U.S. Secret Service agents after they identified what they believed to be an illegal “ATM skimming device” concealed within a black and green nylon pouch, which is capable of reading the encrypted information contained in the magnetic strip on the back of a credit or debit card.  The pouch had been discovered during a routine screening of international shipments scheduled to depart from the airport.  The pouch was enclosed inside a shipper’s plastic delivery envelope with a packing slip attached addressed to “Marin Penev” at an address in Randallstown.  Bulgarian authorities sent photographs of the device and envelope to the Secret Service. 

On July 21, 2016, members of the USSS Maryland Electronic Crimes Task Force arranged a controlled delivery of the envelope and its contents once it arrived in the United States.  On July 26, 2016, Enev picked up the package, providing a Maryland driver’s license in his name as identification. Special Agents of the USSS and Baltimore County Detectives followed Enev to a residence in Randallstown. The owner of the residence advised agents that Enev rented a room on the first floor of the residence and provided agents with Enev’s telephone number. A Secret Service agent called the phone number and spoke to Enev who agreed to exit the residence.  Enev came out of the house and was taken into custody.

Search warrants were executed at Enev’s residence and his vehicle.  From the vehicle, law enforcement recovered the opened shipping envelope, which was empty; one box containing 15 pre-paid gift and credit cards capable of being recoded with fraudulently obtained financial proceeds, along with various business cards; and three paper receipts indicating the reloading of a pre-paid gift card in the amount of $270. The search of Enev’s living area recovered: the black and green nylon pouch containing an ATM skimming, which matched the photographs of the device sent by Bulgarian authorities; two other ATM skimming devices inside the hall closet, along with a magnetic card re-encoder and 40 blank white credit cards; a desktop computer and cellular phone; and prepaid credit cards found in a desk and in Enev’s wallet.  Also located in the wallet was a Maryland driver’s license bearing his name and photograph, and a Bulgarian identification card bearing Enev’s photograph.  His Republic of Bulgaria driver’s license and European Union identification card were also seized during search.

A preliminary review of the prepaid gift cards and credit cards seized during the search revealed that some of them had been recoded with other people’s personal identifying information (PII), including their names and financial account numbers, creating a counterfeit access device capable of accessing those persons’ bank accounts and/or credit card balances through an ATM machine.  The USSS confirmed that money had already been withdrawn from some of those financial accounts. PII contained on some of the other cards in Enev’s possession was obtained from financial accounts or credit cards created and issued in Europe.  The government believes that Enev played a key role in an ongoing identity theft ring with ties to a criminal association based in Europe.

Enev and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Enev will be sentenced to 33 months in prison.  U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.  Enev remains detained.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Secret Service and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin J. Clarke, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Adrian Spence, a/k/a “AJ,” and “SP,” age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.  Judge Bennett also entered an order requiring Spence to forfeit $26,320 seized from his residence during the execution of a search warrant.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.

According to his plea agreement, law enforcement began an investigation into a drug conspiracy involving the distribution of heroin in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. The investigation revealed that Adrian Spence was a leader of a heroin distribution ring in Baltimore County.  Evidence revealed numerous calls in which Spence: coordinated drug sales in and around the Baltimore County area; directed his codefendant to “start stomping on it” and “crushing it down,” referring to cutting the heroin for a subsequent sale; and attempted to secure sources of heroin for later re-sale.  On July 31, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Spence’s residence and recovered: $26,320 in cash; cellular phones; and other items.  

Spence admitted that the amount of heroin reasonably foreseeable to him in, and in furtherance of, this conspiracy amounts to between one and three kilograms of heroin.  Spence also admitted that he was an organizer and leader of a drug trafficking organization of more than five individuals.   

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI-Baltimore, the ATF, Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Departments, and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County State’s Attorneys’ Offices for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Jason D. Medinger, Christina Hoffman, and Daniel C. Gardner, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Ronald Anderson, age 48, of Suitland, Maryland, with kidnapping, murder of a federal officer, attempted murder of a federal officer, using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, causing death by use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Interim Chief Peter Newsham of the Metropolitan Police Department; and Director Eric Patterson of the Federal Protective Service, Department of Homeland Security.

The indictment alleges that on April 9, 2015, Anderson abducted Victim One from Washington, D.C. and drove Victim One to Maryland.  According to court documents, once in Maryland Victim One got out of Anderson’s vehicle and into a Honda CRV driven by an acquaintance of Anderson’s and they sped away.  Anderson pursued the CRV at a high rate of speed.

According to court documents, the acquaintance drove to the U.S. Census Bureau building at 4600 Silver Hill Road in Suitland, with Anderson continuing to pursue the CRV.  The Honda CRV crashed into a light pole near two armed security officers. Anderson stopped his vehicle behind the Honda CRV and exchanged gunfire with the two security officers.  The indictment alleges that Anderson shot and killed one of the officers and attempted to murder the second officer. 

Anderson was subsequently arrested in Washington, D.C. by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers after a vehicle pursuit and gunfight, with Anderson firing numerous times at MPD officers.  Anderson was shot multiple times and an MPD officer was struck in the leg.  According to court documents, a .45 caliber pistol was recovered from Anderson’s vehicle.  The indictment alleges that Anderson has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

If convicted, Anderson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. An initial appearance has not been scheduled.  Anderson continues to undergo medical treatment and remains detained on related charges filed in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. 

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

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department, and the Federal Protective Service of the National Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland Security for their work in the investigation and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for its assistance.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Bryan E. Foreman, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Glenn R. Fischer, age 69, of Ellicott City, Maryland, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft arising from a scheme to defraud businesses seeking insurance.  The indictment alleges that as a result of the scheme, Fischer fraudulently collected more than $3 million in insurance premiums.  The indictment was returned on September 22, 2016 and unsealed today.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to the five-count indictment, Fischer was a partner at TriArc Financial Services, Inc., (TriArc Services) which provided automotive and mortgage insurance products, including residual value insurance.  Residual Value Insurance (“RVI”) helped companies leasing vehicles to consumers to manage the risk from decreases in the value of the vehicle during the term of an auto lease. RVI typically provided for payments to the owner of a leased vehicle if the value of the vehicle at the end of the lease was less than a certain amount specified in the terms of the insurance coverage when the lease began.  In the early 2000s, RVI policies were widely issued by insurance companies and TriArc Services generated substantial revenue for the company and its partners, including Fischer, who served as insurance brokers for RVI products.  In 2008 and 2009, in conjunction with the financial recession and changes in consumers’ desires for used automobiles, many insureds suffered substantial losses in conjunction with previously issued RVI insurance policies.

The indictment alleges that from 2009 until 2014, Fischer persuaded victim businesses to purchase RVI insurance coverage, which Fischer knew did not exist, so that Fischer could use a substantial portion of the victims’ insurance premiums for his personal benefit.  Specifically, in the summer of 2009, Fischer created a Nevada corporation called TriArc Marketing Solutions (TriArc Solutions) and opened bank accounts for TriArc Solutions.  According to the indictment, during the course of the scheme Fischer caused prospective insureds to believe that he was acting on behalf of TriArc Services.  Fischer concealed the creation and use of TriArc Solutions from his partners at TriArc Services.

Fischer allegedly created and sent false insurance coverage documents, fraudulent emails, premium invoices, lists of covered vehicles, and other documents to victim companies, causing them to falsely believe that they had purchased RVI insurance through Fischer.  Fischer used the identity of an employee of a multinational property and casualty insurance company in furtherance of the fraud, including his name, title and purported signature on the declaration pages of the fake insurance policies.  Fischer concealed from the employee and the company that Fischer was pretending to issue RVI insurance policies on behalf of the company.

The indictment alleges that Fischer collected millions in RVI insurance premiums from the victims, which he deposited into the TriArc Solutions bank accounts.  According to the indictment, Fischer and his relatives used the proceeds of the insurance premium payments for their personal benefit.

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of all property which constitutes or is derived from the proceeds of the fraud, including: a money judgment of $3 million, six bank accounts, coins, precious metals, a Nitro Z-8 boating vessel, and two vehicles.

If convicted, Fischer faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the four counts of wire fraud, and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft. 

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

Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.  For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and David Metcalf, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Leo J. Wise has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for Maryland in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections.  AUSA Wise is responsible for overseeing the federal response to any complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with state authorities, the FBI, and Justice Department Headquarters.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud.  The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”

“The Justice Department’s nationwide election day program deters election fraud and discrimination and promotes public confidence in the election process,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Every U.S. Attorney appoints an election officer to review specific allegations of election fraud and voting rights violations, consult with state and federal authorities where appropriate, and pursue any evidence that warrants prosecution.”          

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur.  The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.  For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law.  Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.  In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Rosenstein stated that AUSA/DEO Wise will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at 410-209-4800.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day.  The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 410-265-8080.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov or by complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.

Baltimore, Maryland – William Albert Engel, Jr., age 40, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to interstate transportation of stolen goods in connection with a scheme to steal property from shopping mall kiosks and sell it online.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

According to his plea agreement, from October 7, 2014 through March 29, 2016, Engel conspired with co-defendant Brian Halsey and others to steal property, including designer sunglasses, with a retail value of more than $500,000, and sell the items online.  Engel stole the items and brought them to Halsey, who used online accounts opened in different names and identities to sell the stolen items, including designer sunglasses, and ship them nationwide from his home in Dundalk, Maryland. 

Specifically, Engel broke into kiosks and stores in shopping malls in Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Fairview Heights, Illinois; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Florence, South Carolina, and stole designer sunglasses and other merchandise which he brought to Halsey in Maryland. Halsey sold the property through an online market, and used the U.S. Postal Service and commercial carriers to ship the stolen property to the buyers. Halsey provided cash from the sale of the stolen property to Engel and also helped to finance Engel’s travel and travel expenses to other states to commit thefts in order to obtain more property for sale.  Halsey maintained multiple online market accounts, online payment accounts, and bank accounts under different names and identities during the scheme.

On August 28, 2015, law enforcement searched Halsey’s residence and recovered over $200,000 worth of stolen designer sunglasses, as well as a printing and labeling system, and a large number of documents related to selling sunglasses through an online market. Law enforcement also recovered lock-pick kits and numerous atlases and street maps.

Engel admitted that more than five individuals participated in the scheme, helping to package and ship the stolen sunglasses, providing their identification information to Halsey to set up bank and online accounts, and/or assisting Engel in the thefts.  The estimated loss from the scheme was approximately $500,000. 

Engel faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  As part of his plea agreement, Engel will also be required to forfeit and pay a money judgment of $500,000.  U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for January 24, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.  Engel remains detained.

Brian Nelson Halsey, age 52, of Westminster, Maryland, formerly of Dundalk, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15, 2016 at 3:00 p.m.  Halsey remains detained.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended FBI and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron S. J. Zelinsky, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Tuesday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced William Kyndall Francis, age 39, of Elkridge, Maryland, to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud.  Judge Hollander also entered an order requiring Francis to pay a money judgment forfeiting $2.5 million, and restitution in the amount of $93,935.28.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

Francis owned and operated Legacy Investment and Management, Inc. (Legacy Inc.) and Legacy Investment and Management, LLC (Legacy LLC), which were both located at 10015 Old Columbia Rd. in Columbia, Maryland.  Legacy Inc. and Legacy LLC (collectively Legacy) were both management firms that provided financial and property services primarily to homeowner and condominium associations (HOAs) in Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia in exchange for a monthly fee. One of the services that Legacy provided was management of the HOAs’ reserve funds, which were typically held in savings or money market accounts and were to be used to cover long term and unexpected capital expenses.

According to his plea agreement, from October 2011 to August 2012, Francis defrauded at least 51 of Legacy’s HOA clients by taking reserve funds that belonged to the HOAs.  For many of the HOAs, Francis created false bank statements that he gave to the HOA representatives that falsely reflected that their reserve funds were intact and earning returns.  In fact, Francis had spent the funds for his own personal and business benefit, including: $7,165.70 to Dogtopia, a dog grooming service; $2,339 to Delicate Touch Nails, a nail salon; $8,244.42 to the Washington Wizards; $1,000.01 to Bare Exposure and $3,848.67 to Pure Gold, adult entertainment clubs; $2,088.50 to A Platinum Plus Limousines; $3,700 to Shadow Room, a Washington D.C. night club; thousands of dollars for the purchase of clothing, liquor, restaurant meals, groceries and other living expenses; $40,025.07 for payroll for Legacy Inc. employees; and payment to AT&T.

The total loss caused by the fraudulent scheme was at least $2,573,753.92.

Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.  For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen O. Gavin, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced George Jack Smith, age 29, of Burtonsville, Maryland, today to 22 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute phencyclidine (PCP), illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon; and using, carrying and discharging a weapon in connection with drug trafficking.  A federal jury convicted Smith of those charges on December 7, 2015.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to evidence presented at the five day trial, on December 1, 2013, Smith got into a vehicle outside an apartment complex in the 9300 block of Cherry Hill Road in College Park, Maryland, in order to sell PCP to the vehicle’s occupants.  One of the vehicle’s occupants pulled out a knife.  Smith got out of the car and fired a gun in the direction of the vehicle as it drove away.  One of the bullets broke a pane of glass at the entrance to the apartment building.

Witnesses testified that a short time later, Smith got into a taxi, which was stopped by law enforcement at the apartment complex.  Smith was ordered out of the cab and taken into custody.  Law enforcement recovered the following items from the pockets of Smith’s jacket: a vial containing ¾ ounce of PCP; a loaded .380 caliber pistol, which had been reported stolen; and a .38 caliber revolver with five spent rounds.

A search warrant was executed at Smith’s residence on December 2, 2013, and law enforcement recovered a third gun (a.22 caliber revolver).

Smith had at least two previous felony drug convictions and a conviction for robbery conspiracy, all in Montgomery County Circuit Court, and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Nicolas A. Mitchell and Kristi N. O’Malley, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced William Frederick Cornish, age 52, of Abingdon, Maryland, today to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

The sentence were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Colonel Woodrow Jones, Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; Chief Michael A. Pristoop of the Annapolis Police Department; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Richard McLaughlin of the Laurel Police Department; Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.

According to his plea agreement and court documents, in August 2015, DEA received information about a group that was trafficking large amounts of cocaine into Maryland and using a warehouse on Golden Ring Road in Baltimore. Investigation showed that the business using that location, KMKJ Trucking, LLC, had been evicted by July 31, 2015.  The investigation subsequently identified a warehouse on Hammonds Ferry Road in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, as the new location being used by the group.

According to the plea agreement, on April 6, 2016, a tractor trailer with the KMKJ logo arrived at the Hammonds Ferry Road warehouse and backed up to the rear bay door of the unit. Investigators observed items being unloaded from the tractor trailer into the warehouse.  A short time later, law enforcement observed a van traveling around the parking lot and warehouse building, conducting counter-surveillance to determine if law enforcement was in the area. 

On the evening of April 8, 2016, investigators saw Cornish’s co-conspirators arrive at the Linthicum Heights warehouse.  One of the co-conspirators then left in a black Honda, followed by a silver F-150 pickup truck.  After a conversation on a nearby street between the drivers of the Honda and the pickup truck, they returned to the warehouse.  The co-conspirator got out of his car and went into the warehouse and the F-150 entered the warehouse through the bay door, which was then closed.  A few minutes later, the bay door re-opened and the F-150 drove out of the warehouse.  The truck, driven Cornish, was stopped by law enforcement shortly after leaving the warehouse area.  A narcotics detection dog was brought to the scene.  The dog scanned the truck resulting in a positive response for the presence of illegal drugs.  Law enforcement recovered 31 kilograms of cocaine from a box in the back seat of the truck.  Law enforcement also stopped Cornish’s co-conspirators as they left the warehouse. 

Search warrants were obtained and executed at the warehouse and at the residences of Cornish and his co-conspirators.  Law enforcement recovered three large duffel bags in the basement of one of the homes containing approximately $2.4 million in cash, vacuum sealed in plastic bags marked with the amount of cash on the outside of each plastic bag.  Investigators also recovered a drug/money ledger in the home documenting just over $2.4 million in receipts from the sale of illegal drugs. From Cornish’s home, law enforcement recovered a money counter, colored rubber bands, latex gloves and a digital scale, typically used in the narcotics trade to count and package money and to weigh drugs prior to distribution.  Investigators also recovered a radio frequency detector that is commonly used by drug traffickers to “sweep” cars, people, and other items for hidden transmitters and electronic devices that are often used by law enforcement while investigating the distribution of illegal drugs.

The 31 kilograms of cocaine recovered from Cornish’s truck have a wholesale value in Baltimore of approximately $1 million.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended DEA, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Annapolis Police Department, Maryland State Police, Laurel Police Department, Harford County Task Force, and IRS Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Warwick and Joshua T. Ferrentino, who are prosecuting the case.

A federal grand jury charged Nelash Mohamed Das, 24, a citizen of Bangladesh residing in Landover Hills, Maryland, with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. 

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office.

The indictment alleges that from October 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016, Das knowingly attempted to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, namely ISIL.  Further, the indictment alleges that Das knew that ISIL is a designated foreign terrorist organization and engages in terrorist activity.

According to court documents ISIL members and supporters have posted identifying information about U.S. military personnel in hopes that those inspired by ISIL would carry out attacks against them. Das allegedly planned to kill a U.S. military member in support of ISIL.

If convicted, Das faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

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 Rosenstein and Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord commended the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for its work on the investigation and thanked the prosecutors that are handling the matter.

Baltimore, Maryland – On October 14, 2016, U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Junaidu Saljan Savage, a/k/a James Kamara, age 30, of Lanham, Maryland, to 87 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit bank fraud and for aggravated identity theft arising from a scheme to defraud a bank by using account holders’ personal information to take over their accounts. Judge Russell also ordered Savage to pay restitution of $36,400. A federal jury convicted Savage on March 15, 2016.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Postal Inspector in Charge Terrence P. McKeown of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Brian Ebert of the United States Secret Service - Washington Field Office; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.

According to testimony at his six-day trial, from January 1, 2012 through April 2012, Savage conspired with Jayad Zainab Ester Conteh, Paul Anthony Williams and others to defraud a bank.  Conteh, a bank teller, looked up bank account holder information on the computer system without authorization and disclosed the account holders’ personal identifying information to Savage and other co-conspirators.  Using that information, Savage would call the bank pretending to be the account holder, change certain account information and order checks on the compromised account to be delivered by overnight mail.  Savage and other co-conspirators would obtain those checks, including by intercepting the checks upon delivery at the actual account holders’ addresses.  Wilson cashed the checks at bank branches in Maryland. 

Trial evidence showed that as a result of the conspiracy at least seven bank account holders’ accounts were improperly accessed, with intended losses of more than $120,000.

Jayad Zainab Ester Conteh, age 24, of Glenarden, Maryland, was convicted after trial and sentenced to 64 months in prison for conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and unauthorized access to a computer to obtain banking information. Judge Russell also entered an order that Conteh pay $36,400 in restitution to the victim bank and forfeit $36,400.

According to court documents and trial testimony, in July 2014, after Conteh had reported to prison to begin serving her sentence, Savage went to visit her relatives.  An audio and video recording of the meeting revealed that Savage told Conteh’s relatives that he was involved in her criminal conduct and would pay the restitution ordered by the Court.  In late August 2014, Savage’s girlfriend provided $6,000 in cash to a relative of Conteh as partial payment of Conteh’s restitution.

Co-conspirator Paul Anthony Wilson, a/k/a Anthony Johnson, age 53, of Washington, D.C., was arrested while attempting to cash a check on the account of one of the victims.  Wilson pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced to 39 months in prison.

Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.  For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Secret Service and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas P. Windom and Ray D. McKenzie, who prosecuted the case.

Washington, D.C. – Retired General James E. Cartwright, age 67, of Gainesville, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to making false statements in connection with the unauthorized disclosure of classified information.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord; and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Washington Field Office

 “People who gain access to classified information after promising not to disclose it must be held accountable when they willfully violate that trust,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “We conducted a thorough and independent investigation that included collecting tens of thousands of documents through subpoenas, search warrants and document requests, and interviewing scores of current and former government employees. The evidence showed that General Cartwright disclosed classified information without authorization to two reporters and lied to federal investigators. As a result, he stands convicted of a federal felony crime and faces a potential prison sentence.”

“General Cartwright violated the trust that was placed in him by willfully providing information that could endanger national security to individuals not authorized to receive it and then lying to the FBI about his actions,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “With this plea, he will be held accountable.”

“Today, General Cartwright admitted to making false statements to the FBI concerning multiple unauthorized disclosures of classified information that he made to reporters,” said Assistant Director in Charge Abbate. “This was a careful, rigorous, and thorough multi-year investigation by special agents who, together with federal prosecutors, conducted numerous interviews to include Cartwright. The FBI will continue to take all necessary and appropriate steps to thoroughly investigate individuals, no matter their position, who undermine the integrity of our justice system by lying to federal investigators.”

 According to his plea agreement, Cartwright is a retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general who served as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from August 31, 2007, to August 3, 2011, and as Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command from 2004 to 2007. During that time, Cartwright held a top secret security clearance with access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI). 

Cartwright signed more than 36 non-disclosure agreements related to Department of Defense programs. The forms explain that the recipient is obligated by law and regulation not to disclose classified information without authorization.  The forms also contain warnings that any breach of the agreement may violate federal criminal law. In addition, Cartwright received annual training about handling classified information.

On September 1, 2011, Cartwright retired from the U.S. Marine Corps.  Upon his retirement, Cartwright maintained his top secret clearance. The clearance enabled him to engage in consulting and private employment, including sitting on a special committee of the board of directors of a defense contractor, which oversaw the company’s classified U.S. government contracts.

At the time of his retirement, Cartwright again signed a “Classified Information Non-Disclosure Agreement,” which included warnings “that unauthorized disclosure…by me could cause damage or irreparable injury to the United States or could be used to advantage by a foreign nation.”                                                          

Between January and June 2012, Cartwright disclosed classified information to two reporters without authorization. Some of the information disclosed to the reporters was classified at the top secret level. Each reporter included the classified information in published articles.  In addition, classified information that Cartwright communicated to one reporter was included in a book.                                                                                                              

FBI agents interviewed Cartwright on November 2, 2012.  During the interview, Cartwright gave false information to the interviewing agents, including falsely stating that he did not provide or confirm classified information to the first reporter and was not the source of any of the quotes and statements in that reporter’s book.  In addition, Cartwright falsely stated that he had never discussed a particular country with the second reporter, when in fact, Cartwright had confirmed classified information about that country in an email to the reporter.

Cartwright faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for making false statements to federal investigators.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon has scheduled sentencing for January 17, 2017.

U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein and Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise and Deborah A. Johnston, Justice Department National Security Division Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Trial Attorney Elizabeth Cannon, and U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Chief Harvey Eisenberg, who are handling the prosecution.

Retired General James E. Cartwright, 67, of Gainesville, Virginia, pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the unauthorized disclosure of classified information. The guilty plea was entered in the District of Columbia.

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein for the District of Maryland and Assistant Director in Charge Paul M. Abbate of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.

“General Cartwright violated the trust that was placed in him by willfully providing information that could endanger national security to individuals not authorized to receive it and then lying to the FBI about his actions,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “With this plea, he will be held accountable.”

“People who gain access to classified information after promising not to disclose it must be held accountable when they willfully violate that promise,” said U.S. Attorney Rosenstein. “We conducted a thorough and independent investigation included collecting tens of thousands of documents through subpoenas, search warrants and document requests, and interviewing scores of current and former government employees. The evidence showed that General Cartwright disclosed classified information without authorization to two reporters and lied to federal investigators. As a result, he stands convicted of a federal felony offense and faces a potential prison sentence.”

“Today, General Cartwright admitted to making false statements to the FBI concerning multiple unauthorized disclosures of classified information that he made to reporters,” said Assistant Director in Charge Abbate. “This was a careful, rigorous, and thorough multi-year investigation by special agents who, together with federal prosecutors, conducted numerous interviews, to including Cartwright. The FBI will continue to take all necessary and appropriate steps to thoroughly investigate individuals, no matter their position, who undermine the integrity of our justice system by lying to federal investigators.”

According to his plea agreement, Cartwright is a retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general who served as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Aug. 31, 2007, to Aug. 3, 2011, and as Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command from 2004 to 2007. During that time, Cartwright held a top secret security clearance with access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI). 

Cartwright signed more than 36 non-disclosure agreements related to Department of Defense programs. The forms explain that the recipient is obligated by law and regulation not to disclose classified information without authorization. The forms also contain warnings that any breach of the agreement may violate federal criminal law. In addition, Cartwright received annual training about handling classified information.

On Sept. 1, 2011, Cartwright retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his retirement, Cartwright maintained his top secret clearance. The clearance enabled him to engage in consulting and private employment, including sitting on a special committee of the board of directors of a defense contractor, which oversaw the company’s classified U.S. government contracts.

At the time of his retirement, Cartwright again signed a “Classified Information Non-Disclosure Agreement,” which included warnings “that unauthorized disclosure…by me could cause damage or irreparable injury to the United States or could be used to advantage by a foreign nation.”                  

Between January and June 2012, Cartwright disclosed classified information to two reporters without authorization. Some of the information disclosed to the reporters was classified at the top secret level. Each reporter included the classified information in published articles. In addition, the classified information that Cartwright communicated to one reporter was included in a book.                                                            

FBI agents interviewed Cartwright on Nov. 2, 2012. During the interview, Cartwright gave false information to the interviewing agents, including falsely stating that he did not provide or confirm classified information to the first reporter and was not the source of any of the quotes and statements in that reporter’s book. In addition, Cartwright falsely stated that he had never discussed a particular country with the second reporter, when in fact, Cartwright had confirmed classified information about that country in an email to the reporter.

Cartwright faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for making false statements to federal investigators. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon has scheduled sentencing for January 17, 2017.

Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and U.S. Attorney Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise and Deborah A. Johnston of the District of Maryland, Trial Attorney Elizabeth Cannon of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and National Security Chief Harvey Eisenberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who are handling the prosecution. 

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury charged Nelash Mohamed Das, age 24, a citizen of Bangladesh residing in Landover Hills, Maryland, today with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a foreign terrorist organization.  

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord; and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

The indictment alleges that from October 2015 to September 30, 2016, Das knowingly attempted to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, namely ISIL.  Further, the indictment alleges that Das knew that ISIL is a designated foreign terrorist organization and engages in terrorist activity.

According to court documents ISIL members and supporters have posted identifying information about United States military personnel in hopes that those inspired by ISIL would carry out attacks against them. Das allegedly planned to kill a U.S. military member in support of ISIL.

If convicted, Das faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

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

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for its work in the investigation Mr. Rosenstein thanked his office’s national security prosecutors that are handling the matter, and recognized the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section, for its support.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced Donte Powell, a/k/a “Rain,” age 29, of Washington, D.C. and Columbia, Maryland, on October 14, 2016, to 11 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Powell is currently serving a 20-year state sentence for an unrelated armed robbery and Judge Russell ordered that the federal sentence was to be served consecutive that sentence.                   

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Gary Gardner of the Howard County Police Department; Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino; and Chief Richard McLaughlin of the Laurel Police Department.

According to his plea agreement, Powell is a member of the Crips gang and is affiliated with the set called “Dogghouse Crips.”  Powell admitted that on January 21, 2014, he and co-defendant Avery Terry robbed the CVS Pharmacy in Elkridge, Maryland at gun point.  A store video camera recorded the robbery, including the distinctive clothing worn by the robbers.   Powell was armed with a black handgun.  Powell had a previous felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing a gun or ammunition.

On January 26, 2014, Howard County Police arrested Desmick Lewis in connection with a January 23, 2014 robbery and homicide.  At the time of his arrest, Lewis was in a car driven by Avery Terry.  Police recovered a black .38 caliber revolver, different from the gun used in the CVS robbery, from under the driver’s seat where Terry was sitting. 

A Howard County detective who was investigating the CVS robbery was also participating in the execution of the arrest warrant that day.  The detective noticed clothing in Terry’s car that matched the distinctive clothing worn by the Powell and Terry during the CVS robbery on January 21.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Terry’s home and recovered a mask and other clothing matching that worn by one of the CVS robbers.

Powell was arrested on February 3, 2014 in Laurel.  According to Laurel Police, an officer spotted a car without its lights on just after 1 a.m., traveling the wrong way on a one-way street.  When officers began pursuing the driver, they saw a naked man jump out of the passenger side of the car.  The driver crashed shortly thereafter, flipping the car. The naked man told police he was the victim of an armed robbery.  After Powell’s arrest, a loaded .40 caliber pistol was recovered from the car.  That gun was subsequently identified as the gun used in the CVS robbery.  Powell pleaded guilty to the armed robbery and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. While serving his sentence, Powell continued to state his allegiance to the Crips gang in recorded jail calls and in letters.

Subsequent investigation revealed Powell and Terry had additional knowledge of the January 23, 2014, robbery/homicide.  Evidence presented at the sentencing reflected that Powell, Terry, Lewis, and others involved in the robbery/homicide met after the murder and discussed what had happened.  Call records show that between January 21 and January 26, 2014, there were also frequent telephone communications between Powell, Terry, Lewis, and others involved in the robbery/homicide.

Avery Terry, age 23, of Laurel, Maryland, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to the robbery of the CVS Pharmacy on January 21, 2014, in Elkridge, Maryland, and to using and brandishing a firearm during that robbery.  In addition, Terry pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to the January 23, 2014 robbery and murder.  Terry was sentenced to 181 months in prison. 

Desmick Lewis, age 24, of Columbia, pleaded guilty in Howard County Circuit Court to his role in the January 23, 2014 robbery and murder and was sentenced to life in prison

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Howard County Police Department, Laurel Police Department, and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra Wilkinson and Lauren E. Perry, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Steven Edward Baker, age 41, of Kensington, Maryland, today to 17 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for producing child pornography.  Judge Grimm also ordered that upon his release from prison, Baker must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to his plea agreement, on July 8, 2015, FBI agents interviewed Baker at his business, Action Signs, located in Vienna, Virginia.  Baker admitted that he had child pornography on both his work and home computers, and that he had been downloading child pornography for approximately 10 years.  He estimated that his child pornography collection was approximately one terabyte in size. 

Further investigation of digital media items obtained from Action Signs and Baker’s residence revealed 45 images and seven videos of a girl under the age of 12, all constituting child pornography, and produced by Baker.  Baker produced the images and videos, including pictures taken at a park and what appears to be Baker’s home, from January 2008 to July 2013, using two cameras.  The images included close ups of the victim, including numerous close-ups of the victim’s genitalia, and showing Baker touching areas in and around her genitalia. 

Additionally, over 50,000 images and 1,000 videos of child pornography were found on the digital media which were not produced by Baker, but were downloaded from the internet.  These images and videos depict real, prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

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

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Anthony E. Alascio, age 31, formerly of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 15 years in federal prison, followed by three  years of supervised release, for retaliating against a witness who had testified in a federal criminal trial involving Dead Man Inc. (DMI).

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Colonel Woodrow Jones, Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; and Secretary Stephen T. Moyer of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional   Services.

“We have zero tolerance for any efforts to intimidate or retaliate against witnesses,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

On November 26, 2013, Alascio was an inmate at the Chesapeake Detention Facility (CDF) in Baltimore, awaiting trial in federal court on charges stemming from a December 28, 2012 armed robbery of a pharmacy in case number ELH-13-0153 (Robbery Case). 

According to his plea agreement, Alascio was a member of Dead Man, Incorporated (DMI), a criminal gang founded in Maryland prisons in the 1990s.  On November 26, 2013, during a series of recorded telephone call made from CDF, Alascio informed several individuals that he would soon be going into secure detention because of something he was about to do.

Later that day, Alascio assaulted another inmate at CDF using a sock filled with batteries and dominoes that had been taped together. The victim was seriously injured, including serious bleeding, lacerations that required stitches, and bruising. The victim was admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment and discharged two days later.

During the assault, Alascio called the victim a “snitch.” The assault was captured on video and the weapon was later found in Alascio’s cell. In a letter written in detention later that evening, Alascio admitted to beating the victim. Alascio referred to the victim as a “RAT” and stated that the victim “told on my peoples so he got what he deserved.” 

Several weeks before the assault, the victim testified in the federal trial of Jose Morales. Evidence introduced at the Morales trial established that Morales paid DMI to murder Robert Long. Jose Joaquin Morales, age 40, of Baltimore, Maryland, was convicted at that trial by a federal jury for using a cell phone to arrange the murder-for-hire of Robert Long.  Morales was sentenced to life in prison on December 9, 2013. The prosecution of Morales resulted in the exoneration of Demetrius Smith, who was serving life in state prison for the murder -- a crime he did not commit.

On December 23, 2013, Alascio pled guilty to robbery in the Robbery Case and was sentenced on March 28, 2014 to 135 months in federal prison. J udge Titus ordered that today’s sentence will be served consecutive to the sentence in the Robbery Case.

Earlier this year a federal grand jury indicted Troy Allen Lucas a/k/a “Troy Madron,” age 47, of Baltimore, Maryland on charges arising from the murder-for-hire of Robert Long. Lucas, an alleged DMI gang member, is scheduled to go to trial in September 2017.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, ATF and Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers and Sandra Wilkinson, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Josephine D. Wright, and her husband, James B. Wright, both age 55, of Greensboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty to theft of government property arising from a scheme to steal over $265,700 in social security benefits. Josephine Wright pleaded guilty today and James Wright pleaded guilty on September 13, 2016.

The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill of the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Philadelphia Field Division.

According to their guilty pleas, in 1993, James Wright applied for and began receiving Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability benefits for himself and his children based on his inability to work due to a mental impairment and head injury.  Josephine Wright was designated as his representative payee. As the representative payee Josephine Wright was responsible for everything related to benefits that her husband would do for himself, including reporting any changes which could affect his eligibility for benefits. As of 2014, Wright was receiving $1,202 per month, which was direct deposited into a bank account in Josephine Wright’s name.  In yearly mailings from SSA the Wrights were notified of the requirement that they report any return to work by James, regardless of the amount of earnings.

No later than January 1998, James Wright began working as a commercial truck driver, hauling freight for various companies.  Between January 1998 and October 2014, Wright worked approximately 40 to 60 hours per week, owned his own truck, and maintained a commercial driver’s license.  In order to maintain his commercial driver’s license, Wright regularly submitted medical documents verifying that he was in good health and capable of working.  The Wrights did not report James Wright’s work to SSA.

In order to prevent SSA from discovering James Wright’s work activity, the Wrights formed a company in Josephine Wright’s name.  James Wright’s paychecks were issued to the company and deposited in the company bank account.  In 2011, SSA attempted to assess an overpayment to Wright’s record based on the company’s earnings, but Josephine Wright falsely reported that the earnings were not James Wright’s, but were paid solely to the company for other services.  On several occasions, including in March 2014, SSA received a work activity report from Wright requesting updated information about his work activity.  The form was completed by James Wright, and had hand written across the page “DID NOT FIND A JOB. NOT WORKING AT THIS TIME.”  At the bottom of the page, Wright wrote, “NOT ABLE TO WORK!” and “NOT ABLE TO DRIVE, TAKE CARE OF MONEY, COOK, CLEAN, OTHER DAY TO DAY LIFE.”  The form was signed by Josephine Wright.

Had SSA been aware of James Wright’s work activity and earnings, he would not have been qualified to receive the $265,746.60, in disability benefits SSA paid to Josephine Wright between January 1998 and October 2014.

As part of their plea agreements, the Wrights have agreed to the entry of a restitution order of $265,746.40.

Josephine Wright faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for theft of government property. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz has scheduled sentencing for December 21, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. 

James Wright and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement he will be sentenced to 18 months in prison.  Judge Motz has scheduled James Wright’s sentencing for December 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General for its work in the investigation and thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Perry, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Terry Bowman, age 56, of Laurel, Maryland, today to 66 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and for aggravated identity theft arising from a scheme to defraud financial institutions. Chief Judge Blake also entered an order requiring James to pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ actual foreseeable losses during the time he was involved in the conspiracy, $279,026.82.  A federal jury convicted Bowman on June 9, 2016.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Postal Inspector in Charge Terrence P. McKeown of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office.

According to evidence presented at his four-day trial, from approximately 2007 through November, 2013, Bowman conspired with Nigerian nationals Friday James and Akintunde Akinlosotu and others to defraud financial institutions by depositing counterfeit and stolen checks and withdrawing the funds before the deposits were identified as fraudulent.  James and Akinlosotu would register businesses with the state.  James, Akinlosotu and other conspirators including Bowman would obtain post office box addresses and open bank accounts for the businesses.  They would then deposit stolen, altered, and counterfeit checks into the accounts and withdraw the funds before the checks could bounce. 

According to trial evidence and court documents, Bowman and others including LaKeisha Butler, Kesa Baker, obtained post office boxes and opened bank accounts for the businesses.  Bowman and his co-conspirators used the identities of other people, or allowed their own identities to be used, to conduct these transactions.  The paperwork for the transactions was prepared by James or Akinlosotu, and the mailbox keys, checkbooks and debit cards were provided back to them.  Only James or Akinlosotu picked up the mail from the post office boxes.

Additional co-conspirators were recruited to deposit the counterfeit checks and to withdraw the money, including Naimah Okail, Isaac Kusimo, and others.  James and Akinlosotu would pick up the individuals and provide them with a check to deposit or to cash, usually completing the checks in front of the cashers and obviously signing a name which was not theirs.  James and/or Akinlosotue would transport the recruited individual to a bank, where that person used his or her own identification and the checks provided.   The checks often had a telephone number written on the checks, which would be answered by James or Akinlosotu if the bank called to confirm that the check was genuine.  Once the check was cashed, the money would be given to James or Akinlosotu, and a portion (usually 5-10%) paid to the recruit.

In addition to cashing checks using the identities of others and allowing his identity to be used in the scheme, Bowman recruited and assembled his own team of workers to be used in the scheme, including at least one whose identity was used to establish businesses, open mail boxes, and open financial accounts.  Bowman was paid for the activities of his workers, and then he paid the workers himself.

During Bowman’s participation in the bank fraud conspiracy, he and his co-conspirators obtained extensions of credit from federal insured financial institutions of $279,026.82 which was foreseeable to Bowman. More than 10 financial institutions and individuals were victimized by this scheme. 

Chief Judge Blake sentenced: Friday James, age 43, of Laurel, Maryland, to 54 months in prison; LaKeisha Butler, age 33, of Columbia, Maryland, to 30 months in prison; and Kesa Baker, age 43, of Baltimore, to 13 months in prison, after giving her credit for 13 months she served on a related case in Pennsylvania.  Naimah Okail, age 35, of Baltimore; Isaac Kusimo, age 30, of Takoma Park, Maryland also pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and were sentenced to a year and a day in prison. Chief Judge Blake also entered an order requiring James to pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ actual losses, currently computed to be approximately $1,909,021.57.   Judge Blake scheduled the sentencing of Akintunde Akinlosotu, age 45, of Lanham, Maryland for October 31, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. 

The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.

Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.  For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and IRS – CI for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamera L. Fine, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Robert P. Kramer, age 51, of Arnold, Maryland, today to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. Judge Motz also ordered that upon his release from prison Kramer must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

According to his plea agreement and other court documents, Kramer was a VIP member of “The Website,” an online community dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of child pornography. The Website required its users to continually share child pornography in order to gain and keep membership. The Website operated on a network specifically designed to facilitate anonymous communication over the internet.  In order to join and access the Website, Kramer had to install specialized computer software designed to mask the identity and location of the user. Website members were required to contribute postings to the site at least once every 30 days. These posts must either distribute and advertise child pornography depicting prepubescent children, from infancy to approximately ages 12-13, to other users, or provide assistance to other users in advertising or distributing child pornography. Members who went above and beyond the Website’s requirements could become “VIP” members of the website with the approval of Website administrators. VIP members are granted access to a “private” area of the child pornography forum, that was said to contain material that was “rare” and “new.”

Kramer admitted that between April 29, 2013 and December 9, 2014, he made a total of 69 postings to the Website and that many of those posts shared images of prepubescent girls engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

A search warrant was executed at Kramer’s home on June 16, 2015. Kramer had digital devices and storage media capable of storing over 3TB of data.  Some of the data stored by Kramer on these devices were secured by a variety of means, including sophisticated encryption and use of “virtual machines,” or “shadow drives,” to conceal the existence of date. Kramer admitted that he had over 600 videos and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

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

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, and Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Abdelrahim Ayyad, a/k/a Sahid, age 50, of White Plains, Maryland, today to 174 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for an armed robbery conspiracy; two armed commercial robberies; and to using and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Judge Hazel also ordered Ayyad to forfeit $79,514.36.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron.

According to court documents, in June 2014, Ayyad conspired with Furman Troy, Darrell Lee and Michael Burgess, to rob commercial businesses in St. Mary’s County, Maryland.  For example, on June 18, 2014, Ayyad admitted that he drove to Washington, D.C. and picked up Troy, Lee and Burgess and drove them to a jewelry store in Charlotte Hall, Maryland in order to commit a robbery.  Ayyad handed Troy a bag containing a gun.  Troy and Lee entered the store and Lee brandished a firearm at the owner of the store.  Troy subsequently bound the victim with duct tape.  The robbers then demanded the key to the jewelry counter from an employee of the store and stole jewelry worth more than $8,800, cash, a laptop computer and other items.  On June 22, 2014, Ayyad and Burgess drove to a pharmacy in Mechanicsville, Maryland, with Troy and Lee following in another vehicle.  Ayyad and Burgess waited in their vehicle while Troy and Lee robbed the pharmacy.  During the robbery Lee again brandished a gun and Troy bound the pharmacy employee with duct tape.  Troy and Lee stole cash and prescription bottles containing oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone and endocet, subsequently valued at $64,325.

Furman Troy, age 45, and Darrell Lee, age 48, both of Charlotte Hall, Maryland, and Michael Burgess, age 54, of Alexandria, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the robberies.  Lee and Troy were sentenced to 184 months and10 years in prison, respectively. Burgess is awaiting sentencing.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation and recognized the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the case.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Leah J. Bressack and Thomas P. Windom, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Gregory George Branch age 42, of Essex, Maryland, today to 130 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for three armed commercial robberies and three bank robberies.    

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

According to his plea agreement, on June 23 and July 3, 2015, Branch robbed a grocery store in Baltimore and convenience store in Essex, respectively.  In each robbery, Branch approached the cashier, pretending to make a purchase, before raising his shirt to display what appeared to be the handle of a black handgun.  Branch then demanded money from the cashier, who gave him money from the register and Branch left the store.  On July 4, 2015, Branch robbed a discount store in Brooklyn Park, Maryland, displaying what appeared to be a black handgun.  Branch ordered the security guard to place guard’s weapon in a trash can, then ordered the security guard and the store manager to open the safe.  The manager gave Branch approximately $300 from the safe and Branch ran away.

Branch also admitted that on July 1, July 14 and July 17, 2015, he robbed three banks, stealing a total of approximately $4,402.  In each robbery, Branch presented the teller with a note demanding money.  In the note presented in the July 14, 2015, robbery Branch claimed to have a gun and in the robbery on July 17, 2015, Branch pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the teller.

When Branch was arrested, he was in possession of a black pellet gun that was used in all three of the store robberies and the bank robbery on July 17, 2015.

Branch also admitted that he committed nine other robberies or attempted robberies of businesses in Baltimore City and Baltimore County during June and July of 2015.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Department; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office, Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Sullivan, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Paul Randolph Beeks, Jr., age 58, of Mt. Airy, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud arising from a scheme to defraud one of his clients of at least $526,000.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to his plea agreement, from January 2008 to the present, Beeks was the President of various Maryland tax and financial management companies including PRB Tax & Accounting Services, Inc. (hereafter “PRB”) and Elite Financial Services, LLC (hereafter “Elite Financial”).  In 2008, at the request of the physician who owned and operated Mid Atlantic Radiology Services, LLC (MARS), Beeks incorporated MARS in Maryland, and was entrusted with all of MARS’ accounting, tax, and financial responsibilities.  Beeks also conducted payroll on behalf of MARS, paid MARS’ vendors and paid malpractice insurance for MARS’ physicians. 

Starting in November 2009 and continuing to August 2015, Beeks, in his capacity as MARS’ accountant and financial planner, caused approximately 24 wire transfers from MARS accounts to bank accounts associated with Beeks’ various companies.  In order to disguise the theft of funds, Beeks falsely claimed that some of these wire transfers were for management fees and bonuses.  However, no management fees or bonuses were authorized by any MARS representative and the remaining wire transfers were not for legitimate purposes. 

As part of his plea agreement, Beeks will be required to forfeit all property involved in the offense, including, but not limited to a money judgment of at least $336,077.

Beeks faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy.  U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III has scheduled Beeks’ sentencing for January 19, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.

Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.  For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Selden, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Maliek Kearney, age 35, and Dolores Delgado, age 31, both of San Antonio, Texas, for interstate travel to commit domestic violence resulting in death, in connection with the death of Karlyn Ramirez.  The indictment was returned on October 4, 2016, and unsealed upon the arrest of the defendants in San Antonio on October 6, 2016.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commanding General Mark S. Inch of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare.

“The indictment alleges that Maliek Kearney and Dolores Delgado conspired to murder Karlyn Ramirez, a U.S. Army private first class based at Fort Meade, Maryland,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “I am grateful to the police and prosecutors who have been working tirelessly to pursue justice in this case.”

According to the indictment, on August 24, 2015, Kearney and Delgado traveled from South Carolina to Maryland with the intent to kill Karlyn Ramirez, the spouse of Maliek Kearney, and used a firearm to murder Ramirez.

Both defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The defendants each had an initial appearance on October 6, 2016 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in San Antonio. Both were ordered to be detained pending detention hearings.  Kearney’s detention hearing is scheduled for October 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. and Delgado’s detention hearing is scheduled for October 18, 2016 at 9:00 a.m., both in U.S. District Court in San Antonio.

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

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI Baltimore, Army CID, and Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation, and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and FBI San Antonio for their assistance.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Warwick, Kenneth S. Clark and John F. Purcell, Jr., who are prosecuting the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Hussain Abdullah, age 39 of Forestville, Maryland; Shazad Khan, age 56, of Maryland; Patricia Lynn Hiter, age 50, of Lawrenceville, Georgia: and James Edward Foster, age 60, of Woodbridge, Virginia, on charges related to a scheme to use victims’ stolen identity information to obtain credit.  The conspirators allegedly used the fraudulent credit cards to obtain money and merchandise.  The indictment was returned on August 17, 2016, and unsealed today. 

Hiter and Foster are scheduled to have their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt today at 3:45 p.m.  Abdullah had his initial appearance on Monday and was detained pending a detention hearing on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.  Khan is currently serving a state sentence on unrelated charges and will have his initial appearance at a later date.

The indictments were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Ebert of the United States Secret Service – Washington, D.C. Field Office; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to the indictment, Abdullah obtained and helped obtain the personal identifying information (PII) of others, without their knowledge or consent.  The indictment alleges that from October 2014 through July 2016, Abdullah, Khan, Hiter, Foster and their co-conspirators, including Bland Shivers, used this information to create fake driver’s licenses in the names of the victims.  Khan, Hiter, Foster, Shivers and others then allegedly used the driver’s licenses to apply for credit at retail stores, and used the credit cards they obtained to purchase merchandise and gift cards worth over $135,000.  Prosecutors have stated that they believe there are at least 33 victims of the scheme, including nine victims specifically mentioned in the indictment - seven that were residents of Montgomery County, Maryland, and two that were residents of Washington, D.C.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy, and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft.  

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. 

Bland Shivers, age 50, of New Bern, North Carolina, previously pleaded guilty to the wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft and is awaiting sentencing.

The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.

Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.  For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the U.S. Secret Service National Capitol Region Multi-Agency Task Force, the Montgomery County Police Department and Prince George’s County Police Department for their investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah J. Bressack and Arun Rao, who are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint has been filed charging Harold Thomas Martin III, 51, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, with theft of government property and unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials by a government employee or contractor.   

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office made the announcement today.

According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Martin was a contractor with the federal government and had a top secret national security clearance. Martin was arrested late on Aug. 27, 2016. The complaint was filed on Aug. 29, 2016 and unsealed today.

On Aug. 27, 2016, search warrants were executed at Martin’s residence in Glen Burnie, Maryland, including two storage sheds, as well as upon his vehicle and person. During execution of the warrants, investigators located hard-copy documents and digital information stored on various devices and removable digital media. A large percentage of the materials recovered from Martin’s residence and vehicle bore markings indicating that they were property of the U.S. government and contained highly classified information, including Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). In addition, investigators located property of the U.S. government with an aggregate value in excess of $1,000, which Martin allegedly stole.

The complaint alleges that among the classified documents found in the search were six classified documents obtained from sensitive intelligence and produced by a government agency in 2014. These documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues. The disclosure of the documents would reveal those sensitive sources, methods and capabilities.

The documents have been reviewed by a person designated as an original classification authority, and in each instance, the authority has determined that the documents are currently and properly classified as Top Secret, meaning that unauthorized disclosure reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the U.S.

If convicted, Martin faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials and ten years in prison for theft of government property. An initial appearance was held for Martin in U.S. District Court in Baltimore on Aug. 29, 2016. Martin remains detained.

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. 

Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked the Maryland State Police for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein and Mr. Carlin thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers and Harvey E. Eisenberg, and Trial Attorney David Aaron of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – A criminal complaint has been filed charging Harold Thomas Martin III, age 51, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, with theft of government property and unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials by a government employee or contractor. According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Martin was a contractor with the federal government and had a top secret national security clearance. Martin was arrested late on August 27, 2016.  The complaint was filed on August 29, 2016, and unsealed today.

The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin; and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

According to the affidavit, on August 27, 2016, search warrants were executed at Martin’s residence in Glen Burnie, including two storage sheds, as well as upon his vehicle and person.  During execution of the warrants, investigators located hard copy documents and digital information stored on various devices and removable digital media. A large percentage of the materials recovered from Martin’s residence and vehicle bore markings indicating that they were property of the United States and contained highly classified information of the United States, including Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). In addition, investigators located property of the United States with an aggregate value in excess of $1,000, which Martin allegedly stole.

The complaint alleges that among the classified documents found in the search were six classified documents obtained from sensitive intelligence and produced by a government agency in 2014. These documents were produced through sensitive government sources, methods, and capabilities, which are critical to a wide variety of national security issues. The disclosure of the documents would reveal those sensitive sources, methods, and capabilities.

The documents have been reviewed by a person designated as an original classification authority, and in each instance, the authority has determined that the documents are currently and properly classified as Top Secret, meaning that unauthorized disclosure reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security of the United States.

If convicted, Martin faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for the unauthorized removal and retention of classified materials, and ten years in prison for theft of government property.  An initial appearance was held for Martin in U.S. District Court in Baltimore on August 29, 2016.  Martin remains detained.  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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked the Maryland State Police for its assistance.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers, Harvey E. Eisenberg and Trial Attorney David Aaron of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland –Nathaniel Wright, age 55, of Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to making false statements in connection with an investigation into his interactions with contractors.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Inspector General Paul K. Martin, NASA Office of Inspector General.

According to the plea agreement, Wright worked as a NASA employee at Goddard Space Flight Center.  In late 2009 and early 2010, while still employed full-time at NASA, Wright also worked as a contract employee for a friend’s small business that performed work for several government agencies.  Wright assisted the small business in the preparation and submission of bids to other government agencies.

According to admissions made in connection with his plea agreement, from 2009 through 2012, Wright’s official duties at NASA included significant responsibilities with respect to three contracts, including an $800 million contract, a $450 million contract and a $1.2 billion contract.

Wright admitted that, while working in his official capacity with NASA, he provided his resume to one of the contractors and said that he was looking for a position with their company.  Wright suggested that he would wait to consider the contractor’s proposals until a position had been considered.  Wright also admitted that he pressed a contractor to use his friend’s business to perform work on a specific task order, even though that businesses had no experience in the area. 

Wright further admitted that he pressed additional contractors on a separate contract to direct work to his friend’s business.  At a meeting in October 2012, Wright also instructed a contractor to include his friend’s business in a task order proposal and suggested that they include a document to justify the business’s involvement, even though the business had no expertise in the type of work called for under the contract.

NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) opened an investigation into Wright’s conduct.  As part of the investigation, on Oct. 23, 2012, three NASA OIG agents interviewed Wright.  According to his plea agreement, Wright made a number of false statements during the interview regarding the circumstances surrounding his provision of his resume to the contractor and his pressuring of contractors to use his friend’s company.  Wright admitted that he knew that these statements were false when he made them.

Wright faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for making false statements.  U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked NASA OIG for its work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan, Trial Attorney Victor R. Salgado of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN), who are prosecuting the case. Chief Kevin Driscoll of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture Money Laundering Section Policy Unit previously handled the case for the Public Integrity Section.

A former NASA employee pleaded guilty today to making false statements in connection with an investigation into his interactions with contractors, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein of the District of Maryland and NASA Inspector General Paul K. Martin.

Nathaniel Wright, 55, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang of the District of Maryland.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 25, 2017.

According to the plea agreement, Wright worked as a NASA employee at Goddard Space Flight Center.  In late 2009 and early 2010, while still employed full-time at NASA, Wright also worked as a contract employee for a friend’s small business that performed work for several government agencies.  Wright assisted the small business in the preparation and submission of bids to other government agencies.

According to admissions made in connection with his plea agreement, from 2009 through 2012, Wright’s official duties at NASA included significant responsibilities with respect to three contracts, including an $800 million contract, a $450 million contract and a $1.2 billion contract.

Wright admitted that, while working in his official capacity with NASA, he provided his resume to one of the contractors and said that he was looking for a position with their company.  Wright suggested that he would wait to consider the contractor’s proposals until a position had been considered.  Wright also admitted that he pressed a contractor to use his friend’s business to perform work on a specific task order, even though that businesses had no experience in the area. 

Wright further admitted that he pressed additional contractors on a separate contract to direct work to his friend’s business.  At a meeting in October 2012, Wright also instructed a contractor to include his friend’s business in a task order proposal and suggested that they include a document to justify the business’s involvement, even though the business had no expertise in the type of work called for under the contract.

NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) opened an investigation into Wright’s conduct.  As part of the investigation, on Oct. 23, 2012, three NASA OIG agents interviewed Wright.  According to his admissions, Wright made a number of false statements during the interview regarding the circumstances surrounding his provision of his resume to the contractor and his pressuring of contractors to use his friend’s company.  Wright admitted that he knew that these statements were false when he made them.

NASA OIG investigated the case.  Trial Attorney Victor R. Salgado of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan of the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.  Chief Kevin Driscoll of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture Money Laundering Section Policy Unit previously handled the case for the Public Integrity Section.

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted 80 defendants in two separate indictments for a racketeering conspiracy operating at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, Maryland.  The indictments charge 18 correctional officers (COs), 35 inmates and 27 outside “facilitators,” for their roles in the conspiracy, which allegedly involved paying bribes to correctional officers to smuggle contraband, including narcotics, tobacco, and cell phones, into the prison.  The indictments were returned on September 29, 2016, and unsealed today.

The indictments were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Postal Inspector in Charge Terrence P. McKeown of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Secretary Stephen T. Moyer of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

 “Prison corruption is a longstanding, deeply-rooted systemic problem that can only be solved by a combination of criminal prosecutions and policy changes,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “We will continue to work closely with state officials to prosecute correctional officers who bring cell phones, drugs and other contraband into correctional facilities, and to propose appropriate changes in prison policies and practices.”

“Few things threaten our society more than public servants who betray their oath for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI's Baltimore Division. “It was extremely courageous of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to allow the access required to conduct this type of investigation. The state of Maryland and the FBI together have made this community safer.”

“After taking office last year, I assigned eight investigators to work directly with the federal agencies to root out corruption, which is my chief priority,” said Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Stephen T. Moyer.  “Today’s actions, which are a result of the extraordinary partnership of the DPSCS Investigative Unit, the FBI, and our other state and federal partners, send a strong message that we will no longer tolerate corruption committed by a few tarnishing the good work of our 10,500 dedicated and committed department employees.”

“Today’s arrests by Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners serve as a warning to street criminals and corrupt public servants that the nation’s mail system is not a tool for use by those who traffic in drugs and illegal contraband,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Terrence P. McKeown of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.  “We are committed to safeguarding the interests of law abiding citizens and our Postal Service employees by working to eliminate these dangerous substances from the U.S. mail.”

According to the indictments, the Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) is the largest state prison in Maryland, operating since 1987 near Westover, in Somerset County, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ECI is a medium-security prison for men built as two identical compounds (East and West) on 620 acres, and housing more than 3,300 inmates. The East and West Compounds are further divided into Housing Units, 1 through 4 in the West and 5 through 8 in the East.

The first indictment covers the West Compound at ECI and charges a total of 39 defendants, including nine COs, 17 ECI inmates, and 13 outside suppliers or “facilitators.”  The second indictment covers the East Compound at ECI and charges a total of 41 defendants, including nine COs, 18 ECI inmates and 14 facilitators.

The indictments allege that the COs accepted payments from facilitators and/or inmates, or engaged in sexual relations with inmates, to smuggle contraband into ECI, including narcotics, cell phones and tobacco.  The “going rate” for a CO to smuggle contraband into ECI was $500 per package, although some COs charged more and some COs charged less. According to the indictments, inmates and facilitators paid COs for smuggled contraband in cash, money orders, and through PayPal. Inmates were able to use contraband cell phones to pay COs directly using PayPal from within ECI.  Inmates also received payments from other inmates for contraband through PayPal, often with the assistance of facilitators. 

The indictments allege that the defendants conspired to smuggle and traffic in narcotics within ECI, including heroin, cocaine, MDMA, commonly referred to as “molly” or ecstasy, buprenorphine, commonly referred to as “Suboxone,” a prescription opioid used to treat heroin addiction, marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids (otherwise known as “K2”), and other contraband, including cell phones, pornographic videos and tobacco, in order to expand their criminal operations.  The profits made by the inmates by selling contraband in the prison far exceeded the profits that could be made by selling similar items on the street.  For example, defendant inmates could purchase Suboxone strips for $3 each and sell them inside ECI for $50 each, a profit of more than 15 times the purchase price.  

According to the indictments, although COs and other ECI employees were required to pass through security screening at the entrance to ECI, defendant COs were able to hide contraband on their persons.  Further, COs took breaks during their shifts and returned to their cars to retrieve contraband. Once the COs had the smuggled contraband inside the facility, they delivered it to: inmates in their cells; clerk’s offices, which were private offices within each housing unit where an inmate clerk worked; the officer’s dining room where officers could interact with inmate servers and kitchen workers; and pre-arranged “stash” locations like staff bathrooms, storage closets, laundry rooms and other places where contraband could be hidden and then later retrieved by inmates. The indictment alleges that defendant inmates who had jobs that allowed them to move throughout the housing unit and elsewhere in the prison, commonly referred to as “working men,” took orders for contraband from inmates, provided orders to corrupt COs and delivered contraband to inmates. The affidavits filed in support of the search warrants discuss an inmate who admitted paying COs $3,000 per week to smuggle.  According to the West indictment, another inmate said he aimed to make $50,000 before he was released.

The defendants allegedly used cell phones to communicate with one another and coordinate contraband smuggling and trafficking activities and some shared a “dirty” phone among themselves for contraband smuggling purposes. According to court documents, the conspirators rented post office boxes to send drugs and bribe payments to the COs.

The indictment alleges that COs warned inmates when the prison administration was planning cell searches so that the inmates could hide contraband or pass it to other inmates whose cells were not being searched.  The COs also monitored inmates to determine if they were providing information to the prison administration about contraband smuggling.  When the COs learned that inmates were providing information to the prison administration, they would allegedly try to prevent them from doing so or would alert defendant inmates so that they could retaliate against these inmates, sometimes violently. 

According to the indictment, defendants used violence to obtain contraband once it was smuggled into the facility, to ensure that contraband paid for by an inmate was delivered to that inmate, and to retaliate against inmates that provided information, or attempted to provide information, to the prison administration about corrupt COs and contraband smuggling, or that otherwise interfered with their contraband trafficking activities. For example, the West Compound indictment alleges that an inmate was stabbed at the direction of a defendant CO after the inmate filed a complaint against the CO which caused the CO to be removed from the housing unit.  At the time of his removal, the CO owed several inmates contraband that he had been bribed to smuggle into ECI. 

Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the racketeering conspiracy, and for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute drugs. Two correctional officers and two inmates charged in the indictment covering the West Compound at ECI also face a maximum of 10 years in prison for deprivation of rights under color of law for allegedly participating in the stabbing of two inmates in separate incidents. Initial appearances for the correctional officers and facilitators arrested today are being held in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.  The inmates charged in the indictments will have initial appearances at a later date.

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 U.S. Attorney expressed appreciation to Secretary Moyer whose staff initiated the ECI investigation and who has made the full resources of the DPSCS available to assist the three-year investigation.  The state/federal coordination was on display on October 5, 2016 when the execution of dozens of federal search warrants coincided with the simultaneous searches of cells of the more than 30 inmate defendants, some of whom are no longer at ECI.

U.S. Attorney Rosenstein also recognized the efforts of the Maryland Prison Task Force which has brought together federal, state and local agencies in meetings to generate reforms in prison procedures and facilitate joint investigations of prison corruption and prison gangs.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked the members of the Maryland Prison Task Force and the and other agencies who assisted in this investigation and prosecution, including: United States Marshal Johnny Hughes; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh; Tom Carr, Director of the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area; Somerset County Sheriff Ronald Howard; Queen Anne’s County Sheriff Gary Hofmann; Wicomico County Sheriff Michael A. Lewis; Worcester County Sheriff Reggie T. Mason, Sr.; Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Somerset County State’s Attorney Dan Powell; Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew Maciarello; Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams; and the Wicomico, Somerset, Queen Anne’s and Worcester County Narcotics Task Forces.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Baltimore Police Department and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise, Robert R. Harding, and Daniel C. Gardner, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

West Compound Indictment

Correctional Officers: Aaron Bohl, age 34, of Parksley, Virginia; Rozlyn Bratten, age 31, of Snow Hill, Maryland;  Rachelle Hankerson, age 26, of Salisbury, Maryland; David Hearn, age 54, of Eden, Maryland; Xavier Holden, age 27, of Salisbury; Jesse James Jones, age 27, of Delmar, Maryland; Thomas Leimbach, age 32, of Pocomoke City, Maryland; Kimberly Rayfield, age 37, of Crisfield, Maryland; and
Stephen Wise, age 34, of Pocomoke, Maryland.

Inmates: Mohammed Akram, age 34; Aaron Bell, age 34; Shawn Benbow, age 33; David Bond, age 30; Joseph Branch, age 35; Robert Costen, age 35; Michael Counts, age 37;  Travis Gie, age 24; Jamar Hutt, age 27; Samuel Johnson, age 36; Troy Johnson, age 37; Demario King, age 37; Mark Lance, age 36; Michael Page, age 35; Ternell Lucas, age 42; Shawn Sullivan, age 41; Kevin Stanley, age 36.

Facilitators: Reggie Fosque, age 26, of Princess Anne, Maryland; Cammay Gray, age 31, of Los Angeles, California; Chastity Harmon, age 40, of Princess Anne; Leondrus Higgins, age 29, of Salisbury, Maryland; Deonya Johnson, age 34, of Baltimore; Terrell King, age 23, of Chestertown, Maryland; Markayla Reynolds, age 23, of Salisbury; Chavia Savage, age 23, of Salisbury and Baltimore; Ronald Stewart, age 33, of Baltimore; Tyeacha Thomas Counts, age 34, of Columbia, Maryland; Kevin Thompson, age 37, of Baltimore; Trina Williams Johnson, age 44, of Baltimore; and
Angel Whittington, age 35, of Salisbury. 

 

East Compound Indictment

Correctional Officers: Sherima Bell, age 37, of Pocomoke, Maryland; Erin Burfield, age 32, of Salisbury, Maryland; Jocelyn Byrd, age 39, of Salisbury;  Erica Cook, age 32, of Snow Hill, Maryland; Travis Dennis, age 27, of Pittsville, Maryland; Aaron Ennis, age 35, of Hebron, Maryland; Dnte Harris, age 26, of Kennisburg, Colorado;   Jessica Vennie, age 27, of Crowley, Texas; and  
Robert Waters, age 32, of Salisbury. 

Inmates: Michael Andrews, age 27; Artie Bailey, age 31; Orlando Bowen, age 25; Jamar Butler, age 33; *Ramel Chase, age 34, of Glen Burnie, Maryland; Alexander Crippen, age 42; Maurice Fox, age 36; Stewart Gough, age 38; Darian Holmes, age 38; Marty Imes, age 35; Reginald Johnson, age 37; Zachary Martin, age 36; Devon Matos, age 33; Vincent Middleton, age 31; Michael Null, age 31; Sean Smith, age 25; Darrell Timms, age 32; and
Alvin Williams, age 35.

Facilitators: Keisha Barksdale, age 30, of Baltimore, Maryland; Eugene Bowen, age 51, of Salisbury, Maryland; Nicole Carpenter, age 29, of Denton, Maryland; Katrina Crippen, age 38, of Ft. Washington, Maryland; Darren Dale, age 29, of Salisbury, Maryland; Antoine Gray, age 44, of Ft. Washington, Maryland; Elvia Hall, age 46, of Baltimore, Maryland; Marcus Lisbon, age 37, of Brooklyn, Maryland; Miguel Matos, age 46, of Ft. Washington, Maryland; Samantha Oliver, age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland; **Apryl Robinson, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland; Rahman Shabazz, age 50, of New York, New York; Rose Thomas, age 56, of Brooklyn, Maryland; and
Dameshia Vennie, age 34, of West Palm Beach, Florida.

 * recently released
**a former correctional officer who served with DPSCS from 2004 to 2007

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Damien Travis Boddy, age 35, of Silver Spring, Maryland, late on October 3, 2016, to 12 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of an unregistered firearm and to transportation of explosive material with the intent to injure, kill or intimidate.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Marc S. Bashoor.

“Our public safety team effort was critical to the closure and conviction in this case. Our residents can rest safer today with the sentence handed down by Judge Hazel,” said Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Marc S. Bashoor.

According to his plea agreement, in the early morning hours of October 19, 2014, Boddy drove to a gas station in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and filled several empty beer bottles with gasoline.  Boddy placed the bottles in his car and drove to a residence in Upper Marlboro.  Using protective gloves and a lighter, Boddy set fire to at least two of the bottles filled with gasoline and threw the lit bottles at the residence. The lit bottles, which qualify as explosives, struck a window on the first floor and ignited a small fire on the exterior of the residence. Luckily, the bottles did not penetrate to the interior of the residence and the fire was confined to the exterior of the window and shrubbery.  Members of the Prince George’s County Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.  Fire investigators subsequently recovered the remnants of one of the gas filled beer bottles near the residence, gas residue on the window, and an intact gas-filled beer bottle on the sidewalk adjacent to the residence.

Members of the Prince George’s County Police Department encountered Boddy in his vehicle a short distance from the residence.  Officers discovered a beer bottle filled with gasoline in the vehicle’s cup holder, a lighter, protective gloves and paperwork from the gas station where Boddy filled the beer bottles.

Boddy knew the owner of the residence and in previous years had set fire to a car parked at the victim’s residence, and had contacted the victim’s employer and threatened to kill the victim.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department and Prince George’s County Fire/EMS for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael T. Packard, Erin B. Pulice, and Daniel C. Gardner, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Jeff Crews, a/k/a “Fro,” age 25, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to conspiring to participate in a racketeering conspiracy and to aggravated identity theft, in connection with his activities as the leader of the Simple City Criminal Organization (SCCO), a racketeering enterprise engaged in fraud and related activity, including vehicle theft, interstate transportation of stolen property, and aggravated identity theft. 

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.

 According to his plea agreement, the SCCO is a criminal organization based in the southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. in a neighborhood known as “Simple City.”  From at least 2009 to July 2015, Crews and his conspirators, including Sylvia Price and Stefon Janey, met on a regular basis, and planned criminal activity, including vehicle theft, the interstate transportation of stolen property, identity theft and credit/debit card fraud.  The SCCO received money and income from those criminal activities.

According to his plea agreement, Crews and other SCCO members would steal vehicles in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, Maryland, as well as in Washington, D.C.  Crews and SCCO members sometimes used the stolen vehicle in a short crime spree during which they committed a string of auto thefts; thefts from autos; and commercial burglaries targeting ATM machines.  Once the SCCO had used a stolen vehicle to commit one or more crime sprees, the SCCO would then transport the stolen vehicle across state lines for resale.

Crews and other SCCO members would provide any personal identification information and access devices stolen during the crime spree to another group within the SCCO, which was led by Sylvia Price. Sylvia Price and those under her direction would conduct fraudulent transactions with the stolen identification documents and access devices, in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia.  Price would provide a portion of the fraud proceeds to Crews, for disbursement to the SCCO members who participated in the thefts. 

For example, on April 18, 2015, Crews, Janey, and another co-conspirator robbed a BP Gas Station in Beltsville, Maryland.  While Crews acted as the getaway driver, Janey and another co-conspirator used a crowbar to forcibly enter the vestibule area, where an employee was working.  Janey and the co-conspirator threatened the employee and stole the employee’s cell phone and cash from a cash register.  In addition, Janey and the co-conspirator forcibly opened an ATM in the gas station, causing damage to the ATM, and took cash from the ATM.  They fled the gas station in a gray Acura MDX that had previously been stolen in Prince George’s County, on March 31, 2015. 

At least $550,000, but not more than $1,500,000, was reasonably foreseeable to Crews based on his involvement in the activities of the SCCO.

As part of his plea agreement, Crews will be required to forfeit and pay restitution of at least $1,250,000.

Crews and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Crews will be sentenced to between 96 and 120 months in prison for the RICO conspiracy, and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence for aggravated identity theft.  U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for January 31, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.

Seven other defendants have pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy, including Sylvia Price, a/k/a “Deez Nuts,” age 50, of Suitland, Maryland, and Stefon Janey, a/k/a “Stef,” and “Stef Luva,” age 23, of Marlow Heights, Maryland. U.S. District Judge Hazel has scheduled sentencing for Sylvia Price on November 21, 2016, at 2:30 p.m.  Judge Hazel previously sentenced Janey to 27 months in federal prison.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department and the members of the Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement Unit for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan, Nicolas A. Mitchell, and Sujit Raman, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Tavon Slowe, age 24, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 27 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for charges arising from two murder for hire contracts.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.

According to his plea agreement, in March of 2012, a fight occurred near West Patterson Park Avenue and Chase Street.  One of the participants was Gregory Parker.  A few days later, an individual was given a “contract” to kill Gregory Parker.  The individual arranged with Slowe to kill Gregory Parker for $5,000. 

On March 16, 2012, the individual called Slowe on a cell phone and at approximately 2:30 p.m., Slowe drove his silver Honda Accord to meet the individual.  Davon Sanford was seated in the front passenger seat.  The individual told Slowe where Parker could be found and described Parker as wearing a blue floppy hat.  Less than 90 minutes later, Gregory Parker was shot multiple times by Davon Sanford with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the 2300 block of East Chase Street in Baltimore City.  Fourteen shell casings were found at the scene.  Parker was wearing a blue floppy hat when he was shot and killed.  Video surveillance depicts the shooter running from the murder scene and getting into a car driven by Slowe.

In March 2013, at the direction of the FBI, the individual called Slowe from a jail phone and told Slowe that he had been sentenced to a lengthy incarceration period after being set up by a person he had known since he was four years old. Slowe agreed to commit a murder for money.  Slowe requested two guns to commit the murder. The individual told Slowe that another person would meet with Slowe to provide the money and guns. 

On April 26, 2013, at the FBI’s direction, an undercover officer met with Slowe, and Slowe agreed to meet her again at a later date to receive the handguns and money.  Slowe was upset that he was not getting the handguns that day and would only be paid $3,000 up front, arguing that it is usually $5,000.

On April 29th, the individual spoke with Slowe and worked out details concerning the murder for hire.  Slowe stated that if the intended victim was not alone, Slowe would kill the other person as well.  Slowe also expressed concerns over the undercover officer because he did not know her. 

On April 30, an arrest operation was planned in which the undercover officer was going to meet with Slowe and provide him the guns that he requested for the murder-for-hire. Slowe did not show up for this meeting. 

On August 8, 2013 Baltimore Police arrested Slowe on drug and gun charges, and Slowe was detained.

On February 4, 2014, at the direction of the FBI, the individual called Slowe’s half-brother to hire him for the same murder.  The individual had previously used the brother, in addition to Slowe, for murder-for-hire contracts in Baltimore.  The brother accepted this contract from the individual.  Later that same day, the brother received a recorded jail call from Slowe in which the brother explained that he received a call from the individual and that he was going to meet the individual’s girl that day.  Slowe cautioned his brother about the possibility of the “girl” being a police officer or “one of them.”  Additionally, Slowe admitted to taking the contract to kill, but that he did not show up on April 30, 2013 because he believed the “girl” was a police officer. 

On September 23, 2016, Chief Judge Blake sentenced co-defendant Davon Sanford, a/k/a “Chronic,” age 33, of Baltimore, to 30 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after Sanford pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, resulting in death.   

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Safe Streets Task Force and Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys James G. Warwick and Joshua T. Ferrentino, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Nelash Mohamed Das, age 24, a citizen of Bangladesh residing in Landover Hills, Maryland, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a foreign terrorist organization, in connection with a plan to attack a U.S. military member.  Das had an initial appearance at 2:00 p.m. today in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan.  Das was ordered to be detained pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2016, at 3:15 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Sullivan in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. The complaint was filed on October 1, 2016.

The charges were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.

“Our goal is to catch dangerous suspects before they strike, while respecting constitutional rights,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “That is what the American people expect of the Justice Department, and that is what we aim to deliver.”

“The danger posed by Mr. Das during this investigation was very real. He was committed to carrying out an attack against a military member,” said Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI’s Baltimore Division. “Through our proactive investigative stance, we were able to ensure the citizens of Maryland were protected. The covert nature of the defendant’s alleged actions is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in preventing attacks, and underscores the critical need for those with knowledge about terror plots to come forward.”

According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Das was admitted to the United States in 1995 and is a legal permanent resident.

The affidavit alleges that from September 28, 2015 to early 2016, Das used social media to express his support for ISIL, including support for terrorist attacks in Paris, France, and San Bernardino, California. 

On October 26, 2015, Das tweeted the name of an individual and the city where they lived, stating that the individual “aspires to kill Muslims.” Das knew that the individual hoped to become a member of the U.S. military.  ISIL members and supporters have posted identifying information about United States military personnel in hopes that those inspired by ISIL would carry out attacks against them. The affidavit alleges that Das was advertising the individual’s identity and whereabouts in order to inspire violence against that individual. 

On January 30, 2016, Das tweeted a picture of an AK-47 assault rifle along with the text, “This is more than just a gun.  This is a ticket to Jannah.” “Jannah” is a reference to the Islamic concept of paradise.

According to the affidavit, on April 30, 2016, Das attended the Handgun Qualification License class at a firing range in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  After the class, Das told another individual that he wanted to buy a Glock 9mm handgun and an AK-47. Over the next five months, Das returned to the firing range to practice firing weapons, and submitted his fingerprints to obtain a handgun permit.

During May 2016, DAS met a confidential source working for the FBI.  Das believed the source to be a like-minded supporter of ISIL.  On May 24, 2016, Das told the source that he knew people overseas in Al Dawla (a common name for ISIL), and communicated with the Al Dawla members through online communications. 

On July 23, 2016, Das told the source that he wanted to kill a particular military member who lived in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and whose identifying information Das had obtained the prior year from a list posted online by ISIL.  Das stated that he could acquire a firearm from an individual he knows and stated his desire to travel overseas for ISIL if he had the opportunity.  On July 30, 2016, Das advised the source that he could no longer find the ISIL list from the year before and asked the source if he had any ISIL contacts who could re-send the list.

According to the affidavit, on August 19, 2016, even though Das had stated that he could acquire a firearm, the confidential source told Das that he could acquire weapons for both of them. In subsequent meetings with the confidential source, Das continued to state that he was looking for names of targets for them to kill.  In a meeting on September 11, 2016, Das confirmed that he was committed “100%” to conducting an attack and, “That’s like my goal in life.”  In a meeting the following day Das stated that he wanted to get paid by ISIL for future killings, but would do it for free as well.  Das further confirmed that he specifically wanted to target United States military personnel.

On September 28, 2016, Das and the source drove from Maryland to a firearms store in Virginia, where Das purchased one box (50 rounds) of 9mm ammunition and one box (50 rounds) of .40 caliber ammunition. At Das’ request, that same day, the confidential source provided Das with the identifying information of a target, who the source claimed was a member of the U.S. military.  The confidential source told Das he received the information from an ISIL contact in Iraq.  In reality, the source provided false information on behalf of the FBI.  Based on discussions with the source, Das also believed that the ISIL contact in Iraq would facilitate the payment of approximately $80,000 in exchange for Das and the source conducting the attack.  After purchasing the ammunition, Das and the source traveled from the Virginia firearms store to the Maryland address of the target in order to conduct surveillance.

The affidavit alleges that on September 30, 2016, while the confidential source was en route to pick up Das so they could conduct the attack, Das sent a text to the source that stated, “I’m ready.”  When the confidential source arrived at the residence, Das loaded ammunition into the magazine of one of the two firearms previously acquired by the confidential source, with DAS’s knowledge and support. Das inserted the magazine into the firearm and loaded a bullet in the chamber.  The firearms were then placed into the trunk of the vehicle.  Although Das believed that the firearms could fire ammunition; in reality, they had been rendered inert by the FBI.  Das and the source then traveled to the address of the target, where Das exited the vehicle and approached the trunk, where the firearms were located.  When Das was standing next to the trunk, FBI agents approached and Das ran away.  Das was taken into custody by FBI agents a short distance away from the vehicle.

Das faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

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 Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for its work in the investigation Mr. Rosenstein thanked his office’s national security prosecutors that are handling the matter, and recognized the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section, for its support.

Nelash Mohamed Das, 24, a citizen of Bangladesh residing in Hyattsville, Maryland, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, in connection with a plan to kill a U.S. military member. 

The charges were announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. Das had an initial appearance at 2:00 p.m. today in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan. Das was ordered to be detained pending a detention hearing, which is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016, at 3:15p.m. before Magistrate Judge Sullivan in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. The complaint was filed on Oct. 1, 2016.

“Nelash Mohamed Das is alleged to have plotted to kill a U.S. service member on behalf of ISIL,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Individuals intent on carrying out violence in the name of foreign terrorist organizations pose one of the most concerning threats that law enforcement faces today and stopping these offenders before they are able to act is our highest priority.”

“Our goal is to catch dangerous suspects before they strike, while respecting constitutional rights,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein for the District of Maryland. “That is what the American people expect of the Justice Department, and that is what we aim to deliver.”

“The danger posed by Mr. Das during this investigation was very real. He was committed to carrying out an attack against a military member,” said Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI’s Baltimore Division. “Through our proactive investigative stance, we were able to ensure the citizens of Maryland were protected. The covert nature of the defendant’s alleged actions is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in preventing attacks, and underscores the critical need for those with knowledge about terror plots to come forward.”

According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Das was admitted to the U.S. in 1995 and is a legal permanent resident.

The affidavit alleges that from Sept. 28, 2015 to early 2016, Das used social media to express his support for ISIL, including support for terrorist attacks in Paris, France, and San Bernardino, California. 

On Oct. 26, 2015, Das tweeted the name of an individual and the city where they lived, stating that the individual “aspires to kill Muslims.” Das knew that the individual hoped to become a member of the U.S. military. ISIL members and supporters have posted identifying information about U.S. military personnel in hopes that those inspired by ISIL would carry out attacks against them. The affidavit alleges that Das was advertising the individual’s identity and whereabouts in order to inspire violence against that individual. 

On Jan. 30, 2016, Das tweeted a picture of an AK-47 assault rifle along with the text, “This is more than just a gun. This is a ticket to Jannah.” “Jannah” is a reference to the Islamic concept of paradise.

According to the affidavit, on April 30, 2016, Das attended the Handgun Qualification License class at a firing range in Prince George’s County, Maryland. After the class, Das told another individual that he wanted to buy a Glock 9mm handgun and an AK-47. Over the next five months, Das returned to the firing range to practice firing weapons, and submitted his fingerprints to obtain a handgun permit.

During May 2016, Das met a confidential human source (CHS) working for the FBI. Das believed the CHS to be a like-minded supporter of ISIL. On May 24, 2016, Das told the CHS that he knew people overseas in Al Dawla (a common name for ISIL) and communicated with them through online communications. 

On July 23, 2016, Das told the CHS that he wanted to kill a particular military member who lived in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and whose identifying information Das had obtained the prior year from a list posted online by ISIL. Das stated that he could acquire a firearm from an individual he knows and stated his desire to travel overseas for ISIL if he had the opportunity. On July 30, 2016, Das advised the CHS that he could no longer find the ISIL list from the year before and asked the CHS if he had any ISIL contacts who could re-send the list.

According to the affidavit, on Aug. 19, 2016, even though Das had stated that he could acquire a firearm, the CHS told Das that he could acquire weapons for both of them. In subsequent meetings with the CHS, Das continued to state that he was looking for names of targets for them to kill. In a meeting on Sept. 11, 2016, Das confirmed that he was committed “100%” to conducting an attack and, “That’s like my goal in life.” In a meeting the following day, Das stated that he wanted to get paid by ISIL for future killings, but would do it for free as well. Das further confirmed that he specifically wanted to target U.S. military personnel.

On Sept. 28, 2016, Das and the CHS drove from Maryland to a firearms store in Virginia, where Das purchased one box (50 rounds) of 9mm ammunition and one box (50 rounds) of .40 caliber ammunition. At Das’ request, that same day, the CHS provided Das with the identifying information of a target, who the CHS claimed was a member of the U.S. military. The CHS told Das he received the information from an ISIL contact in Iraq. In reality, the CHS provided false information on behalf of the FBI. Based on discussions with the CHS, Das also believed that the ISIL contact in Iraq would facilitate the payment of approximately $80,000 in exchange for Das and the CHS conducting the attack. After purchasing the ammunition, Das and the CHS traveled from the Virginia firearms store to the Maryland address of the target in order to conduct surveillance.

The affidavit alleges that on Sept. 30, 2016, while the CHS was en route to pick up Das so they could conduct the attack, Das sent a text to the CHS that stated, “I’m ready.” When the CHS arrived at the residence, Das loaded ammunition into the magazine of one of the two firearms previously acquired by the CHS, with Das’ knowledge and support. Das inserted the magazine into the firearm and loaded a bullet in the chamber.  The firearms were then placed into the trunk of the vehicle.  Although Das believed that the firearms could fire ammunition, in reality, they had been rendered inert by the FBI.  Das and the CHS then traveled to the address of the target, where Das exited the vehicle and approached the trunk, where the firearms were located.  When Das was standing next to the trunk, FBI agents approached and Das attempted to run away.  Das was taken into custody by FBI agents a short distance from the vehicle.

Das faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes.  If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

U.S. Attorney Rosenstein and Assistant Attorney General Carlin thanked the FBI for its work in the investigation.

A federal jury today convicted two Hyattsville, Maryland, men on charges related to the racketeering enterprise activity of a gang known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein of the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore Field Office; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County, Maryland, Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County, Maryland, Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

Eric Antonio Mejia-Ramos, aka Flaco, 22, and Miguel Angel Manjivar, aka Masflow and Garra, 25, were both found guilty of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise by a federal jury sitting in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.  In addition, Manjivar was found guilty of murder in aid of racketeering.  U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus of the District of Maryland scheduled sentencing for Mejia Ramos on Jan. 5, 2017, and Manjivar on Jan. 23, 2017.

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 Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.  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.

According to evidence presented at trial, from at least 2009 through October 2014, MS-13 members planned and committed numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, assaults, robberies and witness tampering and retaliation in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.  Gang members also extorted brothel operators and owners of other illegal businesses and tampered with and retaliated against witnesses, among other crimes.  Mejia-Ramos was a member of the MS-13 Parkview Locotes Salvatrucha Clique and Manjivar was a member of the MS-13 Peajes Locotes Salvatrucha Clique.

Trial evidence showed that on Sept. 16, 2010, Manjivar shot and killed an individual he believed to be a rival gang member on the footbridge of a park in Hyattsville.  On Jan. 10, 2011, Manjivar and other MS-13 members murdered a person they believed was a rival gang member and attempted to murder another purported rival gang member in a parking lot in Hyattsville.  Manjivar and others repeatedly punched, kicked and stabbed the victims, one of whom survived the attack. 

In addition, trial evidence demonstrated that on Jan. 13, 2011, Manjivar attended a Peajes Clique meeting, where he criticized other MS-13 members for not committing enough violent crimes.  Manjivar then left in a mini-van driven by a co-defendant with other Peajes members as passengers, and as a group, they attacked a person they believed to be an associate of a rival gang and dragged him back into the vehicle.  Manjivar and others continued to assault him, at times attempting to use a seat belt to strangle the victim, as well as kicked, stabbed and choked him.  Trial evidence demonstrated that they forcefully stripped the victim of his heavy winter clothing in order to stab him, and then dragged him into the woods, where they left him for dead and fled.  The victim survived the attack.

According to evidence presented at trial, on the night of Aug. 28, 2012, Mejia-Ramos lured a woman he believed to be a rival gang member to a park in Beltsville, Maryland, telling her they were going to party.  He then shot the woman to death.

In addition to these convictions, eight of the 13 defendants charged in this investigation have pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering conspiracy and two have been convicted. 

HSI Baltimore, Prince George’s County Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George’s State’s Attorney’s Office and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated the case.  Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan of the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.  Former OCGS Trial Attorney Kevin Rosenberg assisted in the prosecution of this case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal jury today convicted Eric Antonio Mejia-Ramos, aka “Flaco,” age 22, and Miguel Angel Manjivar, aka “Masflow or “Garra,” age 25, both of Hyattsville, of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise in connection with their gang activities as members of La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.  Manjivar was also found guilty of murder in aid of racketeering.

The convictions were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

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 Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland. 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.

According to evidence presented at the three-week trial, from at least 2009 through October 2014, MS-13 members planned and committed numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, assaults, robberies, and witness tampering and retaliation in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. Gang members also extorted brothel operators and owners of other illegal businesses and tampered with and retaliated against witnesses, among other crimes. Mejia-Ramos was a member of the MS-13 Parkview Locotes Salvatrucha clique and Manjivar was a member of the MS-13 Peajes Locotes Salvatrucha clique.

Trial evidence showed that on September 16, 2010, Manjivar shot and killed an individual he believed to be a rival gang member on the footbridge of a park in Hyattsville. On January 10, 2011, Manjivar and other MS-13 members murdered a person they believed was a rival gang member, and attempted to murder another purported rival gang member, in the parking lot of the former Shoppers Food Warehouse on University Boulevard in Hyattsville. Manjivar and others repeatedly punched, kicked, and stabbed the victims, one of whom survived the attack. 

In addition, trial evidence demonstrated that on January 13, 2011, after attending a Peajes clique meeting at which he criticized other MS-13 members for not committing enough violent crimes, Manjivar and other MS-13 Peajes members got into a mini-van driven by a co-defendant. Near the Fort Totten Metro Station, they saw a person they believed was an associate of a rival gang.  Manjivar and other MS-13 members attacked the victim and dragged him back into the mini-van.  Manjivar and others continued to assault him, at times attempting to use a seat belt to strangle the victim.  They eventually parked near a dead end in the vicinity of Chillum Manor Road.  Manjivar and others kicked, stabbed and choked the victim. They forcefully stripped the victim of all of his heavy winter clothing in order to stab him.  After assaulting the victim near the mini-van, they dragged the victim into the woods, where they left him for dead, and fled. The victim survived the attack.

According to evidence presented at trial, on the night of August 28, 2012, Mejia-Ramos lured a woman he believed to be a rival gang member to a park in Beltsville, telling her they were going to party. At the park, Mejia-Ramos shot the woman to death.

Both defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Manjivar faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison for murder in aid of racketeering.  U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus has scheduled sentencing for Mejia-Ramon on January 5, 2017, and for Manjivar on January 23, 2017.  Mejia-Ramos and Manjivar remain detained

In addition to these convictions, eight of the 13 defendants charged in this case have previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering conspiracy and two have been convicted after trial. 

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County Police Departments, and Prince George’s and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation and prosecution.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, and Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick with the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, who are prosecuting the case. Former OCGS Trial Attorney Kevin Rosenberg assisted in the prosecution of this case.

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury today convicted U.S. Postal Service employee Lori A. Parry, age 44, of Baltimore, today on charges related to her fraudulent receipt of over $50,000 in federal worker’s compensation benefits.

The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Paul L. Bowman of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

According to information presented at her five-day trial, Parry was employed by the U.S. Postal Service from 1989 through July 2013, as a letter carrier and in other positions. On November 12, 1992, Parry, while employed as a letter carrier at the Dundalk Post Office, claimed that she suffered a left knee contusion while delivering mail. 

Employees of the USPS who are disabled due to occupational injuries can receive compensation benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which is administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs (OWCP).  In certain cases, employees can receive up to 75% of their monthly salary.  

According to the evidence, in December 2004, Parry applied for FECA benefits due to the 1992 injury.  Although Parry received treatment from various physicians, including several arthroscopic surgeries and extensive physical therapy, she reported little or no improvement.  Parry returned to limited duty assignments at the Post Office, and worked semi-regularly for much of 2004 through 2007. 

On February 8, 2007, Parry had surgery on her knee, and did not return to work. Parry reported that she was unable to work, and requested additional FECA benefits.  Witnesses testified that Parry received FECA benefits for the knee injury from February 8, 2007 through June 1, 2013, totaling over $249,000.  The evidence showed that multiple times during that period, Parry claimed in documents and oral statements supporting her claim for benefits that she was unable to return to work in any capacity during that time.

According to trial evidence, from at least February 2012 through August 22, 2013, Parry’s medical condition improved so that she was capable of performing work at the USPS.  Parry did not report the improvement in her medical condition to the DOL or to the USPS, as required.  In addition, witnesses testified that Parry falsely represented her medical condition to her treating physician, and on February 9, 2012, at the end of an appointment with her physician, Parry gave the doctor a $100 bill as she was leaving the office.

According to trial testimony, an investigation determined that from at least September 2012 through April 2013, while receiving FECA benefits, Parry regularly engaged in strenuous yard work and other vigorous activities.  Parry was observed and videotaped as she performed these tasks without limitation and not wearing a brace of any kind.

At Parry’s next visit to her physician, she was informed that she was physically able to return to her employment.  The same day as that visit, April 22, 2013, Parry returned to full duty as a mail processing clerk without restrictions at the Baltimore Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC).

Witnesses testified that on April 23, 2013, Parry was interviewed by investigators and confirmed she last worked on February 7, 2007 and returned to full duty on April 22, 2013.  Parry falsely told investigators that she did not and could not engage in any strenuous activity while she was off work.  Parry falsely stated that she just sat on the couch all day watching television, reading, and crocheting, and denied performing any strenuous activities. 

Trial evidence showed that from March 2012, through June 1, 2013, Parry fraudulently received FECA benefits totaling more than $50,000.

Parry faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for false statement and fraud to obtain federal employees’ compensation and for making false statements; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for theft of government property.  U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for January 19, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the USPS-OIG for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Shivani Patel, age 30, of Reisterstown, Maryland, to three years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and sentenced co-defendant Eddie Carey, age 32, of Baltimore, and two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for their roles in a bank fraud scheme which used the PII and credit information of over 200 victims to fraudulently obtain credit. Judge Bredar also entered an order requiring Patel and Carey each to pay restitution of $61,030.78.

The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; and Chief James Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.

According to their plea agreements and court documents, from at least June to December 18, 2013, Patel and her then boyfriend Carey conspired with Tariq Hicks and others to defraud financial institutions by accessing stolen credit card and debit card accounts belonging to real people and using counterfeit cards encoded with the stolen account information to make unauthorized purchases. 

Hicks purchased the stolen account information over the internet.  Patel and Hicks used a computer and an electronic device to encode the stolen credit and debit card information onto existing credit cards, gift cards, or other similar cards, which were sold or distributed to co-conspirators, such as Carey. The co-conspirators used the cards and provided the bulk of the proceeds to Hicks.  Patel often delivered cards to the individuals who were conducting transactions, and recruited workers.

Hicks also purchased or obtained over the internet “credit profiles” containing the identity information of victims, then obtained full credit reports for these victims.  Hicks gave this information to Patel, Cary and others, who went into stores where the victims had existing credit accounts, and used the victim’s PII to make purchases on the existing accounts (called “account takeover”).  In addition, Hicks used the credit reports to identify stores at which a victim did not have an account, and sent Patel, Carey and others into those stores with the same PII to apply for new credit accounts in the victim’s identity.  They then use that “instant credit” to make purchases before the victim learned of the account.

For all of these schemes, Hicks obtained fraudulent drivers’ licenses which bore the information of the victim, but the photograph of a co-conspirator.  Patel had many such identifications which bore her photo but the identity information of victims.  The co-conspirators could use the counterfeit license and the victims’ PII to establish their identity as the victim.  Patel and others instructed those using the cards and information to travel to other states to engage in the fraud.  Patel and Carey and other co-conspirators frequently traveled north to Pennsylvania and south as far as Georgia to engage in fraud, as well as the states that lie between Baltimore and Atlanta, including North and South Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Carey assisted Hicks by conducting wire transfers of money in payment for the stolen credit card numbers and personal profiles.  Carey always used a victim identity, provided by Hicks, to wire the money, usually between $2,000 and $3,000, to an individual in the Ukraine.  As one of the few men participating in the conspiracy, Carey was often involved in the exploitation of any male victim’s identity and account information.  He used the counterfeit cards both to purchase merchandise and to rent cars for use by members of the conspiracy.

On December 18, 2013, a search warrant was executed at Patel, Carey, and Hicks’ residence.  A complete set up for the fraud scheme was on the dining table, including a computer with the credit profiles and credit reports, credit cards in various states of manufacture, money gram receipts for payments for the stolen credit card numbers and profiles, lists of personal identity information, dozens of credit cards bearing victims’ names and accounts, as well as dozens of fraudulent identification to match the credit cards, all bearing the information of the victims but the photographs of co-conspirators. 

In a basement space shared by Patel and Carey were more lists of victim information and a receipt for a storage locker rented to “Aishwarya Gupta,” a fictitious identity that Patel created as an alter ego and used to obtain a $42,073.22 loan for the purchase of a 2010 BMW 528XI.  There was also a small notebook in Patel’s handwriting with the PII of numerous individuals; notations as to money grams which had to be sent to individuals in Kiev and the amounts owed; and other information related to the scheme.

Judge Bredar previously sentenced Tariq Hicks, age 48, of Owings Mills, Maryland, to 65 months in prison, and sentenced co-defendant Ishia Cason, age 36, of Baltimore, to 42 months in prison. Judge Bredar also ordered Hicks to forfeit the credit and identification card counterfeiting equipment seized during the investigation and ordered Hicks and Cason to pay restitution of $61,030.78.

The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.

Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force.  The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.  Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants.  For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI-Baltimore, the U.S. Secret Service, and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamera L. Fine, who prosecuted the case.