District of Maryland

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Larry L. Barringer, age 54, of Baltimore, today to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to pass counterfeit $100 bills and for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Judge Messitte ordered Barringer to pay restitution of $18,600 and to forfeit $30,001, plus electronics involved in the scheme.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Michalko of the United States Secret Service - Washington Field Office.

According to Barringer’s plea agreement, from January 4 through March 5, 2013, Barringer conspired with his nephew, Donte Barringer, Jamarr Little and others to pass counterfeit $100 bills. Specifically, the conspirators used counterfeit $100 bills to purchase inexpensive merchandise and receive change in genuine currency; to purchase money orders and prepaid money cards, including Greendot cards; and to purchase expensive merchandise, such as computers. The conspirators exchanged the merchandise purchased with the counterfeit $100 for genuine U.S. currency and used the money orders and money cards purchased with the counterfeit bills to conduct other financial transactions.

Judge Messitte found that in the conspiracy to pass counterfeit money and in the money laundering conspiracy, the loss attributable to Barringer exceeded $30,000.

Donte Barringer, age 37, and Jamarr Little, age 21, both of Washington, D.C., have each pleaded guilty to the counterfeiting conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the U.S. Secret Service – Washington Field Office for its work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Langston Jackson, age 30, of Baltimore, today to 151 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein

According to Jackson’s plea agreement, on October 10, 2013, investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Baltimore Police Department executed a search warrant at Jackson’s residence in Baltimore. Jackson was found at the location and a search recovered narcotics packaged for street level distribution and narcotics packaging materials. A search of Jackson’s vehicle recovered a large sum of cash. After being Mirandized and waiving his rights, Jackson told investigators that he was storing cocaine at another residence in Baltimore. Later that day, agents searched that location and found in a room used by Jackson, approximately 25 grams of cocaine, a large sum cash and additional narcotics packaging materials, including three digital scales.

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 United States Attorneys Clinton J. Fuchs and Scott A. Lemmon, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Kenneth Ragan-Armstrong, a/k/a "Keezy," age 23, of Savage and Laurel, Maryland, today to 193 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to participate in a racketeering conspiracy and using a gun during a crime of violence.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Howard County Police Chief Gary Gardner; and Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino.

“Howard County police and prosecutors are working closely with federal agencies to identify and disrupt gangs responsible for violence in the county,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to his plea agreement, Ragan-Armstrong was a member of the Bloods, a national criminal street gang. Beginning in at least 2010, Ragan-Armstrong founded “Cut Throat Committee,” or “CTC,” a gang whose members are associated with and/or members of the Bloods gang. CTC operated in and around Howard County, Maryland, and many of the members attended high school together.

Among his criminal activities as a gang member, Ragan-Armstrong admitted that he committed at least two armed robberies of individuals in which drugs, cash and/or other items were stolen. During one of the robberies, a home invasion in Laurel, Maryland, he pistol whipped the victim on the head resulting in serious bodily injury. Ragan-Armstrong regularly sold drugs, primarily marijuana.

On May 8, 2013, Ragan-Armstrong was arrested along with 20 others connected with the Bloods. Law enforcement seized a mask, digital scale, 2 ½ ounces of marijuana packaged for distribution and $371 from an apartment used by Ragan-Armstrong.

During a two day sentencing hearing on July 25 and July 28, 2014, evidence was presented relating to Ragan-Armstrong’s use and sale of weapons used by him and other CTC gang members. The guns were used for protection and to rob individuals who also sold drugs – known by gang members as “licks.” Witnesses also testified about Ragan-Armstrong’s participation in a sexual assault that occurred in December 2010 at an apartment in Catonsville, Maryland known by CTC as the “40 House.” The Court credited the evidence of the sexual assault when it imposed sentence.

Judge Russell sentenced David Jerome Robertson, age 23, of Columbia, Maryland on July 23, 2014 to 81 months in prison for his participation in the conspiracy. In addition to Ragan-Armstrong and Robertson, nine other defendants have pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy, as the result of a two year long investigation by the ATF and Howard County Police Department into Bloods/CTC gang activity in Howard County. Three other individuals pled guilty to narcotics trafficking and five defendants are scheduled for trial on October 14, 2014.

Mr. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Howard County Police Department and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in this investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra Wilkinson and Rachel M. Yasser, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Alrahman Sharif Allen, a/k/a “Rock” and “Rahman Allen;” age 38, of Reisterstown, Maryland today to 14 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base; and for violating his supervised release. Chief Judge Chasanow also entered an order requiring Allen to forfeit $14,706 seized from his residence during the execution of a search warrant, and a Land Rover.

The sentence 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 Division; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.

According to his plea agreement, from February 2012 to April 2013, Allen obtained cocaine and heroin from coconspirator Jamar Holt, for distribution to customers. Allen stored drugs in his apartment and at other locations. After he received the drugs, Allen called co-conspirator Damon Estep to coordinate the delivery of cocaine to Estep and other conspirators from St. Mary’s County. On a nearly weekly basis, the conspirators would meet in Glen Burnie to pay Allen for the drugs to be distributed in St. Mary’s County. Allen agreed that he was responsible for the distribution of between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, and between 280 and 840 grams of cocaine base, during the conspiracy.

On April 25, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Allen’s residence and seized 29 grams of cocaine that Allen was attempting to flush down the toilet, 14 cell phones, $14,706 in drug proceeds and drug paraphernalia.

Allen had been sentenced on July 23, 2000 in federal court in Maryland to 168 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base. His drug trafficking activities occurred while on supervised release, thereby violating his terms of release.

Chief Judge Chasanow previously sentenced Jamar Holt, a/k/a “Reds,” “Jamal Holt” and “Rex,” age 36, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 20 years in prison; Damon Jerome Estep, a/k/a “Country,” age 38, of California, Maryland, to 188 months in prison; and Jeffrey Kirk Berry, a/k/a “Kojack,” to 15 years in prison.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Jo Bressack, Deborah Johnston and James A. Crowell IV, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

DNA Sample Taken by California Police in 2013 Matched 2009 Maryland Murder Scene

Baltimore, Maryland - Dellando Recardo Campbell, age 31, of Lemoore, California, pleaded guilty today to interstate domestic violence resulting in the death of a spouse, in connection of the death of Serika Dunkley Holness.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“The blood Dellando Campbell left behind at the 2009 crime scene was analyzed and entered into a national DNA database, where it waited four years for a match,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Thanks to a routine DNA analysis performed in California when Mr. Campbell was arrested on an unrelated charge, Maryland authorities finally learned the identity of the second killer of Serika Dunkley Holness.”

According to his plea agreement, Campbell conspired with Ryan Dave Holness to murder Ryan Holness’ wife, Serika Dunkley Holness. Campbell had known Holness since 2002, when they served together in the Navy. Between May and June 4, 2009, Holness contacted Campbell by phone and text at least 34 times and arranged for Campbell to travel to New York City to assist in the murder of Serika Holness. On June 4, 2009, Holness stated explicitly to Campbell that he was going to kill the victim and that he needed Campbell’s assistance to make the murder appear to have been committed during a carjacking on the drive to Maryland.

Campbell admitted that on the evening of June 4, 2009, Holness drove Campbell and the victim from New York to Maryland. At around 1:30 a.m. on June 5, 2009, Holness, Campbell and the victim arrived at a rural area along MD Route 290, just south of MD Route 291, in Crumpton, Kent County, MD. Holness parked the Honda on a farm access road. Serika Holness was murdered in a field beside Route 290 where she was repeatedly stabbed, resulting in her death.

Campbell purposely left his own blood at the murder scene in order to provide support for Holness’s plan to tell the police that an unknown carjacker had attacked Holness and murdered the victim. Campbell admitted that he helped Holness stage the crime scene by depositing droplets of blood at various locations inside the passenger compartment of the Honda and on several of the victim’s personal items that were placed at the crime scene to be discovered by the police. Items at the murder scene from which Campbell’s DNA was later recovered included the victim’s purse, one of her sandals and a paperback book. Campbell then drove the Honda, guided by a GPS system, to a location between 6th and 7th Streets NW, Washington, D.C., where it was located and seized by homicide investigators later on June 5, 2009. Meanwhile, Holness told the police a bizarre false story about the supposed carjacking.

After a two week trial, Ryan Holness, age 33, formerly of Lexington Park, Maryland, was convicted of domestic violence resulting in the death of a spouse and sentenced on June 9, 2011, to life in prison.

The DNA profile of the unidentified male found in Holness’ car and on items at the crime scene was entered into the national DNA data base, where it was regularly compared with DNA profiles recovered since its entry. On October 22, 2013, a sample of Campbell’s DNA was routinely obtained by police in Lemoore, California. In January 2014, the California Department of Justice notified the Maryland State Police that Campbell’s DNA profile matched the DNA profile for the unidentified male in the Holness case. Campbell was arrested by the Maryland State Police and FBI in Lemoore, California on February 7, 2014.

If U.S. District Judge William M. Nickerson accepts the plea agreement, Campbell will be sentenced to 30 years in prison on November 5, 2014.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the Maryland State Police and FBI for their work in the investigation and thanked the Kings County, California, District Attorney’s Office, the California Department of Justice and the Lemoore, California, Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys John F. Purcell, and Kenneth S. Clark, who are prosecuting the case.

FBI Offering Reward for Information Leading to the Identity of a Co-Conspirator

Greenbelt, Maryland – Gregory Evans, age 28, of Washington, DC, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.

According to Evans’ plea agreement, on January 22, 2014, Evans and others robbed a store in the 4100 block of Southern Avenue in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Evans and a co-conspirator forced a store employee at gunpoint to open the cash register. While Evans was taking the money from the cash register, his co-conspirator placed a gun to the head of a second victim and stole $785 from the victim’s pockets.

A little over an hour later, Evans and two co-conspirators entered a liquor store located in the 3300 block of Walters Lane in District Heights, Maryland. Evans brandished a black handgun, jumped over the counter, pointed the gun at store employees and ordered the employees to lay on the ground. A second conspirator brandished a silver handgun and stood by the front door. A third, unidentified co-conspirator jumped the counter and removed money from a cash register. Evans then pointed the gun at one of the employees and ordered the employee to open another cash register. Evans then took the money from that register, opened another cash register and removed money from that register as well. Evans and the co-conspirators then left the liquor store, got into a van and fled the area.

A witness saw Evans and the co-conspirators leave the store and followed them. The witness called 911 and relayed a partial Maryland tag number. Law enforcement located the van and pursued the van into Washington DC, where the van came to a stop near 57th Street and Clay Place, NE. Officers saw three or four individuals exit the van and run away. Officers apprehended Evans and co-defendant, Donnell Calloway.

Law enforcement is seeking the identity of the third co-conspirator. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of that individual, whose photo is attached. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 410-265-8080.

Calloway, age 28, of Washington, DC, is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He is currently in federal custody on charges filed in Washington, D.C.

Evans faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the robbery and a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow scheduled sentencing for Evans on September 23, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. Evans remains in federal custody.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to Exile cases, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Jeffrey L. Shipley, age 47, of Millersville, Maryland pleaded guilty today to stealing and destroying mail while employed as a postal employee.

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

According to his plea agreement, Shipley worked as a postal service carrier beginning in 1993. From about 2005 to March 10, 2014, Shipley stole and embezzled mail. Shipley was a letter carrier at the Brooklyn Carrier Annex from 1994 to January 2007, at the Parkville Branch until August 2007 and at the Catonsville Carrier Annex from August 4, 2007 to the present.

Shipley embezzled mail that he was entrusted to deliver on his assigned route. He also stole mail directly from the Catonsville Carrier Annex that was not part of his assigned route. Shipley also took Postal Service property, including stools, mail bags, signs and a mirror, valued at over $500.

Agents executed a search warrant at Shipley’s residence on March 10, 2014 and at a storage facility that he rented in Glen Burnie on April 18, 2014. Agents seized 20,413 pieces of mail, including gift cards and credit cards. Agents also seized 55 gift cards and 15 credit cards which were located separately from the stolen and embezzled mail, along with prescription bottles of medicine, checks, passports, a U.S. citizenship and immigration card, jewelry, clothes, books, a Nook, sunglasses and other items.

The total loss resulting from the scheme is over $10,000 and involved over 250 victims.

Shipley faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for theft of mail by a Postal employee and for destruction of mail by a Postal employee, and a $250,000 fine. Shipley has agreed to terminate his employment with the Postal Service and pay restitution of at least $10,000. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the U.S. Postal Service - OIG for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Judson T. Mihok, who is prosecuting the case.

Five Co-Conspirators Have Pleaded Guilty

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Demetrius Peete, age 46, of Manassas, Virginia, to a year and a day in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with a mortgage fraud scheme which resulted in losses attributable to Peete of approximately $1.5 million. Judge Bredar also ordered Peete to pay restitution of $394,908 to the victims and to forfeit $1.5 million.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Michael P. Tompkins, Washington Field Office, U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General; Howard County Police Chief Gary Gardner; and Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino.

According to his plea agreement and court documents, in 2008 and 2009, Peete agreed to participate in several fraudulent real estate transactions that settled at M&R Title, Inc., located in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2009, Peete also agreed to participate in several fraudulent real estate transactions that settled at Sanford Title Services, located in Columbia, Maryland. Peete, along with co-conspirators Bonnie Kreamer, Niesha Williams, Rhonda Scott and Emeka Udeze arranged real estate transactions so that they could siphon profits out of the transaction for themselves. Peete negotiated short sales on behalf of sellers in which the properties were sold for a higher price than was represented to the lien holders and the sellers.

Peete and his coconspirators deceived buyers, sellers and lenders to make it appear to sellers that they were selling their property at a low price, and to buyers and lenders that the property was being sold at a higher price. The co-conspirators created paperwork for two different sales of the property at the same time. The first sale was fraudulent because it was backdated, the buyer planned to immediately flip the property in a subsequent sale and the settlement statement listed a fake loan. In the second sale, the sales price was significantly increased and the settlement statement showed a large sum being disbursed to the lender to pay off an existing lien. In fact, those funds were improperly disbursed to the co-conspirators.

Peete admitted that his participation in the schemes involved at least 10 victims, including lenders, sellers and buyers of real estate, title insurance companies and lien holders. He further agreed that the reasonably foreseeable loss associated with Peete’s conduct is approximately $1.5 million.

Bonnie Kathleen Kreamer, a/k/a Bonnie Meehan, age 49, of Riva, Maryland; Gregory Green, age 49, of Waldorf, Maryland; Niesha Williams, age 35, of Fort Washington, Maryland; Rhonda Scott, age 53, of Oxon Hill, Maryland; and Emeka Udeze, age 39, of Bowie, Maryland, each previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the fraud. Kraemer, who was responsible for the daily operations at Sanford Title, was sentenced to 51 months in prison, and ordered to pay restitution of $2,499,048 to the victims and to forfeit $4.8 million. Scott was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $2.7 million and pay restitution of $703,000. Williams was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $3.1 million and pay restitution of $1,445,593. Green was sentenced to three months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $404,596. The other conspirators await sentencing.

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 www.justice.gov/usao/md/Mortgage Fraud/index.html.

Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 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 the inception of FFETF in November 2009, the Justice Department has filed more than 12,841 financial fraud cases against nearly 18,737 defendants including nearly 3,500 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Department of Justice - OIG, Howard County Police Department, Secret Service and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Judson T. Mihok, who are prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced James Arwine, age 36, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to use a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.

According to Arwine’s plea agreement, on September 21, 2012, a detective with the Baltimore Police Department was in a covert location and saw James Arwine and Nathanial Hickman enter an alley. The detective observed what appeared to be a hand to hand transaction drug transaction by other individuals while Arwine and Hickman seemed to be acting as lookouts for law enforcement. The detective changed locations in an attempt to determine the drug stash location.

The detective saw Arwine and Hickman remove items from a vehicle and walk back into the alley to a dumpster. Hickman removed a black handgun from his waistband and placed it under the dumpster. Arwine then handed Hickman a second black handgun from his pocket which Hickman also placed under the dumpster. Arwine then gave Hickman a package, which he stashed with the guns.

Detectives moved in and arrested Arwine and Hickman. Two handguns, a loaded .357 handgun and a loaded .38 caliber handgun were recovered from under the dumpster, along with a package containing a bag of empty yellow top vials but no narcotics.

Arwine admitted that he possessed the gun and packaging material in relation to a conspiracy to distribute narcotics and that he was acting as a look-out for other individuals who were distributing narcotics.

Nathaniel Hickman, age 26, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and Judge Bredar has scheduled his sentencing on August 19, 2014.

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 Special Assistant United States Attorney H. Brandis Marsh, Jr., a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to Exile cases, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Warren Troy Gibson, Jr., age 33, of Stevensville, Maryland, today to nine years in prison for conspiring to distribute narcotics.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Queen Anne’s County Sheriff R. Gery Hofmann III; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Colonel George F. Johnson IV, Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police; Annapolis Police Chief Michael A. Pristoop; Chief Charlie Rhodes of the Centreville Police Department; and Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney Lance G. Richardson.

According to his plea agreement, from June through August 23, 2012, Gibson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. Gibson helped distribute cocaine and other drugs, and made drug deals on the phone in cooperation with his coconspirators. On August 23, 2012, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence and stash location partly maintained by Gibson, and seized quantities of powder cocaine.

It was reasonably foreseeable to Gibson that between 500 grams and two kilograms of cocaine would be distributed to others during the conspiracy.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Maryland Natural Resources Police, Annapolis Police Department, Centreville Police Department and Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Michael C. Hanlon, who prosecuted this Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Directed Correctional Officers to Smuggle Contraband into Baltimore Correctional Facility, and Had Sex with Two Correctional Officers

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Jamar Anderson, age 24, of Baltimore, today to 121 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that included the smuggling of drugs and contraband inside the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC). Judge Hollander ordered that 60 months of his federal sentence will be served consecutive to the state murder sentence that he is currently serving.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Secretary Gregg Hershberger of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.

This case was developed as a result of the efforts of the Maryland Prison Task Force, formed in 2011 with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors. The Task Force has met regularly for over three years, generating recommendations to reform prison procedures and producing leads that have been pursued by state, local and federal criminal investigators. The investigation is continuing.

According to court documents, the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) has been the dominant gang at the BCDC, and in several connected facilities, including the Baltimore Central Booking Intake Center (BCBIC), the Women’s Detention Center, which houses many men, and in the Jail Industries Building.

According to his plea agreement, Anderson is a member of the BGF and was in pretrial custody at BCDC from 2012 to 2013. During that time, Anderson often directed correctional officers to smuggle contraband into BCDC, including cell phones, tobacco and drugs. In return, the correctional officers received payments, gifts or a share of the profits. Anderson knew many correctional officers involved in contraband trafficking, and had sexual relationships with two of them. Anderson and his closest BGF allies frequently used others to obtain contraband from outside the prison, and hold it or deliver it to correctional officers for smuggling.

Twenty-four of the 44 defendants charged in the conspiracy have pleaded guilty, including 14 correctional officers. One defendant has died. Trial is scheduled to begin November 17, 2014 for the remaining defendants.

U.S. Attorney Rosenstein recognized the efforts of the other members of the Maryland Prison Task Force, including: Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; United States Marshal Johnny Hughes; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Tom Carr, Director of the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area; and Dave Engel, Executive Director of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Baltimore Police Department, and Maryland Prison Task Force, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Robert R. Harding and Ayn B. Ducao, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Conspirators Stole Over $270,000 in 2012 Armored Truck Robbery

Greenbelt, Maryland – Adrian Baldwin, age 28, of Washington, DC, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit an armed commercial robbery in connection with the robbery of an armored truck.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to Baldwin’s plea agreement, between mid-November and November 21, 2012, Baldwin conspired with Damione Lewis, Delacey Brown, Taurian Miller, and others to rob an armored truck that serviced a bank branch in the 3400 block of Kenilworth Avenue in Hyattsville, Maryland. As part of the conspiracy, Baldwin was recruited to participate in the robbery, in exchange for sharing in the proceeds of the robbery.

On November 21, 2012, an armored car employee picked up $272,956.17 from the bank. Baldwin and other co-conspirators were in vans outside the bank. As the employee was taking the money from the bank to the armored truck, Baldwin and his co-conspirators approached the employee brandishing firearms, took the money bags to the vans and drove away. The robbery proceeds were later divided between the conspirators. Baldwin admitted that part of his share of the proceeds was used to purchase a 2002 Ford Explorer, which he must forfeit as part of his plea agreement.

Baldwin faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for November 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

Damione Lewis, age 35, of New Carrolton, Maryland; Delacey Kinte Brown, age 37, of Landover, Maryland; and Taurian Devon Miller, age 29, of Washington, DC; have all pleaded guilty to their roles in the robbery and are awaiting sentencing.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Bryan E. Foreman, who are prosecuting the case.

Sex Trafficking Victims Testified to Defendant’s Physical and Sexual Abuse, Threats, Tattoo Branding, and Bragging About Beating Murder Charges

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Jean Claude Roy, a/k/a “Dredd the Don,” and “Dreddy,” age 32, of Germantown, Maryland, to 20 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, three counts of interstate transportation for prostitution, and witness and evidence tampering.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Jocelyn Samuels; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.

“Jean Claude Roy preyed on vulnerable young women,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Law enforcement agencies will continue to work to identify and prosecute human traffickers.”

“The Civil Rights Division is committed to pursuing justice on behalf of vulnerable members of our society,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “This sentence sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate modern-day slavery and will work tirelessly to restore the rights and dignity of its victims.”

“This case serves as another chilling example of the callous disregard for human life demonstrated by traffickers,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) Baltimore Deputy Special Agent in Charge James P. Nagle. “Our special agents will continue pursuing these criminals to ensure they are behind bars where they can no longer exploit the innocent.”

According to evidence presented during the two week trial, between August and September 2012 Roy transported a victim across state lines to engage in prostitution. He also took the victim’s identity documents and kept all of the victim’s money.

During the trial, victims recounted their fear of Roy, explaining instances of physical and sexual abuse, threats, tattoo branding and Roy’s bragging of beating a murder charge years prior in Massachusetts. “If he could kill a man, who’s gonna care about a prostitute,” one victim said from the witness stand. Witnesses detailed the guns in Roy’s possession and how he prostituted women in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

In November 2012 Roy recruited co-defendant Brittney Creason to engage in prostitution. Thereafter, Creason helped Roy recruit and transport girls from Illinois and North Carolina to engage in prostitution. Roy conspired to force the women to engage in prostitution by again bragging about beating murder charges, taking their identity documents and taking their money.

Trial evidence also showed that from January 1 through 10, 2013, while Roy was in jail on related state charges, he called an individual several times and had that person access online accounts and storage services belonging to Roy and Creason in order to erase evidence related to these charges.

The jury found Roy not guilty of sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; and possessing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Brittney Creason, a/k/a “Kitty Amor,” age 20, of Decatur, Illinois, previously pleaded guilty of using a facility in interstate commerce for an illegal activity, and was sentenced to time served of three months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

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

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

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore and the Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristi N. O’Malley, and Trial Attorney William E. Nolan of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Abdo Mohamed Nagi, age 54, a citizen of Yemen residing in Baltimore, pleaded guilty on July 21, 2014, to two counts of food stamp fraud and six counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash. Nagi admitted that he obtained more than $1.2 million from the food stamp program, to which he was not entitled. Nagi entered his guilty plea on the first day of his trial.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William G. Squires, Jr. of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to the indictment to which he pleaded guilty, Nagi owned and operated New York Deli and Grocery, located at 1207 West Baltimore Street, in Baltimore. Through the store, Nagi participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program. In Maryland, the program provides eligible individuals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card called the Independence Card, which operates like a debit card. Recipients obtain EBT cards through the state Department of Human Resources, then use the EBT card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers.

Nagi knew that it was a violation of SNAP regulations to trade cash for SNAP benefits. Nevertheless, from February 2011 through May 2013, Nagi exchanged SNAP benefits for cash at less than face value of the EBT benefits, in violation of the food stamp program rules. Typically, Nagi and kept up to 50 percent of the benefits for himself. To avoid detection, Nagi often debited funds in multiple transactions within minutes of each other. As a result of these illegal cash transactions, Nagi admitted that he obtained more than $1.2 million for food sales that never occurred.

Nagi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the six counts of wire fraud and five years in prison for each of the two counts of food stamp fraud. U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz has scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

Eight of the 10 convenience store owners or operators who were indicted in September 2013 in connection with schemes to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash have pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud and/or wire fraud. Abdullah Aljaradi, age 52, and Ahmed Ayedh Al-Jabrati, age 56, both citizens of Yemen residing in Baltimore, were each sentenced to two years in prison, and ordered to pay restitution of $1.2 million. Jung Kim, age 52, of Ellicott City, Maryland, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, and ordered to forfeit $95,453.50 and pay restitution of $205,000. Amara Cisse, age 51, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $654,349.24, and his wife, Fanta Keita was sentenced to two months in prison. John Cunningham, age 55, of Baltimore, was sentenced to two years in prison. Retailer Hyung Cho, age 40, was sentenced to 38 months in prison, and his mother Dae Cho, age 67, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The Chos were also ordered to forfeit $371,439.21 and pay restitution of $1.4 million. Two more retailers were indicted in January 2014.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised USDA’s Office of Inspector General and FBI for their work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Rosenstein expressed appreciation to Secretary Ted Dallas and the Maryland Department of Human Resources, as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their assistance in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Leo J. Wise, who is prosecuting this case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Jeffrey Kirk Berry, a/k/a “Kojack,” age 55, of Lexington Park, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute powder and crack cocaine; and for being a felon in possession of firearms. Chief Judge Chasanow also found that Berry was an armed career criminal based on three previous drug convictions.

The sentence 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 Division; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.

According to Berry’s plea agreement and other court documents, from February 2012 to April 2013, Berry conspired with Damon Estep, Alrahman Allen, Jamar Holt and others to distribute cocaine and crack in southern St. Mary’s County. Holt provided Allen with cocaine and other drugs and then regularly called Estep to coordinate the delivery of cocaine to Estep, Berry or others from St. Mary’s County.

Nearly every week, Berry, Estep and others met Allen in the Glen Burnie area and paid Allen for one-fourth, one-half and one kilogram quantities of cocaine for further distribution in St. Mary’s County by Estep, Berry and others at Estep’s direction. Once Berry and others transported the cocaine back to their stash locations in St. Mary’s County, Estep and others would cook portions of the cocaine into crack, and distribute the cocaine and crack throughout southern Maryland at Estep’s direction.

Estep stored the powder and crack cocaine in several locations, including Berry’s residence at 18310 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park. Berry, Estep and others sold the drugs at locations in southern Maryland.

A search of Berry’s home on April 15, 2013, recovered a 9 mm rifle, two 9mm handguns, a .40 caliber handgun, and a .25 caliber handgun, as well as ammunition for the guns. Due to his previous felony convictions, Berry was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Berry admits that over the course of the conspiracy he was responsible for the distribution of between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine, and between 280 and 840 grams of crack.

Chief Judge Chasanow sentenced Jamar Holt, a/k/a “Reds,” “Jamal Holt” and “Rex,” age 36, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 20 years in prison and Damon Jerome Estep, a/k/a “Country”, age 39, of California, Maryland, to 188 months in prison. Co-defendant Alrahman Sharif Allen, a/k/a “Rock” and “Rahman Allen,” age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to his participation in the conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Jo Bressack and Deborah A. Johnston and James A. Crowell IV, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Darren Oliver Raymond Charles Defoe, age 40, a citizen and resident of Great Britain, today to a year and a day in prison for interstate transportation of property taken by fraud. Judge Titus also entered an order that Defoe pay $275,000 in restitution.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.

Visual Edge Productions was a business located in Bethesda, Maryland, specializing in providing rental cameras and filming equipment. According to his plea agreement, on February 12, 2011, Defoe and a conspirator flew from Heathrow to Dulles airports and arrived at Visual Edge in Bethesda. Defoe and the conspirator took possession of Visual Edge camera equipment pursuant to a rental agreement. On February 13 to 14, they flew back to Heathrow Airport with the rented camera equipment, valued at approximately $275,000, knowing that they had stolen the equipment.

Co-defendant William Henry Stickland, age 40, also a citizen and resident of Great Britain, was charged with conspiracy and interstate transportation of property taken by fraud in connection with this scheme. The government intends to seek extradition of Stickland.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the HSI Baltimore and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Clifton Robotham, age 41, of Glenarden, Maryland, today to six years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to Robotham’s plea agreement, on August 30, 2012, aPrince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Robotham. Rather than pull over, Robotham attempted to elude the officers, eventually driving to the end of a dead end street, then exiting the vehicle and running away. A PGPD officer in the neighborhood saw Robotham running through a nearby yard, caught up to Robotham and placed him under arrest. Robotham resisted arrest refusing commands to place his hands behind his back. While he was resisting arrest, Robotham put a plastic bag of crack cocaine in his mouth and began to chew the bag. Robotham was eventually handcuffed and he spit out the plastic bag. The bag and the crack cocaine Robotham had spit out on the grass were recovered, along with a plastic bag containing eight smaller bags of crack cocaine that was recovered from his pants pocket.

The total weight of the crack cocaine recovered from Robotham was 53.55 grams.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the HSI Baltimore and the Prince George’s County Police Department, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes and Mara Zusman Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.

Ordered to Pay Over $400,000 in Restitution

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Christopher Johnson, age 36, of Clinton, Maryland today to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud businesses which supplied goods under government contracts. Judge Grimm also entered an order that Johnson pay restitution of $426,376.99.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to his plea agreement, from December 2007 to May 2013, Johnson and his co-conspirators used at least seven businesses in Maryland, Delaware, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Tennessee which they incorporated to bid on contracts to provide goods – such as books, snowmobiles, plants and paint – to federal, state and local government agencies. The conspirators’ businesses included: The Encompass Group, The Crescant Group Inc., Taylor Hailey Group, United Partners Consulting Group, Worldwide Industries, Global Synergy Group and Parktech Group.

Most of the contracts were awarded using an online marketplace. The conspirators’ businesses often submitted extremely low bids to secure the contracts. Once awarded the contracts, Johnson enticed victim businesses to act as subcontractors and supply the goods required by contract by providing fake references and by falsely promising that the subcontractors would be paid after the government paid Johnson. After the subcontractors delivered the goods required by the contracts, government agencies paid Johnson, typically by electronic transfers to bank accounts set up in the business names but controlled by Johnson and his conspirators. Johnson and his conspirators fraudulently retained these proceeds for their own personal benefit and did not pay the subcontractors.

The conspirators typically operated under a particular business name for six to 12 months until the business was either disqualified from the online marketplace or burdened with lawsuits or liens. The conspirators then continued the scheme under a newly-registered business name. The conspirators initially used their true names and addresses to register their businesses, but later attempted to conceal their true identities by using aliases.

From December 2007 to March 2013, Johnson and co-conspirator Larayne Whitehead received at least 144 bank deposits from governmental agencies totaling approximately $2,321,058.95 of which $426,376.99 was reasonably foreseeable to Johnson. The scheme involved between 10 and 50 business victims.

Larayne Whitehead, age 35, also of Clinton, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to her participation in the conspiracy and has agreed to forfeit $2,393,579 and a car. Whitehead is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18, 2014.

The National Procurement Fraud Task Force was formed in October 2006 to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud associated with the increase in government contracting activity for national security and other government programs. The Procurement Fraud Task Force includes the United States Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, the U.S. Inspectors General community and a number of other federal law enforcement agencies. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Task Force, demonstrate the Department of Justice’s commitment to helping ensure the integrity of the government procurement process.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan E. Foreman, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Marvin Bowden, Jr., age 31, of Colmar Manor, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and for conspiracy to carry and use firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.

According to his plea agreement and court documents, from May 9 to 16, 2013, Bowden conspired with Shane Hare, Antonio Edwards and Gregory Williams to rob drug dealers operating in Baltimore, Maryland, and sell over five kilograms of cocaine, using firearms.

On May 9, 2013, Bowden and his conspirators were introduced to an undercover ATF agent who proposed robbing a stash house operated by a drug cartel of multiple kilograms of narcotics. Bowden and his coconspirators agreed to commit the robbery and intended to resell the stolen narcotics to customers in the Prince George’s County and Washington Metropolitan area.

On May 14, 2013, Bowden and his conspirators met again with the undercover agent and outlined their plan to carry guns and execute the robbery soon after the undercover agent entered the stash house. The conspirators told the undercover agent that they would wear black clothing with police insignias as disguises and yell “Police” upon entering.

On May 16th, the conspirators left the hotel room they used to prepare for the robbery and met with the undercover agent, telling him that they were ready to commit the robbery. The conspirators followed the undercover agent to a secluded location in Laurel where they believed they would be told of the location of the stash house. On arrival, the conspirators confirmed again that they were ready to commit the robbery and had weapons to be used during its commission. After discussing final preparations, law enforcement arrested them, and seized two loaded pistols from under and in the car used by the conspirators.

Between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine were reasonably foreseeable to Bowden’s participation in the conspiracy.

Shane Elliott Hare, age 27, of Hyattsville, Maryland; Antonio Edwards, age 40, of Capital Heights, Maryland; and Gregory Antoine Williams, age 28, of Washington, D.C., were all convicted at trial on July 27, 2014 of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to carry and use firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking; and carry and use of firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking. Edwards was also convicted of possession of ammunition by a felon. They are scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2014.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department and Maryland Attorney General’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant United States Attorneys Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General assigned to Exile cases, and Jennifer Sykes, a prosecutor with the Department of Justice Criminal Division, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Justin Stevens, age 31, of Baltimore, today to five years in prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography. Judge Hollander ordered that upon his release from prison, Stevens 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 William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to Stevens’ plea agreement, on January 2, 2013, after a computer chat with Stevens, an undercover law enforcement agent downloaded 11 files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct from Stevens’ computer utilizing file sharing software. After reviewing the downloaded files, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children issued a report indicating that three of the files depicted at least one child previously identified by law enforcement as being a victim of child exploitation.

A search warrant was obtained for Stevens’ residence on January 30, 2013 and a computer, multiple external hard drives and other digital media were seized. A forensic examination of the computer and one of the hard drives recovered over 600 images of child pornography, including numerous images documenting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. Also observed in plain sight during the execution of the search warrant was drug paraphernalia, drug packaging and drugs, which were tested and determined to be methamphetamine.

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 HSI Baltimore and Wilmington for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamera L. Fine, who prosecuted the case.

Performed and Interpreted X-rays and Other Tests in Lieu of Qualified Physicians and Radiologists, in Scheme Involving Over $2.5 Million in Medicare Losses

Baltimore, Maryland – Timothy Emeigh, age 50, of York Springs, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty today to health care fraud arising from a scheme in which insurance providers and Medicare were fraudulently billed for tests interpreted by unlicensed personnel, and for tests and services which in fact had not been provided.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to his plea agreement, Emeigh was a licensed x-ray technologist in Maryland. Emeigh was not a licensed physician. Emeigh worked at Alpha Diagnostics Services beginning in 1993 as an x-ray technologist. In 1997, he was named vice president of the company’s operations.

Alpha Diagnostics was principally a portable x-ray supplier in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia. However, Alpha Diagnostics also supplied or provided portable ultrasound tests, electrocardiograms (“EKGs”), echocardiograms and Holter monitors. The majority of its clients were nursing homes, whose patients Alpha Diagnostics tested. Alpha Diagnostics was headquartered in Owings Mills, Maryland with an office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Alpha Diagnostics was enrolled in the Medicare program. Medicare required that a licensed physician order and interpret the x-ray or other test, and render a formal report.

Nonetheless, in 1997, Emeigh began performing x-ray interpretations in lieu of a licensed physician or radiologist, and producing fraudulent reports using the names of actual physicians who had never seen the x-rays in question. In 2003, as technology improved, Emeigh began interpreting medical tests and writing reports in the name of registered licensed physicians from his home using his home computer. In addition to x-rays, Emeigh began interpreting and drafting fraudulent reports for ultrasounds and EKGs from his home, while traveling out of state, and at times, from overseas. Sometimes Emeigh performed medical interpretations and transmitted x-ray images using a cell phone application.

By 2010, Emeigh performed more than 70% of the x-ray interpretations, masquerading as a licensed radiologist or physician. On an average month, more than 1,000 x-ray interpretations were conducted by Alpha Diagnostics in Maryland alone.

Emeigh suggested to Alpha Diagnostics that he transmit particularly difficult medical interpretations to actual licensed physicians. If a patient caregiver contacted Alpha Diagnostics to question any of the medical interpretation reports generated by Emeigh or other unlicensed Alpha Diagnostics personnel, the diagnostic interpretation was reassigned to an actual licensed physician for a second interpretation, who would not be apprised of the first interpretation and conclusion.

Alpha Diagnostics would bill insurance providers for 2-view chest x-rays even where single-view x-rays had been ordered or performed. Alpha Diagnostics routinely submitted insurance payment claims which exaggerated the number of anatomical views performed by its x-ray and ultrasound technologists; and for multiple transportation charges on occasions when multiple patients had been examined at the same facility. Alpha Diagnostics would routinely bill Medicare for “global” x-ray procedures (i.e., both professional and technical components), along with transportation and setup charges, for studies interpreted "in-house" by Emeigh or other unlicensed Alpha Diagnostics personnel.

From January 2007 through October 2012, the financial loss to Medicare alone for the misconduct described herein was more than $2.5 million.

Emeigh faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the HHS- Office of Inspector General and FBI for their work in the investigation, and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark W. Crooks, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced Christopher Stevens, age 23, of Keymar, Maryland, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of stolen firearms. Judge Russell ordered that six years of the federal sentence will be served consecutive to state sentences that Stevens is currently serving.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Captain Thomas J. Ledwell, Chief of the Frederick Police Department; Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins; and Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

According to Stevens’ plea agreement, on January 27, 2013, he and an accomplice broke into a sporting goods store, gaining entry through the roof of the building. Stevens stole 12 firearms from the store and hid them at his mother’s residence. Stevens and his accomplice then distributed 10 of the guns to an individual whom they believed to be a member of a “Crips” gang section located in Frederick, Maryland. At least one of the stolen firearms was used in a shooting in Frederick. Stevens also bartered at least one of the stolen guns in exchange for tattoos.

On March 5, 2013, Stevens was the rear passenger in a car stopped by a Maryland State Police trooper. A police drug detection canine that was brought to the scene alerted positively for the presence of drugs in the car. The occupants were removed from the car prior to a search. While exiting the car, the front seat passenger told the trooper that there was a gun under the front seat and neither of the other passengers knew of the gun. The gun, an unloaded semi-automatic handgun, was recovered. Investigation revealed that the gun had one obliterated serial number, but a second serial number was discovered, which revealed that the gun had been stolen in the sporting goods store robbery. Witnesses were found who would testify that Stevens brought the seized firearm into the car and when the car was stopped by the trooper, Stevens asked Myers to claim that the gun was his.

According to his plea agreement, Stevens also told several witnesses that the seized gun was his and that he had stolen it in the sporting goods store robbery. The government also obtained recordings of conversations with Stevens and individuals who were incarcerated in which Stevens admitted his participation in the firearms robbery from the sporting goods store.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Frederick Police Department, Maryland State Police and Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney John F. Purcell, who prosecuted the case.

Eight Other Veterans Have Admitted to Paying U.S. Army Veteran David Clark
Cash to Fraudulently Obtain Veteran Benefits

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. Army veteran David Clark, age 67, of Hydes, Maryland, the former Deputy Chief of Veterans Claims in the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, pleaded guilty today to extortion in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $1.4 million in veterans benefits.

The plea agreement was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Kim R. Lampkins of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.

In January 2011, Clark retired from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as the Deputy Chief for Veterans Claims. Clark’s duties included submitting claims and documentation on behalf of veterans in Maryland who appointed the MDVA to represent them in obtaining federal benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Clark also submitted documents to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) in support of veterans’ applications for property tax waivers.

According to his plea agreement, while serving at Deputy Chief of Claims, Clark fraudulently obtained VA compensation for himself and at least 17 others, by submitting false documents to the VA purporting to show that the claimants had been diagnosed with diabetes, and in some cases that the claimant had served in Vietnam when they had not. The claimants paid Clark half of the retroactive lump sum payment they received in cash, or some other amount of cash. These payments to Clark were made in unmarked envelopes, at MDVA offices in Bel Air, Maryland; at the Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore; and at other locations.

In support of these claims, Clark submitted fake letters from doctors purportedly treating the veterans, which falsely stated that the claimants suffered from Type II diabetes. Clark used the names and addresses of real doctors who were unaware of his conduct. Each letter stated that the diagnosis of Type II diabetes had been made a year or more prior to the date of the letter, which entitled each claimant to a retroactive lump-sum payment. The letters also stated that the claimants were currently taking insulin, which increased the amount of compensation the VA paid the claimant.

Clark created counterfeit versions of a Defense Department form for himself and five others, which falsely stated that each had served in Vietnam. These forms also falsely stated that these individuals had received various awards and decorations for the Vietnam service, including that Clark himself had been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. These documents were submitted to the VA to provide false evidence that they qualified for compensation benefits for diabetes.

Clark also submitted false certifications to the SDAT, on behalf of claimants that owned homes in Maryland, that the filers were entitled to a property tax waiver due to a service-connected disability.

The total loss to the government caused by false submissions to the VA is $1,151,219 and the loss from the property tax evasion is $255,555, for a total loss of $1,407,134.

Clark faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Clark has agreed to forfeit $1,407,134. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake scheduled sentencing for November 17, 2014 at 9:15 a.m.

Eight other veterans have previously pleaded guilty to paying Clark cash to submit false documentation to receive VA benefits:

John Bratcher, age 56, of Conowingo, Maryland, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force; Richard Genco, age 71, of Baltimore, a veteran of the U.S. Navy; Paul Heard, age 65, of Baltimore, a veteran of the U.S. Navy; George Kulla, age 68, of Dillwyn, Virginia, a veteran of the U.S. Army; Sandra Tyree, age 65, of Baltimore, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and former employee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Kenneth Webster, age 68, of Pasadena, Maryland, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a former police officer with AMTRAK; Raymond Sadler, age 63, of Middle River, Maryland, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps; and Kenneth Williams, age 65, of Baltimore, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama=s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 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. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the VA Office of Inspector General for its work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Leo J. Wise, who is prosecuting the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Jamar Holt, a/k/a “Reds,” “Jamal Holt” and “Rex,” age 36, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and a kilogram or more of heroin; engaging in money laundering; and violating his supervised release. Chief Judge Chasanow also entered an order requiring Holt to forfeit $1 million, two vehicles, three properties located in Baltimore, as well as jewelry and $22,390 seized at Holt’s 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 Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office .

According to his plea agreement, from October 2012 to April 2013, Holt acquired kilograms of cocaine and other quantities of heroin, and provided the drugs to conspirators who distributed the drugs to customers. Co-conspirator Damon Estep coordinated the delivery of cocaine to himself and other conspirators from St. Mary’s County. The conspirators would meet in Glen Burnie to pay for the drugs to be distributed in St. Mary’s County by Estep and others. The distribution of between 15 and five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, and between three and one kilograms of heroin, were reasonably foreseeable to Holt.

Holt had been sentenced on April 14, 2005 in federal court in Maryland to six years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute heroin. His drug trafficking activities occurred while on supervised release, thereby violating his terms of release.

In November 2012, Holt gave his girlfriend around $20,000, more or less, to buy a 2012 Jeep. In December 2012, Holt also delivered checks totaling $54,440.42 to an individual to pay off an outstanding loan on properties located at 524-530 Oldtown Mall, Baltimore. In return, Holt received an ownership interest in the properties. In February 2013, Holt provided $51,000 in cash to the seller of property located at 4338 Glenmore Avenue in Baltimore, in order to buy the property. The monies Holt provided in these transactions included the proceeds of his drug trafficking, which Holt intended to conceal.

When Holt was charged in May 2013 in a superseding indictment, he was notified that the government would seek forfeiture of any property obtained as a result of the drug conspiracy. Nevertheless, on June 25, 2013, Holt filed a false document purporting to transfer his ownership in 4338 Glenmore to his sister and mother. The signatures of his mother and sister on the document were forged. In filing this document, Holt intended to obstruct forfeiture proceedings.

On April 25, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Holt’s residence and seized drug paraphernalia, seven cell phones, $22,390 in cash and over $119,000 in jewelry, including 12 watches with brands such as Rolex and Breitling.

Chief Judge Chasanow sentenced Damon Jerome Estep, a/k/a “Country”, age 38, of California, Maryland, on February 7, 2014 to 188 months in prison. Co-defendants Alrahman Sharif Allen, a/k/a “Rock” and “Rahman Allen;” and Jeffrey Kirk Berry, a/k/a “Kojack,” previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy and await sentencing.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Jo Bressack and Deborah Johnston, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Lateef Akande, age 36, of Bladensburg, Maryland, today to 175 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering. Judge Titus also ordered Akande to pay restitution of $418,042.58.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Michalko of the United States Secret Service B Washington Field Office; and Postal Inspector in Charge Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division .

According to his plea agreement, from January 2010 to May 2012, Akande and others recruited individuals to provide personal bank information regarding existing bank accounts in their names, or to open new accounts in their own names. Akande and others then caused third-party checks to be deposited into those bank accounts. For any of the checks that cleared, the co-conspirators would withdraw monies from those accounts.

For example, on January 29, 2010, Akande opened a bank account under the name of Tyrone Jackson and deposited a check in the amount of $29,750.90, drawn on the account of a victim. The check contained the words “Tax Refund” on the memo line. Akande then caused a check in the amount of $12,920, payable to an electric company, to be negotiated using the funds from this account.

Akande admits that the loss or intended loss as a result of the fraud scheme was $1,798,456.30.

Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 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 the inception of FFETF in November 2009, the Justice Department has filed more than 12,841 financial fraud cases against nearly 18,737 defendants including nearly 3,500 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys David I. Salem and Thomas P. Windom, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Margaret Moeser, of the U.S. Justice Department’s Asset Forfeiture & Money Laundering Section, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Anthony Jean-Claude, age 40, of Odenton, Maryland today to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for laundering over $1.5 million, in connecting with a scheme to steal waste vegetable oil. Judge Motz also entered an order requiring Jean-Claude to pay restitution and forfeiture of $1,586,747.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.

“Jean-Claude’s actions were motivated by pure greed as evidenced by the more than $1.5 million in laundered fraud proceeds he received while perpetuating a waste vegetable oil scheme,” said Thomas J Kelly, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling money laundering schemes such as this, where individuals attempt to conceal the true source of their money. Today’s sentencing shows IRS-CI, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will continue to bring cases like these to justice.”

Waste collection businesses contract with local restaurants to collect waste vegetable oil which is used to make bio-diesel fuel or processed as an additive for animal feed. Waste collection businesses place recycling containers behind the restaurants with which they have contracts. When the containers are full, the businesses collect the oil using a vacuum truck.

According to his plea agreement, from May through October 2010, Jean-Claude and a friend stole waste vegetable oil from restaurants in Maryland and Virginia using a tow truck owned by his friend. Jean-Claude and his friend stored the stolen oil at a warehouse near Waterview Avenue in Baltimore County, then sold the oil to out-of-state oil companies.

At the end of October, Jean-Claude’s friend developed a legitimate waste vegetable oil collection company named Waste Not Inc. The friend purchased a vacuum truck, hired salesmen to assist him, and eventually obtained 650 contracts to collect waste vegetable oil from restaurants. From June through October, 2011, Jean-Claude’s friend collected the oil pursuant to the contracts and sold the oil to Jean-Claude.

In May 2011, Jean-Claude used a straw purchaser to buy a truck which was titled in the name of Waste Not. The truck was used to steal waste vegetable oil from restaurants that did not have a collection contract with Waste Not. The driver of that truck was caught stealing waste vegetable oil in July 2011.

In late 2011, Jean-Claude met R.F. during a renovation project at Jean-Claude’s home. Jean-Claude requested that R.F. lease a large warehouse facility to collect, process and sell waste vegetable oil. The owner of Waste Not took both his legitimate waste vegetable oil and the stolen oil to the facility, located at 1701 Leland Avenue in Middle River. Jean-Claude then sold the waste vegetable oil to fuel companies in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The proceeds of these transactions were directed back to Jean-Claude through a bank account in the name of Rafxcel Services, which account was held by both R.F. and Jean-Claude.

Jean-Claude subsequently used the straw purchaser to buy another truck in October 2011. A conspirator used the truck to steal waste vegetable oil from 20 locations in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The conspirator then took the stolen oil to the Leland Avenue facility. From January 5, 2012 through October 1, 2012, approximately $1,586,747 was deposited in the Rafxcel account for the sale of waste vegetable oil to companies in Maryland, Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

The operations manager at the Leland Avenue facility received checks from Jean-Claude in the name of the manager’s wife, which were drawn on the Rafxcel business account. Jean-Claude directed the manager to cash the checks, use a portion of the cash for the operations of the Leland Avenue facility, and give the remainder of the cash back to Jean-Claude.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the Baltimore County Police Department and IRS – Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Bockin, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Brian Shaw, age 23, of Lutherville, Maryland, today to 7 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for distribution and possession of child pornography. Judge Blake ordered that upon his release from prison, Shaw 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 William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to court documents and testimony at today’s sentencing hearing, from December 18, 2012 through January 12, 2013, Shaw distributed images and videos documenting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent minors, to an undercover agent with HSI New Orleans. A search warrant was obtained for Shaw’s email account. From November 26, 2011 through January 29, 2013, Shaw’s email contained approximately 2140 emails, most of which referenced the trade of child pornography over the internet and the sexual exploitation of children. Upon the creation of the account, Shaw immediately began emailing others to trade child pornography files. In addition to attaching hundreds of videos and images of child pornography, Shaw also sent links for file sharing services in his email, which gave access to child pornography files.

Based on the evidence in Shaw’s emails, HSI obtained a search warrant for his residence. Law enforcement seized and subsequently forensically examined Shaw’s computer and other digital media. Approximately 5860 images and 562 videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, as well as stories describing sex acts with children in graphic detail, were located during the forensic analysis. Some of the images included sadistic or masochistic conduct, or other depictions of violence, and depicted children under the age of 12.

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 HSI Baltimore for its work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Judson T. Mihok, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Leverne Alexander Patterson, age 62, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 115 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a stolen firearm.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.

According to Patterson’s plea agreement, on June 4, 2013, Baltimore Police officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2600 block of East Preston Street in Baltimore. Upon entering the home, officers found Patterson and a female in the upstairs bedroom and brought them to the first floor. Officers asked Patterson if he had any drugs, guns, or large sums of money in the house. Patterson advised officers that he had a gun under the bed in the upstairs front bedroom. Officers recovered a loaded .22 caliber handgun from that location. Patterson was arrested after police learned that he was on parole from a previous felony conviction and prohibited from possessing a gun. Patterson told police that he had purchased the gun from an individual on the street for $200. Investigation revealed that the gun had been stolen in Howard County, Maryland in 2003.

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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Flagg, a cross-designated Baltimore City Assistant State’s Attorney assigned as part of the Baltimore initiative to combat violent crime, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced George Frimpong Ebo-Amissah, a/k/a “Salifu Abdullah,” and “Wagba,” age 46, a Ghanian national, today to 13 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

According to Ebo-Amissah’s plea agreement, beginning in 2011, Ebo-Amissah was one of the leaders of a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Maryland. Ebo-Amissah, who was living in Ghana, arranged couriers who would transport heroin on commercial flights to the United States. During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted telephone calls between Ebo-Amissah and Nana Boateng, a U.S. based heroin trafficker. Ebo-Amissah had numerous conversations with Boateng about importing heroin into the United States, including details about obtaining heroin in Ghana and how much a particular courier could bring to the United States.

On May 29, 2011, a courier that Ebo-Amissah had hired to bring heroin into the U.S. was stopped as she was coming off a flight from Ghana. Agents discovered approximately 3.3 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase. The courier called Ebo-Amissah for further instructions and Ebo-Amissah told her that she would receive a return call. Shortly thereafter Boateng called the courier unsuccessfully. At the time the courier was detained, investigators saw Boateng at the airport, apparently waiting for someone.

Nana Boateng, age 34, of Leesburg, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced to 84 months in prison.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, Baltimore County Police Department and HSI Baltimore for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein also commended the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs for their assistance in Ebo-Amissah’s extradition from Ghana to the United States.

Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth S. Clark, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Admitted Committing Two Additional Bank Robberies

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Rodney Scott Bush, age 47, of Fort Washington, Maryland today to 125 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit bank robbery and five bank robberies. As part of his plea agreement, Bush also admitted committing two additional bank robberies.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis; and Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department.

According to his plea agreement, from December 8, 2012 through July 17, 2013, Bush committed seven bank robberies, stealing a total of $38,894. In each robbery, Bush handed the teller a note demanding money. Most of the notes also stated that Bush had a gun or threatened some other harm and Bush often implied that he had a weapon. The banks were located in Upper Marlboro, Lanham, Severna Park, Gambrills, Laurel, Bowie, and Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Moments after the robbery in Glen Burnie on July 17, 2013, an Anne Arundel County Police officer responding to the bank robbery saw Bush in the passenger seat of a vehicle removing the distinctive sweater that he wore during the robbery. The vehicle was being driven by a woman, later identified as Bush’s girlfriend, Jacqueline Isaacs. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Isaacs sped off and led police on a high speed pursuit. Isaacs and Bush continued to flee from the officers for more than ten miles, eventually crashing into a van. Officers arrested Bush and Isaacs who were taken to the hospital and treated for injuries sustained during the crash.

The vehicle was searched and officers recovered the mobile phones used by Bush and Isaacs, the demand note, shirt and glasses worn by Bush during the robbery, and cash stolen from the bank.

Jacqueline Isaccs, age 56, also of Fort Washington, pleaded guilty to the July 17, 2013, bank robbery and was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Anne Arundel County Police Department and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Amir Ali Faraz, age 45, of Laredo, Texas, today to 20 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute heroin and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute heroin, using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking and interstate travel to promote drug trafficking activities.

Judge Titus also sentenced co-conspirator Ricardo Rodriguez, age 29, also of Laredo, Texas, to 78 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute heroin and marijuana, and for using a cell phone in furtherance of drug trafficking. Faraz and Rodriguez were convicted on January 24, 2014, after a 12-day jury trial.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police.

According to testimony at their trial, Faraz played a significant role in a drug conspiracy - from transporting heroin from Mexico into Texas and then on to Maryland, to soliciting purchasers and distributing heroin and marijuana. For example, beginning in late July, Faraz and a co-conspirator, Javier Escobar-Bucerra traveled from Texas to Maryland with heroin to sell. A marijuana customer of Faraz’ introduced them to Harold Bartrum. Bartrum was only interested in purchasing marijuana, but located a customer for the heroin. Faraz and Escobar-Bucerra sold nine ounces of heroin through Bartrum to this individual. Faraz and the co-conspirator also discussed with Bartrum returning to Maryland with marijuana. In September 2012, Faraz and Escobar-Bucerra traveled to Maryland from Texas with at least one kilogram of white powder heroin and between 9 ounces and 2.2 pounds of black tar heroin. Bartrum again assisted them in selling the heroin. According to trial testimony, Faraz traveled to Mexico before each trip to Maryland, and returned with between one and two kilograms of heroin.

Witnesses testified that during October 2012, Faraz continued to talk to Bartrum by telephone, discussing arrangements to obtain marijuana, cocaine and heroin from Texas. Faraz wanted one of his heroin customers to provide the funds to obtain the marijuana in Mexico. Faraz’ conversations with Bartrum and the heroin customer included shipments of 100 to 200 pounds of marijuana, as well as heroin. Search and arrest warrants were executed before the transaction could take place.

According to trial testimony, Escobar-Bucerra also communicated with Bartrum during October and discussed bringing marijuana and heroin back to Maryland. In late October and November 2012, Ricardo Rodriguez was intercepted speaking to Bartrum about the next trip planned by Escobar-Bucerra. During these calls Rodriguez advised they were ready with all of the drugs, including marijuana and heroin. He also told Bartrum they had 500 pounds of marijuana if he wanted to purchase it. They discussed the quality and price of this additional marijuana and the need to have someone transport it. As a result of these calls, on November 6, 2012, surveillance located two pickup trucks traveling in tandem from Texas to Maryland. The vehicles were located outside Roanoke, Virginia. A traffic stop was conducted on both trucks. One of the trucks was occupied by Rodriguez and driven by his codefendant Jose Chapa. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of seven packages which contained 6,190 grams of marijuana; a ziploc bag which contained 337.7 grams of heroin hydrochloride; plastic bags which contained 287.6 grams of heroin hydrochloride; and a knotted plastic bag which contained 99.1 grams of heroin hydrochloride. Escobar-Bucerra was identified as the driver of the second pickup truck.

Javier Escobar-Bucerra, age 29, of Laredo, Texas; Harold Bartrum, age 43, of Hyattsville, Maryland; and Jose Chapa, age 35, all pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. Escobar Bucerra and Bartrum were each sentenced to 64 months in prison; and Chapa was sentenced to 92 months in prison.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the HSI Baltimore, Prince George’s County Police Department, Maryland State Police and Virginia State Police, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah A. Johnston and Leah J. Bressack, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – Napoleon McLain, Jr., age 31, of Randallstown, Maryland pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to his plea agreement, McLain is an officer with the Baltimore City School Police Force (BCSPF). BCSPF officers are granted police privileges to carry firearms and conduct arrests within the City of Baltimore.

From no later than December 2012 to August 2013, while he was employed as a BCSPF officer, McLain was a member of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. McLain bought multiple ounces of cocaine base at a time from his suppliers, which he sold to others. On four occasions between December 2012 and August 2013, McLain sold a total of approximately 150 grams of cocaine base to a confidential source for $9,800. .

McLain faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake scheduled sentencing for October 15, 2014 at 9:15 a.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney David I. Sharfstein, who is prosecuting the case.

Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Donald Avery Moore, age 57, of Washington, D.C., today to nine years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for carjacking and using a gun during the carjacking. Judge Chasanow ordered that Moore’s Maryland sentence be served concurrent to the 42 month sentence he received in D.C. Superior Court on related charges.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Richard Marianos of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Division; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.

According to his plea agreement, on January 24, 2012, Moore approached a pick-up truck driven by an individual in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Moore brandished a semi-automatic pistol and demanded the keys. The victim gave Moore the keys and Moore got into the vehicle. Moore then told the victim to walk to the back of the pick-up truck or Moore would shoot him. When the victim complied, Moore drove away.

After a lookout was broadcast, Prince George’s County police officers located and pursued the pick-up truck. Moore subsequently fled on foot, and the officers ultimately arrested him, seizing the pistol from his jacket pocket.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Prince George’s County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Mara Zusman, who prosecuted the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced Joshua Foe, age 35, of Westminster, Maryland, today to 63 months in prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. Judge Russell ordered that upon his release from prison, Foe 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 William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

According to Foe’s plea agreement, on two occasions between September 11, 2012, and March 16, 2013, undercover law enforcement agents downloaded child pornography from files being shared by Foe through the use of file sharing software. A federal search warrant was subsequently executed at Foe’s home and law enforcement seized Foe’s computer and other digital media. A forensic analysis of the computer revealed approximately 277 images and 296 videos documenting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent 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 HSI Baltimore and the Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Judson T. Mihok, who prosecuted the case.

Defendant Claimed 789 Workers Hired for Maryland Pool Service Company

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Milen Radomirski, age 34, a Bulgarian national residing in Germantown, Maryland, today to two years in prison for visa fraud. Judge Grimm also ordered Radomirski to forfeit $100,000.

“American businesses are permitted to sponsor foreign workers to enter the United States lawfully under the H-2B visa program, but Milen Radomirski undermined that program by falsely vouching for hundreds of aliens who were not expected to comply with the terms of the visa,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Special Agent in Charge Bill Jones, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; Special Agent in Charge Niall Meehan of the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; and District Director Gregory Collett of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Baltimore District Office.

According to his plea agreement, from 2003 to August 2013, Radomirski worked for a pool service company in Maryland that provided lifeguards and pool maintenance in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. As part of his employment, Radomirski recruited international workers that his company could sponsor to work in the U.S. on H-2B visas and other short-term visas. Radomirski admitted that he fraudulently obtained more than 100 H-2B visas. An H-2B visa is a non-immigrant visa granted to citizens of other countries to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis.

From 2006 through 2011, Radomirski’s company submitted applications for approximately 789 H-2B visas. Radomirski’s company certified to the U.S. Department of Labor that it had not sought or received payment from the employee to obtain the visa and specified to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services the job in which the foreign national supposedly would be employed. Sponsored workers could not legally be employed by any other company. The company was required to notify DHS if an H-2B worker failed to report to work within five days after their specified start date or if a worker absconded or was terminated.

Radomirski admitted that he charged visa beneficiaries money in exchange for including them on his company’s petitions for H-2B visas. Radomirski knew that many of the visa beneficiaries would not work for his company at all, would only work at his company for a short period of time, or would work for other employers in addition to his company.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the HSI Baltimore; U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and USCIS, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who prosecuted the case.

Fraudulently Obtained Over $52 Million in Government Contracts, Concealed Income by Transferring Millions from Corporate Accounts to Casinos and to Pay Other Personal Expenses, and Filed False Tax Returns

Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Vernon J. Smith III, age 61, of Edgewater, Maryland, today to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to defraud the United States in connection with schemes to fraudulently seek federal contracts under a Small Business Administration (SBA) program to assist disadvantaged small businesses; and to defraud the IRS. Judge Grimm found that the actual loss to the government as a result of Smith’s offenses was $7,033,844, and entered an order requiring Smith to pay that amount in restitution and forfeiture.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Small Business Administration Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and General Services Administration Acting Inspector General Robert C. Erickson.

“When individuals defraud the government by falsely claiming eligibility for SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program, the biggest victims are the taxpayers and legitimate small businesses,” said Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson of the Small Business Administration. “We are committed to helping ensure that only eligible disadvantaged small businesses benefit from the Section 8(a) program. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for its dedicated leadership and professionalism in pursuit of justice served today.”

“Americans were victimized twice by the greed of Vernon Smith. Not only did Smith decide not to pay his fair share of federal taxes and ultimately defraud the IRS out of $839,016, his actions also denied legitimate business owners of socially and disadvantaged groups the opportunity to receive government contracts to which they were entitled,” said Thomas J Kelly, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. “Today’s sentencing should put corrupt business owners, like Vernon Smith, on notice that the government will get to the truth no matter how they may try to conceal their involvement and income.”

“Contractors that defraud the United States to get GSA contracts will be held accountable,” said General Services Administration Acting Inspector General Robert C. Erickson.

Vernon Smith was the president and sole owner of Capitol Contractors since 2002. Capitol Contractors was a Maryland corporation with its headquarters in Capitol Heights, Maryland and later Edgewater, Maryland. Capitol Contractors had provided roofing and construction services but was largely dormant after 2002.

In 1999, Vernon Smith caused a new roofing and construction company, Platinum One Contracting, Inc. (“Platinum”) to be incorporated in Maryland. Although Vernon Smith installed Anthony Wright, an African-American who was a former roofer and project manager at Capitol Contractors, to be the president and 60% owner, and Smith’s son was vice president and owned the remaining 40% of Platinum, Vernon Smith exercised complete and undisclosed control over Platinum’s business operations. Vernon Smith’s wife, Georgia Smith was in charge of Platinum’s accounting, and acted as the de facto Controller for the company.

Vernon Smith admits that from August 1999 to June 2013, he conspired to defraud the SBA in several ways. For example, Smith directed Wright to submit an application to the SBA for certification in the Section 8(a) program which did not reveal that Vernon Smith: exercised control over the company; had previously supervised Wright; owned more than 10% of Capitol Contractors; and was related to an owner of Platinum. From May 2004 through April 2010, Vernon Smith also caused Platinum to submit annual updates to the SBA Section 8(a) program that contained false information, including that the company was controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, and that no non-disadvantaged member of Platinum’s management received compensation that exceeded that received by Wright. In fact, Vernon Smith controlled the company, and Platinum’s payments to Vernon Smith and other corporate officers far exceeded payments received by Wright for 2004 through 2009. Based on the fraudulent application and annual updates, Platinum One received more than $52 million in contracts from the federal government under the Section 8(a) program, to which it was not entitled. The total loss to the government resulting from Vernon Smith’s illegal conduct, regarding the illicit profit he received by defrauding the SBA, and depriving a legitimate Section 8(a) contractor of such profit, is $6,194,828

Vernon Smith and his wife, Georgia Smith also transferred millions of dollars from Platinum to bank accounts in their own names, to casinos on their own behalf, to Capitol Contracting and another company owned by Vernon Smith, and to credit card companies to pay for personal expenses that Vernon and Georgia Smith charged to Platinum’s corporate credit cards, including extensive dental work, veterinary visits for personal pets, lavish vacations, a Royal Caribbean cruise, limousine transportation to casinos in Atlantic City, N.J., funeral expenses for a family relative, fencing for their personal residence, among others. Georgia Smith also mischaracterized numerous payments to casinos as subcontractor expenses.

In addition, Vernon and Georgia Smith signed false corporate and personal tax returns for 2005 and 2006. The Smiths knew that the cost of goods sold and payments to contractors reported on the corporate returns were false because almost all of that money was paid to, and for the benefit of, Georgia and Vernon Smith at casinos. They also knew that the income reported on their personal income taxes omitted hundreds of thousands of dollars that Capitol Contractors had paid to, and for their benefit. As a result, the Smith’s owed additional personal income tax to the IRS totaling $264,105, and Capitol Contractors owed an additional $574,911 to the IRS for tax years 2005 and 2006. The total tax loss resulting from Georgia and Vernon Smith’s conspiracy to defraud the IRS is $839,016.

Georgia Smith, age 52, of Edgewater, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Anthony Wright, age 42, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and was sentenced on September 15, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.

Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 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. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the SBA Office of Inspector General; Defense Criminal Investigative Service; IRS Criminal Investigation; and the GSA Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Gregory R. Bockin and Trial Attorney Kenneth C. Vert of the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

Sought to Fabricate an Infrared Detector for Night Vision, Missile Detection and other Military Applications

Greenbelt, Maryland – Zhenchun Huang, a/k/a Ted Huang, age 51, a Chinese national and naturalized U.S. citizen, formerly residing in Clarksville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to false personation of a federal employee and obstruction of justice, in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain technology products from U.S. companies for export to China.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Rick Shimon, Special Agent in Charge, U. S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement.

According to his plea agreement, Huang worked as a contract scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt from February 1995 to June 2001. Thereafter, he consulted on a limited basis until October 2003 to provide as-needed assistance on a specific Goddard project.

In April 2001, Huang incorporated Allray in Maryland for the stated purpose of forming joint ventures with Chinese governmental and private entities to research, develop and distribute telecommunication and information technology products. Though Allray’s principal place of business was listed as Huang’s place of residence, its entire base of operations was located in China.

During the latter part of 2003 and into early 2004, in an effort to obtain technological components for use by Allray, Huang falsely represented to three U.S. companies that he was employed by NASA and was working on a joint project between NASA and Allray. No such joint project existed. The components which Huang sought included cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) wafers, considered dual-use technology subject to U.S. export controls. These products were unrelated to Huang’s former work at NASA.

In order to make it appear as though NASA was involved in procuring these products, Huang directed that purchased items be shipped to an associate employed at Goddard; used a Goddard email account to communicate with the companies and subsequently redirect emails to his personal email account; faxed (or had faxed) a purchase order from a number associated with Goddard; and presented his former business card to companies that identified him as a contract employee of NASA/Goddard.

In late October 2003, as a result of his false representations, Huang obtained five CZT wafers from Company 1 and four silicon wafers from Company 2. Huang directed his associate working at Goddard to ship two of the CZT wafers to Company 2 so it could apply a specific growth process to add a layer of MCT to the wafers. Huang also directed his associate to buy 10 additional CZT wafers for $10,620 from Company 3. Thereafter, the associate mailed to Company 2, from the Goddard shipping facility and at government expense, two of the CZT wafers Huang had purchased from Company 1. The associate also sent an email from his Goddard email account to Company 3 falsely stating that NASA would be purchasing, through Allray, the 10 CZT wafers sought by Huang.

Company 3 subsequently determined that Allray was a Chinese company headed by Huang, and that the shipping/billing address provided for the purchase was a residential address. Accordingly, Company 3 did not sell the CZT wafers, and the MCT wafers were never manufactured. If successful, the MCT growth process requested by Huang would have fabricated a type of infrared detector suitable for military applications, such as night vision and missile detection, that would have been controlled for export to China. The 10 CZT wafers sought from Company 3 were similarly controlled for export.

In October 2003, Huang bought optoelectronic epoxy from Company 4. Huang directed that the item be shipped to NASA/Goddard, thereby suggesting that the purchase was related to government business. However, Huang provided his residential address for the shipment. Between February and April 2004, Huang tasked his associate with finding an optical filter that could be used in ultraviolet applications. The associate used his Goddard email account to contact Company 5 to obtain a price quote, which he then forwarded to Huang, but the filter was never purchased.

In the fall of 2005, Huang entered into an agreement with company X, which was co-founded by his associate, to build a prototype ultraviolet non-line-of-sight communications system for Allray. From December 2005 to April 2006 and in connection with its agreement with Huang, company X purchased 34 ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV/LEDs) from Company 6, at a total cost of $3,556. The technical specifications of the purchased UV/LEDs, and the manner in which they were to be used, suggested an application more consistent with a covert communications device. Huang had initially contacted Company 6 in October 2005, following an email introduction by his associate, to offer Allray’s services in packaging the company’s UV/LEDs. Huang indicated that Allray was located in China, but falsely stated that Allray’s customers were mainly in the United States. Company 6 did not respond to Huang’s offer. Huang’s associate, who had dealings with Company 6 in his capacity as a NASA employee, never advised Company 6 of his association with company X. In early May 2006, the associate demonstrated to Huang a prototype of the device being built for Allray. At that time, Huang was given two of the diodes obtained from Company 6.

On May 8, 2006, U.S. Customs officials at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago inspected Huang and his luggage just prior to his outbound flight to China. Two of the UV/LEDs purchased from Company 6 were found in Huang’s luggage. Huang made false statements regarding who had given him the diodes, what they were worth, what company had manufactured them, and how they would be used in China. He also provided false information regarding the technical specifications of the diodes.

Huang subsequently directed his wife not speak to, or ask, anyone about what had happened at the airport; to say she did not know anything if questioned; to throw away the box that had originally contained the UV/LEDS found in his luggage; and to clean out their residence. In response, his wife threw away the UV/LED box and certain Allray documents in their home. She deleted all Allray-related files from their home computer, though she saved certain Allray files on a thumb drive. The government recovered some of the documents, including identifying and financial information for Allray’s investors in the United States, Allray’s IPO plan, a 2006 PowerPoint presentation charting Allray’s accomplishments in China, and an article on a short-range, non-line-of-sight ultraviolet communication device.

Following the commencement of the government’s investigation of the scheme, Huang absconded to China and was a fugitive until his arrest in London in December, 2013. Feng Yan, age 46, formerly of Ellicott City, Maryland, was also charged by indictment for his alleged participation in the scheme and is currently a fugitive.

Huang and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Huang will be sentenced to 15 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, HSI Baltimore and Department of Commerce for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Manuelian, who is prosecuting the case.

Directed Others to Steal Merchandise from Retail Stores and Exchange the Stolen Items for Gift Cards

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III sentenced John Tadros, age 45, of Baltimore, today to 58 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering. Judge Russell also entered an order requiring Tadros to pay restitution of $400,000.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office.

Tadros owned Busy Bees Convenience Mart located at 335 South Monroe Street, and J&J’s Bar and Liquor located at 1801 Ramsay Street, both in Baltimore. According to his plea agreement, from January 2009 to February 2013, Tadros directed Melissa Perry, Deanna Lynch, Mohamed Al-Omeri, Mark Brunelle, Steven Riley and others, known as boosters, to steal merchandise from large retail stores throughout Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard and Harford Counties in Maryland, as well as Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The boosters then returned the stolen items in exchange for store gift cards. They used modified Maryland driver’s licenses that contained the personal identifier information of actual persons, without those persons’ knowledge, when returning the stolen items without a receipt.

Tadros bought the fraudulently obtained gift cards from the boosters for 50% of the card’s value. Tadros told the boosters to target specific stores at specific locations, and advised them of the best days to steal merchandise and the manner by which they modified their Maryland driver’s licenses. Tadros also collected the welfare benefit debit cards of the boosters which he held as collateral if he deemed that the boosters owed him money, and returned the benefit cards to the boosters for 50% of the card’s value. Tadros used the gift cards to purchase personal home goods, and supplies for his businesses and rental properties.

On February 27, 2013, the U.S. Secret Service executed a search warrant and seized 32 fraudulently obtained gift cards from his home. Agents also seized 329 retail store receipts from Busy Bee, for purchases made with fraudulently obtained gift cards.

The actual loss to retailers in Maryland caused by the scheme is at least $401,326.12.

Melissa Perry, age 34; Deanna Lynch, age 44; Mohamed Al-Omeri, age 39; Steven Riley, age 50; and Mark Brunelle, age 47, previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the scheme. Brunelle was sentenced to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay over $210,000 in restitution. Perry and Lynch were sentenced to 30 months and 18 months in prison, respectively, and were ordered to pay restitution of $401,326.12. Al-Omeri was sentence to one year of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $35,000. Steven Riley is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2014.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the U.S. Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office for its work in the investigation, and commended the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Mark W. Crooks, who prosecuted the case.

Separate Fraud Schemes Resulted in Over $2.5 Million in Losses and at Least 25 Individual and Corporate Victims

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Rhonda Scott, age 52, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, today to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with two separate mortgage fraud schemes which resulted in losses of over $2.5 million. Judge Bredar also entered an order that Scott forfeit $2.7 million and pay restitution of $703,000.

Judge Bredar also sentenced co-defendant Niesha Williams, age 34, of Fort Washington, Maryland today to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with one of the mortgage fraud schemes. Judge Bredar also ordered that Williams forfeit $3.1 million and pay restitution of $1,445,593

The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Principal Deputy Inspector General Fred W. Gibson, Jr. of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Special Agent in Charge Cary A. Rubenstein of the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Gene E. Morrison, Washington Field Office, U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General; Howard County Police Chief William McMahon; Special Agent in Charge Brian Murphy of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; and Howard County State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino.

According to their plea agreements, beginning in 2008, Scott participated in several fraudulent real estate transactions that settled at M&R Title, Inc. located in Alexandria, Virginia, and at Sanford Title Services, located in Columbia, Maryland. The fraudulent transactions at each title company were part of different conspiracies. In both schemes, Scott facilitated deals between her co-conspirators, recruited individuals that could be parties to the real estate transactions, received proceeds of the fraudulent transactions through a shell company designed to hide her receipt of the funds, sent money to co-conspirators and identified mortgage transactions that the co-conspirators could use to enrich themselves.

As part of the M&R Title conspiracy, Scott, Demetrius Peete and others deceived buyers, sellers and lenders to make it appear to sellers that they were selling their property at a low price, and to buyers and lenders that the property was being sold at a higher price. The co-conspirators created paperwork for two different sales of the property at the same time. The first sale was fraudulent because it was backdated, the buyer planned to immediately flip the property in a subsequent sale and the settlement statement listed a fake loan. In the second sale, the sales price was significantly increased and the settlement statement showed a large sum being disbursed to the lender to payoff an existing lien. In fact, those funds were improperly disbursed to the co-conspirators.

As to the Sanford Title conspiracy, Scott, Peete, Bonnie Kraemer, Niesha Williams, Emeka Udeze and others used many fraudulent techniques, including: short sales in which the property would be sold for a higher price than the seller was aware of; sales of properties not owned by the seller, including properties Scott purported to own but in fact did not; multiple sales of the same property at the same time; the seller and/or buyer were shown different settlement statements and the conspirators used the difference in sales price to enrich themselves; and money that should have been paid to lien holders was instead disbursed to the co-conspirators. Williams facilitated deals between her co-conspirators, sent funds illegally obtained from real estate transactions to her co-conspirators, and identified mortgage transactions that the co-conspirators could use to enrich themselves.

Both of the M&R Title and Sanford Title fraud schemes involved at least 25 victims, including lenders, sellers and buyers of real estate, title insurance companies and lien holders. The reasonably foreseeable loss associated with Scott’s conduct was at least $2.5 million. The loss associated with Williams’ offenses was at least $3.1 million.

Bonnie Kathleen Kreamer, a/k/a Bonnie Meehan, age 49, of Riva, Maryland; Emeka Udeze, age 39, of Bowie, Maryland; Shola Risikat Balogun, age 48, of Upper Marlboro; Gregory Green, age 49, of Waldorf, Maryland; and Demetrius Peete, age 46, of Manassas, Virginia, each previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the fraud schemes. Kreamer, who was responsible for the daily operations at Sanford Title, was sentenced on April 25, 2014 to 51 months in prison, and ordered to pay restitution of $2,499,048 to the victims and to forfeit $4.8 million. Green was previously sentenced to three months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $404,596. The other conspirators await sentencing.

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 www.justice.gov/usao/md/Mortgage Fraud/index.html.

Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force which was created in November 2009 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. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, FDIC, HUD-OIG, Department of Justice OIG, Howard County Police Department and Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Harry Gruber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Colleen McGuinn assigned to this case from the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office, who prosecuted the case.

Committed at least five Bank Robberies Between June 7 and June 24, 2013

Greenbelt, Maryland – Dallas Eric Dunmore, age 47, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to bank robbery.

Co-conspirators Derrick Hart, age 42, of District Heights, Maryland, and Teddy McCain, age 54, of Germantown, Maryland, pleaded guilty on June 19, 2014, to the same charge.

The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Assistant Director in Charge Valerie Parlave of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler.

According to the defendants’ plea agreements, Dallas Dunmore, Hart and McCain robbed or attempted to rob banks in Maryland and Virginia. In each robbery Dallas Dunmore entered the bank and handed the teller a note demanding money. On one occasion, the note also stated that he had a gun, while on two other occasions Dunmore told the teller that he or another conspirator had a gun. McCain waited outside during each robbery. Hart also waited outside during the robberies, except on June 19, 2013, when Hart entered the bank with Dallas Dunmore and another conspirator.

The total proceeds from the five robberies in which Dunmore participated are $5,370; and the total proceeds from the six robberies in which Hart and McCain participated are $8,437.

Dunmore, Hart and McCain each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for bank robbery. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for Dunmore on December 17, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. McCain is scheduled to be sentence on September 29, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. and Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI; Prince George’s and Montgomery County Police Departments; the Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria, Virginia Police Departments; and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Mitchell and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gerald A. A. Collins, a cross designated Maryland Assistant Attorney General, who are prosecuting the case.

Robbed Businesses in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge J. Frederick Motz sentenced Carl Paschall, Jr., age 32, of Baltimore, today to 66 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to commit bank larceny and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Judge Motz also entered an order that Paschall pay $200,000 in restitution.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Howard County Police Chief William McMahon; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Kevin Davis; Special Acting Special Agent in Charge William P. McMullan of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Otis E. Harris, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Chesapeake Region; and Commissioner Anthony W. Batts of the Baltimore Police Department..

According to his plea agreement, from at least November 2010 until his arrest in July 2013, Carl Paschall conspired with Michael Johnson, Thomas Ellis and others to commit commercial burglaries in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The conspirators stole cash, money orders, stamps, silver bars, jewelry, cigarettes, lottery tickets, prescription drugs, food, beverages, safes, laptop computers, cell phones, electronics, vehicles and other valuable items from gas stations, convenience stores, banks, credit unions and other commercial establishments during the night. The conspirators often stole or attempted to steal cash from ATMs.

The conspirators usually cut power lines, telephone lines, cables and other wires before entering a business. They used vise grips, sledgehammers, chop saws, grinders and blow torches to enter the business, and then often waited – for several minutes or sometimes up to several hours – before ransacking the business of its valuable items.

Carl Paschall, Jr. admitted that he committed, or attempted to commit, dozens of commercial burglaries and that the loss resulting from these burglaries exceeded $800,000.

On May 26, 2012, Carl Paschall, Jr. stole a van from a car rental agency in West Virginia and used the van during the burglaries. On May 31, 2012, the conspirators drove the van to Newport Road in Woodbine, Maryland and park the vehicle on the side of the road. The conspirators left some evidence of their crimes inside the stolen van, including stolen safes and lottery tickets. The applied an ignitable fluid inside the vehicle and set it on fire. Early in the morning on June 1, 2012, Howard County Fire and Rescue Department responded to the scene and encountered the van fully engulfed in flames.

Michael Johnson, age 25, and Thomas Daniel Ellis, age 24, both of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy. Ellis was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. Johnson was sentenced to three years of probation.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA, Howard County Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Department, ATF, Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General; Coast Guard Investigative Service and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein also praised the many local and state agencies in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania for their assistance in the investigation.

Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys David I. Sharfstein and Andrea L. Smith, who are prosecuting this case.

Smuggled Drugs into Baltimore Correctional Facility

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced correctional officer Ebonee Braswell, age 27, of Baltimore, today to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for participating in a racketeering conspiracy arising from the smuggling of drugs and contraband inside the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC).

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Secretary Gregg Hershberger of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein.

This case was developed as a result of the efforts of the Maryland Prison Task Force, formed in 2011 with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors. The Task Force has met regularly for over three years, generating recommendations to reform prison procedures and producing leads that have been pursued by state, local and federal criminal investigators. The investigation is continuing.

According to court documents, BGF has been the dominant gang at the BCDC, and in several connected facilities, including the Baltimore Central Booking Intake Center (BCBIC), the Women’s Detention Center, which houses many men, and in the Jail Industries Building.

Braswell, a correctional officer at BCDC, admitted that in 2012 and 2013, she helped smuggle contraband, including drugs such as Percocet, into BCDC for further distribution by BGF members. Other correctional officers helped Braswell smuggle the contraband into BCDC.

Twenty-four of the 44 defendants charged in the conspiracy have pleaded guilty, including 14 correctional officers. One defendant has died. Trial is scheduled to begin November 17, 2014 for the remaining defendants.

U.S. Attorney Rosenstein recognized the efforts of the other members of the Maryland Prison Task Force, including: Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief Mark A. Magaw of the Prince George’s County Police Department; United States Marshal Johnny Hughes; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Tom Carr, Director of the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area; and Dave Engel, Executive Director of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Baltimore Police Department, and Maryland Prison Task Force, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Robert R. Harding and Ayn B. Ducao, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

Allegedly Filed Over $2.3 Million in Fraudulent Insurance Claims

Greenbelt, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted two doctors, Paramjit Singh Ajrawat, age 60, and his wife, Sukhveen Kaur Ajrawat, age 56, both of Potomac, Maryland, on charges of health care fraud in connection with the pain clinic they owned and operated. The indictment was returned on June 24, 2014.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office; 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, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge Bill Jones, of the Washington Regional Office, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations; and Special Agent in Charge Paul Bowman of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

According to the indictment, P. Ajrawat was a licensed physician in Maryland who specialized in interventional pain management. S. Ajrawat was a licensed psychiatrist in Maryland. The Ajrawats owned and operated Washington Pain Management Center (WPMC) located in Greenbelt.

The 16-count indictment alleges that from at least August 2008 through May 2014, the Ajrawats engaged in a scheme to defraud federal health benefit programs including: Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. Specifically, the indictment alleges that the Ajrawats filed claims for procedures that were not performed (rather, less expensive procedures were performed and then the Ajrawats falsely billed for procedures that provided higher reimbursements), or were not performed in compliance with the requirements for reimbursement.

For example the indictment alleges that the Ajrwats submitted claims that P. Ajrawat had performed an epidural, when instead P. Ajrawat had performed less invasive injections using lidocaine, which was not indicated for epidural use. The Ajrawats allegedly falsely documented the use of an ultrasound machine to direct needle placement in certain patient files and caused the alteration or destruction of patient files to conceal the scheme.

The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $2,329,109, believed to be the proceeds of the scheme.

The defendants face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count of health care fraud. An initial appearance has not yet been scheduled.

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

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised DCIS, HHS-Office of Inspector General, OPM-Office of Inspector General, FBI, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, who is prosecuting the case.

Obtained At Least $1.2 Million in Payments for Food Sales That Never Occurred

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles Jr. sentenced Abdullah Aljaradi, age 52, a citizen of Yemen residing in Baltimore, was sentenced to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud in connection with a scheme to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash. Judge Quarles also entered an order that Aljaradi pay $1.2 million in forfeiture and restitution.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge William G. Squires, Jr. of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Aljaradi and co-defendant Ahmed Ayedh Al-Jabrati operated two convenience stores, Second Obama Express and D&M Deli and Grocery, located next door to each other at 901 Harlem Avenue in Baltimore. According to their plea agreements and court documents, the stores participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program. In Maryland, the program provides eligible individuals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card called the Independence Card, which operates like a debit card. Recipients obtain EBT cards through the state Department of Human Resources, then use the EBT card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers.

Aljaradi and Al-Jabrati knew that it was a violation of SNAP regulations to trade cash for SNAP benefits. Nevertheless, from October 2010 to July 2013, Aljaradi and Al-Jabrati exchanged SNAP benefits for cash at less than face value of the EBT benefits, in violation of the food stamp program rules, and kept up to 50 percent of the benefits for themselves.

Judge Quarles determined today that Aljaradi obtained at least $1.2 million in payments for food sales that never occurred.

Eight of the 10 convenience store owners or operators who were indicted in September 2013 in connection with schemes to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash have pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud and/or wire fraud. Ahmed Ayedh Al-Jabrati, age 56, a citizen of Yemen residing in Baltimore, was sentenced to two years in prison, and ordered to pay restitution of $1.2 million. Jung Kim, age 52, of Ellicott City, Maryland, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, and ordered to forfeit $95,453.50 and pay restitution of $205,000. Amara Cisse, age 51, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $654,349.24, and his wife, Fanta Keita was sentenced to two months in prison. John Cunningham, age 55, of Baltimore, was sentenced to two years in prison. Retailer Hyung Cho, age 40, was sentenced to 38 months in prison, and his mother Dae Cho, age 67, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The Chos were also ordered to forfeit $371,439.21 and pay restitution of $1.4 million. Two more retailers were indicted in January 2014.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised USDA’s Office of Inspector General and FBI for their work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Rosenstein expressed appreciation to Secretary Ted Dallas and the Maryland Department of Human Resources, as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their assistance in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen O. Gavin, who prosecuted the case.

Settles Claims that Value Drug Failed to Report Suspicious Orders of Oxycodone to Pharmacies in Maryland and Pennsylvania

Baltimore, Maryland – Value Drug, Inc. (Value Drug) has agreed to pay $4,000,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by failing to report suspicious orders of oxycodone to six pharmacies located in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Value Drug is a wholesale purchasing and distribution cooperative located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, that distributes pharmaceuticals, including controlled substances, to approximately 600 independent pharmacies located in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

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.

“Pharmacy wholesalers and retailers that fill unusually large or frequent orders for controlled substances without notifying the DEA violate the law and are subject to penalties,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. “Abuse of pharmaceutical drugs is one of the top federal law enforcement priorities.”

“DEA is responsible for ensuring that all controlled substance transactions take place within DEA regulatory closed system. All legitimate handlers of controlled substances must maintain strict accounting for all distributions and Value Drug failed to adhere to this policy,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division. “Oxycodone is a very addictive drug and failure to report suspicious orders of oxycodone is a serious matter. The civil penalty levied against Value Drug should send a strong message that all handlers of controlled substances must perform due diligence to ensure the public safety,” stated Colder.

The CSA requires distributors of pharmaceuticals, such as Value Drug, to identify and report suspicious orders of controlled substances, such as orders of unusual size, unusual frequency or those that substantially deviate from a normal pattern. The settlement resolves allegations that from January 1, 2009 through September 12, 2012, Value Drug failed to report suspicious orders of oxycodone to six pharmacy customers, including: Russo’s Pharmacy in Hagerstown, Maryland; Zonetak Pharmacy in Owings Mills, Maryland; Philly Pharmacy- Chestnut Avenue and Philly Pharmacy- Roosevelt Boulevard both located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and East Hills Pharmacy and Johnstown Pharmacy, both in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

As part of the settlement, Value Drug will also enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DEA. The MOA will resolve administrative claims that the DEA has against Value Drug and will require that Value Drug implement more effective systems and measures to detect and report suspicious orders of controlled substances. The MOA will remain in place for a period of three years.

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

Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted Jeffrey Cohen, age 39, of Reisterstown, Maryland, on five counts of making false statements to an insurance regulator. The indictment was returned yesterday and unsealed today upon his arrest.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Special Agent in Charge William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Postal Inspector in Charge Gary R. Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division.

Cohen acted as the president and chairman of the Board of Indemnity Insurance Corporation RRG (IICRRG), located in Sparks, Maryland, and operating in several states including Maryland. Cohen owned RB Entertainment Ventures, which was a majority owner of IICRRG. IICRRG provided general liability, liquor liability and excess liability coverage to policyholders, which were individuals and companies involved in the entertainment industry, such as nightclubs, concert tours and special events. In 2012, IICRRG insured over 3,000 policyholders and wrote over $25 million in premiums.

IICRRG was a Delaware corporation and regulated by the Delaware Insurance Commissioner, which seeks to protect insurance policyholders and the general public by regulating insurance companies and products to ensure among other things the ability to pay claims.

The indictment alleges that in June 2012, regulators from the Delaware Insurance Commissioner examined IICRRG and learned of serious questions about the financial status of IICRRG. Thereafter, in November 2012 and January 2013, Cohen allegedly caused IICRRG to file an unaudited financial statement with, and sent a letter to, the Commissioner, respectively, which falsely claimed that IICRRG had $5.1 million in cash on deposit, in order to influence the actions of the Commissioner. In April 2013, Cohen caused a fax to be submitted to the Commissioner that falsely claimed that a bank had verified that IICRRG had $5.1 million in cash on deposit at the bank.

Cohen faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for making false statements to an insurance regulator. Cohen had an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, and is detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday, June 27, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

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, HSI Baltimore, IRS – Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Joyce K. McDonald, who are prosecuting the case.

Used a Gun to Rob Seven Baltimore 7-Eleven Stores

Baltimore, Maryland – Monte Glascoe, age 23, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to robbery and brandishing a gun in furtherance of robbery. Yesterday, co-defendant Gary Cordell Howard, age 37, also of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to the same offenses.

The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein; and Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts.

According to their plea agreements, Glascoe and Howard robbed at least seven Baltimore 7-Eleven stores from July 18 to 26, 2013, located at: 3436 Wilkens Avenue; 5512 Park Heights Avenue; 2500 Liberty Heights Avenue; 6700 Brentwood Avenue; 211 West 28th Street; and 3204 Hollins Ferry Road. In each robbery, Glascoe pointed a gun at victim employees. The conspirators stole money from the cash registers and two of the employees, cigarettes and other merchandise, and a cell phone and folding knife belonging to two of the employees.

The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for robbery; and a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison consecutive to any other term imposed, and a maximum of life in prison, for using a gun in furtherance of robbery. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr., scheduled Howard’s sentencing for August 26, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. and scheduled Glascoe’s sentencing for September 25, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

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 United States Attorney Benjamin M. Block, who is prosecuting the case.

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Charles David Jones, Sr., age 58, of Frederick, today to a year and a day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of government property arising from his fraudulent receipt of disability benefits. Judge Quarles also ordered that Jones pay $110,000 in restitution.

The sentence was 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 his plea agreement, in March 2002, Jones filed for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA), claiming that he could no longer work and was disabled. He agreed to notify SSA if he started to work as an employee or through self-employment.

Starting sometime in July 2002, Jones began working as a cook at Lohr’s Family Restaurant in Frederick. Within a few months, he was promoted to manager and head chef. Witnesses stated that Jones supervised other employees and handled some of the cooking for the restaurant himself. Jones never reported this work to the SSA.

Instead, in November 2002, Jones requested a hearing on his application for disability and filed additional forms in support of his disability benefits application. He falsely claimed that he was not working and could not work. Wage and earnings reports confirm that Jones was receiving a salary from Lohr’s Family Restaurant at this time.

On October 13, 2003, Jones purchased Lohr’s Family Restaurant. Jones continued to manage and operate the restaurant. Witnesses also confirmed that through at least August 2011, Jones remained actively involved in managing the restaurant, supervising employees, cooking, developing the menu, and running the catering side of the business.

In February 2004, Jones was awarded disability benefits by SSA, retroactively to August 2002. Jones continued to receive benefits until they were suspended in 2011. Jones received at least $110,000 in benefits due to his false application for benefits.

In March 2010, Jones signed and submitted to SSA a report claiming that he was not working, and was not able to work. He described his activities for a typical day without mentioning the restaurant.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the SSA - OIG for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin S. Herring, who prosecuted the case.

Took 24 Sexually Explicit Pictures of a Prepubescent Girl

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced David Wayne Sweet, Jr., age 24, of St. Leonard, Maryland today to 20 years in prison followed by supervised release for life for sexually exploiting a minor to produce child pornography. Judge Titus ordered that upon his release from prison, Sweet 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 William Winter of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans; Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Calvert County State’s Attorney Laura Martin.

According to his plea agreement, on September 19, 2013, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at Sweet’s residence based on alleged drug violations. Sweet’s cell phone was seized which contained 24 sexually explicit images of a prepubescent girl taken between June and September 2013. Sweet had deleted the pictures, but law enforcement officials recovered all of the images.

Sweet was arrested on September 27, 2013. Sweet admitted that he inappropriately touched the victim while she was sleeping and took the photos.

On April 16, 2014, Sweet pleaded guilty to a second degree sex offense in Calvert County Circuit Court. His sentencing in the state case is scheduled for July 11, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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 HSI Baltimore, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristi O’Malley, who prosecuted the case.

Drugged and Bound at least Five Children to Produce Child Pornography
Which Gazafi Then Distributed

Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced William S. Gazafi, age 44, of Lusby, Maryland, today to 120 years in prison for six counts of sexually exploiting a minor to produce child pornography.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Brigadier General Keith M. Givens, Commander Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

“We investigate cases every day that make us shake our heads, but for someone to sexually abuse a five-month-old baby defies comprehension. Cases such as this serve as a reminder that in this day and age, a person’s status and position doesn’t immediately make him trustworthy,” said Steve Vogt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Division. “Today, our children and our community are safer because of the dedication the agents and detectives who worked this case showed in tracking down this man and making sure he spends the rest of his life in prison.”

According to the indictment, court documents and statements made at his plea hearing, on August 15, 2013, Gazafi engaged in a chat on a website dedicated to incest discussions with an undercover officer. During the chat, Gazafi discussed his sexual interest in children and advised that he had been drugging and molesting several children, including an infant. During the chat, Gazafi sent seven images to the undercover officer, three of which were child pornography he stated he produced after drugging the child. Gazafi was subsequently identified and arrested.

At the time of his arrest, Gazafi was carrying multiple digital media items. A forensic examination of those items and others seized from his residence revealed videos and images that Gazafi produced of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including one child as young as five months old. The images also depict children bound and handcuffed while sleeping. In addition to producing hundreds of images of five children, ranging in age of five months to seven years, Gazafi distributed the images he produced to others on the Internet. Gazafi was communicating with other child pornography producers, some of whom sent him images of children they were abusing. Thus far, three children have been identified as a result. Gazafi possessed over 15,000 images and videos of children being sexually abused, many toddler and infant age. Gazafi is a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force working at Andrews Air Force Base. Gazafi remains detained.

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’s Maryland Child Exploitation Task Force, Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Rosenstein recognized the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department, for their assistance in the execution of the search warrant. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney LisaMarie Freitas of the U.S. Justice Department, Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sullivan, who are prosecuting the case.