Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce today that Terrance Brown, 41, of Miami, was convicted of Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the indictment and evidence presented at trial, Brown was the mastermind of a seven-man robbery crew that conspired in 2010 to rob armored Brinks trucks. In July 2010, the crew planned to rob a Brinks truck at a Bank of America in Lighthouse Point. However, that robbery did not occur because the Brinks truck did not arrive at the bank at the time that the crew planned to rob it. In September 2010, the crew attempted to rob another Brinks truck at a Bank of America in Miramar. That robbery also did not occur because a police vehicle drove through the bank parking lot just prior to the planned robbery, causing members of the crew to run from the scene. Finally, in October 2010, the crew returned to the same Bank of America in Miramar to once again rob the Brinks guard as he was delivering currency to the bank. During that robbery, the gunman fatally shot the guard in the head while Brown and his accomplices acted as lookouts. The gunman was arrested at the scene and one year later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison. Thereafter, in July 2013, a jury convicted Brown and three other co-defendants of several charges, including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery. However, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on several other charges, which resulted in a retrial for the charges for which defendant Brown was just convicted.
U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “We are gratified that the jury reached a unanimous verdict finding Terrance Brown guilty of robbery murder and related weapons charges. Brown was the mastermind of a violent robbery crew that resulted in the senseless murder of a Brinks guard. Today our community can sleep sounder knowing that Brown is off our streets and that justice has been served.”
“Terrance Brown is a violent and greedy criminal who was bent on hitting armored truck couriers during their deliveries,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “In July 2010, Brown and his robbery crew fatally shot a Brinks guard during the course of his duties. For this brutal and cowardly act, Brown is now being held accountable.”
Sentencing for Brown is scheduled for July 1, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Robin S. Rosenbaum in Ft. Lauderdale. Brown faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Mr. Ferrer commended the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the Miramar Police Department, the Lighthouse Point Police Department, and the Coconut Creek Police Department for their excellent work on this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Dispoto, Marc Anton, and Michael Gilfarb.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
Showing posts with label Weapons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weapons. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Man accused of having nearly 50 bombs in Ohio is Guardsman, intel analyst
A man arrested after police allegedly found guns and nearly 50 bombs in his vehicle New Year's Day is a specialist in the Indiana National Guard who trained as an intelligence analyst with a reconnaissance unit, a Guard official said.
Andrew Scott Boguslawski, 43, who was arrested after being stopped for speeding in Ohio, completed training in military intelligence in April 2010, Lt. Col. Cathy Van Bree told NBC News.
Van Bree told NBC News by email Wednesday that Boguslawski's security clearance has been suspended "pending outcome of the case."
Authorities in Madison County said an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Boguslawski on Jan. 1 for allegedly going 85 mph in a 70-mph zone on a highway west of Columbus. Police said that even though Boguslawski said he had no weapons, the officer noticed the handle of a gun between his knees as the officer approached the vehicle with a speeding ticket, according to the Associated Press.
Authorities said he was charged with illegally making or possessing an explosive device after 48 bombs, four guns and a remote detonating device were allegedly discovered in his vehicle.
Boguslawski is slated for a court appearance Friday.
He graduated from Fort Benning, Ga., in December 1999 with a specialty in infantry before transfering to the Ohio National Guard in February 2002, and then to the Tennessee National Guard in June 2006, Van Bree said.
After transferring to the Indiana National Guard in November 2007, Boguslawski worked as a groundskeeper at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center near Butlerville, Ind.
He has never been deployed overseas for military service, Van Bree said.
Andrew Scott Boguslawski, 43, who was arrested after being stopped for speeding in Ohio, completed training in military intelligence in April 2010, Lt. Col. Cathy Van Bree told NBC News.
Van Bree told NBC News by email Wednesday that Boguslawski's security clearance has been suspended "pending outcome of the case."
Authorities in Madison County said an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Boguslawski on Jan. 1 for allegedly going 85 mph in a 70-mph zone on a highway west of Columbus. Police said that even though Boguslawski said he had no weapons, the officer noticed the handle of a gun between his knees as the officer approached the vehicle with a speeding ticket, according to the Associated Press.
Authorities said he was charged with illegally making or possessing an explosive device after 48 bombs, four guns and a remote detonating device were allegedly discovered in his vehicle.
Boguslawski is slated for a court appearance Friday.
He graduated from Fort Benning, Ga., in December 1999 with a specialty in infantry before transfering to the Ohio National Guard in February 2002, and then to the Tennessee National Guard in June 2006, Van Bree said.
After transferring to the Indiana National Guard in November 2007, Boguslawski worked as a groundskeeper at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center near Butlerville, Ind.
He has never been deployed overseas for military service, Van Bree said.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Abducted Swedish Journalists Released in Syria
Two Swedish journalists who were abducted in Syria have been released after a month and a half in captivity, Swedish and Red Cross officials said Wednesday.
One of them told a Swedish newspaper he had been shot in the leg during a failed escape attempt.
"I was extremely lucky to make it without bleeding to death," photographer Niclas Hammarstrom was quoted as saying by Aftonbladet, his former employer.
Hammarstrom and reporter Magnus Falkehed, both freelancers, were abducted on their way out of Syria in November.
Swedish officials declined to say who seized them or how they were set free. Sweden's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday confirmed their release and said both were receiving assistance from Swedish diplomats in Beirut.
Hammarstrom told Aftonbladet that he and Falkehed were kidnapped by criminals on Nov. 23. He said they tried to escape just days later, but their captors found out about their plans. Hammarstrom said he was shot in the left leg during the escape attempt, while Falkehed was unharmed.
"Then they beat us thoroughly with different weapons," Hammarstrom was quoted as saying by phone from Beirut.
He said the kidnappers brought a doctor to tend to his wound, and that the bullet hadn't struck any vital parts. Apart from the injury he was in good physical condition, though he had lost weight during captivity, Hammarstrom said.
He told the paper he was released Sunday during "dramatic" circumstances but didn't give details. He said Falkehed was set free on Wednesday.
The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed it helped transport one of the journalists on Wednesday from the Syrian-Lebanese border town of Arsal to Beirut, where he was handed over to Swedish Embassy officials. The other journalist returned to Beirut earlier on his own, said Samar el Kadi, an ICRC official in Beirut.
El Kadi said the ICRC was not involved in negotiations for their release, adding that the transport was carried out upon the embassy's request.
In Sweden, police said they had worked closely with other authorities to secure the journalists' release, but declined to give more information.
"We are grateful that they are safe," national police spokeswoman Jessica Krasser Fremnell said.
Press advocacy groups say Syria has become the most dangerous country in the world for reporters over the past two years, with kidnappings becoming a major threat.
"Great relief that the two Swedish journalists are out of Syria. But unfortunately there are still others held against their will," Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt wrote on Twitter.
Jihadi groups are believed responsible for most kidnappings since the summer, but government-backed militias, criminal gangs and rebels affiliated with the Western-backed Free Syrian Army also have been involved, with various motives. Most kidnappings since the summer have taken place in rebel-held territories, particularly in chaotic northern and eastern Syria, where militant al-Qaida-linked groups hold influence.
One of them told a Swedish newspaper he had been shot in the leg during a failed escape attempt.
"I was extremely lucky to make it without bleeding to death," photographer Niclas Hammarstrom was quoted as saying by Aftonbladet, his former employer.
Hammarstrom and reporter Magnus Falkehed, both freelancers, were abducted on their way out of Syria in November.
Swedish officials declined to say who seized them or how they were set free. Sweden's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday confirmed their release and said both were receiving assistance from Swedish diplomats in Beirut.
Hammarstrom told Aftonbladet that he and Falkehed were kidnapped by criminals on Nov. 23. He said they tried to escape just days later, but their captors found out about their plans. Hammarstrom said he was shot in the left leg during the escape attempt, while Falkehed was unharmed.
"Then they beat us thoroughly with different weapons," Hammarstrom was quoted as saying by phone from Beirut.
He said the kidnappers brought a doctor to tend to his wound, and that the bullet hadn't struck any vital parts. Apart from the injury he was in good physical condition, though he had lost weight during captivity, Hammarstrom said.
He told the paper he was released Sunday during "dramatic" circumstances but didn't give details. He said Falkehed was set free on Wednesday.
The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed it helped transport one of the journalists on Wednesday from the Syrian-Lebanese border town of Arsal to Beirut, where he was handed over to Swedish Embassy officials. The other journalist returned to Beirut earlier on his own, said Samar el Kadi, an ICRC official in Beirut.
El Kadi said the ICRC was not involved in negotiations for their release, adding that the transport was carried out upon the embassy's request.
In Sweden, police said they had worked closely with other authorities to secure the journalists' release, but declined to give more information.
"We are grateful that they are safe," national police spokeswoman Jessica Krasser Fremnell said.
Press advocacy groups say Syria has become the most dangerous country in the world for reporters over the past two years, with kidnappings becoming a major threat.
"Great relief that the two Swedish journalists are out of Syria. But unfortunately there are still others held against their will," Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt wrote on Twitter.
Jihadi groups are believed responsible for most kidnappings since the summer, but government-backed militias, criminal gangs and rebels affiliated with the Western-backed Free Syrian Army also have been involved, with various motives. Most kidnappings since the summer have taken place in rebel-held territories, particularly in chaotic northern and eastern Syria, where militant al-Qaida-linked groups hold influence.
Monday, December 23, 2013
International Arms Smuggler Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison
WASHINGTON—Siarhei Baltutski, aka Sergey Boltutskiy, 41, of Minsk, Belarus, was sentenced today to serve 180 months in prison for conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting Assistant Attorney General John Carlin of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
Baltutski pleaded guilty on January 25, 2013. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Paul S. Diamond of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ordered Baltutski to serve three years of supervised release.
Between January 1, 2008 and September 21, 2011, Baltutski organized a network of buyers in the United States to obtain and illegally export to Belarus high-tech military hardware such as Scorpion Thermal Weapon Sights, ThOR 2 Thermal Imaging Scopes, Thermal-Eye Renegade 320s, and other night vision targeting devices. During the course of the conspiracy, Baltutski and his associates illegally exported hundreds of these items. Baltutski then arranged for hundreds of thousands of dollars to be secretly wired, via offshore shell companies, to purchase these items, to pay for shipping, and to pay his network of buyers.
The Arms Export Control Act and the International Emergency Economic Power Act prohibit the export of high-tech military technology. Keeping this technology out of the hands of current and potential adversaries is critical to national interest and the safety and success of U.S. service members in combat.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jerome Maiatico of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Livermore of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterespionage Section.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting Assistant Attorney General John Carlin of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
Baltutski pleaded guilty on January 25, 2013. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Paul S. Diamond of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ordered Baltutski to serve three years of supervised release.
Between January 1, 2008 and September 21, 2011, Baltutski organized a network of buyers in the United States to obtain and illegally export to Belarus high-tech military hardware such as Scorpion Thermal Weapon Sights, ThOR 2 Thermal Imaging Scopes, Thermal-Eye Renegade 320s, and other night vision targeting devices. During the course of the conspiracy, Baltutski and his associates illegally exported hundreds of these items. Baltutski then arranged for hundreds of thousands of dollars to be secretly wired, via offshore shell companies, to purchase these items, to pay for shipping, and to pay his network of buyers.
The Arms Export Control Act and the International Emergency Economic Power Act prohibit the export of high-tech military technology. Keeping this technology out of the hands of current and potential adversaries is critical to national interest and the safety and success of U.S. service members in combat.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jerome Maiatico of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Livermore of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterespionage Section.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Weapons Offenses Stemming from July 4th Incident at Freedom Plaza
WASHINGTON—Adam Kokesh, 31, of Herndon, Virginia, pled guilty today to weapons offenses stemming from an incident on July 4, 2013, in which he held a pump-action shotgun while at Freedom Plaza, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr. announced.
Kokesh pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to charges of carrying a rifle or shotgun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. In a separate case, he pled guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana. The Honorable Patricia A. Broderick scheduled sentencing for January 17, 2014.
The maximum penalty for carrying a rifle or shotgun is five years in prison. The other weapons-related offenses each carry maximum sentences of a year in jail. The maximum for possession of marijuana is 180 days in jail. All of the charges also carry potential fines.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of July 4, 2013, Kokesh stood in Freedom Plaza, in the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, while carrying a shotgun. While there, he loaded the shotgun with four rounds of ammunition and racked one of the rounds while being filmed on camera. Later that morning, a 23-second video of Kokesh carrying, loading, and racking the shotgun was posted to YouTube and other social media sites run by Kokesh and others. In the bottom-left corner of the video, the words “Freedom Plaza, Between the White House and the Capitol, Washington, DC July 4, 2013” appear.
A search of Kokesh’s Virginia home on July 9, 2013, led to the recovery of the shotgun that was believed to have been shown in the video. During the search, Kokesh directed officers to a headboard in the master bedroom, where the shotgun was located.
“Every day, federal and local law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect national government facilities, national landmarks, and public servants working in our city from ongoing threats to our security,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Their jobs are hard enough without irresponsible people intentionally coming into the District of Columbia to brandish a loaded shotgun in the heart of the nation’s capital. As today’s plea demonstrates, there are consequences for anyone who flagrantly abuses our city’s firearms and drug laws.”
Kokesh, who had been in custody while awaiting trial, is to be released pending sentencing. The judge ordered that he stay out of the District of Columbia pending sentencing. He also is not to possess any firearms.
The drug charge stemmed from an incident on June 8, 2013, in the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW. At 4:30 p.m. that day, officers with the U.S. Park Police observed Kokesh with what was believed to be a marijuana cigarette near the White House. Park Police recovered the cigarette, and it was later determined to contain marijuana.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the two cases from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), U.S. Park Police, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He also acknowledged the assistance of law enforcement agencies from Virginia. U.S. Attorney Machen also commended the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Wanda Trice. Finally, he thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natalia Medina and Harry Roback and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry Eaton, who investigated and prosecuted the matters.
Kokesh pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to charges of carrying a rifle or shotgun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. In a separate case, he pled guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana. The Honorable Patricia A. Broderick scheduled sentencing for January 17, 2014.
The maximum penalty for carrying a rifle or shotgun is five years in prison. The other weapons-related offenses each carry maximum sentences of a year in jail. The maximum for possession of marijuana is 180 days in jail. All of the charges also carry potential fines.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of July 4, 2013, Kokesh stood in Freedom Plaza, in the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, while carrying a shotgun. While there, he loaded the shotgun with four rounds of ammunition and racked one of the rounds while being filmed on camera. Later that morning, a 23-second video of Kokesh carrying, loading, and racking the shotgun was posted to YouTube and other social media sites run by Kokesh and others. In the bottom-left corner of the video, the words “Freedom Plaza, Between the White House and the Capitol, Washington, DC July 4, 2013” appear.
A search of Kokesh’s Virginia home on July 9, 2013, led to the recovery of the shotgun that was believed to have been shown in the video. During the search, Kokesh directed officers to a headboard in the master bedroom, where the shotgun was located.
“Every day, federal and local law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect national government facilities, national landmarks, and public servants working in our city from ongoing threats to our security,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Their jobs are hard enough without irresponsible people intentionally coming into the District of Columbia to brandish a loaded shotgun in the heart of the nation’s capital. As today’s plea demonstrates, there are consequences for anyone who flagrantly abuses our city’s firearms and drug laws.”
Kokesh, who had been in custody while awaiting trial, is to be released pending sentencing. The judge ordered that he stay out of the District of Columbia pending sentencing. He also is not to possess any firearms.
The drug charge stemmed from an incident on June 8, 2013, in the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW. At 4:30 p.m. that day, officers with the U.S. Park Police observed Kokesh with what was believed to be a marijuana cigarette near the White House. Park Police recovered the cigarette, and it was later determined to contain marijuana.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen commended the work of those who investigated the two cases from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), U.S. Park Police, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He also acknowledged the assistance of law enforcement agencies from Virginia. U.S. Attorney Machen also commended the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Wanda Trice. Finally, he thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natalia Medina and Harry Roback and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry Eaton, who investigated and prosecuted the matters.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Idaho Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism and Weapons Offenses in Connection with November 2011 Shooting at White House
WASHINGTON—Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez, a 22-year-old man from Idaho Falls, Idaho, who traveled to the District of Columbia and fired at least eight rounds at the White House in November 2011, pleaded guilty today in federal court to terrorism and weapons offenses.
Ortega-Hernandez pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of injury to a dwelling and placing lives in jeopardy within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, as well as one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Additionally, he admitted that the attack was a terrorist act, and therefore, a sentencing enhancement under the United States Sentencing Guidelines is applicable.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr.; Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Kathy A. Michalko, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service.
As a result of his plea, Ortega-Hernandez will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a total of 24 to 27 ½ years in prison under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The plea agreement also provides that the United States will dismiss the 17 remaining counts charged in the indictment at the time of sentencing. The Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2014.
“Firing an assault rifle at the White House to make a political statement is terrorism, plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “As we have seen this week, gunmen who come to the nation’s capital bent on violence can inflict terrible damage. This act of cowardice put lives at risk. Today’s plea demonstrates that those who come to the District of Columbia, planning to use violence to send a message, should expect to spend decades behind bars.”
“Through the extensive efforts of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and Evidence Response Team, the bullets that Mr. Ortega-Hernandez has admitted to shooting were recovered from the White House,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “This expert team’s examination of impact points allowed for the FBI to identify the trajectory of the shots, which furthered our investigation into Mr. Ortega-Hernandez and held him responsible for this crime of violence.”
“The collaborative effort between the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Secret Service helped ensure the successful outcome of this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Michalko. “It is through effective partnerships such as these that we are able to accomplish our shared goal of ensuring the safety and security of the public.”
According to the government’s evidence, the events unfolded like this:
Beginning in 2010, Ortega-Hernandez made repeated statements to many friends and associates in Idaho about his contempt for the federal government, and he espoused numerous theories regarding how the federal government was seeking to control Americans through Global Positioning System chips, fluoride, and aspartame. He also criticized the federal government for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, claiming that the United States was “bullying” other countries to obtain oil. He made numerous statements vilifying the president of the United States, calling him “the devil” and “the anti-Christ,” among other things. On numerous occasions, he told friends and associates that “he was on a mission from God to take out Obama.”
On March 19, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez purchased a Romanian Cugir SA semi-automatic (AK-47-style) assault rifle from an individual in Idaho for $550. He also purchased more than 1,200 rounds of ammunition to use with the weapon. In August 2011, Ortega-Hernandez purchased a scope kit on the Internet and asked a friend to install it on the weapon for him. Over the course of six months, Ortega-Hernandez repeatedly practiced firing the weapon at a desolate crater located on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management outside of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
On October 23, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez made two short videos at the home of one of his friends. In the videos, he praised Osama bin Laden for having the courage to stand up to the United States and called for a revolution against the federal government. Ortega-Hernandez described himself as a “cold-hearted warrior of God” and declared, “It’s time for Armageddon.”
After making the two videos, Ortega-Hernandez departed Idaho Falls and drove more than 2,000 miles, armed with his Romanian Cugir SA semi-automatic assault rifle with the attached scope and more than 180 rounds of ammunition.
On November 11, 2011, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Ortega-Hernandez drove southbound on 15th Street NW and made a right turn onto Constitution Avenue NW. Shortly after passing the entrance to the Ellipse, he stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road. With the passenger-side window of his car lowered, he pointed his assault rifle out the passenger-side window of the car and aimed directly at the White House. He fired at least eight rounds at the White House.
Following the shooting, Ortega-Hernandez fled the scene, driving erratically and at a high rate of speed westbound on Constitution Avenue. Moments later, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed near the ramp from Constitution Avenue to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge in front of the United States Institute of Peace. After efforts to restart the vehicle failed, Ortega-Hernandez fled from the vehicle on foot.
Following the crash, law enforcement launched a multi-jurisdictional search for Ortega-Hernandez. On November 14, 2011, he was photographed riding inside an empty hopper car on a cargo train in the area of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia. The train was headed in a northwest direction away from Washington, D.C. The following day, he was identified standing outside a car wash in South Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and asking for a ride. A witness drove him to a store in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where he purchased some items. He appeared on the store’s surveillance video. On November 16, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez returned to the hotel in Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he had previously stayed with friends. Upon his return, the hotel staff notified the Secret Service, and the Secret Service coordinated his arrest by the Pennsylvania State Police.
The FBI examined the area around the White House and located approximately eight bullet impact points on the south side of the building on or above the second story. Two bullets were recovered from the White House: one from a window frame on the Truman Balcony and one found on the ground east of the South entrance. The FBI determined that both of those bullets were fired from Ortega-Hernandez’s assault rifle. The FBI also recovered a bullet jacket that was found in the window sill of the Truman Balcony, which was also fired from Ortega-Hernandez’s assault rifle.
At the time of the shooting, two U.S. Secret Service officers were stationed on the northeast section of the roof of the White House. One of the bullets fired by Ortega-Hernandez struck the roof of the White House within approximately 20 feet of where the officers were stationed. The officers each reported hearing approximately six shots fired. In addition, another U.S. Secret Service Officer was stationed at the South Portico underneath the Truman balcony at the time of the shooting. Several of the bullets fired by Ortega-Hernandez struck the Truman balcony directly above where this officer was stationed. This officer heard approximately six to eight shots and the sound of what appeared to be debris falling from above. The officer took cover behind the stairwell, drew a firearm, and readied a shotgun.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Special Agent in Charge Michalko expressed their appreciation to all those who diligently investigated this case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Park Police. They also acknowledged the assistance provided by the Pennsylvania State Police; the Arlington County, Virginia Police Department; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; the FBI Laboratory at Quantico, Virginia; FBI field offices in Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City, including the Idaho Falls Resident Agency; and Secret Service field offices in Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, and Boise, Idaho. Additionally, they thanked those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Paralegal Specialists Jenifer Rowe and Devron Elliott, Victim/Witness Coordinator Dawn Tolson-Hightower, and Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling.
Finally, they commended the efforts of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessio D. Evangelista of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, who are prosecuting the case.
Ortega-Hernandez pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of injury to a dwelling and placing lives in jeopardy within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, as well as one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Additionally, he admitted that the attack was a terrorist act, and therefore, a sentencing enhancement under the United States Sentencing Guidelines is applicable.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr.; Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Kathy A. Michalko, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service.
As a result of his plea, Ortega-Hernandez will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a total of 24 to 27 ½ years in prison under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The plea agreement also provides that the United States will dismiss the 17 remaining counts charged in the indictment at the time of sentencing. The Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2014.
“Firing an assault rifle at the White House to make a political statement is terrorism, plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “As we have seen this week, gunmen who come to the nation’s capital bent on violence can inflict terrible damage. This act of cowardice put lives at risk. Today’s plea demonstrates that those who come to the District of Columbia, planning to use violence to send a message, should expect to spend decades behind bars.”
“Through the extensive efforts of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force and Evidence Response Team, the bullets that Mr. Ortega-Hernandez has admitted to shooting were recovered from the White House,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “This expert team’s examination of impact points allowed for the FBI to identify the trajectory of the shots, which furthered our investigation into Mr. Ortega-Hernandez and held him responsible for this crime of violence.”
“The collaborative effort between the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Secret Service helped ensure the successful outcome of this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Michalko. “It is through effective partnerships such as these that we are able to accomplish our shared goal of ensuring the safety and security of the public.”
According to the government’s evidence, the events unfolded like this:
Beginning in 2010, Ortega-Hernandez made repeated statements to many friends and associates in Idaho about his contempt for the federal government, and he espoused numerous theories regarding how the federal government was seeking to control Americans through Global Positioning System chips, fluoride, and aspartame. He also criticized the federal government for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, claiming that the United States was “bullying” other countries to obtain oil. He made numerous statements vilifying the president of the United States, calling him “the devil” and “the anti-Christ,” among other things. On numerous occasions, he told friends and associates that “he was on a mission from God to take out Obama.”
On March 19, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez purchased a Romanian Cugir SA semi-automatic (AK-47-style) assault rifle from an individual in Idaho for $550. He also purchased more than 1,200 rounds of ammunition to use with the weapon. In August 2011, Ortega-Hernandez purchased a scope kit on the Internet and asked a friend to install it on the weapon for him. Over the course of six months, Ortega-Hernandez repeatedly practiced firing the weapon at a desolate crater located on land owned by the Bureau of Land Management outside of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
On October 23, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez made two short videos at the home of one of his friends. In the videos, he praised Osama bin Laden for having the courage to stand up to the United States and called for a revolution against the federal government. Ortega-Hernandez described himself as a “cold-hearted warrior of God” and declared, “It’s time for Armageddon.”
After making the two videos, Ortega-Hernandez departed Idaho Falls and drove more than 2,000 miles, armed with his Romanian Cugir SA semi-automatic assault rifle with the attached scope and more than 180 rounds of ammunition.
On November 11, 2011, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Ortega-Hernandez drove southbound on 15th Street NW and made a right turn onto Constitution Avenue NW. Shortly after passing the entrance to the Ellipse, he stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road. With the passenger-side window of his car lowered, he pointed his assault rifle out the passenger-side window of the car and aimed directly at the White House. He fired at least eight rounds at the White House.
Following the shooting, Ortega-Hernandez fled the scene, driving erratically and at a high rate of speed westbound on Constitution Avenue. Moments later, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed near the ramp from Constitution Avenue to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge in front of the United States Institute of Peace. After efforts to restart the vehicle failed, Ortega-Hernandez fled from the vehicle on foot.
Following the crash, law enforcement launched a multi-jurisdictional search for Ortega-Hernandez. On November 14, 2011, he was photographed riding inside an empty hopper car on a cargo train in the area of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia. The train was headed in a northwest direction away from Washington, D.C. The following day, he was identified standing outside a car wash in South Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and asking for a ride. A witness drove him to a store in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where he purchased some items. He appeared on the store’s surveillance video. On November 16, 2011, Ortega-Hernandez returned to the hotel in Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he had previously stayed with friends. Upon his return, the hotel staff notified the Secret Service, and the Secret Service coordinated his arrest by the Pennsylvania State Police.
The FBI examined the area around the White House and located approximately eight bullet impact points on the south side of the building on or above the second story. Two bullets were recovered from the White House: one from a window frame on the Truman Balcony and one found on the ground east of the South entrance. The FBI determined that both of those bullets were fired from Ortega-Hernandez’s assault rifle. The FBI also recovered a bullet jacket that was found in the window sill of the Truman Balcony, which was also fired from Ortega-Hernandez’s assault rifle.
At the time of the shooting, two U.S. Secret Service officers were stationed on the northeast section of the roof of the White House. One of the bullets fired by Ortega-Hernandez struck the roof of the White House within approximately 20 feet of where the officers were stationed. The officers each reported hearing approximately six shots fired. In addition, another U.S. Secret Service Officer was stationed at the South Portico underneath the Truman balcony at the time of the shooting. Several of the bullets fired by Ortega-Hernandez struck the Truman balcony directly above where this officer was stationed. This officer heard approximately six to eight shots and the sound of what appeared to be debris falling from above. The officer took cover behind the stairwell, drew a firearm, and readied a shotgun.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Special Agent in Charge Michalko expressed their appreciation to all those who diligently investigated this case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Park Police. They also acknowledged the assistance provided by the Pennsylvania State Police; the Arlington County, Virginia Police Department; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; the FBI Laboratory at Quantico, Virginia; FBI field offices in Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City, including the Idaho Falls Resident Agency; and Secret Service field offices in Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, and Boise, Idaho. Additionally, they thanked those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Paralegal Specialists Jenifer Rowe and Devron Elliott, Victim/Witness Coordinator Dawn Tolson-Hightower, and Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling.
Finally, they commended the efforts of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessio D. Evangelista of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, who are prosecuting the case.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Memphis Man Sentenced to 292 Months in Prison for Carjacking, Weapons Possession
MEMPHIS, TN—Mario Evans, 33, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced to 292 months in prison on Friday following his guilty plea to carjacking, using a firearm during a violent crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to facts presented at sentencing, on July 18, 2008 Evans and an accomplice carjacked a woman in the parking lot of the Walmart located at 3950 Austin Peay Highway, Memphis. Evans brandished a semi-automatic pistol and ordered the woman to exit her 2007 Ford Escape and give him the keys. After she exited the vehicle, Evans demanded her purse and struck the woman on the hand with the pistol, breaking her little finger.
The victim’s son attempted to intervene, and Evans pointed the gun at his face and threatened him. Evans and his accomplice then left the scene in the victim’s vehicle. They were picked up shortly thereafter by Memphis Police Department officers.
On August 11, 2011, Evans appeared before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr. and pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of carjacking, and one count of using a weapon during the commission of a violent crime (carjacking). In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Mays ordered Evans to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Bartlett Police Department, and Germantown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French represented the government.
According to facts presented at sentencing, on July 18, 2008 Evans and an accomplice carjacked a woman in the parking lot of the Walmart located at 3950 Austin Peay Highway, Memphis. Evans brandished a semi-automatic pistol and ordered the woman to exit her 2007 Ford Escape and give him the keys. After she exited the vehicle, Evans demanded her purse and struck the woman on the hand with the pistol, breaking her little finger.
The victim’s son attempted to intervene, and Evans pointed the gun at his face and threatened him. Evans and his accomplice then left the scene in the victim’s vehicle. They were picked up shortly thereafter by Memphis Police Department officers.
On August 11, 2011, Evans appeared before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr. and pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of carjacking, and one count of using a weapon during the commission of a violent crime (carjacking). In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Mays ordered Evans to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Bartlett Police Department, and Germantown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French represented the government.
Monday, September 9, 2013
FBI Offers $5,000 Reward to Recover Stolen Weapons
FBI weapons and other equipment were taken from an FBI agent’s vehicle parked in the SouthPark area of Charlotte between the evening hours of August 5, 2013, and the early morning hours of August 6, 2013. The agent is part of a special response team and must be ready to respond 24/7 and therefore is authorized to store weapons in his vehicle.
The items stolen include:
Below is a photo of a Colt M-16 and Remington 870 shotgun:
The items stolen include:
- Colt M-16 equipped with a Streamlight TRL-2 and a vertical forward hand grip
- Remington 870 shotgun with pistol grip
- Night-vision equipment
- Body armor: olive drab in color with FBI patches
Below is a photo of a Colt M-16 and Remington 870 shotgun:
Dozens of Members of Violent Street Gang Charged with Narcotics and Weapons Violation Following Joint Investigation Known as Operation Thumbs Down
LOS ANGELES—Over 800 hundred law enforcement officers and agents served dozens of arrest and search warrants this morning in Operation Thumbs Down, an 18-month investigation that targeted members and associates of the Rollin’ 30s Harlem Crips, a South Los Angeles street gang that ranks among the Los Angeles Police Department’s top targeted street gangs, announced André Birotte Jr., the United States Attorney in Los Angeles; Bill Lewis, the Assistant Director in Charge of FBI in Los Angeles; Charlie Beck, the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department; and Mike Feuer, the City Attorney in Los Angeles.
Thirty-five defendants currently charged with federal and state violations are in custody following this morning’s Operation Thumbs Down, an investigation initiated in 2012 to identify and target high-level members of the Rollin 30s Harlem Crips, a gang known for violence in the community it claims as its territory. Several remaining defendants charged at either the state or federal level were already in custody on unrelated charges or are considered fugitives currently being sought by task force members. The investigation was dubbed Thumbs Down by the task force in reference to hand gestures used by this gang, including two thumbs pointed upward, representing the “H” in the word “Harlem.”
The Rollin 30s Crips is a known multi-generational violent gang that operates primarily in South Los Angeles and has ties to other gangs with whom they are known to have violent disputes. The Rollin’ 30s is composed of three factions, known as “cliques” or “sets,” identified as The Avenues, Denker Park, and 39th Street. Each clique claims different geographical territories within the gang’s overall claimed territory, and has its own respective leaders or "shotcallers," who direct the gang’s criminal activity. Law enforcement estimates there are between 700 and 1,000 Rollin 30s gang members. During Operations Thumbs Down, task force members targeted these “shotcallers” within the Rollin’ 30s’ criminal enterprise.
Twenty-one defendants were named in federal indictments returned by a grand jury in United States District Court in Los Angeles. The federal indictments charge the defendants with a variety of narcotics and weapons violations, including: possession of cocaine base (“crack”) with intent to distribute; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); felon in possession of a firearm; maintaining drug-involved premises; and unlicensed dealing in firearms.
Those charged federally are listed below:
Crime statistics indicate there have been 29 homicides within the past five years in the gang’s territory, which incorporates the neighborhood between Jefferson Avenue, Martin Luther King Avenue, Normandie Avenue, and Crenshaw Avenue. In addition, approximately 1100 robberies and 1075 assaults have been reported in the 1.5 square mile area that comprises the gang’s claimed territory. The Rollin 30s Harlem Crips is also suspected of committing a series of residential or “knock-knock” burglaries, referred to by the gang as “floccin.” Police departments in multiple counties throughout Southern California are investigating members of the Rollin 30s Harlem Crips in connection with these robberies.
Throughout the investigation and prior to today, task force members arrested 60 Rollin’ 30s gang members and associates for state violations, seized 32 firearms, and seized in excess of 10 kilograms of rock cocaine.
Nineteen of the 21 federal defendants are in custody and two are considered fugitives. Three of the federal defendants were already incarcerated on unrelated charges and are expected to be transferred to federal custody.
Many of the federal defendants face mandatory-minimum prison terms ranging from five to 10 years, depending on the quantities of narcotics alleged and individual criminal histories, and maximum penalties of 20 or 30 years in federal prison. Federal defendants arrested today will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles this afternoon.
This case is the result of an investigation by members of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Los Angeles Police Department; the United States Attorney’s Office; and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
Multiple agencies assisted the task force during this investigation and today’s operation, including the United States Secret Service; the Department of Child and Family Services; the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General; the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Los Angeles County Department of Probation; and agencies that participate on the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency (HIDTA).
The federal defendants will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office. The defendants arrested for violations of California state law will be prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Additional information about violent street gangs across America can be found at http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/2011-national-gang-threat-assessment
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.
Media Contacts:
Thirty-five defendants currently charged with federal and state violations are in custody following this morning’s Operation Thumbs Down, an investigation initiated in 2012 to identify and target high-level members of the Rollin 30s Harlem Crips, a gang known for violence in the community it claims as its territory. Several remaining defendants charged at either the state or federal level were already in custody on unrelated charges or are considered fugitives currently being sought by task force members. The investigation was dubbed Thumbs Down by the task force in reference to hand gestures used by this gang, including two thumbs pointed upward, representing the “H” in the word “Harlem.”
The Rollin 30s Crips is a known multi-generational violent gang that operates primarily in South Los Angeles and has ties to other gangs with whom they are known to have violent disputes. The Rollin’ 30s is composed of three factions, known as “cliques” or “sets,” identified as The Avenues, Denker Park, and 39th Street. Each clique claims different geographical territories within the gang’s overall claimed territory, and has its own respective leaders or "shotcallers," who direct the gang’s criminal activity. Law enforcement estimates there are between 700 and 1,000 Rollin 30s gang members. During Operations Thumbs Down, task force members targeted these “shotcallers” within the Rollin’ 30s’ criminal enterprise.
Twenty-one defendants were named in federal indictments returned by a grand jury in United States District Court in Los Angeles. The federal indictments charge the defendants with a variety of narcotics and weapons violations, including: possession of cocaine base (“crack”) with intent to distribute; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”); felon in possession of a firearm; maintaining drug-involved premises; and unlicensed dealing in firearms.
Those charged federally are listed below:
- Stephen Bayliss, aka “Iceberg”—30, currently in federal custody
- Michael Byars, aka “Wanetti”—55, Inglewood
- Jesus De La Hoya, aka “Jesse”—40, Mira Loma
- Anthoney Edwards, aka “Three Leaf”—23, currently in state custody
- Frank Fisher, aka “Boons”—23, Los Angeles
- Rayeisha Glenn, aka “Ray Ray”—35, Los Angeles
- Kenneth Green, aka “Gin”—36, Los Angeles
- Kevin Green, aka “Young Watt”—31, Los Angeles
- Jovan Harris, aka “Headache”—34, Los Angeles
- Clavern Luckett, aka “Uncle D”—38, Los Angeles
- Gary Luckett, aka “Uncle Gary”—39, Los Angeles
- Kelly Martin, aka “Cartoon”—43, Compton
- Don Mosley, aka “Whino”—34, currently in state custody
- Edward Norwood, aka “Polo”—33, Los Angeles
- Brandon Robertson, aka “BK”—31, Los Angeles
- Alan Ross, aka “Big Choo”—37, Los Angeles
- Darlene Sebatta—38, Los Angeles
- Ernest Sluch, aka “E-Rocc”—47, Los Angeles
- Jason Thurton, aka “CT”—35, Long Beach
- Emerie Tims, aka “Mac”—34, Long Beach
- Moses Williams, aka “Termite”—34, Los Angeles
Crime statistics indicate there have been 29 homicides within the past five years in the gang’s territory, which incorporates the neighborhood between Jefferson Avenue, Martin Luther King Avenue, Normandie Avenue, and Crenshaw Avenue. In addition, approximately 1100 robberies and 1075 assaults have been reported in the 1.5 square mile area that comprises the gang’s claimed territory. The Rollin 30s Harlem Crips is also suspected of committing a series of residential or “knock-knock” burglaries, referred to by the gang as “floccin.” Police departments in multiple counties throughout Southern California are investigating members of the Rollin 30s Harlem Crips in connection with these robberies.
Throughout the investigation and prior to today, task force members arrested 60 Rollin’ 30s gang members and associates for state violations, seized 32 firearms, and seized in excess of 10 kilograms of rock cocaine.
Nineteen of the 21 federal defendants are in custody and two are considered fugitives. Three of the federal defendants were already incarcerated on unrelated charges and are expected to be transferred to federal custody.
Many of the federal defendants face mandatory-minimum prison terms ranging from five to 10 years, depending on the quantities of narcotics alleged and individual criminal histories, and maximum penalties of 20 or 30 years in federal prison. Federal defendants arrested today will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles this afternoon.
This case is the result of an investigation by members of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Los Angeles Police Department; the United States Attorney’s Office; and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
Multiple agencies assisted the task force during this investigation and today’s operation, including the United States Secret Service; the Department of Child and Family Services; the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General; the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Los Angeles County Department of Probation; and agencies that participate on the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency (HIDTA).
The federal defendants will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office. The defendants arrested for violations of California state law will be prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Additional information about violent street gangs across America can be found at http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/2011-national-gang-threat-assessment
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.
Media Contacts:
- Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Pelham: 213 894-0610
- FBI Press Relations: 310 996-3343
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Kansas City Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Armed Robbery, Firearms Violations
KANSAS CITY, KS—A Kansas City, Missouri man has been
sentenced to 30 years for armed robbery and firearms violations, U.S.
Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Mark R. Davis, 35, Kansas City, Missouri, was convicted in a jury trial in October 2012 on one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
Co-defendant Abasi Baker was convicted in a jury trial on 21 counts, including seven counts of robbery, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and seven counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. He was sentenced to 164 years in federal prison.
The jury found Davis guilty of brandishing a .40 caliber Glock pistol while robbing the Radio Shack store at 6945 W. 7th Street in Overland Park on March 3, 2011. At the time, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of four prior felony convictions for robbery.
Grissom commended the following agencies and individuals for their work on the case: the FBI and the FBI Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force; the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Attorney, Western District of Missouri; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; the Overland Park Police Department; the Olathe Police Department; the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office; the St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department; the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department; the Mission, Kansas Police Department; and assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead, who prosecuted the case.
Mark R. Davis, 35, Kansas City, Missouri, was convicted in a jury trial in October 2012 on one count of robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.
Co-defendant Abasi Baker was convicted in a jury trial on 21 counts, including seven counts of robbery, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and seven counts of brandishing a firearm during a robbery. He was sentenced to 164 years in federal prison.
The jury found Davis guilty of brandishing a .40 caliber Glock pistol while robbing the Radio Shack store at 6945 W. 7th Street in Overland Park on March 3, 2011. At the time, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of four prior felony convictions for robbery.
Grissom commended the following agencies and individuals for their work on the case: the FBI and the FBI Violent Crimes/Fugitive Task Force; the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office; the U.S. Attorney, Western District of Missouri; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; the Overland Park Police Department; the Olathe Police Department; the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office; the St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department; the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department; the Mission, Kansas Police Department; and assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead, who prosecuted the case.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Holiday Bank Robber Lacking in Christmas Cheer
The bank robbery happened at the Chase Bank located at 1351 West 43rd Street in Houston, Texas shortly after 5:00 this evening. The bank robber walked up to the counter, grabbed a deposit slip, and wrote a threatening note on it demanding cash. He then walked up to a teller, showed her the note, and pulled out a black semi-automatic handgun from his waistband. The teller gave the man some cash. He was last seen walking away from the bank on foot. No one was physically hurt during the robbery.
The armed bank robber was described as a white male in his mid-30s, about 5’8” to 5’9” tall, 200 pounds, with a medium build. He was clean-shaven and possibly had acne scars on his face. He had light brown short to medium-length hair with thin, light brown eyebrows. He wore a dark jacket and a black ball cap with a 1st Calvary Division logo on the front. He carried a black semi-automatic handgun during the robbery.
Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of this robber. If you have information about this case, please call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 713-222-TIPS (8477), or the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.
Konawa Man Sentenced for Attempting to Destroy or Damage Property Using an Explosive
MUSKOGEE, OK—The United States Attorney’s Office for the
Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Daniel Wells Herriman, age
41, of Konawa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment,
followed by 36 months of supervised release, for attempting to destroy
or damage property by means of an explosive, in violation of Title 18,
United States Code, Section 844(i); and illegal making of a destructive
device, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5861(f),
5822 and 5871.
Herriman was indicted in September 2011 and was found guilty by a federal jury in May, 2012.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Department, Seminole County Sheriff’s Department, Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The evidence presented at the trial established that in July and August 2011 the defendant, without lawful authority, made an improvised explosive device or IED. The defendant maliciously attempted to damage and destroy a natural gas pipeline near Okemah, Oklahoma, when he placed the device under the pipeline and set the timer on the device. The device was discovered by a pipeline employee and was disrupted by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad.
The defense claimed Herriman was legally insane at the time of the crime.
The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and sentencing.
Herriman will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which he will serve his non-parolable sentence.
Assistant United States Chris Wilson represented the United States.
Herriman was indicted in September 2011 and was found guilty by a federal jury in May, 2012.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Department, Seminole County Sheriff’s Department, Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The evidence presented at the trial established that in July and August 2011 the defendant, without lawful authority, made an improvised explosive device or IED. The defendant maliciously attempted to damage and destroy a natural gas pipeline near Okemah, Oklahoma, when he placed the device under the pipeline and set the timer on the device. The device was discovered by a pipeline employee and was disrupted by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad.
The defense claimed Herriman was legally insane at the time of the crime.
The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and sentencing.
Herriman will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which he will serve his non-parolable sentence.
Assistant United States Chris Wilson represented the United States.
Grand Island Man Sentenced to 70 Months' Imprisonment for Selling a Rifle to a Felon
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that
Luis Cruz, 32 years old, from Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on
Wednesday, November 14, 2012, to a term of 70 months’ imprisonment,
followed by three years of supervised release upon completion of his
prison sentence, and a $100 special assessment by the Honorable U.S.
District Court Senior Judge Richard Kopf. Cruz pled guilty to
transferring a firearm to someone he had reason to believe was a
convicted felon on July 13, 2012.
Cruz was among several people arrested in the Grand Island area in November of 2010 as the result of an investigation into criminal street gang activity. This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, an organization comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Hall County Sheriff’s Department, Grand Island Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Hastings Police Department, and the Kearney Police Department.
Cruz was among several people arrested in the Grand Island area in November of 2010 as the result of an investigation into criminal street gang activity. This case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force, an organization comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Hall County Sheriff’s Department, Grand Island Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Hastings Police Department, and the Kearney Police Department.
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