NEWARK—A member of a massive, international counterfeit goods conspiracy was sentenced today to 38 months in prison for his role in the scheme, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Ning Guo, 40, of the People’s Republic of China, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Judge Salas imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
Two other conspirators have already been sentenced, and two await sentencing. Yi Jian Chen, 53, and Hui Huang, 33, both of Brooklyn, each previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and await sentencing. Jian Zhi Mo, 45, of Flushing, New York, and Yuan Feng Lai, 28, of New York City, each previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods and were each sentenced to 14 months of home confinement.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2008 through February 2012, the defendants ran an international counterfeit goods smuggling and distribution conspiracy. The defendants and others imported more than 35 containers of counterfeit goods—primarily cigarettes, handbags, and sneakers—into the United States from China. These goods, if legitimate, would have had a retail value of more than $300 million.
The conspirators sought help in importing counterfeit goods into the United States and used a corporation to import the goods through Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This corporation was actually a front company set up by law enforcement to act as an importer. The conspirators imported the counterfeit goods using fraudulent customs paperwork, which, among other things, falsely declared the goods within the containers.
Certain conspirators controlled the importation of the counterfeit goods into the United States. Some conspirators managed the distribution of counterfeit goods once they arrived in the United States. Others paid individuals they believed controlled an importation company with connections at the port. In fact, these individuals were undercover law enforcement agents.
Some conspirators acted as wholesalers for the counterfeit goods, supplying retailers who sold counterfeit goods to customers in the United States. A number of conspirators, including Guo, also engaged in a money laundering conspiracy to disguise and conceal the source of what they believed to be the profits of certain unlawful activity, moving this money through banks in the United States, China, and elsewhere to disguise the sources of the funds.
Law enforcement introduced several undercover special agents to the conspirators. These undercover agents purported to have connections at the port, which allowed them to obtain containers that were on hold, get them released, and pass them through to the conspirators. The conspirators paid the undercover agents more than $900,000 for these “services.”
Undercover agents recorded dozens of phone calls and in-person meetings with various conspirators. The investigation also utilized several court-authorized wiretaps of telephones and electronic communications.
Guo’s primary role was to transport and store imported counterfeit merchandise for the conspirators after it arrived at the port. He was also involved in the actual importation of the goods from China. Guo communicated with the undercover agents in numerous recorded calls and meetings about importing counterfeit goods from China and clearing the goods through customs. Guo was also involved in an international money laundering scheme through which he and others laundered the proceeds of the counterfeit goods smuggling scheme.
In addition to the prison term, Guo is subject to deportation.
U.S. Attorney Fishman praised special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford, and special agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Andrew M. McLees, for the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Pak and Zach Intrater of the Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property section of the Economic Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark and Nicholas Grippo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Trenton.
Showing posts with label bond. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bond. Show all posts
Monday, March 24, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Federal Judge Sentences Manager of Heroin Conspiracy That Distributed Heroin Resulting in Death to 20 Years in Prison
PORTLAND, OR—On March 18, 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Marco Hernandez sentenced Samuel Navarrette-Aguilar, 41, a citizen of Mexico, to 240 months for his managerial role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy involving a kilogram or more of heroin. A federal jury found the defendant guilty of the conspiracy in June 2013. Judge Hernandez further found by a preponderance of evidence that heroin distributed by the defendant resulted in the death of Erin Freeman, 22, who overdosed on heroin in her Portland residence in June 2012. Judge Hernandez cited this and other factors to support his sentence, including the fact that the defendant committed this crime after escaping from a Washington state prison sentence for drug trafficking and having remained at large since 1999. Although the quantity of heroin subjected the defendant to a statutorily mandated minimum sentence of 20 years, Judge Hernandez indicated he would have pronounced the same sentence independent of the mandatory minimum requirement.
Reaching into the upper echelon of a trafficking conspiracy from the tragic scene of a young woman’s last failure against heroin addiction, required a fast-moving investigation led by the Portland Police Bureau Drugs and Vice Division, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“This sentence serves justice. In 2012, we lost 147 Oregonians to heroin, many of those, like Erin Freeman, were far too young,” said U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall. “This defendant and other purveyors of this deadly drug face heavy penalties as Oregon and communities across the nation address the clear and present danger of this heroin epidemic.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Bickers.
Reaching into the upper echelon of a trafficking conspiracy from the tragic scene of a young woman’s last failure against heroin addiction, required a fast-moving investigation led by the Portland Police Bureau Drugs and Vice Division, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“This sentence serves justice. In 2012, we lost 147 Oregonians to heroin, many of those, like Erin Freeman, were far too young,” said U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall. “This defendant and other purveyors of this deadly drug face heavy penalties as Oregon and communities across the nation address the clear and present danger of this heroin epidemic.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Bickers.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Former Pilot Pleads Guilty to Threatening Republic Airlines CEO
KANSAS CITY, MO—Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former Republic Airlines pilot pleaded guilty in federal court today to threatening the company’s CEO.
Matthew Richard Walker, 37, of Faribault, Minnesota, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to a federal information that charges him with explicitly threatening to torture and kill the CEO of Republic Airlines and his family.
By pleading guilty today, Walker admitted that he carried and delivered threats on multiple occasions while employed by the airline. On August 17, 2012, a Republic Airways employee discovered a threatening letter in the cockpit of an aircraft while it was parked at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Four identical letters were later discovered on aircraft parked at Reagan International Airport, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and at Kansas City International Airport (KCI), as well as aboard an aircraft en route from Reagan National Airport to Indianapolis International Airport. A fifth identical letter was also discovered in the crew room at KCI.
According to the plea agreement, Walker assured interviewing agents he had no interaction with co-workers regarding the letters; he acted completely alone both in writing and placing the letters.
Under federal statutes, Walker is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy U.S. Attorney Gene Porter. It was investigated by the FBI.
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, is available online at http://www.justice.gov/usao/mow/index.html.
Matthew Richard Walker, 37, of Faribault, Minnesota, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to a federal information that charges him with explicitly threatening to torture and kill the CEO of Republic Airlines and his family.
By pleading guilty today, Walker admitted that he carried and delivered threats on multiple occasions while employed by the airline. On August 17, 2012, a Republic Airways employee discovered a threatening letter in the cockpit of an aircraft while it was parked at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Four identical letters were later discovered on aircraft parked at Reagan International Airport, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and at Kansas City International Airport (KCI), as well as aboard an aircraft en route from Reagan National Airport to Indianapolis International Airport. A fifth identical letter was also discovered in the crew room at KCI.
According to the plea agreement, Walker assured interviewing agents he had no interaction with co-workers regarding the letters; he acted completely alone both in writing and placing the letters.
Under federal statutes, Walker is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy U.S. Attorney Gene Porter. It was investigated by the FBI.
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, is available online at http://www.justice.gov/usao/mow/index.html.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assaulting an Officer
SACRAMENTO, CA—Leonard Griffin, 43, currently in federal custody at the Federal Correctional Institute in Herlong (Susanville), pleaded guilty Wednesday to assault on a federal officer, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, on December 3, 2011, Griffin approached a correctional officer from behind and punched him several times. The officer suffered a broken orbital bone in his right eye, a concussion, cuts to his face, and bruising on his body. A sock weighted with a padlock was found in Griffin’s pants pocket.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Reardon is prosecuting the case.
Griffin is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on April 2, 2014. Griffin faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, which will be served following the completion of Griffin’s current federal sentence in 2020, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
According to court documents, on December 3, 2011, Griffin approached a correctional officer from behind and punched him several times. The officer suffered a broken orbital bone in his right eye, a concussion, cuts to his face, and bruising on his body. A sock weighted with a padlock was found in Griffin’s pants pocket.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Reardon is prosecuting the case.
Griffin is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on April 2, 2014. Griffin faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, which will be served following the completion of Griffin’s current federal sentence in 2020, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer Arrested for His Involvement in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme
JACKSONVILLE, FL—Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return of an indictment and arrest charging Harold B. Walbey, III (45, Jacksonville) with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of 22 years in federal prison.
Walbey was arraigned in federal court on December 12, 2013. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond. A status conference hearing is scheduled for January 21, 2014.
According to the indictment, Harold B. Walbey, III worked as a corrections officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at the John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility. While working in this capacity, he stole personal identifying information, including the names and Social Security numbers, of multiple inmates who were housed at the facility. From 2010 through May 2012, Walbey used this information to electronically file numerous fraudulent tax returns and open pre-paid debit card accounts with various financial institutions. The tax refunds were then directly deposited into the pre-paid debit card accounts that were created in specific inmates’ names.
“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigates all allegations of criminal activity that may involve our employees. In this case our investigators from the Integrity/Special Investigations Unit, working with our federal agency partners, effected two arrests—Mr. Walbey and his daughter, Tianna Walbey, who was arrested in February on federal charges in this same crime,” said Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Malisa Chokshi.
Walbey was arraigned in federal court on December 12, 2013. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond. A status conference hearing is scheduled for January 21, 2014.
According to the indictment, Harold B. Walbey, III worked as a corrections officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at the John E. Goode Pretrial Detention Facility. While working in this capacity, he stole personal identifying information, including the names and Social Security numbers, of multiple inmates who were housed at the facility. From 2010 through May 2012, Walbey used this information to electronically file numerous fraudulent tax returns and open pre-paid debit card accounts with various financial institutions. The tax refunds were then directly deposited into the pre-paid debit card accounts that were created in specific inmates’ names.
“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigates all allegations of criminal activity that may involve our employees. In this case our investigators from the Integrity/Special Investigations Unit, working with our federal agency partners, effected two arrests—Mr. Walbey and his daughter, Tianna Walbey, who was arrested in February on federal charges in this same crime,” said Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Malisa Chokshi.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Robbery of Northland Financial Bank Branch in Medina, North Dakota
On October 25, 2013, at approximately 10:30 a.m., two individuals robbed the Northland Financial bank, located at 101 2nd Ave. SW, Medina, North Dakota. The robbers approached the bank counter and demanded money. One of the robbers brandished a hand gun. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency, the robbers fled from the bank. The robbers are believed to have fled in a vehicle described as blue Chevrolet Trailblazer. Following the robbery, an abandoned Chevrolet Trailblazer, believed to be linked to the crime, was found abandoned on a gravel road south of Medina.
The robbers were both described as approximately 5’6”-5’8” tall. Both wore masks and bulky, dark clothing. At least one of the robbers is suspected of being of African-American decent. Both robbers are believed to be in their late teens or early 20s.
While the robbers are believed to have abandoned their original getaway vehicle, it is suspected that they may currently be driving a light-colored, late model Lincoln Navigator.
A coordinated investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with any information regarding this robbery should contact the FBI's Fargo Office at (701) 232-7241; BCI at 1 (800) 472-2185; and/or the Stutsman County Sheriff at (701) 252- 9000.
The robbers were both described as approximately 5’6”-5’8” tall. Both wore masks and bulky, dark clothing. At least one of the robbers is suspected of being of African-American decent. Both robbers are believed to be in their late teens or early 20s.
While the robbers are believed to have abandoned their original getaway vehicle, it is suspected that they may currently be driving a light-colored, late model Lincoln Navigator.
A coordinated investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Loan Officer and Straw Purchaser Admit Roles in Multi-Million-Dollar Mortgage Fraud
CAMDEN, NJ—A loan officer and a straw purchaser today admitted they conspired to defraud financial institutions as part of a multi-million-dollar mortgage fraud scam to make illegal profits on over-developed condominiums in the Wildwood, New Jersey area, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Michelle Martinez, 49, of Brick, New Jersey, and Dana Rummerfield, 47, of Los Angeles, California, each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court. Martinez pleaded guilty to an information charging her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Rummerfield pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Conspirators identified homes in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, and recruited straw buyers to purchase those properties at inflated rates. The straw buyers had good credit scores but lacked the financial resources to qualify for mortgage loans. Martinez created fraudulent loan applications that contained false information about the straw buyers’ employment, income, assets, and intended uses of the properties. Martinez’s actions were designed to make the straw buyers appear more creditworthy than they actually were in order to induce the lenders to make the loans.
Martinez and her conspirators caused fraudulent mortgage loan applications in the name of the straw buyers, including the supporting documents, to be submitted to mortgage brokers that the brokers knew were false. Once the loans were approved and the mortgage lenders sent the loan proceeds in connection with real estate closings, Martinez’s conspirators took a portion of the proceeds, having funds wired or checks deposited into various accounts they controlled from the fraudulent mortgage loans and/or lines of credit on several properties. They also distributed a portion of the proceeds to other members of the conspiracy for their respective roles.
Rummerfield and others falsified his loan application with respect to his employment, income, and assets in order to cause the lender to make a loan to Rummerfield for a property he was purchasing in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. Rummerfield took a portion of the fraudulent mortgage proceeds by having a check totaling $100,000 deposited into an account for Hot House Properties, a company he controlled.
The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Martinez and Rummerfield are scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark; and IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen, Newark Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline M. Carle of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Michelle Martinez, 49, of Brick, New Jersey, and Dana Rummerfield, 47, of Los Angeles, California, each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court. Martinez pleaded guilty to an information charging her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Rummerfield pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Conspirators identified homes in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, and recruited straw buyers to purchase those properties at inflated rates. The straw buyers had good credit scores but lacked the financial resources to qualify for mortgage loans. Martinez created fraudulent loan applications that contained false information about the straw buyers’ employment, income, assets, and intended uses of the properties. Martinez’s actions were designed to make the straw buyers appear more creditworthy than they actually were in order to induce the lenders to make the loans.
Martinez and her conspirators caused fraudulent mortgage loan applications in the name of the straw buyers, including the supporting documents, to be submitted to mortgage brokers that the brokers knew were false. Once the loans were approved and the mortgage lenders sent the loan proceeds in connection with real estate closings, Martinez’s conspirators took a portion of the proceeds, having funds wired or checks deposited into various accounts they controlled from the fraudulent mortgage loans and/or lines of credit on several properties. They also distributed a portion of the proceeds to other members of the conspiracy for their respective roles.
Rummerfield and others falsified his loan application with respect to his employment, income, and assets in order to cause the lender to make a loan to Rummerfield for a property he was purchasing in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. Rummerfield took a portion of the fraudulent mortgage proceeds by having a check totaling $100,000 deposited into an account for Hot House Properties, a company he controlled.
The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Martinez and Rummerfield are scheduled to be sentenced on March 12, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Aaron T. Ford in Newark; and IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen, Newark Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline M. Carle of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Virginia Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison in Shooting of Security Guard at Family Research Council
WASHINGTON—Floyd Lee Corkins, II, 29, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison on three felony charges, including a terrorism offense, in the August 2012 shooting of a security guard at the Family Research Council in downtown Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr.; Valerie Parlave, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Corkins, of Herndon, Virginia, pled guilty in February 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to charges of committing an act of terrorism while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition. The Honorable Chief Judge Richard W. Roberts sentenced him. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
Corkins has been in custody since his arrest after the August 15, 2012 shooting.
This marked the first time that a defendant has been charged with and convicted of committing an act of terrorism under a provision of the District of Columbia’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 that covers criminal actions committed with the intent to “intimidate or coerce a significant portion of the civilian population of the District of Columbia or the United States.”
According to the government’s evidence, on August 15, 2012, at about 10:45 a.m., Corkins entered the office of the Family Research Council (FRC) at 801 G Street NW and encountered an unarmed security guard. Corkins retrieved a firearm from his backpack and pointed it at the security guard. The security guard charged Corkins and a struggle ensued, during which Corkins fired three shots, striking the guard in the arm. Despite the gunshot wound and Corkins’ subsequent discharges of the gun, the security guard, Leonardo Johnson, heroically succeeded in disarming the defendant and forcing him to the ground and onto his belly.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Corkins targeted the Family Research Council because of its views, including its advocacy against recognition of gay marriage. He entered the building with the intention of shooting and killing as many employees of the organization as he could.
“A security guard’s heroism is the only thing that prevented Floyd Corkins, II from carrying out a mass shooting intended to kill as many people as possible,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Our entire community is thankful to the hero who stood up to this heinous attack. Today’s 25-year prison sentence demonstrates the steep price to be paid for turning to violence to terrorize your political enemies.”
“Acts of terrorism, like the one that Mr. Corkins admitted to committing in pursuit of political aim, are horrific events that instill a sense of fear on our community,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The FBI applauds the heroic acts of the security guard who deterred Mr. Corkins from inflicting harm on additional victims. With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will respond to, secure, and investigate scenes and bring violent actors to justice.”
“I want to commend FRC employee Leonardo Johnson for his heroism and the first responding officers for their quick assessment of the situation, which brought stability and control to the chaos,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “As recent events have shown us, quick thinking and bravery during incidents like this can save many lives.”
According to the statement of offense, Corkins purchased a semi-automatic pistol from a store in Virginia on August 9, 2012, and picked up the weapon the following day. On the afternoon of August 13, he rehearsed his planned trip to the Family Research Council. On the night before the shooting, Corkins returned to the gun store and engaged in shooting practice.
On the morning of August 15, 2012, Corkins rode Metrorail from Virginia and into the District of Columbia, got off at the Gallery Place stop, and went to the Family Research Council. To gain access into the building, he falsely told the security guard, Mr. Johnson, that he was there for an interview as a prospective intern. Upon gaining entry, Corkins approached the receptionist desk, which Mr. Johnson was manning, intending to shoot and kill him. However, Mr. Johnson fought back and, as the two men scuffled, Corkins fired his gun three times, striking Mr. Johnson once in his left arm in the process. After Mr. Johnson subdued Corkins, Corkins stated, “It’s not about you” but about the organization’s policies. He also was heard making remarks such as, “I don’t like these people, and I don’t like what they stand for.”
In a search after the shooting, MPD officers discovered two fully loaded magazine clips in one of Corkins’ front pants pockets, as well as a Metro card and a handwritten list containing the names of the Family Research Council and three other organizations that openly identify themselves as having socially conservative agendas. A search of Corkins’ backpack turned up, among other items, a box of 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. They also found 15 individually wrapped sandwiches that Corkins had purchased the previous day from Chick-fil-A.
Corkins later made statements to the FBI in which he said that he was a political activist and considered the Family Research Council to be a lobbying group. He also stated that he intended to kill as many people as possible and smother the Chick-fil-A sandwiches into their faces. Among other things, he said, “Chick-fil-A came out against gay marriage, so I was going to use that as a statement.”
Corkins also revealed the steps he took in planning the attack, saying that he had been thinking about perpetrating similar violence for years but never carried out an attack. Had he not been stopped at the Family Research Council, he stated, he planned to go to the second organization on the list he was carrying and wage a similar shooting there.
Mr. Johnson, who also was the building’s manager, underwent emergency surgery in which metal plates were inserted into his left arm so that shattered bones could heal. Numerous bullet fragments remain in his arms, and he was unable to work for months.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Chief Lanier expressed their appreciation to all those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the MPD. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann H. Petalas and T. Patrick Martin, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who prosecuted the case.
Corkins, of Herndon, Virginia, pled guilty in February 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to charges of committing an act of terrorism while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition. The Honorable Chief Judge Richard W. Roberts sentenced him. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.
Corkins has been in custody since his arrest after the August 15, 2012 shooting.
This marked the first time that a defendant has been charged with and convicted of committing an act of terrorism under a provision of the District of Columbia’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 that covers criminal actions committed with the intent to “intimidate or coerce a significant portion of the civilian population of the District of Columbia or the United States.”
According to the government’s evidence, on August 15, 2012, at about 10:45 a.m., Corkins entered the office of the Family Research Council (FRC) at 801 G Street NW and encountered an unarmed security guard. Corkins retrieved a firearm from his backpack and pointed it at the security guard. The security guard charged Corkins and a struggle ensued, during which Corkins fired three shots, striking the guard in the arm. Despite the gunshot wound and Corkins’ subsequent discharges of the gun, the security guard, Leonardo Johnson, heroically succeeded in disarming the defendant and forcing him to the ground and onto his belly.
According to a statement of offense, signed by the defendant as well as the government, Corkins targeted the Family Research Council because of its views, including its advocacy against recognition of gay marriage. He entered the building with the intention of shooting and killing as many employees of the organization as he could.
“A security guard’s heroism is the only thing that prevented Floyd Corkins, II from carrying out a mass shooting intended to kill as many people as possible,” said U.S. Attorney Machen. “Our entire community is thankful to the hero who stood up to this heinous attack. Today’s 25-year prison sentence demonstrates the steep price to be paid for turning to violence to terrorize your political enemies.”
“Acts of terrorism, like the one that Mr. Corkins admitted to committing in pursuit of political aim, are horrific events that instill a sense of fear on our community,” said Assistant Director in Charge Parlave. “The FBI applauds the heroic acts of the security guard who deterred Mr. Corkins from inflicting harm on additional victims. With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will respond to, secure, and investigate scenes and bring violent actors to justice.”
“I want to commend FRC employee Leonardo Johnson for his heroism and the first responding officers for their quick assessment of the situation, which brought stability and control to the chaos,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “As recent events have shown us, quick thinking and bravery during incidents like this can save many lives.”
According to the statement of offense, Corkins purchased a semi-automatic pistol from a store in Virginia on August 9, 2012, and picked up the weapon the following day. On the afternoon of August 13, he rehearsed his planned trip to the Family Research Council. On the night before the shooting, Corkins returned to the gun store and engaged in shooting practice.
On the morning of August 15, 2012, Corkins rode Metrorail from Virginia and into the District of Columbia, got off at the Gallery Place stop, and went to the Family Research Council. To gain access into the building, he falsely told the security guard, Mr. Johnson, that he was there for an interview as a prospective intern. Upon gaining entry, Corkins approached the receptionist desk, which Mr. Johnson was manning, intending to shoot and kill him. However, Mr. Johnson fought back and, as the two men scuffled, Corkins fired his gun three times, striking Mr. Johnson once in his left arm in the process. After Mr. Johnson subdued Corkins, Corkins stated, “It’s not about you” but about the organization’s policies. He also was heard making remarks such as, “I don’t like these people, and I don’t like what they stand for.”
In a search after the shooting, MPD officers discovered two fully loaded magazine clips in one of Corkins’ front pants pockets, as well as a Metro card and a handwritten list containing the names of the Family Research Council and three other organizations that openly identify themselves as having socially conservative agendas. A search of Corkins’ backpack turned up, among other items, a box of 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. They also found 15 individually wrapped sandwiches that Corkins had purchased the previous day from Chick-fil-A.
Corkins later made statements to the FBI in which he said that he was a political activist and considered the Family Research Council to be a lobbying group. He also stated that he intended to kill as many people as possible and smother the Chick-fil-A sandwiches into their faces. Among other things, he said, “Chick-fil-A came out against gay marriage, so I was going to use that as a statement.”
Corkins also revealed the steps he took in planning the attack, saying that he had been thinking about perpetrating similar violence for years but never carried out an attack. Had he not been stopped at the Family Research Council, he stated, he planned to go to the second organization on the list he was carrying and wage a similar shooting there.
Mr. Johnson, who also was the building’s manager, underwent emergency surgery in which metal plates were inserted into his left arm so that shattered bones could heal. Numerous bullet fragments remain in his arms, and he was unable to work for months.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen, Assistant Director in Charge Parlave, and Chief Lanier expressed their appreciation to all those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the MPD. They also commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann H. Petalas and T. Patrick Martin, of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who prosecuted 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.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Norfolk Man Sentenced to Serve 188 Months in Prison on Cocaine Charge
NORFOLK, VA—Keith Jermaine Everett, 34, of Norfolk, Virginia, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Royce E. Curtin, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation Norfolk Office, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Everett waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a criminal information on May 29, 2013. The criminal information charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more cocaine. According to court documents, Everett distributed cocaine and marijuana on a regular basis in Norfolk and surrounding cities. On December 18, 2012, a controlled purchase of cocaine was conducted by law enforcement from Everett at a location on North Military Highway in Norfolk.
This case was investigated by the Norfolk Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norfolk Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sherrie S. Capotosto prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Royce E. Curtin, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation Norfolk Office, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Mark S. Davis.
Everett waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a criminal information on May 29, 2013. The criminal information charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more cocaine. According to court documents, Everett distributed cocaine and marijuana on a regular basis in Norfolk and surrounding cities. On December 18, 2012, a controlled purchase of cocaine was conducted by law enforcement from Everett at a location on North Military Highway in Norfolk.
This case was investigated by the Norfolk Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norfolk Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sherrie S. Capotosto prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.
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