THREE RECEIVE LIFE SENTENCES IN DELAWARE IN COURTHOUSE MURDER CONSPIRACY CASE

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Friday, February 19, 2016

Three Family Members Receive Life Sentences for Courthouse Murder Conspiracy

David T. Matusiewicz, Lenore Matusiewicz and Amy Gonzalez were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Delaware to life in prison for the February 2013 murder of David Matusiewicz’s ex-wife and a friend at the New Castle County Courthouse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss for the District of Delaware, Special Agent in Charge Kevin L. Perkins for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Baltimore Division and Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. for the Delaware State Police.

Following a five week jury trial this past summer, the defendants were convicted of conspiracy, interstate stalking resulting in death and cyberstalking resulting in death.  This was the first case in the nation where defendants were convicted of cyberstalking resulting in death.

After a lengthy sentencing hearing in Delaware, Judge McHugh concluded that David Matusiewicz and his father, Thomas Matusiewicz, acted with premeditated intent in the Feb. 11, 2013, murder of his ex-wife, Christine Belford, at the New Castle County Courthouse.  Thomas Matusiewicz also shot and killed Laura “Beth” Mulford, who accompanied Belford to the courthouse that morning.  Judge McHugh determined that, based on defendant’s repeated criminal conduct and the serious nature of the offense, which included “contempt for the law,” only a life sentence would protect the community and Belford’s children.

Lenore Matusiewicz and Gonzalez likewise received life sentences from Judge McHugh.  Lenore Matusiewicz was sentenced at her bedside last week at Jefferson Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   Gonzalez was sentenced after her brother’s sentence was imposed.   Judge McHugh concluded that Gonzalez’s overall stalking conduct was inextricably intertwined with the conduct of her family members and that it was reasonably foreseeable to Gonzalez that an act of violence would occur when her brother, mother and father left for Delaware in early February 2013.

“The life sentences imposed by Judge McHugh were necessary to punish the defendants and to protect Christine Belford’s children and our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Weiss.  “We hope that these sentences provide some comfort to the victims’ families and we thank the law enforcement and legal communities for their contributions to the successful prosecution of this case.”

“The Matusiewicz family caused a lot of unnecessary harm in this case, killing and injuring innocent people for no reason, said Special Agent in Charge Perkins.  “This ground-breaking prosecution and investigation shows people who actively take part in planning crimes, even though they don't pull the trigger, will be held accountable.”

“The Delaware State Police supports the decision of the jury and the judge for holding all defendants in this case fully accountable for their actions,” said Colonel McQueen Jr. “The successful prosecution and sentencing of the defendants responsible in the first federal conviction of cyber-stalking resulting in death is truly welcomed news for all federal, state and local law enforcement involved in the investigation.  This investigation is a landmark case that emphasizes the impact and benefit to the community when all agencies are working together.”

According to the evidence presented at trial and sentencing, David Matusiewicz and Belford were involved in divorce and child custody proceedings in the family court of Delaware in 2007.  In August 2007, David Matusiewicz and his mother, Lenore Matusiewicz, kidnapped the three young children born of his marriage to Belford and fled to South America.  In March 2009, David and Lenore Matusiewicz and the young children were found living in a motor home in Nicaragua.  David and Lenore Matusiewicz were arrested and prosecuted in Delaware and the children were returned to the care of their mother.  In September 2009, David and Lenore Matusiewicz each pleaded guilty to crimes relating to their kidnapping of the children.

In December 2009, David Matusiewicz was sentenced in federal court to 48 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervision by the U.S. Probation Office.  In the days following his December 2009 sentencing, David Matusiewicz began to orchestrate, from his prison cell, a course of conduct designed to stalk, harass and intimidate Belford and her children.  He enlisted his father, mother, sister and various other persons in this effort, which stretched from December 2009 to February 2013.  The Matusiewicz family’s stalking campaign included broad dissemination -- by mail, email, websites, Internet postings and other means – of false and defamatory allegations against Belford.  

After his release from federal custody, David Matusiewicz resided in southern Texas.  On Jan. 8, 2013, David Matusiewicz sought and received permission from the U.S. Probation Office in Texas to travel to Delaware to attend a child support arrearage hearing he had requested.  That hearing was scheduled for Feb. 11, 2013.  David Matusiewicz never informed the probation officer that he intended to travel to Delaware with Thomas and Lenore Matusiewicz.

On the morning of Feb. 11, 2013, David and Thomas Matusiewicz drove to a hotel parking garage near the New Castle County Courthouse in a Honda CRV, which contained ammunition, a military style knife, three sets of restraints of progressively smaller sizes, a bullet proof vest, an electric shock device, binoculars and photographs of Belford’s children and residence.  After entering the courthouse lobby at approximately 7:30 a.m., David Matusiewicz entered and stayed in the security screening line, while Thomas Matusiewicz moved around the lobby, occasionally approaching and talking to David Matusiewicz.

Shortly before 8:00 a.m., David Matusiewicz passed through courthouse security screening and walked to another floor of the building.  Thomas Matusiewicz remained in the lobby, where he shot Belford multiple times as she entered the courthouse lobby, killing her.  He then shot Mulford multiple times as she attempted to flee.  After a shootout during which he shot and injured two Capitol Police officers, Thomas Matusiewicz died on the sidewalk of the courthouse of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Delaware State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamie M. McCall and Shawn A. Weede.

APPREHENDED: MAN ON PUERTO RICO'S TOP 10 MOST WANTED LIST

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

December 15, 2015

U.S. Marshals Task Force Arrest one of Puerto Rico's Top Ten Most Wanted

 Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force logoSan Juan, PR - The United States Marshals Service Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force announces the arrest of 27 year old, Robert Guzman Cruz, aka “Babi” who was wanted on several state warrants for murder, attempted murder and weapons law violations in the town of Ponce, PR. Guzman Cruz was featured by the Police of Puerto Rico as one of the top ten most wanted in Ponce, PR.

At the time of his arrest, Guzman Cruz was in the company of three other individuals in a rural area in the mountains of Cidra, PR. At the location a large quantity of currency, controlled substances and a firearm were recovered. The FBI assumed jurisdiction of the detainees and the scene. The arrest of Guzman Cruz was the result of a collaborative effort led by the Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force and the Puerto Rico Police Department arrest unit.

United States Marshal Orlando Rivera commended the outstanding effort of the fugitive task force and stated, “This case is just another example of how the U.S. Marshals Service and the Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force will not rest to bring fugitives to justice.”

The Puerto Rico U.S. Marshals Violent Offenders Task Force is comprised of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Puerto Rico Police Department, the San Juan Municipal Police, the Department of Corrections, PR State Marshals and the State Internal Revenue Service.

U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE ARREST ALLEGED BABY SHOOTER

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE MURDER 

November 27, 2015

U.S. Marshals Arrest Alleged Shooter of Baby Aavielle

  NOVFTF LogoCleveland, OH – Today, at approximately 10:00am, the U.S. Marshal’s Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested 19 year old Davon Holmes. Holmes was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Cleveland Police Department for a homicide that occurred at East 145th St. and Spear Ave. on October 1st.

Holmes’ warrant was issued at approximately 9:00am this morning for the shooting death of 5 month old Aavielle Wakefield. On October 1, 2015, at approximately 5:00pm, baby Aavielle was shot in the chest while she sat in her car seat, next to her sister. Her mother and another family member were in the vehicle with her as well.

Within an hour of the warrant being issued for Holmes, he was taken into custody by the task force in the 3300 block of East 140th St. Lawrence Hilliard was also arrested in connection with this case. Hilliard was wanted by the Cleveland Police Department for tampering with evidence. He was taken into custody in the same location as the shooting took place, East 145th St. and Spear Ave.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott added, “The death of a child is something no family should have to endure, and nothing we do can bring baby Aavielle back to her family. We do hope that the arrest of Davon Holmes brings some peace to the Wakefield family.”

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General.

MAN CHARGED FOR ALLEGED ROLE IN MURDER, ATTEMPTED MURDER OF ICE SPECIAL AGENTS

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Defendant Charged with Alleged Participation in the Murder of Ice Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the Attempted Murder of Ice Special Agent Victor Avila Extradited from Mexico

Four Others Have Already Pleaded Guilty to Charges in the Case

A Mexican national was extradited from Mexico to face charges for his alleged participation in the February 2011 murder of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of ICE Special Agent Victor Avila in Mexico.

The charges and extradition were announced today by Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Vincent H. Cohen Jr. of the District of Columbia, Assistant Director Joseph S. Campbell of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division and Director Sarah R. Saldaña of ICE.

Jose Emanuel Garcia Sota, aka Juan Manuel Maldonado Amezcua, Zafado or Safado, 34, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, was charged on May 6, 2013, in a four-count indictment with one count of murder of an officer or employee of the United States; one count of attempted murder of an officer or employee of the United States; one count of attempted murder of an internationally protected person; and one count of using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death.  The indictment was unsealed today when Garcia Sota made his initial appearance before Chief U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the District of Columbia.  His next appearance in court is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2015.

“It has been over four and a half years since ICE Special Agent Jaime Zapata valiantly lost his life and Special Agent Victor Avila suffered grave injuries when they were ambushed by gunfire while on assignment in Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell.  “As evidenced by today’s announcement, the passage of time has not lessened our resolve to keep our promise to the family of Special Agent Zapata and to Special Agent Avila and his family, and bring to justice those responsible for this senseless and brutal attack.  And we are grateful to the Government of Mexico for its continued partnership in this case.”

“Four years ago, on a Mexican roadside, two American heroes came under attack in a violent ambush by members of Los Zetas, a dangerous criminal cartel,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Cohen.  “Four people have already accepted responsibility for their actions, and now a fifth will be brought to an American courtroom for justice.  We will not stop in the pursuit of justice – no matter how far away and how long it takes.”

“Today's announcement is the direct result of unwavering resolve and unrelenting cooperation to bring to justice those accountable for the murder of Jaime Zapata and the attempted murder of Victor Avila,” said Assistant Director Campbell.  “Although this cowardly act of violence occurred more than four years ago, this investigation remains a priority for the FBI.”

“This extradition is another step closer to the justice Special Agents Zapata and Avila deserve,” said ICE Director Saldaña.  “ICE is grateful to our partners whose tireless efforts brought about today's news.  Their dogged pursuit of justice, often in face of great danger, enables us to continue in our quest to make these criminals pay for their deeds.  While nothing can ever truly heal such a loss, we hope today's news brings Agent Zapata's family and friends a measure of peace.  His ultimate sacrifice will always be honored by the men and women of ICE.”

Four defendants previously pleaded guilty to offenses based on their roles in the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.  Julian Zapata Espinoza, aka Piolin, 34, pleaded guilty on May 23, 2013, to the murder of Special Agent Zapata and the attempted murder of Special Agent Avila.  Ruben Dario Venegas Rivera, aka Catracho, 27, pleaded guilty on Aug. 1, 2011, to federal charges concerning the murder of Special Agent Zapata and attempted murder of Special Agent Avila.  Jose Ismael Nava Villagran, aka Cacho, 33, pleaded guilty on Jan. 4, 2012, also to federal charges concerning the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.  Francisco Carbajal Flores, aka Dalmata, 40, pleaded guilty on Jan. 10, 2012, to conspiracy to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and to being an accessory after the fact to the murder and attempted murder of the ICE agents.

As part of their guilty pleas, Espinoza, Rivera and Villagran admitted to being members of a Los Zetas hit squad and to participating directly in the Feb. 15, 2011, ambush of the two special agents.  The fourth defendant, Flores, acknowledged assisting Zetas members after the attack.

An indictment is a formal charging document and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, with substantial assistance from ICE, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Customs and Border Patrol, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The investigation was also coordinated with the assistance of the Government of Mexico.

The case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs has provided substantial assistance.

CHICAGO RESIDENT CHARGED IN MURDER OF U.S. CITIZEN IN BALI, INDONESIA

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Chicago Man Charged in Connection with the Murder of Sheila Von Wiese in Bali, Indonesia

A Chicago man has been charged for conspiring with his cousin and cousin’s girlfriend to kill a U.S. citizen at a resort in Bali, Indonesia, in August 2014, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Chicago today.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon for the Northern District of Illinois and Acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Brown of the FBI’s Chicago Division made the announcement.

According to the complaint, Robert Ryan Justin Bibbs, 24, of Chicago, advised his cousin, Tommy Schaefer, and Schaefer’s girlfriend, Heather Mack, on how to kill Mack’s mother, Sheila Von Wiese in August 2014.  The complaint alleges that, on or about Aug. 2, 2014, Von Wiese and Mack departed Chicago for a vacation in Bali, Indonesia.  On or about Aug. 12, 2014, Schaefer allegedly departed Chicago and arrived in Indonesia at the same resort where Mack and the victim were staying.  The complaint alleges that, within hours of Schaefer’s arrival, the victim was bludgeoned to death, and Schaefer and Mack stuffed the body in a suitcase and placed it in a taxi cab, which was later discovered by Indonesian police.

According to the complaint, Bibbs knew of the plot to kill Von Wiese before Schaefer and Mack carried it out, advised them on how to kill the victim, and counseled Schaefer on how to evade detection by law enforcement.  According to the complaint, Bibbs did so because he believed that Schaefer would gain access to Von Wiese’s estate through the victim’s daughter, Mack, and that Schaefer would share the inheritance with family members, including Bibbs.

On Aug. 13, 2014, Schaefer and Mack were arrested in Bali.  In April 2015, an Indonesian court convicted Schaefer and Mack of charges related to Von Wiese’s murder.  Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in an Indonesian prison, while Mack was sentenced to 10 years.

Bibbs was arrested today by federal authorities.  He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez today at 3 p.m. CDT.

The charges and allegations contained in a criminal complaint are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Chicago Division and being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bolling Haxall and Julie Porter of the Northern District of Illinois and Trial Attorneys Hope Olds and Christine Duey of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.

A "DANGEROUS DOZEN" FUGITIVE CAUGHT IN CLEVELAND VIA TIP

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

06/22/2015

U.S. Marshals Capture "Dangerous Dozen" Fugitive Hiding in East Cleveland
Cleveland, OH – Earlier today, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) apprehended fugitive Raymell Easter, age 19, at an apartment on Nelacrest Rd. in East Cleveland. Easter was wanted by the Cleveland Police Department for homicide stemming from an incident in March 2015 near E. 106th St. and Ashbury Ave. in Cleveland, in which he is suspected of shooting and killing a 17 year old male after attempting to rob the victim.

The NOVFTF was referred the fugitive investigation and began searching for Easter immediately. The NOVFTF added Easter to the most wanted “Dangerous Dozen” list in April and also profiled Easter as a “Fugitive of the Week” in local media.

Within the last two weeks, the NOVFTF received a tip that ultimately led them to East Cleveland where the team was able to locate and safely apprehend Easter today. Easter was transported to the Cleveland City Jail after arrest.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Our task force has been relentless on these dangerous fugitive cases. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and do all that we can to bring justice to the victims of these horrendous crimes.”

THREE MS-13 GANG LEADERS SENTENCED FOR RACKETEERING, RELATED CHARGES FOR MURDERS AND ATTACKS

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Three MS-13 Leaders Sentenced for Racketeering and Related Charges for Multiple Murders and Attacks

Twelve Others Have Pleaded Guilty in the Case

Three leaders of MS-13 in Washington, D.C., were sentenced today to federal prison for conspiring to participate in racketeering activity and other charges stemming from their roles in murders, extortion and other violent crimes.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Vincent H. Cohen Jr. of the District of Columbia, Special Agent in Charge Clark E. Settles of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations’ (ICE-HSI) Washington D.C. Field Office and Chief Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made the announcement.

Noe Machado-Erazo aka Gallo, 32, of Wheaton, Maryland, was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years in prison.  Jose Martinez-Amaya, aka Crimen, 28, of Brentwood, Maryland, was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years in prison.  Yester Ayala, aka Freeway or Daddy Yankee, 24, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 30 years in prison.  Senior U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth of the District of Columbia imposed the sentences.

“MS-13 is a brutally violent gang that has plagued communities in many parts of this country, including Washington, D.C.,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell.  “The lengthy sentences imposed on the MS-13 leaders convicted in this case reflect the vicious and calculated nature of the murders they committed and the gang they led.”

“This prosecution shows our commitment to purging MS-13’s bloody brand of violence from the District of Columbia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Cohen.  “These killers brought lawless vengeance to our community and left a 14-year-old boy dead.  These gang members will now have decades in prison to reflect on their heinous crimes.”

“HSI continuously targets transnational gangs that wreak havoc on our American communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Settles.  “Today’s sentences are testament to the strong investigative work of our HSI special agents and the Metropolitan Police Department.”

“The action by the courts today further exemplifies our message to persons engaging in criminal gang activity: you will find no place for your activities here in Washington, D.C.,” said Chief Lanier.  “We will work as long as necessary to ensure this city, and the capital area, are free from the violence and harm gang activity brings into our communities.  The agents, officers, and attorneys have done a tremendous job bringing this case to a successful end.”

In August 2013, following a month-long trial, Machado-Erazo and Martinez-Amaya were found guilty of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, murder in aid of racketeering and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.  Ayala was found guilty of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree murder.

MS-13 is a large gang that operates in the United States and Central America.  Members engage in racketeering activity including murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice and other crimes.

According to evidence presented at trial, a number of small MS-13 groups, or cliques, operate in the Washington, D.C., area.  The evidence showed that the cliques have frequent contact with MS-13 leadership in El Salvador, and that they act in accordance with the MS-13’s international strictures, including the requirement that members remain unfailingly loyal to the gang.

The evidence presented at trial showed that both Machado-Erazo and Martinez-Amaya were members of the Normandie clique, and that Martinez-Amaya held a leadership position in the group; and that Ayala was a leader of the Sailors, another clique.  The evidence also showed that Machado-Erazo coordinated the activities of local MS-13 cliques.

At trial, the government presented evidence that Ayala helped carry out orders to murder Louis Alberto Membreno-Zelaya, a fellow MS-13 member who had removed his gang tattoos.  Membreno-Zelaya’s body was found on Nov. 6, 2008, in Northwest Washington, D.C.  He had been stabbed at least 20 times.

According to evidence presented at trial, Ayala also participated in the Dec. 12, 2008, murder of 14-year-old Giovanni Sanchez near the Columbia Heights Metro station in Washington D.C.  Giovanni was stabbed 11 times.

The evidence at trial also demonstrated that Machado-Erazo and Martinez-Amaya took part in the killing of Felipe Enriquez, an MS-13 member whose body was found on March 31, 2010, in Montgomery County, Maryland.  The government presented evidence that Enriquez was lured to a remote park where he was fatally shot by Martinez-Amaya.  Evidence presented during the trial showed that Machado-Erazo provided the gun used in the shooting.

The three defendants sentenced today are among numerous individuals charged in a 2010 indictment alleging criminal acts committed between 2008 and 2010 in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and other states, as well as in El Salvador.  Twelve defendants have pleaded guilty to charges in the case.

The case was investigated by ICE-HSI and the MPD.  Assistance was provided by the Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and Riverdale Park, Maryland, Police Departments; the Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Department; the State’s Attorney’s Office of Montgomery County; the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Maryland and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Virginia.  Assistance also was provided by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Laura Gwinn of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty of the District of Columbia.

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDERING, DISMEMBERING AND DUMPING HIS GIRLFRIENDS BODY IN JUNGLE

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Friday, April 17, 2015
Retired Marine Charged with Murdering His Girlfriend, Dismembering Her Body, and Dumping Her Remains in the Panamanian Jungle

Brian Karl Brimager, 37, prior boyfriend of murdered Los Angeles woman Yvonne Baldelli, was indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego, California, today on first degree murder charges.  Brimager was arraigned in court on the superseding indictment and pleaded not guilty.

Brimager has been in U.S. custody since June 2013 on charges of obstruction of justice, giving false statements to a federal officer and falsifying records all related to the same murder investigation.

According to the indictment in September 2011, Brimager and Baldelli moved together from Los Angeles, California, to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama.  They rented a room in a small five-unit hostel on Isla Carenero, a small island near Bocas reachable only by boat.  Almost immediately upon arrival Brimager began emailing another girlfriend, the mother of his young daughter.  In these emails, Brimager discussed plans to move back to California to live with this other girlfriend and help raise their daughter.  The emails did not mention Baldelli.

As revealed in the charging document, at the same time he was emailing the other girlfriend, Brimager began physically abusing Baldelli.  Among other damage, these beatings caused bruises around Baldelli’s eyes and on her arms.  The indictment alleges that around Nov. 26, 2011, Brimager murdered Baldelli, dismembered her body and disposed of her body parts in a remote jungle area on Isla Carenero.  Following her murder, Brimager engaged in an elaborate scheme to cover up the crime.  This scheme included destroying evidence, giving false information to law enforcement and sending a series of emails purportedly from Baldelli in order to make it appear to her friends and family that she was still alive.

According to the indictment, Brimager created a cover story to explain Baldelli’s whereabouts and, in the days and months that followed, engaged in a series of obstructive acts designed to back up his story.  For example, Brimager, using Baldelli’s laptop, sent emails to Baldelli’s family and friends from her personal email account, in which he purported to be Baldelli.  These emails, among other things, falsely claimed that Baldelli was alive and living in Costa Rica with another man.  To corroborate this story, Brimager, after murdering Baldelli, withdrew money from her bank accounts at an ATM to make it appear that she was on her way to Costa Rica.  He further attempted to substantiate his cover story by making another withdrawal from Baldelli’s bank accounts when he travelled through Costa Rica on his way back to the U.S.

The indictment also alleges that Brimager attempted to conceal his crime by disposing of a bloody mattress involved in Badelli’s murder in the ocean.  According to the indictment, within a few hours of murdering Baldelli and prior to dumping the mattress in the ocean, Brimager conducted two internet searches on Baldelli’s computer, one for “washing mattress” and a second for “washing mattress blood stain.”

The indictment also charges Brimager with making materially false statements to the FBI during an interview on March 21, 2012.  The indictment alleges that Brimager falsely stated that Baldelli took her white Sony VAIO laptop with her when she left Panama, when in fact, the laptop was found in Brimager’s possession on March 21, 2012, months after Baldelli’s murder.

Baldelli’s skeletal remains were not found in the jungle until almost two years after her murder.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys W. Mark Conover and Shane P. Harrigan.

QUADRUPLE HOMICIDE PERSON OF INTEREST STILL AT LARGE AFTER ONE YEAR

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
One Year Anniversary of Quadruple Homicide in Petersburg; Person of Interest Still at Large

Richmond, VA – U.S. Marshals are again releasing the following information in the fugitive hunt for Alexander Rosevelt Hill, Jr. a/k/a “Real Deal”, wanted in the City of Petersburg (VA) for Violation of a Protective Order. He is a person of interest in the deaths of four people, including a small child, in Petersburg, VA in the early morning hours on April 19, 2014, a day before Easter.

U.S. Marshals and Petersburg Police Detectives confirmed that Alexander Hill traveled to Roanoke Rapids, NC by taxi just after midnight on Easter Sunday 2014. Later that morning, Hill paid a man to drive him to the Amtrak Station in Rocky Mount, NC. Since then Hill has fallen off law enforcement’s radar.

Hill has ties to Virginia, Mississippi, Arizona, and Texas. Tips have been received indicating that he may have fled to Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, California and New York City. He has brown eyes, but also wears hazel contacts which give him a very distinct look. Hill has an infatuation with sex chat lines and a history of meeting older and considerably younger women whom he can control easily. He could be working any under-the-table paying job such as construction or landscaping.

“He could be anywhere in the U.S. at this point in time. We are still actively seeking him and will continue to search until he is apprehended. We are pleading with the public to help us in anyway possible,” said U.S. Marshal Robert Mathieson.

Anyone that may have had contact with or seen Hill is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED-2 (1-877-926-8332). The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 in total is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Hill. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

The USMS Regional Fugitive Task Force in Richmond consists of investigators for the U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Corrections, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ATF, and the Richmond, Chesterfield, Petersburg and Hopewell Police Departments, as well as the Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE CLOSES COLD CASE FROM 1972

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE 

The United States Marshals Service Cold Case Unit Closes Case from 1972
Cleveland, OH – United States Marshal Pete Elliott and Adult Parole Director Todd Ishee announce the closure of one of Ohio’s oldest warrants.

In 1967, Perry Greathouse, was charged with 1st degree Murder and convicted of manslaughter in the beating and strangulation death of his 3 year old step-daughter in Hartville, OH. Greathouse was sentenced to 1-20 years on January 25, 1967 and was released on parole on January 11, 1972. After his release, Greathouse quickly fled the state and lived a life on the run under a new alias.

The investigation identified that Greathouse’s life on the run began when he changed his name to Gerald Kelly. Gerald Kelly’s life included arrests in Atlantic City, NJ in 1974 and 1976 for sex offenses, in 1983 in Norfolk, VA for misdemeanor concealment and repeated arrests from 1986 until 1989 for crimes such as intoxication, theft, battery and arson while being homeless in Baltimore, Maryland.

Investigators found that Perry Greathouse became sick in 1990 and his days ended in a nursing home in 1990 in Baltimore, MD.

U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott explained that “this is another example of thorough police work and great team work!” With the assistance of the United States Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority “we were able to close one of our states oldest warrants.”

3 MEN SENTENCED FOR RACIALLY MOTIVATED MURDER OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAN

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Three Brandon, Mississippi, Men Sentenced for Their Roles In the Racially Motivated Assault and Murder of an African-American Man

Victim Died After Being Run Over by Truck

The Justice Department announced today that William Kirk Montgomery, 25, of Puckett, Mississippi, Jonathan Kyle Gaskamp, 22, and Joseph Paul Dominick, 23, both of Brandon, Mississippi, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Jackson for their roles in a federal hate crime conspiracy involving multiple racially motivated assaults, culminating in the death of James Craig Anderson, an African-American man, in the summer of 2011.  Montgomery was sentenced to 234 months; Gaskamp was sentenced to 48 months; and Dominick was sentenced to 48 months.

Montgomery had previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act for his role in the death-resulting assault of Anderson, 47, of Jackson, Mississippi.  Gaskamp previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act for his role in the conspiracy and in a violent assault of an unidentified African-American man near a golf course in the spring of 2011.  Dominick pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for his role.  A restitution hearing will be set for a later date.

“The Justice Department will always fight to hold accountable those who commit racially motivated assaults,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division.  “We hope that the prosecution of those responsible for this horrific crime will help provide some closure to the victim’s family and to the larger community affected by this heinous crime.”

“Violence fueled by hate spreads fear and intimidation throughout our community,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi.  “The prison sentences today make clear that our community will not tolerate hate, and individuals who commit such despicable crimes will be brought to justice.”

“The guilty pleas and resulting sentences handed down today are the result of the tremendous efforts by men and women in law enforcement who worked on this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway of the FBI in Mississippi.  “The FBI takes very seriously its responsibility to protect the civil rights of all Americans, and remains committed to its pursuit of justice for anyone who is deprived of those rights."

In prior court hearings, the defendants had admitted that beginning in the spring of 2011, they and others conspired with one another to harass and assault African Americans in and around Jackson.  On numerous occasions, the co-conspirators used dangerous weapons, including beer bottles, sling shots and motor vehicles, to cause, and attempt to cause, bodily injury to African Americans.  They would specifically target African Americans they believed to be homeless or under the influence of alcohol because they believed that such individuals would be less likely to report an assault.  The co-conspirators would often boast about these racially motivated assaults.

Montgomery admitted his presence and participation in numerous racially motivated assaults, including the beating and killing of James Craig Anderson.  Specifically, Montgomery admitted that in the early morning hours of June 26, 2011, he and six other co-conspirators agreed to carry out their plan to find, harass and assault African Americans.  At around 4:15 a.m., Montgomery and three co-conspirators drove to west Jackson in Montgomery’s white Jeep with the understanding that the other three co-conspirators would join them a short time later.  Montgomery and the three other occupants of the Jeep then drove around west Jackson and threw beer bottles from the moving vehicle at African-American pedestrians they encountered.

At approximately 5:00 a.m., Montgomery and the three other two occupants of the Jeep spotted Anderson in a motel parking lot off Ellis Avenue.  The occupants of the Jeep decided that Anderson would be a good target for an assault because he was African-American and appeared to be intoxicated.  Two of the co-conspirators got out of the Jeep to distract Anderson while they waited for the other three co-conspirators to arrive.  After the other three co-conspirators arrived in a Ford F250 truck, two of the co-conspirators physically assaulted Anderson.  After the assault, Montgomery and three co-conspirators left the motel parking lot in the Jeep.  The driver of the Ford F250 then deliberately used his truck to run over Anderson, causing injuries which resulted in Anderson’s death.  After Anderson’s death, a number of the co-conspirators including Montgomery agreed to, and did, give false statements to law enforcement officials about the nature of their interactions with Anderson.

Gaskamp admitted to participating in an assault-filled evening during which he and five co-conspirators drove to Jackson armed with Gaskamp’s handgun, struck multiple victims with large glass beer bottles hurled from the moving vehicle.  Gaskamp further admitted that they located a homeless African-American man near a golf course and that he and two of his co-defendants punched and kicked the man until he begged for his life.  Dominick admitted to participating in different assault-filled evening during which he and four co-conspirators also struck multiple victims with large glass beer bottles thrown from their moving vehicle, and to shooting multiple victims with metal ball bearings fired from a slingshot.

Three other defendants in related cases, Deryl Paul Dedmon, 22, John Aaron Rice, 22, and Dylan Wade Butler, 23, all of Brandon, Mississippi, were previously sentenced to 600 months, 220 months, and 78 months, respectively for their roles in the conspiracy.  Four other defendants involved in related cases,  Sarah Adelia Graves, 21, of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, Shelby Brooke Richards, 21, of Pearl, Mississippi, John Louis Blalack, 20, and Robert Henry Rice, 24, both of Brandon, Mississippi, are awaiting sentencing.

This case was the result of a cooperative effort among the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi and the Hinds County, Mississippi, District Attorney’s Office.  This case was investigated by the Jackson Division of the FBI and the Jackson Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sheldon L. Beer and Deputy Chief Paige M. Fitzgerald of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Glenda R. Haynes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.

IMPERIAL GANGSTER LEADER CONVICTED IN FIVE MURDERS, OTHER CRIMES

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Friday, March 6, 2015

Leader Of Imperial Gangsters Convicted in Five Murders, One Attempted Murder and Other Gang-Related Crimes

A leader of the Imperial Gangsters street gang was convicted by a federal jury in the Northern District of Indiana of five counts of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, one firearms count related to the attempted murder, one count of engaging in a RICO conspiracy, one count of engaging in a conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and related offenses.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David A. Capp of the Northern District of Indiana made the announcement.

Juan Briseno aka “Tito”, 25, of Hammond, Indiana, was part of a 24-defendant indictment alleging that members of the Imperial Gangsters committed 13 homicides in East Chicago, Hammond and Gary, Indiana.  The indictment also charged a decade-long racketeering conspiracy that involved 19 additional attempted murders and the large scale distribution of cocaine and marijuana.  Sentencing is scheduled for June 15, before Chief Judge Philip P. Simon of the Northern District of Indiana.

According to evidence presented at trial, the Imperial Gangsters had a standing rule to shoot on sight any rival gang member.  They also had a policy to shoot anyone selling drugs in their neighborhood without their permission.  Briseno was convicted of five murders, which the evidence demonstrated were committed pursuant to the gang’s policies and in furtherance of the 149 th Street Imperial Gangsters, a violent clique of the Imperial Gangsters based in East Chicago.

The evidence further demonstrated that Briseno exercised a leadership role in the gang, in which he supervised the “shorties, or prospective members of the 149th Street Imperial Gangsters.  Briseno expressed no remorse for his participation in various murders, and indeed bragged about killings and encouraged others to do the same.

With regard to the specific murders, the evidence at trial demonstrated that Briseno knocked on Luis Ortiz’s apartment door in Hammond, Indiana, on Sept. 26, 2007, and shot him dead in the doorway to the apartment.  Briseno targeted Ortiz because he was a member of the rival Latin King Street Gang.

Additionally, the evidence demonstrated that Briseno committed the double murder of Miguel Mejias, a Latin King living in Imperial Gangster territory, and Michael Sessum, an associate of Mejias, while they were unarmed and bringing takeout food to their pregnant girlfriends on June 3, 2008.  During that murder, multiple shots fired by Briseno entered Mejias’ residence, striking a female victim in the arm while she was holding her infant child.  Another pregnant female victim and multiple minor victims were also in the apartment at the time of the shooting.  According to testimony at trial, Mejias implored another individual to tell Briseno that he was no longer “gangbanging” and did not want any trouble.  In response to this message, Briseno said, “[explecetive] him, he was going to bring [Latin] Kings into our neighborhood.”

The evidence at trial also demonstrated that Briseno and his associates murdered rival Two-Six gang member, Miguel Colon, on Feb. 7, 2010, as Colon came out of a party.  In this incident, Briseno and Colon exchanged gunfire, endangering numerous innocent individuals who were in the vicinity.

Finally, the evidence at trial demonstrated that Briseno murdered Latroy Howard on June 19, 2010, for selling drugs in an Imperial Gangster-controlled neighborhood without the permission of the gang.  A video introduced at trial showed Briseno circling the block in his car and then walking up on foot and shooting the unarmed Howard twice in the head at point-blank range.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the East Chicago Police Department, with assistance from the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department and the Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Nozick of the Northern District of Indiana and Trial Attorney Bruce R. Hegyi of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.

LEADER LOS VEGAS PLAYBOY BLOODS GANG RECEIVES 23 YEAR PRISON TERM

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Leader of Las Vegas Playboy Bloods Street Gang Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

A leader of the Las Vegas Playboy Bloods street gang was sentenced to 23 years in prison today for engaging in a racketeering conspiracy and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden of the District of Nevada.

Markette Tillman, 31, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty on July 29, 2014, two days into his jury trial, before U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson of the District of Nevada.

According to Tillman’s plea agreement and evidence presented at trial, the Bloods is a nationally-known criminal street gang whose members engage in drug trafficking and acts of violence.  The Playboy Bloods is a local “set” or affiliate of the national Bloods gang with local control and operation within the Las Vegas metropolitan area.  The Playboy Bloods operate primarily in the Sherman Gardens Annex, a Las Vegas public housing complex commonly called the “Jets.”

Tillman admitted that on Jan. 20, 2004, he aided and abetted the murder of a security guard at the Jets.  The guard approached Tillman and several other Playboy Bloods and told them to leave the property.  An argument ensued and the guard rode away on his bicycle to get help.  One of the Playboy Bloods fired a gun at the guard, hitting him two times and killing him.

Tillman further admitted that he agreed with other members of the Playboy Bloods to manufacture and distribute narcotics, primarily crack cocaine, and to operate drug houses within the Playboy Bloods’ turf.  Tillman specifically admitted to distributing in excess of 280 grams of crack cocaine over the course of the racketeering conspiracy.

Tillman was the last of 10 gang members charged in the indictment filed in 2008 to be sentenced.  The nine other convicted gang members received the following sentences:

Jacorey Taylor, aka “Mo-B,” 31, was sentenced to life in prison on Oct. 21, 2013, after being convicted by a jury of engaging in a racketeering conspiracy, committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity, using a firearm during a crime of violence, engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it.

Steven Booth, aka “Stevie-P,” 27, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on April 10, 2013, after pleading guilty to engaging in a racketeering conspiracy involving two murders.

Reginald Dunlap, aka “Bowlie,” 30, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on April 9, 2013, after pleading guilty to engaging in a racketeering conspiracy involving one murder.

Demichael Burks, aka “Mikey P,” 29, was sentenced to 6 ½ years in prison on Dec. 3, 2010, after pleading guilty to engaging in a racketeering conspiracy.

Anthony Mabry, aka “Akim Slim,” 43, was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Oct. 20, 2010, after pleading guilty to engaging in a racketeering conspiracy.

Delvin Ward, aka “D-Luv,” 37, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Sept. 17, 2010, after pleading guilty to engaging in a racketeering conspiracy.

Terrence Thomas, aka “Seven,” 40, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on June 16, 2010, after pleading guilty to engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Sebastian Wigg, aka “Rock,” 36, was sentenced to five years in prison on March 29, 2010, after pleading guilty to engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Fred Nix, aka “June P,” 36, was sentenced to five years in prison on March 29, 2010, after pleading guilty to engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Las Vegas Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes officers from the North Las Vegas Police Department and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kevin L. Rosenberg of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas D. Dickinson and Phillip N. Smith Jr. of the District of Nevada.

10 ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS GANG MEMBERS SENTENCED IN RACKETEERING CONSPIRACY CASE

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Ten Sentenced for Involvement in Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Racketeering Conspiracy

Final 10 of 36 Convicted and Sentenced

Ten Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang members and associates were sentenced to prison this week for their roles in the violent ABT enterprise, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.

Today, Michael Richard Lamphere, 56, of Houston, Texas, Glen Ray Millican Jr., 41, of Houston, Texas, and Rebecca Johnson Cropp, 46, of Dallas, Texas, were sentenced to serve respective terms of 240 months, 120 months and 36 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas.  Earlier this week, William David Maynard, 44, of Houston, Texas, Sammy Keith Shipman, 32, of Houston, Texas, Chad Ray Folmsbee, 32, of Houston, Texas, David Orlando Roberts, 36, of Houston, Texas, Justin Christopher Northrup, 29, of Houston, Texas, Tammy Melissa Wall, 45, of Otto, North Carolina, and Benjamin Troy Johnson, 43, of Corpus Christi, Texas, were each sentenced to serve respective terms of 262 months, 188 months, 140 months, 135 months, 130 months, 72 months and 36 months in federal prison.

According to information presented in court, the 10 defendants were admitted members and associates of the ABT, a powerful race-based organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas and the United States.  Along with other ABT gang members and associates, they agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang.  ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things.

The ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system.  The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s.  Previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism, but over time, the ABT has expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit, according to court records.

In order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member.  Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violated the rules or posed a threat to the enterprise.  Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

The defendants sentenced this week represent the final 10 of 36 defendants convicted of conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise, among other charges.

This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case was investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite, Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ed Gallagher and Tim Braley of the Southern District of Texas.

7 ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS GANG MEMBERS SENTENCED FOR ROLES IN "VIOLENT ABT ENTERPRISE"

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Seven Sentenced For Involvement in Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Racketeering Conspiracy

Seven Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang members from Houston and Dallas were sentenced to prison this week for their roles in the violent ABT enterprise, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.

Today, Stephen Tobin Mullen, 45, of Dallas, and James Erik Sharron, 40, of Houston, were sentenced to respective terms of 156 months and 72 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas.  Yesterday, Larry Max Bryan, 52, of Houston, and Terry Ross Blake, 56, of Corpus Christi, both high-ranking leaders of the ABT, were sentenced to 300 months and 180 months in federal prison, respectively.  Jamie Grant Loveall, 38, of Houston; Kelly Ray Elley, 37, of Houston; and Ronald Lee Prince, 44, of Dallas, were also sentenced to respective terms of 390 months, 270 months and 120 months in federal prison.

According to information presented in court, the seven defendants were admitted members of ABT, a powerful race-based, statewide organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas and the United States. Along with other ABT gang members and associates, they agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang.

The ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system.  The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s.  Previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism, but over time, the ABT has expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit, according to court records.

In order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member.  Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violated the rules or posed a threat to the enterprise.  ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things.  Members were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

The defendants sentenced this week are seven of 36 defendants convicted of conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise, among other charges.  

This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite, Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ed Gallagher and Tim Braley of the Southern District of Texas.

MAN RECEIVES SENTENCE FOR HIS ROLE IN FIREBOMBING OF WITNESS'S FAMILY

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Deadly Firebombing of Federal Witness's Family

A Philadelphia man was sentenced today in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to serve 40 years in prison for his role in the retaliatory firebombing that killed six members of a federal witness’s family, including four children.  

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Hanko of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division made the announcement.  

Lamont Lewis, 38, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty in 2011 for his role in the firebombing of Eugene Coleman’s family home in retaliation for Coleman’s cooperation with law enforcement.  Lewis also pleaded guilty to an additional five murders murder-for-hire, and drug trafficking charges, and agreed to testify against Kaboni Savage and his cousin, Robert Merritt, who assisted Lewis in carrying out the firebombing.  U.S. District Judge R. Barclay Surrick of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania imposed the sentence after considering Lewis’s cooperation in the prosecution of Savage and others.

According to Lewis’s testimony at trial, at Savage’s direction, Lewis and Merritt firebombed the Coleman family home in retaliation for Coleman’s testimony against Savage.  Lewis admitted that he spoke to Savage in the evening hours of Oct. 8, 2004, at which time Savage asked for a favor and told Lewis that his sister, Kidada Savage, would explain the plan after the phone call.  Shortly thereafter, Kidada Savage advised Lewis of the plan to firebomb the Coleman residence, and drove Lewis to the location to identify the house.  In the early morning hours of Oct. 9, 2004, Lewis contacted Merritt and explained the plan to him.  Lewis and Merritt filled up two gas cans while en route to the Coleman residence.  Then, while Lewis gained entry and fired warning shots into the residence, Merritt threw a gas can with a lit cloth fuse, and then a second gas can, into the occupied Philadelphia row house.  Six people, including four children ranging in age from 15 months to 15 years, were killed in the fire.

Co-defendants Kaboni Savage,Kidada Savage, and Merritt were also convicted for their roles in the firebombing at the May 2013 trial.  Kaboni Savage, who was also convicted of other crimes, was sentenced to death for 12 counts of murder in aid of racketeering.  Kidada Savage and Robert Merritt were sentenced to life in prison.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and the Maple Shade, New Jersey Police Department.  The United States Bureau of Prisons, the United States Marshals Service, and the Philadelphia / Camden High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force also assisted in the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Steve Mellin of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Troyer and John M. Gallagher of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.          

ESCAPED PRISONER SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER, CARJACKING WHILE ON THE RUN

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

John Charles Mccluskey Sentenced to Life in Prison for Carjacking and Murdering Oklahoma Couple

John Charles McCluskey, 49, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Judith C. Herrera of the District of New Mexico to serve life in prison followed by a consecutive term of 2,820 months (235 years) in prison for carjacking and murdering a retired couple from Oklahoma in August 2010.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez of the District of New Mexico, Special Agent in Charge Carol K.O. Lee of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division and New Mexico State Police Chief Pete N. Kassetas made the announcement.

McCluskey and his co-defendants, Tracy Allen Province, 46, and Casslyn Mae Welch, 47, were charged with numerous capital offenses in an indictment arising out of the Aug. 2, 2010, carjacking and murders of Gary and Linda Haas, both 61, in Quay County, New Mexico.  On Jan. 20, 2012, Province and Welch entered guilty pleas to crimes arising out of the carjacking and murder of Mr. and Mrs. Haas, and agreed to testify during McCluskey’s capital trial.  Yesterday, Province was sentenced to five consecutive terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of release as required by his plea agreement and Welch was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

On Oct. 7, 2013, McCluskey was found guilty on all counts of the indictment after an eight-week trial, and later was found eligible for the death penalty on Nov. 5, 2013, following a three-week proceeding.  McCluskey’s capital trial concluded on Dec. 11, 2013, when the jury said it was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the death penalty, thus requiring that McCluskey be sentenced to life in prison.

“With the help of his conspirators, John Charles McCluskey mercilessly killed two innocent victims and burned their bodies as he fled law enforcement after escaping from prison,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell.  “Our thoughts are with those whose lives were changed forever by these heinous crimes.”

“Today’s sentencing hearing brings to a close a case that focused on an exceptionally violent episode in the summer of 2010, during which John Charles McCluskey and Tracy Allen Province escaped from prison with help from Casslyn Mae Welch, committed multiple kidnappings during their interstate flight from justice, and mercilessly killed two innocent victims to eliminate them as witnesses,” said U.S. Attorney Martinez.   “While the sentences imposed on McCluskey and his co-conspirators cannot restore the loss of Gary and Linda Haas, I hope that they bring some measure of comfort and closure to their families and friends and I commend the prosecutors and investigators who worked tirelessly to seek justice for Gary and Linda Haas.”

The evidence presented during McCluskey’s capital trial established that, on July 30, 2010, McCluskey and Province escaped from an Arizona state prison with Welch’s aid.  On Aug. 2, 2010, McCluskey, Province and Welch carjacked Mr. and Mrs. Haas and their pickup truck and camping trailer at a rest stop off Interstate 40 in Quay County.  McCluskey shot and killed Mr. and Mrs. Haas in the trailer in a remote location east of Tucumcari, New Mexico.  The three associates then drove the Haases’ truck and trailer to a remote area in Guadalupe County, New Mexico, where they unhitched, burned and abandoned the trailer with the Haases’ remains still inside.  On Aug. 4, 2010, the New Mexico State Police discovered the burned remains of Mr. and Mrs. Haas in the trailer.  Province was arrested in Wyoming on Aug. 9, 2010, and McCluskey and Welch were arrested in Arizona on Aug. 19, 2010, following a nationwide, multi-agency manhunt.

“The rationale behind violent crimes like the ones committed against the Haases may be hard to understand, but our message today is crystal clear: the FBI and its partners will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who show such a callous disregard for innocent lives,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Lee.   “I am proud of the hard work of the FBI investigators and support personnel who worked on this case, alongside the federal prosecutors, victim/witness specialists, the New Mexico State Police and U.S. Marshals Service.”

“The conviction of John McCluskey and subsequent sentence of life in prison, without the chance of parole, is one that will make the community safer not only for the citizens we serve but also for the law enforcement officers who are sworn to protect them,” said New Mexico Police Chief Kassetas.  “McCluskey was and is a criminal predator who has no respect for the basic rights and liberties that we as a society value so greatly.  I can only hope that he is kept in a maximum level incarceration facility that will eliminate his ability to cause harm to anyone while he serves out his life sentence.   I again want to thank the FBI, U.S. Attorney's Office and all the other New Mexico and Arizona law enforcement agencies that assisted with the Haas murder investigation, and with the capture and prosecution of McCluskey.”

The case was investigated by Albuquerque and Phoenix Divisions of the FBI and the New Mexico State Police.  It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Michael S. Warbel of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Mott and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Fouratt of the District of New Mexico, with assistance from Kristopher N. Houghton, a contract attorney employed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

INMATE PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDERING U.S. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Murder of United States Correctional Officer

A federal inmate pleaded guilty today for the murder of United States Correctional Officer Jose Rivera, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner for the Eastern District of California.

James Ninete Leon Guerrero, 48, of Guam, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Phillip Pro to one count of murder by a federal prisoner serving a life sentence.  According to court documents, Guerrero aided and abetted co-defendant Jose Cabrera Sablan in the stabbing death of Officer Rivera.

Court documents allege that on June 20, 2008, as Officer Rivera was on duty, conducting his daily count in the United States Penitentiary in Atwater, Calif., Sablan attacked him with an eight-inch homemade shank.  Officer Rivera tried to flee, but he was knocked backwards by Sablan and tackled by Guerrero.  Guerrero held Officer Rivera down as Sablan stabbed him with the shank more than 20 times.  Officer Rivera was 22 years old at the time of his death and was a United States Navy veteran.

Sablan and Guerrero were indicted for murder on Aug. 14, 2008.  As a result of Guerrero’s plea, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.  His sentencing has been scheduled for May 30, 2014, in the Eastern District of California.

Sablan’s case is set for trial on April 6, 2015.   He is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Prisons and the FBI.   This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Bonnie Hannan of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Duce Rice of the Eastern District of California.

WOMAN CONVICTED IN DEADLY FIREBOMBING CASE

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 
Friday, February 21, 2014
Philadelphia Woman Sentenced for Her Role in Deadly Firebombings

Kidada Savage, 31, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today to life in prison for her role in the Oct. 9, 2004, firebombing that killed six members of a federal witness’s family.   Savage is the sister of Kaboni Savage, who ordered the firebombing and who was sentenced to death for 12 counts of murder in aid of racketeering.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, United States Attorney Zane David Memeger of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Hanko of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division made the announcement.

Kidada Savage was convicted on May 13, 2013, of six counts of murder in aid of racketeering, all related to the firebombing of Eugene Coleman’s family home.   Coleman was a federal witness at the time.   Six people, including four children, were killed in the arson.   Kaboni and Kidada Savage were also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, retaliating against a witness by murder and using fire to commit a felony.

Kidada Savage acted as a go-between for her brother, who was in federal custody awaiting a drug trial, and Lamont Lewis, who committed the firebombing.   Lewis pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.   Robert Merritt and Steven Northington were also convicted in the case.  Northington was sentenced to life; Merritt is awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and the Maple Shade Police Department in New Jersey.   The United States Bureau of Prisons, United States Marshals Service and the Philadelphia / Camden High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force also assisted in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Steve Mellin of the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Troyer and John M. Gallagher.

ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS GANG LEADER PLEADS GUILTY TO RACKETEERING

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 
Friday, February 21, 2014
Reputed Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Leader and a Fellow Gang Member Plead Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges

An alleged general of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang (ABT) and a fellow gang member pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges related to their membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.

James Francis Sampsell, aka “Skitz,” 44, of Odessa, Texas, and Fredrick Michal Villarreal, aka, “Big Mike,” 35, of Houston, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.

According to court documents, Sampsell, Villarreal and other ABT gang members and associates agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang.   Sampsell, Villarreal and numerous ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other activities.

By pleading guilty to racketeering charges, Sampsell and Villarreal admitted to being members of the ABT criminal enterprise.

According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system.   The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s.   According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism.   Over time, the ABT expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violated the rules or posed a threat to the enterprise.   Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

According to the superseding indictment, in order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member.   Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

At sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 7, 2014, Sampsell and Villarreal each face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Sampsell and Villarreal are two of 36 defendants charged with conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise, among other charges.   To date, 21 defendants have pleaded guilty.

This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite, Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office.