Crime Archives - Page 195 of 244

MD and VA Men Facing Federal Charges for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $550,000 in COVID-19 Cares Act Unemployment Insurance Benefits Using the Personal Information of Identity Theft Victims

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:46PM

A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Michael Cooley, Jr., a/k/a “Micheal Cooley Jr.,” “5Micmusik,” and “Michael White,” age 24, and Isiah Lewis, a/k/a “Zay,” age 33, both of Maryland; and “Alonzo Brown, age 26, of Virginia, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, relating to the submission of fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, enacted to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The superseding indictment was filed July 19, 2023, and unsealed today upon the arrest of the defendants.

Lewis is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt at 2:30 p.m. Cooley and Brown are expected to have their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Georgia this afternoon as well.

Maryland MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:40PM

S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Brayan Alexander Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, yesterday to 28 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha (“WLS”) clique of the MS-13 gang, which operated primarily in Adelphi, Maryland. Torres was the clique’s leader or “First Word.” Judge Xinis also ordered that Torres pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 4’s estate.

According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in Maryland and throughout the United States. MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region, and are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rivals. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. MS-13 members earn promotions and improved standing within the gang for participating in attacks on rival gang members, often at the direction of MS-13 leadership.

Off-Duty Officer Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 3:09PM

According to the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Michael Mason, defendant, David Hall Dixon, 42, of Takoma Park, MD, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of 38-year-old James Johnson and 32-year-old Dominique Williams, and one count of first-degree assault for shooting at a third victim. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 16^th, 2023. Dixon faces up to 30 years in prison per a plea agreement. The judge may or may not add additional suspended time.

This stems from an incident on the morning of April 7^th, 2021, when the defendant fired gun shots at a vehicle in the parking lot of his apartment building located along the 7000 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park, striking two of the occupants. Dixon told police that he believed the people inside of the vehicle had been attempting to break into a parked van. The defendant was an off-duty Police Officer with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. State’s Attorney John McCarthy and Assistant State’s Attorney George Simms are prosecuting this case.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

MCPD: Detectives Investigating Hate-Based Vandalism on Josiah Henson Parkway Bridge Found in August

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 12:33PM

On August 27, 2023, at approximately 7: 53 p.m., 2nd District officers observed orange spray paint reading, “Club Aryan Excellent” with a black Swastika in an orange outline and a palm tree painted on the wall under the Josiah Henson Parkway pedestrian tunnel.

Anyone with information regarding suspect(s) or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tips may remain anonymous.”

Detectives Investigate Mail Theft in Bethesda

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 11:24AM | Updated September 14, 2023 at 11:50AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects who stole packages and mail from an apartment complex in Bethesda.

On August 19, 2023, 2nd District officers responded to the 5400 block of Westbard Ave. for the report of a theft that occurred earlier. The investigation by detectives has determined that two suspects entered the secured building, after a resident opened the lobby door to pick up a food delivery. Once in the building, the suspects stole multiple packages belonging to residents. Detectives obtained surveillance video of the suspects.

Police Investigating Armed Robbery of Germantown 7-Eleven; Video of Suspects Released

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 10:20AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- Major Crimes Division area investigating a commercial armed robbery that occurred on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at a 7-Eleven in the 12300 block of Middlebrook Road in Germantown. At approximately 12:45 a.m., 5th District officers responded to the location for the report of a commercial armed robbery.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that two suspects entered the 7-Eleven. One of the suspects displayed a black handgun, pointed it at an employee, forced the employee behind the cash register and demanded cash. The employee complied with the suspect’s initial demand. When the employee was unable to comply with the suspect’s demand to open the store safe, the suspect demanded personal property from the employee.

Defendant Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter in Fentanyl Overdose Case

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 8:25AM

Courtesy Google Maps

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Christopher Fogelman sentenced defendant, Teymour Peters, 22, of Rockville, to ten years in prison suspend all but one year and five years of supervised probation upon release. In addition, the defendant has served seven months pre-trial and is not receiving credit for time served, so the total sentence is 19 months in prison. The sentencing hearing occurred on Monday, September 11^th.

Peters pleaded guilty on June 15^th, 2023, to involuntary manslaughter for the death of Kevin Ourand, 20, of Rockville. Ourand was found deceased by his mother in her basement on October 12, 2022. A medical examiner determined cause of death to be fentanyl intoxication. The defendant sold Ourand pills and it was clear from messages recovered from the victim’s phone that the defendant was aware the pills contained fentanyl. These were blue pills stamped with the letter “M” and the number “30” to mimic the appearance of prescription medication. This case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Kimberly Cissel and Jennifer Harrison, who both serve on the Overdose Prosecution Task Force.”

Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Launches Somber PSA on Impacts of Gun Violence

By MCS Staff

Published September 12, 2023 at 7:30PM

On Sunday, September 10, Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron launched a 60 second public service announcement encouraging viewers to take action to end gun violence. The video aired across Maryland just before kickoff of the Baltimore Ravens home opener, and will continue to broadcast across cable and digital platforms in Maryland.

“Gun violence impacts more than one person or one family. Friends, parents, employers, neighbors – all are forced to confront the devastating realities of gun violence,” said Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “We are bringing together law enforcement, community organizations, and private citizens in pursuit of a common goal: protecting the places we call home.”

19-Year-Old Arrested for Running “Chop-Shop” Out of Rockville Home

By Patrick Herron

Published September 12, 2023 at 11:50AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 19-year-old Bill Gomez with auto theft related offenses that occurred over the span of several months in the Rockville and Baltimore areas. Detectives from the Auto Crime Enforcement Section (ACES) were investigating the rise of Infiniti G37 models being stolen in the county and developed Gomez as a suspect.

The investigation revealed that Gomez was running a pseudo “chop-shop” out of his residence located in the 800 block of Westmore Avenue in Rockville. Gomez had also obtained Vehicle Identification Numbers from wrecked/salvaged vehicles and placed them onto stolen vehicles to conceal their stolen status.

Detectives Investigate Credit Card Theft and Fraud in Olney and Poolesville; Reward of up to $10,000 Offered for Information

By MCS Staff

Published September 12, 2023 at 10:13AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 1st and 4th District Patrol Investigation Units are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying fraud suspects. On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the victim stated that her credit cards were stolen out of her wallet in the Olney area. The investigation by detectives determined that the suspects fraudulently used the credits cards at several stores in Montgomery Mall.

On Friday, August 11, 2023, a Poolesville victim reported a theft from auto, where the suspects stole the victim’s credit cards and an undetermined amount of cash. The suspects fraudulently used the credits cards at multiple stores in Montgomery Mall.

Twenty-One-Year-Old Woman Charged with Second Degree Murder After Allegedly Stabbing Boyfriend Sunday Night in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Published September 11, 2023 at 11:42AM

Courtesy Google Maps

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 21-year-old Jennifer Abigail Espinoza Orellana, of Gaithersburg, with the homicide of 20-year-old Jose Manuel Zavala Marquez. On Sunday, September 10, 2023, at approximately 5:51 a.m., 1st District officers responded to the Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in the 9900 block of Medical Center Drive in Rockville for the report of a male who was dropped off with trauma to his body.

The investigation has revealed that Espinoza Orellana had an argument with her boyfriend, Zavala Marquez, at her residence in the 8000 block of Shady Spring Drive in Gaithersburg. The argument continued outside the residence, where Espinoza Orellana allegedly stabbed Zavala Marquez in the chest with a knife. Espinoza Orellana then placed Zavala Marquez in her vehicle and dropped him off at the hospital, where Zavala Marquez was later pronounced dead.