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Three D.C. Men Found Guilty of Murder for November 2021 Shooting
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release:
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Three D.C. Men Found Guilty of Murder for November 2021 Shooting
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WASHINGTON - Demonte Gibson, 28, Tre'Quan Nelson, 26, and Asani Forte, 29, all of Washington, D.C., were found guilty today in D.C. Superior Court, related to a shooting on November 3, 2021, that killed 34-year-old Delonte King and injured several others, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"Individuals who commit acts of violence against residents of the District have no place in our society," ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release: * * * Three D.C. Men Found Guilty of Murder for November 2021 Shooting * WASHINGTON - Demonte Gibson, 28, Tre'Quan Nelson, 26, and Asani Forte, 29, all of Washington, D.C., were found guilty today in D.C. Superior Court, related to a shooting on November 3, 2021, that killed 34-year-old Delonte King and injured several others, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. "Individuals who commit acts of violence against residents of the District have no place in our society,"said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Today's verdict takes violent offenders off our streets and contributes to a safer D.C. for everyone."
Gibson was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of malicious destruction of property, and one count of conspiracy.
Nelson was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder while armed.
Forte was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder while armed.
This is a retrial as the case resulted in a hung jury in April 2025. Superior Court Judge scheduled sentencing for Gibson on January 8, 2027.
According to the government's evidence, at approximately 2:02 p.m., on November 3, 2021, members of the Metropolitan Police Department's Third District responded to the report of a shooting in the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Upon arrival, the members located an adult male victim, Delonte King, unconscious and breathing, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the head and back. Shortly thereafter, a second adult male shooting victim, 64-year-old Allen Hillyer, was located in the 2900 block of 14th Street, NW. Mr. Hillyer was conscious and breathing but suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. District of Columbia Fire & EMS units were summoned to the scene, and both victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Later, two additional victims, who were not injured but suffered destruction of property, were inside their home when a bullet came through a third-floor bedroom window, located in Trinity Towers, right up the street from the shooting location. ShotSpotter did not alert to this incident, but later provided that approximately 25 rounds were from the reported location. Surveillance video showed all three defendants congregating together without masks in the area of the shooting and eventually, the defendants were arrested for the shooting spree. A search warrant of Gibson's apartment uncovered guns and ammo (including head stamps that match some of the head stamps on shell casings found at the murder scene - 40 caliber) they also found a ski mask and purple brand jeans that appear to be identical to the ski mask and the jeans worn by Gibson during the homicide shooting.
Surveillance image of the three defendants in front entrance of 1443 Fairmont Street, NW
Gibson was arrested on February 27, 2023, Nelson was arrested on March 30, 2023, and Forte was arrested on April 25, 2023. All have been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin DeRiso.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/three-dc-men-found-guilty-murder-november-2021-shooting
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Three D.C. Men Found Guilty of Murder for November 2021 Shooting
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WASHINGTON - Demonte Gibson, 28, Tre'Quan Nelson, 26, and Asani Forte, 29, all of Washington, D.C., were found guilty today in D.C. Superior Court, related to a shooting on November 3, 2021, that killed 34-year-old Delonte King and injured several others, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"Individuals who commit acts of violence against residents of the District have no place in our society," ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release: * * * Three D.C. Men Found Guilty of Murder for November 2021 Shooting * WASHINGTON - Demonte Gibson, 28, Tre'Quan Nelson, 26, and Asani Forte, 29, all of Washington, D.C., were found guilty today in D.C. Superior Court, related to a shooting on November 3, 2021, that killed 34-year-old Delonte King and injured several others, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. "Individuals who commit acts of violence against residents of the District have no place in our society,"said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Today's verdict takes violent offenders off our streets and contributes to a safer D.C. for everyone."
Gibson was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of malicious destruction of property, and one count of conspiracy.
Nelson was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder while armed.
Forte was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder while armed.
This is a retrial as the case resulted in a hung jury in April 2025. Superior Court Judge scheduled sentencing for Gibson on January 8, 2027.
According to the government's evidence, at approximately 2:02 p.m., on November 3, 2021, members of the Metropolitan Police Department's Third District responded to the report of a shooting in the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Upon arrival, the members located an adult male victim, Delonte King, unconscious and breathing, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the head and back. Shortly thereafter, a second adult male shooting victim, 64-year-old Allen Hillyer, was located in the 2900 block of 14th Street, NW. Mr. Hillyer was conscious and breathing but suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. District of Columbia Fire & EMS units were summoned to the scene, and both victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Later, two additional victims, who were not injured but suffered destruction of property, were inside their home when a bullet came through a third-floor bedroom window, located in Trinity Towers, right up the street from the shooting location. ShotSpotter did not alert to this incident, but later provided that approximately 25 rounds were from the reported location. Surveillance video showed all three defendants congregating together without masks in the area of the shooting and eventually, the defendants were arrested for the shooting spree. A search warrant of Gibson's apartment uncovered guns and ammo (including head stamps that match some of the head stamps on shell casings found at the murder scene - 40 caliber) they also found a ski mask and purple brand jeans that appear to be identical to the ski mask and the jeans worn by Gibson during the homicide shooting.
Surveillance image of the three defendants in front entrance of 1443 Fairmont Street, NW
Gibson was arrested on February 27, 2023, Nelson was arrested on March 30, 2023, and Forte was arrested on April 25, 2023. All have been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin DeRiso.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/three-dc-men-found-guilty-murder-november-2021-shooting
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Italian Alien Charged with Voting in 2024 General Election and Lying About it
TAMPA, Florida, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
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Italian Alien Charged with Voting in 2024 General Election and Lying About it
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Tampa, Florida - Andrea Catanese (60), an Italian national, has been charged by federal indictment with voting by an alien, attempting to procure naturalization unlawfully, and making a false statement related to naturalization. If convicted on all counts, Catanese faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U. S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According ... Show Full Article TAMPA, Florida, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release: * * * Italian Alien Charged with Voting in 2024 General Election and Lying About it * Tampa, Florida - Andrea Catanese (60), an Italian national, has been charged by federal indictment with voting by an alien, attempting to procure naturalization unlawfully, and making a false statement related to naturalization. If convicted on all counts, Catanese faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U. S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Accordingto the indictment, Catanese, voted in the 2024 general election despite not being a citizen of the United States. The indictment further alleges that afterward, Catanese falsely stated he had never voted in a federal election on an Application for Naturalization and then made the same false statement to an immigration official who was reviewing the application.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Andreu.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/illegal-alien-italy-charged-voting-2024-general-election-and-lying-about-it
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Italian Alien Charged with Voting in 2024 General Election and Lying About it
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Tampa, Florida - Andrea Catanese (60), an Italian national, has been charged by federal indictment with voting by an alien, attempting to procure naturalization unlawfully, and making a false statement related to naturalization. If convicted on all counts, Catanese faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U. S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According ... Show Full Article TAMPA, Florida, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release: * * * Italian Alien Charged with Voting in 2024 General Election and Lying About it * Tampa, Florida - Andrea Catanese (60), an Italian national, has been charged by federal indictment with voting by an alien, attempting to procure naturalization unlawfully, and making a false statement related to naturalization. If convicted on all counts, Catanese faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U. S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Accordingto the indictment, Catanese, voted in the 2024 general election despite not being a citizen of the United States. The indictment further alleges that afterward, Catanese falsely stated he had never voted in a federal election on an Application for Naturalization and then made the same false statement to an immigration official who was reviewing the application.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Andreu.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/illegal-alien-italy-charged-voting-2024-general-election-and-lying-about-it
Foreign National Among Defendants Charged in Seven-Count Housing and Social Security Fraud Scheme
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release:
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Foreign National Among Defendants Charged in Seven-Count Housing and Social Security Fraud Scheme
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WASHINGTON - A seven count Superseding Indictment was unsealed yesterday in U.S. District Court charging Maliktra Derenorcourt, 27, and Philippe Oliver Gadie, 34, both residents of the District of Columbia, with a multi-year scheme to allegedly enrich themselves by using fake or stolen identities to fraudulently obtain leaseholds on units at various apartment complexes without ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release: * * * Foreign National Among Defendants Charged in Seven-Count Housing and Social Security Fraud Scheme * WASHINGTON - A seven count Superseding Indictment was unsealed yesterday in U.S. District Court charging Maliktra Derenorcourt, 27, and Philippe Oliver Gadie, 34, both residents of the District of Columbia, with a multi-year scheme to allegedly enrich themselves by using fake or stolen identities to fraudulently obtain leaseholds on units at various apartment complexes withoutpaying rent or bills, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"This case alleges a calculated fraud operation that weaponized stolen identities, exploited the eviction system, and inflicted significant financial harm across the District," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "These defendants, one of whom is a foreign national unlawfully present in the United States, are charged with orchestrating a housing and Social Security fraud scheme that preyed on innocent victims and undermined the integrity of our housing system. We will not tolerate criminals who exploit our communities for profit and put the safety and security of law-abiding residents at risk."
According to the Superseding Indictment, from at least November 2023 to the present, Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others allegedly conspired to obtain a large number of leases for residential units at numerous apartment complexes across Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas.
The conspirators allegedly used stolen or fabricated Social Security Numbers, so called "Credit Privacy Numbers", and fabricated letters of employment in furtherance of their scheme. The conspirators then allegedly lived in the units themselves, or sold access to the units to third parties at a fraction of the value of the lease. Nearly all of the apartments that were fraudulently leased as a part of the scheme resulted in eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent causing significant losses for each of the apartment complexes involved. Currently, losses are estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, however, the investigation into the extent and scope of the scheme is ongoing.
In Washington, D.C., the eviction process can span multiple months-even up to a year or longer. Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others allegedly utilized this lengthy process by submitting fraudulent lease applications in batches using the stolen or fabricated identities.
During the conspiracy, Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others also allegedly used BitCoin and Cash App accounts with stolen and fabricated identities to transfer money between themselves. Gadie used at least one victim's name, social security number, and date of birth to open a Cash App account conducting hundreds of transactions in the victim's name. The investigation into these accounts is ongoing.
Derenorcourt assisted with the scheme by posing as the pair's female identity theft victims. Search warrants executed at Derenorcourt's apartment recovered numerous luxury fashion items. Gadie, a citizen of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa, is unlawfully present in the United States after overstaying his nonimmigrant visa.
This case is being investigated Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit. The investigation was conducted by the Washington, D.C. Fraud Cell, which is a multi-agency task force established pursuant to the President's Executive Order 14252 aimed at Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Again.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Gadie was apprehended while living on a fraudulent lease at an upscale apartment in Southeast Washington, D.C.
Gadie entering one of the apartments.
Derenorcourt and Gadie tapping into one of the fraudulently leased apartments.
Surveillance photo of Gadie.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/foreign-national-among-defendants-charged-seven-count-housing-and-social-security-fraud
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Foreign National Among Defendants Charged in Seven-Count Housing and Social Security Fraud Scheme
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WASHINGTON - A seven count Superseding Indictment was unsealed yesterday in U.S. District Court charging Maliktra Derenorcourt, 27, and Philippe Oliver Gadie, 34, both residents of the District of Columbia, with a multi-year scheme to allegedly enrich themselves by using fake or stolen identities to fraudulently obtain leaseholds on units at various apartment complexes without ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release: * * * Foreign National Among Defendants Charged in Seven-Count Housing and Social Security Fraud Scheme * WASHINGTON - A seven count Superseding Indictment was unsealed yesterday in U.S. District Court charging Maliktra Derenorcourt, 27, and Philippe Oliver Gadie, 34, both residents of the District of Columbia, with a multi-year scheme to allegedly enrich themselves by using fake or stolen identities to fraudulently obtain leaseholds on units at various apartment complexes withoutpaying rent or bills, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"This case alleges a calculated fraud operation that weaponized stolen identities, exploited the eviction system, and inflicted significant financial harm across the District," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "These defendants, one of whom is a foreign national unlawfully present in the United States, are charged with orchestrating a housing and Social Security fraud scheme that preyed on innocent victims and undermined the integrity of our housing system. We will not tolerate criminals who exploit our communities for profit and put the safety and security of law-abiding residents at risk."
According to the Superseding Indictment, from at least November 2023 to the present, Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others allegedly conspired to obtain a large number of leases for residential units at numerous apartment complexes across Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas.
The conspirators allegedly used stolen or fabricated Social Security Numbers, so called "Credit Privacy Numbers", and fabricated letters of employment in furtherance of their scheme. The conspirators then allegedly lived in the units themselves, or sold access to the units to third parties at a fraction of the value of the lease. Nearly all of the apartments that were fraudulently leased as a part of the scheme resulted in eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent causing significant losses for each of the apartment complexes involved. Currently, losses are estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, however, the investigation into the extent and scope of the scheme is ongoing.
In Washington, D.C., the eviction process can span multiple months-even up to a year or longer. Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others allegedly utilized this lengthy process by submitting fraudulent lease applications in batches using the stolen or fabricated identities.
During the conspiracy, Derenorcourt, Gadie, and others also allegedly used BitCoin and Cash App accounts with stolen and fabricated identities to transfer money between themselves. Gadie used at least one victim's name, social security number, and date of birth to open a Cash App account conducting hundreds of transactions in the victim's name. The investigation into these accounts is ongoing.
Derenorcourt assisted with the scheme by posing as the pair's female identity theft victims. Search warrants executed at Derenorcourt's apartment recovered numerous luxury fashion items. Gadie, a citizen of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa, is unlawfully present in the United States after overstaying his nonimmigrant visa.
This case is being investigated Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit. The investigation was conducted by the Washington, D.C. Fraud Cell, which is a multi-agency task force established pursuant to the President's Executive Order 14252 aimed at Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Again.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Gadie was apprehended while living on a fraudulent lease at an upscale apartment in Southeast Washington, D.C.
Gadie entering one of the apartments.
Derenorcourt and Gadie tapping into one of the fraudulently leased apartments.
Surveillance photo of Gadie.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/foreign-national-among-defendants-charged-seven-count-housing-and-social-security-fraud
Felon Sentenced to 50 Months After Surge Task Force Finds Stolen Gun, Cocaine Base During Traffic Stop
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release:
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Felon Sentenced to 50 Months After Surge Task Force Finds Stolen Gun, Cocaine Base During Traffic Stop
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WASHINGTON - Kurono Scutchings, 29, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a stolen semi-automatic pistol and more than 11 grams of cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"Kurono Scutchings had already been convicted of robbery, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release: * * * Felon Sentenced to 50 Months After Surge Task Force Finds Stolen Gun, Cocaine Base During Traffic Stop * WASHINGTON - Kurono Scutchings, 29, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a stolen semi-automatic pistol and more than 11 grams of cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. "Kurono Scutchings had already been convicted of robbery,and yet he was again found in possession of a stolen firearm and possession with intent to distribute amounts of various narcotics in the District," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Let this serve as a warning: those who choose a path of illegal firearms possession and possession of trafficking amounts of narcotics will face prosecution and federal prison."
Scutchings, aka "Kuron Scutchings," pleaded guilty on May 6 before U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and to unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. In addition to the 50-month prison term, Judge Friedrich ordered Scutchings to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on Aug. 24, 2025, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department's Special Missions Unit, along with federal agents operating under the Federal Law Enforcement Surge Task Force, were on patrol in the 2900 block of Knox Place SE. Officers observed Scutchings speaking with another individual before moving to the driver's seat of a parked vehicle as the officers approached.
When officers asked Scutchings what was in a clear plastic bag in his hand, he claimed it was marijuana but would not show them the contents. Scutchings then handed over the bag. It contained 11.46 grams of cocaine base. During a subsequent search, officers recovered an FN Five-Seven semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 20 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition, hidden in Scutchings' compression shorts. The firearm had been reported stolen out of Prince George's County, Maryland.
Officers also recovered 5.96 grams of methamphetamine and 1.49 grams of fentanyl from the vehicle's center console.
Scutchings' criminal history includes a 2020 D.C. Superior Court conviction for robbery, for which he had been sentenced to 30 months' incarceration. Given his status as a felon, he was forbidden from possessing any firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the Federal Law Enforcement Surge Task Force.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
The bag of cocaine base that police recovered from Scutchings.
Police recovered an FN Five-Seven semiautomatic pistol from Scutchings' shorts.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/felon-sentenced-50-months-after-surge-task-force-finds-stolen-gun-cocaine-base-during
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Felon Sentenced to 50 Months After Surge Task Force Finds Stolen Gun, Cocaine Base During Traffic Stop
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WASHINGTON - Kurono Scutchings, 29, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a stolen semi-automatic pistol and more than 11 grams of cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"Kurono Scutchings had already been convicted of robbery, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release: * * * Felon Sentenced to 50 Months After Surge Task Force Finds Stolen Gun, Cocaine Base During Traffic Stop * WASHINGTON - Kurono Scutchings, 29, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a stolen semi-automatic pistol and more than 11 grams of cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. "Kurono Scutchings had already been convicted of robbery,and yet he was again found in possession of a stolen firearm and possession with intent to distribute amounts of various narcotics in the District," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Let this serve as a warning: those who choose a path of illegal firearms possession and possession of trafficking amounts of narcotics will face prosecution and federal prison."
Scutchings, aka "Kuron Scutchings," pleaded guilty on May 6 before U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and to unlawful possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. In addition to the 50-month prison term, Judge Friedrich ordered Scutchings to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on Aug. 24, 2025, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department's Special Missions Unit, along with federal agents operating under the Federal Law Enforcement Surge Task Force, were on patrol in the 2900 block of Knox Place SE. Officers observed Scutchings speaking with another individual before moving to the driver's seat of a parked vehicle as the officers approached.
When officers asked Scutchings what was in a clear plastic bag in his hand, he claimed it was marijuana but would not show them the contents. Scutchings then handed over the bag. It contained 11.46 grams of cocaine base. During a subsequent search, officers recovered an FN Five-Seven semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 20 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition, hidden in Scutchings' compression shorts. The firearm had been reported stolen out of Prince George's County, Maryland.
Officers also recovered 5.96 grams of methamphetamine and 1.49 grams of fentanyl from the vehicle's center console.
Scutchings' criminal history includes a 2020 D.C. Superior Court conviction for robbery, for which he had been sentenced to 30 months' incarceration. Given his status as a felon, he was forbidden from possessing any firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the Federal Law Enforcement Surge Task Force.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
The bag of cocaine base that police recovered from Scutchings.
Police recovered an FN Five-Seven semiautomatic pistol from Scutchings' shorts.
25cr332
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/felon-sentenced-50-months-after-surge-task-force-finds-stolen-gun-cocaine-base-during
D.C. Felon Sentenced for Possession of a P90 'Ghost Gun'
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release:
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D.C. Felon Sentenced for Possession of a P90 'Ghost Gun'
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WASHINGTON - Dayvon Darius Marson, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in the District, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in federal prison in connection with his possession of a loaded pistol -an unbranded, non-descript P90 ghost gun -and attempting to flee from a police traffic stop with it at a crowded gas station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"This conviction is ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release: * * * D.C. Felon Sentenced for Possession of a P90 'Ghost Gun' * WASHINGTON - Dayvon Darius Marson, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in the District, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in federal prison in connection with his possession of a loaded pistol -an unbranded, non-descript P90 ghost gun -and attempting to flee from a police traffic stop with it at a crowded gas station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. "This conviction ispart of our ongoing mission to crack down on gun violence and protect residents and visitors in the nation's capital," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Through Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful, which supports President Trump's Executive Order, our continued efforts have removed more than 2,000 firearms from the hands of criminals."
Marson pleaded guilty on April 30, 2026, before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the 24-month prison term, Chief Judge Boasberg ordered Marson to serve 3 years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 24-month prison sentence.
According to court documents, on Feb. 26, 2026, about 6:15 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department officers were patrolling the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue NE, with members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.
While patrolling, members noticed a Toyota Avalon sedan with heavily tinted windows at the Citgo gas station. Marson was in the driver's seat and a young child in the rear-passenger seat. Officers questioned Marson, who could not provide a driver's license. Speaking with Marson, an MPD officer spotted a half-empty bottle of tequila on the floor behind the driver's seat.
The MPD officer ordered Marson to step out of the vehicle. Marson refused to do so. An ATF special agent opened the driver's door and also ordered Marson to step out of the vehicle. Marson again refused to comply. Marson then put the transmission in "drive" and stepped on the accelerator, causing the vehicle to jolt forward as the ATF agent held onto the door. The vehicle dragged the ATF agent several feet before it collided with another parked vehicle.
After a brief struggle, members restrained Marson. As they did so, members spotted a brown P90 handgun with no serial number laying on the driver's seat on which Marson had been sitting. The firearm was loaded with one round of.40 caliber ammunition in the chamber and 12 rounds in the magazine. During a search of Marson members recovered 11 multi-colored pills in a clear plastic bag from his socks. The pills were field-tested and yielded a positive indication for amphetamines.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI Washington Field Office.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful supports President Trump's Executive Order that cracks down on gun violence, prioritizes federal firearms violations, pursues tougher penalties, and seeks detention for federal firearms violators.
Evidence photo of Marson's unbranded, non-descript P90 ghost gun.
In this body-worn camera photo, officers struggle to take Marson into custody at the gas station.
The half-empty bottle of tequila found in Marson's car at the time of his arrest.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/dc-felon-sentenced-possession-p90-ghost-gun
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D.C. Felon Sentenced for Possession of a P90 'Ghost Gun'
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WASHINGTON - Dayvon Darius Marson, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in the District, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in federal prison in connection with his possession of a loaded pistol -an unbranded, non-descript P90 ghost gun -and attempting to flee from a police traffic stop with it at a crowded gas station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"This conviction is ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release: * * * D.C. Felon Sentenced for Possession of a P90 'Ghost Gun' * WASHINGTON - Dayvon Darius Marson, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in the District, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in federal prison in connection with his possession of a loaded pistol -an unbranded, non-descript P90 ghost gun -and attempting to flee from a police traffic stop with it at a crowded gas station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. "This conviction ispart of our ongoing mission to crack down on gun violence and protect residents and visitors in the nation's capital," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Through Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful, which supports President Trump's Executive Order, our continued efforts have removed more than 2,000 firearms from the hands of criminals."
Marson pleaded guilty on April 30, 2026, before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the 24-month prison term, Chief Judge Boasberg ordered Marson to serve 3 years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 24-month prison sentence.
According to court documents, on Feb. 26, 2026, about 6:15 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department officers were patrolling the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue NE, with members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.
While patrolling, members noticed a Toyota Avalon sedan with heavily tinted windows at the Citgo gas station. Marson was in the driver's seat and a young child in the rear-passenger seat. Officers questioned Marson, who could not provide a driver's license. Speaking with Marson, an MPD officer spotted a half-empty bottle of tequila on the floor behind the driver's seat.
The MPD officer ordered Marson to step out of the vehicle. Marson refused to do so. An ATF special agent opened the driver's door and also ordered Marson to step out of the vehicle. Marson again refused to comply. Marson then put the transmission in "drive" and stepped on the accelerator, causing the vehicle to jolt forward as the ATF agent held onto the door. The vehicle dragged the ATF agent several feet before it collided with another parked vehicle.
After a brief struggle, members restrained Marson. As they did so, members spotted a brown P90 handgun with no serial number laying on the driver's seat on which Marson had been sitting. The firearm was loaded with one round of.40 caliber ammunition in the chamber and 12 rounds in the magazine. During a search of Marson members recovered 11 multi-colored pills in a clear plastic bag from his socks. The pills were field-tested and yielded a positive indication for amphetamines.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI Washington Field Office.
The matter was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful supports President Trump's Executive Order that cracks down on gun violence, prioritizes federal firearms violations, pursues tougher penalties, and seeks detention for federal firearms violators.
Evidence photo of Marson's unbranded, non-descript P90 ghost gun.
In this body-worn camera photo, officers struggle to take Marson into custody at the gas station.
The half-empty bottle of tequila found in Marson's car at the time of his arrest.
26cr46
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/dc-felon-sentenced-possession-p90-ghost-gun
Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United States
TAMPA, Florida, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
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Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United States
*
Tampa, FL -The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq's associates, Faouzi Barika, Amel ... Show Full Article TAMPA, Florida, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release: * * * Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United States * Tampa, FL -The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq's associates, Faouzi Barika, AmelOualid, and Nordine Barika were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security.
"Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk," said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe. "The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities."
"Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims."
"The FBI will never forget the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 - and we will never stop our efforts to cut off funding to Hamas terrorists," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "These subjects allegedly engaged in a conspiracy that extended beyond national borders to funnel money to Hamas and fuel violent attacks, using cryptocurrency to try to hide their criminal activity. Today's announcement shows the abilities of this FBI and our interagency partners to follow the money and shut down resources going to terrorists under the guise of charitable giving - disrupting over 4,000 Foreign Terrorist organizations and stopping 1,100 alleged terrorist actors here at home and around the world since last year. Special thanks to our FBI New York, New Orleans, and Tampa Field Offices, our Counterterrorism Division, as well as the Paris Legal Attache's Office and French authorities for their outstanding work with us in this case."
"Money is the lifeblood of terrorist organizations, and the arrests announced today disrupted a global financing network that was supplying Hamas with the funds needed to continue its campaign of destroying innocent lives," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, "These coordinated investigations and arrests spanned multiple jurisdictions in the United States and across international borders, and demonstrate that we will use all of our capabilities to eradicate terrorism. I want to thank the FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked together to dismantle this network, and I also want to thank Joint Task Force 10-7 for its leadership in seeking justice for the victims of the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed more than 1,200 men, women, and children. My thoughts are with all who are still suffering from the losses of that terrible day, and the National Security Division will never stop working to hold the perpetrators, and those who enabled them, accountable for their atrocities."
According to the Alzaq indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:
Alzaq, 45, of Gaza, is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the Al-Qassam Brigades), Hamas's armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. Alzaq serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades' Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, he has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. He distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. He has also posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades "martyrs;" and promoting and celebrating Hamas's October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens.
Since at least about January 2020, Alzaq has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. Alzaq promotes this fundraising through social media campaigns purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, while the money is funneled to Hamas. Since January 2020, Alzaq has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. Alzaq's associates in France, Barika, Amel Oualid, and others assisted Alzaq in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas.
Raed Yousef, a 56-year-old resident of Lutz, Florida, provided almost $50,000 to Alzaq's Hamas financing network. He is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. One count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in person on each count. One count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Five counts of money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. And, one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
Abdel Adhami, 35, and Omar Adhami, 33, both of Covington, Louisiana, donated funds to Alzaq's Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, Abdel Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and Omar Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries.
Alzaq is charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Omar Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Abdel Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The Yousef case is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan are prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
The Alzaq case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the New York Police Department (NYPD). Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Rob MacDonald and A.J. Dixon of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
The Adhami case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/coordinated-arrests-and-charges-dismantle-hamas-terror-finance-network-raising-funds
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Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United States
*
Tampa, FL -The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq's associates, Faouzi Barika, Amel ... Show Full Article TAMPA, Florida, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release: * * * Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from the United States * Tampa, FL -The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq's associates, Faouzi Barika, AmelOualid, and Nordine Barika were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security.
"Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk," said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe. "The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities."
"Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims."
"The FBI will never forget the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 - and we will never stop our efforts to cut off funding to Hamas terrorists," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "These subjects allegedly engaged in a conspiracy that extended beyond national borders to funnel money to Hamas and fuel violent attacks, using cryptocurrency to try to hide their criminal activity. Today's announcement shows the abilities of this FBI and our interagency partners to follow the money and shut down resources going to terrorists under the guise of charitable giving - disrupting over 4,000 Foreign Terrorist organizations and stopping 1,100 alleged terrorist actors here at home and around the world since last year. Special thanks to our FBI New York, New Orleans, and Tampa Field Offices, our Counterterrorism Division, as well as the Paris Legal Attache's Office and French authorities for their outstanding work with us in this case."
"Money is the lifeblood of terrorist organizations, and the arrests announced today disrupted a global financing network that was supplying Hamas with the funds needed to continue its campaign of destroying innocent lives," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, "These coordinated investigations and arrests spanned multiple jurisdictions in the United States and across international borders, and demonstrate that we will use all of our capabilities to eradicate terrorism. I want to thank the FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked together to dismantle this network, and I also want to thank Joint Task Force 10-7 for its leadership in seeking justice for the victims of the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed more than 1,200 men, women, and children. My thoughts are with all who are still suffering from the losses of that terrible day, and the National Security Division will never stop working to hold the perpetrators, and those who enabled them, accountable for their atrocities."
According to the Alzaq indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:
Alzaq, 45, of Gaza, is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the Al-Qassam Brigades), Hamas's armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. Alzaq serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades' Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, he has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. He distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. He has also posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades "martyrs;" and promoting and celebrating Hamas's October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens.
Since at least about January 2020, Alzaq has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. Alzaq promotes this fundraising through social media campaigns purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, while the money is funneled to Hamas. Since January 2020, Alzaq has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. Alzaq's associates in France, Barika, Amel Oualid, and others assisted Alzaq in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas.
Raed Yousef, a 56-year-old resident of Lutz, Florida, provided almost $50,000 to Alzaq's Hamas financing network. He is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. One count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in person on each count. One count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Five counts of money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. And, one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
Abdel Adhami, 35, and Omar Adhami, 33, both of Covington, Louisiana, donated funds to Alzaq's Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, Abdel Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and Omar Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries.
Alzaq is charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Omar Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Abdel Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The Yousef case is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan are prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
The Alzaq case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the New York Police Department (NYPD). Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Rob MacDonald and A.J. Dixon of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
The Adhami case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/coordinated-arrests-and-charges-dismantle-hamas-terror-finance-network-raising-funds
Coordinated Arrests and Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds from U.S.
NEW YORK, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York posted the following news release:
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Coordinated Arrests And Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds From The United States
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United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Gregory W. Kehoe, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York posted the following news release: * * * Coordinated Arrests And Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds From The United States * United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Gregory W. Kehoe, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of theFederal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department ("NYPD"), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging SALEEM ALZAQ, as well as the arrests of OMAR ADHAMI, ABDEL ADHAMI, and RAED YOUSEF, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of ALZAQ's associates, FAOUZI BARIKA, AMEL OUALID, and NORDINE BARIKA, were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security.
"This Office and our law enforcement partners will root out and prosecute those who finance Hamas, no matter where they are located," said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. "As alleged, Saleem Alzaq was the center of a Hamas financing network that operated around the globe, soliciting more than a million dollars from individual donors including here in the United States. The close cooperation of law enforcement and prosecutors' offices to dismantle Alzaq's alleged Hamas financing network demonstrates our commitment to depriving Hamas of the funding it relies on in Gaza and to commit terror attacks like the brutal October 7, 2023, massacre of more than a thousand innocent victims, including dozens of Americans."
"Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims."
"According to the indictment and complaint filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, Saleem Alzaq solicited financial donations on behalf of Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for the commission of heinous attacks worldwide," said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. "Omar Adhami and Abdel Adhami are accused of providing Alzaq with resources intended to fund Hamas' relentless reign of terror. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are laser focused on the identification, prosecution, and eradication of terrorist networks, and the individuals who financially support these networks."
"Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk," said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe. "The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities."
"Saleem Alzaq allegedly raised funds for Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, under the guise of collecting humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. "The FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to dismantle the funding networks of terrorist organizations."
"The NYPD's counterterrorism work knows no borders," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. "Our intelligence analysts uncovered this international finance network and built the case that exposed more than $2 million being funneled to Hamas. Saleem Alzaq, a leader in Hamas' military arm responsible for planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, and the other defendants allegedly solicited donations under the guise of humanitarian aid and then directed that money to Hamas. This is the kind of extraordinary counterterrorism work the NYPD does every day to disrupt threats before they reach New Yorkers, and I thank our law enforcement partners for helping us dismantle this network."
According to the Alzaq Indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami Complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef Indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:(1)
ALZAQ is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the "Al-Qassam Brigades"), Hamas's armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. ALZAQ serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades' Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, ALZAQ has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. ALZAQ distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. ALZAQ also has posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades "martyrs;" and promoting and celebrating Hamas's October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens.
Since at least in or about January 2020, ALZAQ has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. ALZAQ promotes his Hamas fundraising through social media campaigns as purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, but in fact raises funds for Hamas. Since January 2020, ALZAQ has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. ALZAQ's associates in France, BARIKA, AMEL OUALID, and others assisted ALZAQ in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas.
ABDEL ADHAMI and OMAR ADHAMI donated funds to ALZAQ's Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, ABDEL ADHAMI allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and OMAR ADHAMI allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries.
YOUSEF provided almost $50,000 to ALZAQ's Hamas financing network.
ALZAQ, 45, of Gaza, is charged with (i) one count of conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (iv) one count of conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
OMAR ADHAMI, 33, of Covington, Louisiana, is charged with (i) one count of providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iv) one count of and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
ABDEL ADHAMI, 35, of Covington, Louisiana, is charged with (i) one count of providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and (iv) one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
YOUSEF, 56, of Lutz, Florida, is charged with (i) one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (ii) five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iv) five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (v) one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (vi) five counts of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (vii) one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and the NYPD Intelligence Division. Mr. McDonald also thanked the Counterterrorism Section and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice's National Security Division for their assistance with this investigation, the FBI's New Orleans and Tampa Field Offices, and the French General Directorate for Internal Security and National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office.
The ALZAQ case is being handled by the Illicit Finance & Money Laundering Unit and National Security and International Narcotics Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Rob MacDonald of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
The ADHAMI case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
The YOUSEF case is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan are prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
The charges contained in the Indictments and Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
1. ^
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the charging documents and the description of the charging documents set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/coordinated-arrests-and-charges-dismantle-hamas-terror-finance-network-raising-funds
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Coordinated Arrests And Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds From The United States
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United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Gregory W. Kehoe, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, Oct. 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York posted the following news release: * * * Coordinated Arrests And Charges Dismantle Hamas Terror Finance Network Raising Funds From The United States * United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Gregory W. Kehoe, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of theFederal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department ("NYPD"), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging SALEEM ALZAQ, as well as the arrests of OMAR ADHAMI, ABDEL ADHAMI, and RAED YOUSEF, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of ALZAQ's associates, FAOUZI BARIKA, AMEL OUALID, and NORDINE BARIKA, were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security.
"This Office and our law enforcement partners will root out and prosecute those who finance Hamas, no matter where they are located," said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. "As alleged, Saleem Alzaq was the center of a Hamas financing network that operated around the globe, soliciting more than a million dollars from individual donors including here in the United States. The close cooperation of law enforcement and prosecutors' offices to dismantle Alzaq's alleged Hamas financing network demonstrates our commitment to depriving Hamas of the funding it relies on in Gaza and to commit terror attacks like the brutal October 7, 2023, massacre of more than a thousand innocent victims, including dozens of Americans."
"Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims."
"According to the indictment and complaint filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, Saleem Alzaq solicited financial donations on behalf of Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for the commission of heinous attacks worldwide," said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. "Omar Adhami and Abdel Adhami are accused of providing Alzaq with resources intended to fund Hamas' relentless reign of terror. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are laser focused on the identification, prosecution, and eradication of terrorist networks, and the individuals who financially support these networks."
"Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk," said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe. "The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities."
"Saleem Alzaq allegedly raised funds for Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, under the guise of collecting humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. "The FBI and our partners will stop at nothing to dismantle the funding networks of terrorist organizations."
"The NYPD's counterterrorism work knows no borders," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. "Our intelligence analysts uncovered this international finance network and built the case that exposed more than $2 million being funneled to Hamas. Saleem Alzaq, a leader in Hamas' military arm responsible for planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, and the other defendants allegedly solicited donations under the guise of humanitarian aid and then directed that money to Hamas. This is the kind of extraordinary counterterrorism work the NYPD does every day to disrupt threats before they reach New Yorkers, and I thank our law enforcement partners for helping us dismantle this network."
According to the Alzaq Indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami Complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef Indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:(1)
ALZAQ is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the "Al-Qassam Brigades"), Hamas's armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. ALZAQ serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades' Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, ALZAQ has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. ALZAQ distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. ALZAQ also has posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades "martyrs;" and promoting and celebrating Hamas's October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens.
Since at least in or about January 2020, ALZAQ has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. ALZAQ promotes his Hamas fundraising through social media campaigns as purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, but in fact raises funds for Hamas. Since January 2020, ALZAQ has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. ALZAQ's associates in France, BARIKA, AMEL OUALID, and others assisted ALZAQ in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas.
ABDEL ADHAMI and OMAR ADHAMI donated funds to ALZAQ's Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, ABDEL ADHAMI allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and OMAR ADHAMI allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries.
YOUSEF provided almost $50,000 to ALZAQ's Hamas financing network.
ALZAQ, 45, of Gaza, is charged with (i) one count of conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (iv) one count of conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
OMAR ADHAMI, 33, of Covington, Louisiana, is charged with (i) one count of providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iv) one count of and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
ABDEL ADHAMI, 35, of Covington, Louisiana, is charged with (i) one count of providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and (iv) one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
YOUSEF, 56, of Lutz, Florida, is charged with (i) one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (ii) five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iii) one count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (iv) five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (v) one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; (vi) five counts of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (vii) one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and the NYPD Intelligence Division. Mr. McDonald also thanked the Counterterrorism Section and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice's National Security Division for their assistance with this investigation, the FBI's New Orleans and Tampa Field Offices, and the French General Directorate for Internal Security and National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office.
The ALZAQ case is being handled by the Illicit Finance & Money Laundering Unit and National Security and International Narcotics Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Rob MacDonald of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
The ADHAMI case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case.
The YOUSEF case is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan are prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
The charges contained in the Indictments and Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the charging documents and the description of the charging documents set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/coordinated-arrests-and-charges-dismantle-hamas-terror-finance-network-raising-funds