Month: August 2023

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Defendant Shot at Officers and Burglarized Residence While Fleeing Police

            WASHINGTON – Tywan Jamad Cummings, 43, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia to charges stemming from a May 2020 armed carjacking spree, during which he shot at responding police officers and burglarized a private residence, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

            Cummings pleaded guilty to carjacking; using, possessing, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and assaulting, resisting, or interfering with a police officer with a dangerous weapon. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled a sentencing hearing for January 19, 2024.

            According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of May 17, 2020, in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C., the defendant pointed an AR-style rifle at a man who was putting air into his tire, taking the vehicle at gunpoint. The defendant then drove the vehicle into Maryland and, only minutes later, carjacked a nurse outside a hospital in Prince George’s County at gunpoint. Later that evening, in the early morning hours of May 18, 2023, multiple Maryland law enforcement agencies (to include the Bowie, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County Police Departments) pursued the defendant—who was by this time driving a different stolen vehicle—into Southeast Washington, D.C.  MPD officers were also on scene to assist.  The defendant crashed the vehicle near a gas station and, while fleeing on foot, opened fire on the Maryland and MPD police officers with a handgun. Shortly after 2:00 a.m., the defendant burglarized an occupied residence and hid in an upstairs bedroom, where he was arrested without further incident. Officers recovered a .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun from the defendant, the AR-style rifle from the stolen vehicle, and over 100 rounds of ammunition. No victim sustained physical injuries during the spree.

            Cummings was arrested May 18, 2020 and has been in custody ever since.

            Carjacking carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  Using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years’ imprisonment—which must run consecutive to the sentence on the carjacking conviction—and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Assaulting, resisting, or interfering with a police officer with a dangerous weapon with a dangerous weapon carries a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment and a $75,000 fine.

            A federal judge will determine the appropriate sentenced after considering the applicable guideline range and other relevant factors.

            In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Graves and Acting Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bowie Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Karla Nunez.

            Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant United States Attorneys Emory V. Cole and Paul V. Courtney, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – A Florida man was sentenced in the District of Columbia on Aug. 16, 2023 on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.        

          Bradley Wayne Weeks, 44, of Macclenny, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John D. Bates to 10 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release with 12 months of home detention, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

           Weeks was found guilty on Dec. 9, 2022, following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan of obstruction of an official proceeding, a felony; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a capitol building; parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

           According to evidence presented during the trial and court documents, as early as Dec. 23, 2020, Weeks announced he was going to Washington, D.C., and anticipated that if the former President was not kept in power, Weeks and others would “burn the whole f*cking thing down.” Weeks also claimed, “We will be packing.” 

          On Jan. 6, 2021, Weeks attended the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse, then marched to the Capitol building with co-defendant Jonathan Daniel Carlton. As they moved towards the Capitol grounds, Weeks filmed a video of the crowd and stated, “We are marching to the Capitol building, Ladies and Gentleman, to show these Congressmen who runs America.”

          Upon reaching the Upper West Terrance of the Capitol, Weeks set the camera to record himself, declaring, “We’ve reached the steps.  We’ve had to climb scaffolding.  We’ve had to climb ladders.  We’ve had to break things to get through, but we’ve gotten through.  We’ve gotten through, and we are taking back the Capitol! We’re taking back our country!  This is our 1776! This is where it’s gonna happen! This is where Tyranny will fall! This is where America will rise! Look at this, America! Look at this!” He then turned the camera back toward the lawn.  Weeks entered the Capitol building at 3:08 p.m.

          Weeks and Carlton then moved further into the building, walking to the Crypt and eventually reaching the Hall of Columns on the south side of the Capitol. After reaching the Hall of Columns and seeing the police officers there dealing with other rioters, Carlton and Weeks turned back and retraced their steps through the Capitol.

           While Weeks was still inside the Capitol, he received a text message from his mother expressing concern that his grandmother would die over his actions.  Weeks responded, “Our country is dying.”  Weeks and Carlton exited through the Senate Wing door at 3:29 p.m.

          Co-defendant Jonathan Daniel Carlton previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced for his role in the matter. 

          This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.  Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

          This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office.  Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office and the U.S. Capitol Police.

           In the 31 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,106 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – A Florida man pleaded guilty on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, to assaulting law enforcement during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Zachary Johnson, 34, of St. Petersburg, Florida, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon scheduled Johnson to be sentenced on Nov. 30, 2023.  

            According to court documents, Johnson, a member of the Proud Boys, traveled from his home in Florida to Washington, D.C., to protest Congress’ certification of the Electoral College vote. On Jan. 6, 2021, Johnson marched with a group of Proud Boys to the west of the U.S. Capitol around the Peace Monument. There, a group of rioters confronted United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers who were standing behind metal barricades bearing “AREA CLOSED” signs. The rioters, including Johnson, then overran the officers and barricades. Johnson then advanced on the Capitol and was among the first to enter the restricted grounds.

            Court documents say that after the crowd of rioters overran the line of officers protecting the west side of the Capitol, Johnson moved to the vicinity of the West Terrace, where a stage for the Presidential Inauguration was being constructed, and ultimately made his way to Lower West Terrace tunnel and archway. Inside the tunnel, police officers formed a line behind a set of glass doors to stop rioters from entering the building. Soon thereafter, numerous rioters entered the tunnel.

            Johnson entered the tunnel at approximately 3:15 p.m. and joined other rioters in a collective push against the established law enforcement lines, including, at times, rocking together in a coordinated “heave-ho” fashion. During this time, several rioters stole shields from the officers, which they passed back out of the tunnel.

            At approximately 3:18 p.m. and 3:19 p.m., the line of officers pushed the rioters, including Johnson, out of the tunnel. Johnson then grabbed a collapsible police baton that an officer had lost during the confrontation with rioters. Johnson posed for a photograph displaying the baton.

            Outside of the archway, Johnson once more joined a group of rioters who again collectively pushed against the officers – again at times rocking together in a coordinated fashion – in another effort to breach the police line and gain entry to the Capitol building. While outside the tunnel, Johnson helped pass a sledgehammer and canister of OC/pepper spray up to other rioters closer to the entrance. Those rioters then used the OC/pepper spray to further assault the officers protecting the Capitol. Johnson remained outside of the tunnel until at least approximately 4:10 p.m.

            FBI agents arrested Johnson on Jan. 13, 2022, in Florida.  

            A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

            This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

            The case was investigated by the FBI’s Tampa and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In the 31 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,106 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON — A Minnesota woman pleaded guilty August 17 to a felony charge related to her actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Her actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Victoria Charity White, 41, of Rochester, Minnesota, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of civil disorder and aiding and abetting. U.S. District Judge John D. Bates scheduled White to be sentenced on Nov. 20, 2023.  

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, White joined the mob that had converged on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol building following a rally at the Ellipse.

            White was seen in open-source video arguing with rioters who were attempting to break the glass doors of an entrance. White then pushed her way toward the tunnel entrance, where a squad of Metropolitan Police (MPD) officers were preventing rioters from entering the building. As the mob chanted, “pull the cops out!” White raised her fist and cheered as the rioters forced a large flagpole into the entryway where the MPD officers stood guard.

            White pushed her way closer to the entrance, where she helped to hoist up another rioter who proceeded to assault officers. White was seen pointing and cheering as the rioter swung from the top of the entryway and kicked MPD officers.

            At about 4:05 p.m., White made her way to the lower West Terrace entrance. After losing her red cap and black coat in the chaos, she grabbed for one of the MPD officers standing on a ledge. Officers pushed White back with their riot shields and fended her off with a baton. White then grabbed one of the shields and blocked the baton with her hand.

            Minutes later, officers apprehended White, and she was escorted out of the Capitol building.

            FBI agents arrested White on March 8, 2021, in Rochester, Minnesota.

            A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

            This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.

             The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington and Minneapolis Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

             In the 31 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,106 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.