Category: US Department of Justice

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – A North Carolina man was found guilty in the District of Columbia today of five felonies and three misdemeanors related to his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. 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.

            David Joseph Gietzen, 30, of Sanford, North Carolina, was found guilty by a jury of one count of civil disorder and aiding and abetting; two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers; one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon; and one count of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. All felonies.

            The jury also found Gietzen guilty of three related misdemeanor offenses, including disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; and act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings. Gietzen will be sentenced at a later date.

            According to the government’s evidence, Gietzen traveled to Washington, D.C., with his brother to attend a rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021. Following the rally, Gietzen joined a mob of rioters illegally on the Capitol grounds. Gietzen appeared in multiple videos captured by body-worn cameras worn by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on the exterior West Plaza and Lower West Terrace area. Additional video of Gietzen was captured by Capitol CCTV cameras and videos obtained from others present at the Capitol that day.

            Evidence showed that Gietzen was seen in the area of the security barriers in front of the West Plaza area wearing a white helmet, goggles, , a green jacket, jeans, knee pads, and dark shoes. At about 2:13 p.m., he appeared to push with the crowd against the barriers and thrust his fist against shields held by U.S. Capitol Police (USCP)( officers.

            Gietzen then pushed an officer during a series of hand-to-hand confrontations between rioters, MPD, and Capitol Police Officers. Moments later, Gietzen appeared to grab an officer by the throat or face mask.

            At about 2:30 p.m., Gietzen – still wearing his distinctive helmet – was seen holding a long pole and thrusting it at a line of officers, ultimately striking a USCP officer with the pole in what Gietzen said was an effort to move the officer.

            Gietzen was also observed on U.S. Capitol CCTV outside the Lower West Terrace Tunnel at about 3:57 p.m., pushing with the crowd back and forth against the law enforcement officers who were securing the entrance doorway.

            Gietzen was arrested on May 11, 2022, by the FBI in Sanford, North Carolina.

            All charges carry potential financial penalties. The Court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

            The 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 North Carolina.

            The case was investigated by the FBI’s Charlotte 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 – An Arkansas man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions 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.

           Nathan Earl Hughes, 34, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with a felony offense of civil disorder. In addition to the felony, Hughes is charged with misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings.

           Hughes was arrested on Aug. 30, 2023, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and made his initial appearance today in the Western District of Arkansas.

           According to court documents, video footage obtained from law enforcement depicting the events at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, shows an individual, later identified as Hughes, as present in the vicinity of the Lower West Terrace tunnel for at least one hour. Hughes wore a black/dark blue and camouflage print hat with a frayed brim, distinctive black Mechanix gloves, a gray hooded sweatshirt, and a black “Infowars” branded shirt with an image of a space shuttle and the words ‘Space Force Est. 2020” written on it.

           Court documents say that, at various points, Hughes pushed against the police line in the tunnel and helped other rioters physically fight police in an attempt to breach the line and enter the U.S. Capitol building. At approximately 3:15 p.m., Hughes was at the mouth of the tunnel and signaled the crowd of rioters, “C’mon! C’mon!” while waving his hand in the direction of the tunnel. After signaling to the crowd, Hughes entered the tunnel and charged toward the police line.

           Inside the tunnel, Hughes continued to signal others to enter and confront the police line. Hughes then stood shoulder-to-shoulder with others and began to rock back and forth in a synchronized movement with the crowd. At about 3:18 p.m., Hughes assisted the mob with forcefully removing police riot shields and passing them out of the tunnel. Hughes also personally attempted to forcefully pull away police shields and pass them out of the tunnel back to the other rioters.

           At approximately 3:19 p.m., as Hughes was being forced out of the tunnel by police, he was observed using his elbow to strike in the direction of police. After he was pushed out of the tunnel, Hughes remained in the vicinity of the tunnel for at least 90 minutes, encouraging other rioters to “Pull them out!” Earlier in the day, Hughes had witnessed the mob forcibly pulling police officers from the tunnel and into the crowd.

           This case is being 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 Western District of Arkansas.

           This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Little Rock and Washington Field Offices, with valuable assistance 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.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON -Two men from Pennsylvania and Virginia have been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to their actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their 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.

            Peter Willey, 37, of Roanoke, Virginia, and Ethan Mauck, 31, of Troutville, Pennsylvania, are charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder. In addition to the felony, Willey and Mauck are charged with misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds.

            Willey and Mauck were arrested today in Roanoke, Virginia, and will make their initial appearance in the Western District of Virginia.

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Willey and Mauck attended the “Stop the Steal” Rally on the National Mall and afterward marched through Washington, D.C., toward the U.S. Capitol building. In open-source video and photographs, Willey and Mauck are seen entering the restricted grounds of the Capitol and advancing toward bike rack barricades and the police line on the Lower West Plaza. Here, a violent struggle ensued between the rioters and law enforcement, and law enforcement officials deployed pepper spray to disperse the crowd as they attempted to re-establish a police line and barricade. Mauck is seen in an open-source video in distress as he rubs his eyes, consistent with having been struck by pepper spray.

            At the Lower West Plaza, as seen on open-source footage, the mob of rioters violently confronted the officers standing guard in the police line. The bike racks became displaced, and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Mauck picked up a downed police bike rack and shoved it toward an officer dressed in riot gear.

            On the Lower West Plaza, at approximately 1:40 p.m., Willey and other rioters began to move a large sign on wheels with a metal frame towards the police line and barricade, using it as a battering ram against the law enforcement officers attempting to hold the line. As the large sign passed over Willey’s head, Willey placed his hands on the billboard’s frame and pushed it toward the police line. As the officers gained control of the large metal sign, Willey is seen blocking his face with his arms and running away from an officer who deployed pepper spray at the rioters, including Willey.

            At about 2:50 p.m., Willey and Mauck are seen entering the Lower West Terrace tunnel, where rioters struggled and fought with police for several hours on January 6th. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage inside the tunnel depicted rioters, including Mauck and Willey, actively pushing against the police line in unison, known as a “heave-ho.” At approximately 2:55 p.m., Willey grabbed ahold of two police shields from another rioter and passed it forward, further into the tunnel, and toward the rioters near the police line. At approximately 2:58 p.m., Mauck, standing at the mouth of the tunnel, gained control of a large, black speaker and handed it off to the rioters in the tunnel. Ultimately, that speaker was thrown at the police line by other rioters.

            Both Willey and Mauck exited the tunnel at approximately 3:04 p.m. Both men are later seen in the crowd outside the tunnel shortly after this incident, watching as other rioters forcibly dragged the two law enforcement officers into the mob.

            This case is being 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 Western District of Virginia.

            This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Willey as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #84 on its seeking information photos. 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.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON — A Georgia man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his actions 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.

            William Frederick Beals, II, 52, of Ringgold, Georgia, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with knowingly making false statements within the jurisdiction of the branches of government, a felony offense. In addition to the felony, Beals is also charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building; and theft of government property.

            Beals was arrested on Aug. 24, 2023, in Adairsville, Georgia, and made his initial appearance in the Eastern District of Tennessee.

            According to court documents, authorities investigating the events that transpired on Jan. 6, 2021, learned that Beals had traveled from his then-home in Tennessee to attend a rally and protest the certification of the Electoral College for the 2020 Presidential elections. On January 6, Beals made his way to the Lower West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol building and traveled to the West Plaza Barricade area, where he confronted members of law enforcement, including members of the United States Capitol Police (USCP). Here, Beals attempted to thwart enforcement of a barricade, which USCP used in an effort to hold back the crowd.

            At approximately 1:30 p.m., the crowd began to physically overtake the police line positioned outside the scaffolding and on the Northwest steps, giving the rioters access to the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace. Beals then climbed the scaffolding and made his way closer to the entrance of the Capitol. At about 2:13 p.m., the first rioters entered the building. Only a few minutes later, Beals is seen on CCTV making entry via the Senate Parliamentarian Doors. According to CCTV, Beals left the Capitol building at approximately 2:20 p.m.

            Law enforcement authorities later secured the Senate Wing doors; however, at approximately 2:45 p.m., a second rush of rioters breached the Capitol in the same area. Beals donned a gas mask and re-entered the Capitol a second time via the Senate Wing door. During his second entrance into the Capitol, Beals was inside for approximately five minutes before exiting again.

            Court documents say that Beals took at least one cellphone video after exiting the Capitol building but while still in the restricted area. After exiting the building, Beals recorded himself announcing on TikTok, “So we officially took the White House.” At some point that afternoon, Beals posed for photographs with USCP property. While still on the restricted grounds, Beals sat atop a USCP motorcycle on the Northwest Courtyard. He also took photos in two different areas outside the restricted grounds while posing with a USCP shield.

            Later, in October 2021, Beals spoke with FBI agents for the second time about his actions on January 6^th. Beals was advised that it is a crime to lie to federal agents during the course of an investigation. Beals advised he understood. He was then asked again if he had entered the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, which he denied. Beals was then shown photographs of himself from that day, including a photograph of him on the USCP motorcycle. Yet he stated that the photos must have been fake or doctored. Authorities recognized tattoos on Beals’s hand and neck and pointed out the similarity to the tattoos in the photos. Beals stated that many people had the same tattoos and continued to deny entering the Capitol.

            This case is being 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 Northern District of Georgia as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

            This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Knoxville and Washington Field Offices, with valuable assistance 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.

A complaint 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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Source: United States Department of Justice News

Defendants Charged With Multiple Counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearms Offenses

            WASHINGTON – A superseding indictment was unsealed today charging 16 alleged members (named below) of a violent crime ring that committed multiple armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering, and firearms offenses. Federal law enforcement arrested eight defendants this morning; the remaining defendants were previously arrested. Charges include conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce (known as Hobbs Act) robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit carjacking, and conspiracy to engage in monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity.

            The case was announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai with the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s (Criminal and Cyber Division), Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, Marshal Peter Marketos, of the United States Marshals Service, and Acting Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            According to the indictment, between January 7, 2022, through January 27, 2023, the defendants conspired in the District of Columbia to commit robberies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida. The robberies targeted jewelry stores owned by Asian Americans. Disguised in dark clothing, masks, and gloves, armed with a gun, one or more of the defendants used various vehicles, including stolen vehicles, to commit and flee from the robberies, including:

            January 7, 2022: Yasini Jewelers in E. Falls Church, VA;

            June 10, 2022: Virani Jewelers in Iselin, NJ;

            September 20, 2022: Sonia Jewelers & Boutique, in Springfield, VA;

            October 25, 2022: Paradise Jewelry Store, in Paterson, NJ;

            November 10, 2022: Baral Jewelers & Gifts, in Harrisburg, PA;

            November 27, 2022: Sara Emporium Jewelry & Boutique, in Springfield, VA;

            December 6, 2022: Kishek Jewelers, in Jacksonville, FL;

            December 22, 2022: Chintamanis Inc., in Franklin Park, NJ;

            January 27, 2023: Princess Diamonds, in Falls Church, VA.

            The indictment further alleges that William Hunter, a/k/a “Ill Will,” conspired to commit carjackings between September 11, 2022 and October 22, 2022, with others. Defendants Wright, Avery Fuller, a/k/a “Deavry Cordell Fuller,” William Hunter, and Franklin Hunter, a/k/a “Gino,” conspired to launder the proceeds of the stolen property.

            “This indictment alleges a conspiracy to engage in a violent armed robbery spree involving commercial establishments throughout the Eastern Seaboard,” said U.S. Attorney Graves. “One defendant is also charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking as part of the spree, and others are charged with laundering the proceeds from the robberies. With an increasing number of robbery schemes that cross state lines, collaborative operations like this one are critical to holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities.”

            “It is devastating that firearm-related violence such as the crimes committed throughout this investigation have become so prevalent within our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig Kailimai. “We will continue collaborating with our law enforcement partners by holding those individuals who seek to harm innocent people accountable for their actions.”

            “The defendants targeted small businesses along the East Coast, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry from hardworking families,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg. “For the past 20 months, the FBI worked with our partners across state lines to connect the defendants to these heists. Today’s indictment is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the commitment we all share to eradicating violent crime.”

            “We allege these suspects took part in take-over style armed robberies meant to terrify and overwhelm store owners and employees,” said FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy. “Many of the victim businesses are family owned and operated and lost large sums of inventory. The alleged violent and reckless actions of the subjects are astounding; they gave no thought to the people who could have been seriously injured or even killed. We have a message for criminals out there right now who believe these smash and grab robberies work in their favor because they mistakenly believe no one will hold them accountable. That’s not the case here – and it won’t be the case in the future. FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners will make sure if we can charge something federally, we will make that happen.”

            “I want to thank the detectives from MPD and the other agencies involved for their tireless work on this case. This is a prime example of how we, as law enforcement partners, come together as one to hold people accountable for committing crimes in the District of Columbia,” said Acting Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. “While this investigation took time, the message is clear: If you choose to recklessly disregard public safety in D.C., we, collectively as law enforcement partners, will do everything to find you and hold you accountable.”

NAME	AGE	ADDRESS	CHARGES
Andrew Smith aka “Drewso” or “Drew”	29	Maryland	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Antonio Tate, aka “Motion” or “T-Motion”	20	Washington, D.C.	Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery
Avery Fuller, aka “Ace”, “Fully”, or “Fully Ace”	28	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Davon Johnson, aka “Yb”	30	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Decarlos Hill, aka “Los”	29	Maryland	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Delonte Martin, aka “DD”	25	Washington, D.C.	Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery
Franklin Hunter, aka “Gino”	29	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Hesham Gomaa	45	Virginia	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Jameise Christian, aka “Safe Play”, “Safety”, or “Safe”	32	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; Conspiracy to commit carjacking
Jaylaun Brown, aka “Lil Launy”	21	Washington, D.C.	Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery
Keith McDuffie	26	California	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Robert Sheffield, aka “Real Lifaa”	32	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Timothy Conrad, aka “Twin”	32	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Trevor Wright, aka “Taliban Glizzy”	32	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
William Hunter, aka “Ill Will”	28	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; Conspiracy to commit carjacking
Lamont Marable	27	Washington, D.C.	Hobbs Act Robbery; Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence

            Federal agents and local law enforcement arrested Smith, Johnson, Hill, Gomaa, Brown, McDuffie, Sheffield, and Conrad this morning; Wright, Hunter, Fuller, Tate, Martin, Brown, Christian, and Marable were already in custody. Search warrants were also executed resulting in the seizure of multiple guns and approximately $300,000 from a safe in one of the residences.

            The superseding indictment also contains a notice of forfeiture and seeks the proceeds of the illegal activities.

            The statutory maximum sentence for conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce (known as Hobbs Act) robbery is 20 years; the statutory maximum sentence of Hobbs Act robbery is 20 years in prison; the crime of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years with a maximum possible sentence of life; the statutory maximum sentence for conspiracy to commit carjacking is five years in prison; the statutory maximum sentence for money laundering is 20 years. A federal judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the appropriate sentencing guidelines and other factors.

            This case was investigated by the ATF’s Washington Field Division, the FBI’s Washington and Newark Field Offices, the United States Marshal Service, and the Metropolitan Police Department, with substantial assistance from the police departments of: Fairfax County (VA), Falls Church (VA), Franklin Township (NJ), Jersey City (NJ), Paterson (NJ), Middlesex County (NJ), South Brunswick (NJ), Somerset County (NJ), Woodbridge (NJ), Swatara Twp. (PA), the United States Secret Service-Washington Field Office, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service-Washington Division. Additional assistance was provided by multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices including: the District of New Jersey, Eastern District of Virginia, the District of Maryland, the Central District of California, and the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Andy Wang, of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

            An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.