Category: US Department of Justice

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – Trevon Fairfax, 28, of Rockville, Maryland, was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for his role in an ongoing conspiracy to distribute narcotics and a related conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

            The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Sarah Linden, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Division, and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            Fairfax is one of more than a dozen individuals arrested as part of a joint FBI/ATF investigation which resulted in the seizure of more than 34 pounds of marijuana, 16 firearms, and more than $270,000 in cash.

            Fairfax, who utilized the street nickname “Trizz,” pleaded guilty on October 21, 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, as well as oxycodone and codeine, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As part of his plea agreement, Fairfax admitted to participating in a separate conspiracy to use, carry, and possess firearms, and further admitted to discharging a firearm in defense of the co-conspirators’ drug dealing territory. Fairfax was sentenced by the Honorable Amy Berman Jackson. Following completion of his prison term, Fairfax will be placed on four years of supervised release.

            According to the government’s evidence, beginning in approximately June 2018, and continuing through April 2021, Fairfax and his co-conspirators maintained drug dealing territory on Trenton Place SE in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. – a territory they defended by carrying, and discharging, firearms at perceived rivals.  As part of his role in the conspiracy, Fairfax distributed marijuana in bulk quantities and served as an armed defender of the co-conspirators’ drug dealing territory.  Fairfax admitted that, on April 12, 2020, he fired a 9mm handgun at an SUV driving through the co-conspirators’ territory while another co-conspirator also fired at that vehicle. The driver of that vehicle sustained a gunshot wound and crashed his vehicle, but was able to escape on foot. Fairfax was arrested on April 22, 2021, and has been detained ever since.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Linden, Special Agent in Charge Kailimai, and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI, ATF, and MPD. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson who investigated and prosecuted the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – Jimmy Martez Ellis, 30, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on June 26, 2023, to 60 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

            The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Sarah Linden, of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Division.

            Ellis, who utilized the street nicknames “Big Oso” and “Jim Bob” pleaded guilty on March 8, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. As part of his plea agreement, Ellis admitted  that he was arrested on April 19, 2020, in possession of a loaded .40 caliber handgun and that he was arrested again on August 6, 2021, in possession of a loaded .38 caliber handgun.  Ellis admitted that, as a convicted felon, he was not legally permitted to possess either handgun, and further admitted that he possessed the firearms in connection to another felony crime – namely the distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. 

            Ellis was sentenced by the Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan. Following completion of his prison term, Ellis will be placed on three years of supervised release.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Linden, and Special Agent in Charge Kailimai, commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI and ATF. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson who investigated and prosecuted the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – Kiyon Boyd, 23, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for his role in an ongoing conspiracy to distribute narcotics in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere

            The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Sarah Linden, of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department.

            Boyd, who utilized the street nickname “Workey,” pleaded guilty on April 7, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of conspiracy to marijuana and oxycodone, and two counts of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. As part of his plea agreement, Boyd admitted that he distributed, or conspired to distribute, between 80 and 100 kilograms of marijuana.  Boyd also admitted that firearms were used or possessed as part of the drug dealing conspiracy. Boyd was sentenced by the Honorable Beryl A. Howell. Following completion of his prison term, Boyd will be placed on three years of supervised release.

            In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Graves, Acting Special Agent in Charge Linden, and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI, ATF, and MPD. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson who investigated and prosecuted the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Defendant Pointed Firearm at Mother and Daughter

            WASHINGTON – Jacobi Williams, 36, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release for felony assault, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Interim Chief Ashan Benedict, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Williams was found guilty by a jury on December 9, 2022, of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm) following a two-week trial in D.C. Superior Court.

            On April 26, 2018, Williams began honking his horn at a mother and daughter sitting in the vehicle ahead of him in traffic at the intersection of 4^th and I Street NW. Mr. Williams tried to drive around them but was unable to do so. He reversed his vehicle and threatened the mother and daughter at gunpoint before driving away when the traffic cleared. Williams was identified from surveillance footage in the immediate moments before and after the assault.

            Mr. Williams is awaiting trial on an unrelated 2021 homicide offense, which is set for trial in September 2023. Mr. Williams is facing another homicide offense in Charles County, Maryland. 

            In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Graves and Interim Chief Benedict commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.  They also expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Omeed Assefi and Anna Forgie, who tried the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – A Florida woman pleaded guilty on Monday, June 26, 2023, to a felony charge related to 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 presidential election.

            Corinne Montoni, 33, of Lakeland, Florida, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to one count of Civil Disorder, a felony offense. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 28, 2023.

            According to court documents, on Jan. 6, 2021, Montoni unlawfully entered the Capitol through a broken door next to the Senate wing door on the west side of the building. After entering, she proceeded through the building, making her way to the Capitol crypt. While inside, Montoni took several videos with her cell phone, including one video posted to her Instagram account in which she states, “We’re in the Capitol cuz this is our house – we paid for this, and they’re trying to steal it from us. Let’s go!”

            While inside a hall of the Capitol building, Montoni was in the midst of a crowd surrounded by other rioters. Montoni and others then began to push against officers attempting to stop them from proceeding. In another video recording, Montoni can be seen yelling, “Push back! Push back!” in support of the crowd of rioters.

            Court documents say that Montoni remained in the Capitol building for approximately 10 minutes before exiting. Montoni then re-entered the building at least one time, despite being aware that police were attempting to remove people from the building.

            According to court documents, Montoni posted on social media throughout the day on January 6^th about her experiences at the Capitol.  On her Parler account, she stated in part, “WE BREACHED THE CAPITOL OMG“; “Insurrection is coming. Hold the line. Stay vigilant.”; “Storming the Capitol to take back our country from traitors! This is OUR HOUSEEEE!”; and “Here’s a pretty little view form inside the Capitol at our traitor DC police, with a smashed window.” On her Facebook account, she stated in part, “We are DONE with these traitors. Today, we showed them how done we are. The Capitol building belongs to Us, we the people. This is our house. . . We broke a few windows, sure but we are a peaceful protect occupying the people’s property.”

            The charge of Civil Disorder carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. A federal court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering all factors and the U.S. Sentencing guidelines. All charges carry potential financial penalties.

            The 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 Middle District of Florida.

            The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Tampa and Washington Field Offices, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 29 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

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