Maryland tax preparer convicted after 8-day trial for preparing false tax returns

GREENBELT, MD—A Maryland man has been convicted for preparing false tax returns. A federal jury this week convicted Ronald Eugene Watson, also known as Sabir Muhammad, 59, of Brandywine, on 23 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. The guilty verdict was announced by Erek L. Barron, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland; […]

Maryland MS-13 gang member sentenced to life in prison for a racketeering conspiracy, including murder

BALTIMORE, MD—A Maryland MS-13 gang member has been sentenced to life in prison. U S. District Judge Paula Xinis this week sentenced Jose Domingo Ordonez-Zometa, a/k/a “Felon,” 33, of Landover Hills, to life in federal prison for racketeering and murder in aid of racketeering conspiracies, for committing murder in aid of racketeering, and for conspiracy to destroy and conceal evidence […]

Previously convicted Baltimore County sex offender sentenced to 15 years in prison for possession of child pornography

BALTIMORE, MD—A previously convicted Baltimore County man has been sentenced to prison on child pornography charges. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has sentenced August Candeloro III, a/k/a “Nick,” 35, of Catonsville, to 15 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for a federal charge of possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney […]

Two men facing federal indictment in Maryland for arson conspiracy targeting convenience stores

GREENBELT, MD—Two men are facing a federal indictment in Maryland for an arson conspiracy targeting convenience stores. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Stephen Kennedy, 33, of Temple Hills, Maryland, and Donnell Kelly, 33, of Washington, D.C., for conspiracy to commit arson, arson affecting interstate commerce, commercial robbery, and use of a destructive device in furtherance of […]

Former bank employee convicted after fraudulently opening bank accounts in Maryland

UPDATE: Daniel Velcru has been sentenced to prison. Original story below… GREENBELT, MD—A Maryland man has been convicted on fraud charges after fraudulent opening bank accounts. A federal jury has convicted Diape Seck, 29, of Rockville, for his role in a bank fraud scheme in which he and his co-conspirators obtained or attempted to obtain almost $2 million by fraud, […]

Federal indictment returned charging Baltimore County woman, Florida man for plotting to attack Baltimore power grid, including Perry Hall substation

BALTIMORE, MD—A federal grand jury in Maryland on Tuesday returned an indictment charging Sarah Beth Clendaniel, 34, of Catonsville, and Brandon Clint Russell, 27, of Orlando, Florida, with conspiracy to destroy an energy facility. The defendants have been detained since their arrest on February 3, 2023, on related charges. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District […]

Baltimore man sentenced to 25 years in prison for carjacking, armed robbery conspiracy in which 2 people were killed

BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore man will spend more than two decades in prison for his part in a carjacking and armed robbery conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher this week sentenced David Banks, 29, of Baltimore, to 25 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a carjacking and armed robbery conspiracy, including six armed robberies […]

Two arrested in plot to attack Baltimore’s power grid, including Perry Hall substation

UPDATE 2: Russell and Clendaniel have both been indicted. UPDATE: This story has been updated with a statement from BGE and Exelon. Original story below… —— BALTIMORE, MD—Two people have been arrested after authorities said they planned to carry out an attack on Baltimore’s power grid. Federal authorities on Monday announced that the FBI had captured two suspects before they […]