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Federal Jury Finds Two Men Guilty of Armed Robberies and Carjackings

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Federal Jury Finds Two Men Guilty of Armed Robberies and Carjackings

United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad has announced that yesterday, a federal jury found Otis Hunter (age 24) and Deshawn Evans (age 21) guilty of all charged counts.  Otis Hunter was found guilty of conspiracy, three business robberies, two carjackings, and five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  Deshawn Evans was found guilty of conspiracy, a business robbery, a carjacking, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The evidence presented at trial showed that between November 17, 2016, and December 4, 2016, the defendants were part of a robbery crew that committed five business robberies and two carjackings, all at gunpoint.  Most of the crimes occurred on the southside of Milwaukee.  The evidence established that the defendants brandished handguns, robbed employees and customers, and, on two occasions, pistol-whipped their victims.    

Sentencing for both defendants has been scheduled for April 27, 2018, before United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller.  At sentencing, Mr. Hunter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 107 years in prison and Mr. Evans faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 32 years in prison for their convictions on the counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Mr. Hunter’s and Evans’ co-defendants, Kelly Scott, Anthony Lindsey, and Dominique Rollins, have pled guilty to their involvement in some of the robberies and are awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret B. Honrath and Rebecca L. Taibleson.

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For additional information contact:

Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig, 414-297-1700

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Rochester Man Sentenced For Selling Counterfeit Coins

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Rochester Man Sentenced For Selling Counterfeit Coins

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today Timothy Meacham, 32, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of selling counterfeit coins, was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay $5,184.00 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who handled the case, stated that in May 2017, Meacham posted an ad on Craigslist advertising the sale of two genuine United States gold collector coins. The defendant used a false name and concealed his phone number in the ad in order to hide his true identity. The victim, a Pennsylvania man, contacted Meacham and traveled to Rochester on May 15, 2017, at which time he purchased the counterfeit coins for $5,000.00 cash. As part of the fraud, the defendant falsely represented that the coins were authentic and had been passed to Meacham from his deceased grandfather. The defendant also falsely represented that he needed to sell the coins in order to pay for funeral expenses related to the unexpected death of a family member. Upon his return to Pennsylvania, the victim discovered that the coins were counterfeit and contacted the United States Secret Service in Rochester which began an investigation leading to the arrest of Meacham.    

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson.

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United States Attorney’s Office Recovers Nearly $18,000,000 In Fiscal Year 2017

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: United States Attorney’s Office Recovers Nearly $18,000,000 In Fiscal Year 2017

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. ‐ U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, the Western District of New York Office recovered $17,889,000 as a result of wide‐ranging efforts in criminal, civil and asset forfeiture cases. Of that amount, $7,223,745 was given to victims of crime in the past year, while $772,000.22 was provided as aid to state and local law enforcement agency partners who worked hand in hand with the office on criminal cases. In addition, as part of an effort to combat fraud, waste, and abuse directed against the government, the Office collected $7,477,119 in affirmative civil enforcement actions, which include proceedings involving health care fraud, government fraud, and more.

“Speaking both literally and figuratively, the tremendous work done by the dedicated women and men of this Office is truly priceless,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy.  “For not only are the ideals embodied by the work done by this Office—ideals such as upholding the rule of law and preserving justice and equality—themselves without a price, by bringing in more money than we are allocated each year in our budget, we accomplish our virtuous mission while giving more back to the government coffers than we receive.  By any measure, ours is a highly successful business model.”

In addition to recovering funds, a total of 167 dangerous firearms, along with ammunition were forfeited in FY 2017 as instrumentalities of criminal conduct in drug and violent gang cases. Computers and electronic media devices—most related to child exploitation cases—were also forfeited.

Kennedy specifically credited the work done by his Office’s Asset Forfeiture and Financial Litigation Unit, under the leadership of Chief Richard D. Kaufman and Deputy Chief Kevin D. Robinson, and his Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, under the leadership of Civil Chief Mary Pat Fleming and ACE Coordinator AUSA Kathleen A. Lynch.

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Former High Point Regional Hospital Employee Pleads Guilty To Stealing Over $3 Million

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Former High Point Regional Hospital Employee Pleads Guilty To Stealing Over $3 Million

GREENSBORO, N.C. – United States Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina announced that KIMBERLY RUSSELL HOBSON, 46, of Kernersville, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Winston-Salem before the Honorable Thomas D. Schroeder to felony charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

HOBSON was employed in accounting and finance at High Point Regional Hospital for more than 20 years, ending in August 2017. HOBSON pleaded guilty to the above charges in connection with embezzling funds from the hospital. The indictment alleges that HOBSON stole in excess of $3,000,000.00 from the hospital. The exact amount of the loss will be determined by the Court at sentencing.

HOBSON faces a maximum penalty of thirty-two years confinement. The plea agreement requires HOBSON to make restitution to the hospital. Sentencing will occur in Winston-Salem on May 2, 2018.

The case was investigated by the Department of Treasury – Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, Guilford County Sheriff’s Department, and High Point Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert M. Hamilton, Lynne P. Klauer, and Anand P. Ramaswamy.

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Appeal for man missing from Hounslow

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal for man missing from Hounslow

Police are appealing for the public’s help to find a missing man from Hounslow.

Constantin Cristinel Talaba, 41, was last seen at just before midnight on Sunday, 4 February when he left his home on Chatsworth Crescent.

Constanin is a Romanian national, approximately 5ft10ins tall, of a medium build with short grey hair.He also has a distinctive scar on his left cheek.

At the time of his disappearance he was wearing blue jeans, a black jacket and white Nike trainers.

He is known to frequent Hounslow and the New Haw area of Surrey.

Officers are increasingly concerned for his wellbeing and would urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police on 101 or Missing People on 116000.

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Renewed appeal for missing man from Catford

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Renewed appeal for missing man from Catford

Police continue to appeal for help to find a vulnerable missing man from Catford.

Wolfgang Abel N’da, 22, was last seen at 08:00hrs on 7 November 2017.

Wolfgang, known as ‘Abel’, is described as black, of slim build with short dark hair. He is known to frequent London’s West End.

Officers, Abel’s family and his friends are increasingly concerned for his health and wellbeing as he suffers from mental health issues and requires regular medication.

If seen, members of the public are advised not to approach Abel, but to contact police immediately by dialling 999.

Anyone who has information concerning his whereabouts should call police at Lewisham on 101 or Missing People on 116000.

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Man convicted following fatal stabbing

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man convicted following fatal stabbing

A man has been convicted of the murder of Daniel Namanga in Peckham.

Dickson Tangu, 22, (4.10.95) was found guilty of murder and possession of a knife at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, 6 February.

He will be sentenced at the Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 9 February.

Police were called at around 02:00hrs on 8 August 2017, to reports of a disturbance in the area of Ilderton Road and Old Kent Road, SE15.

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service where they found 19-year-old Daniel suffering from a stab injury. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 02:05hrs.

A post-mortem examination was carried out on 8 August 2017, and gave cause of death as single stab wound to the chest.

Daniel had been with friends at a club night at the Afrikiko Bar and as the event finished, he became involved in an altercation outside. This quickly escalated and Daniel was chased before being stabbed. He collapsed a few metres away. Tangu fled the scene.

Tangu was arrested at his home on the morning of 11 August 2017. He refused to answer any questions, and was subsequently charged with murder.

Detective Sergeant Rob Tickle, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Dickson Tangu chose to carry a knife that night and did so with the full intention of using it. He struck a singular, forcible and violent blow to Daniel’s chest. He never recovered from the injuries he suffered and sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he died at the scene.

“Tangu is a dangerous individual, embroiled in a culture of violence in which he has shown a complete disregard for human life, including whilst at court. The jury took just two hours to reach its verdict.

“I would like to pay tribute to the strength of Daniel’s family, in particular his mother, Sally, who has shown immense courage, dignity and strength throughout. The family particularly want to thank the emergency services personnel who fought hard to save Daniel’s life, the criminal justice system and the investigation team whose commitment, hard work and determination ensured that Tangu was convicted.”

Police made eight other arrests in connection with this investigation. They were all released with no further action.

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Officer given final written warning

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Officer given final written warning

A police constable has received a final written warning after being found guilty of gross misconduct. 

PC Kehinde Meshe, based within the Transformation Directorate, attended a public misconduct hearing to answer allegations that his conduct amounted to a breach of the Met’s standards of professional behaviour in respect of use of force, authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

It was alleged that on 29 April 2015 at approximately 11:00hrs, while on duty as a Safer Schools officer in Lambeth, PC Meshe’s use of force towards a student was unnecessary, disproportionate and unreasonable.

The panel heard he took hold of a 14-year-old pupil’s arm at a school in Blackfriars when the boy refused to stop taking part in a playground game in what PC Meshe considered to be a reckless and disruptive manner.

There was an altercation during which PC Meshe pushed the boy against a wall and kneed him in the stomach. The pupil hit PC Meshe in the face and the officer punched him back.

The incident was broken up by school staff.

Having considered all the evidence, the panel, led by an independent chair, concluded that PC Meshe had acted without self-control and his use of force was wrong.

They accepted his previous good character and that this was an isolated lapse of judgement.

They found gross misconduct proven and issued a final written warning.

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Appeal following sexual assault, robbery and attempted rape of 18-year-old woman in Ilford

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal following sexual assault, robbery and attempted rape of 18-year-old woman in Ilford

Detectiveshave released images of a man they wish to identify in connection with the sexual assault, robbery and attempted rape of a woman in an Ilford bakery.

Just before 04:00hrs on Thursday, 21 December, the 18-year-old victim was closing Ali’s Bagels, Cranbrook Road, Ilford after working overnight when the suspect approached the door and said that he knew the owner.

When the victim opened the door to speak with the suspect, he pushed his way in, grabbed the victim and dragged her to the rear of the shop, where he sexually assaulted and tried to rape her.

The victim was then forced to hand over her purse as a pair of scissors was held to her throat and the suspect stole £500 from her.

The suspect is described as black man in his 30s; of medium build with facial stubble. At the time of the attack he was wearing a grey hooded jumper, black jacket, dark grey bottoms and black trainers.

Detective Constable Angela Nemeth, of the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: “It is vital that the suspect in this case is trace as soon as possible. A vulnerable young woman, going about her job, is now dealing with being a victim of sexual assault and robbery, the effects of which run far deeper than a loss of cash.

“I urge anyone who recognises this male to speak with police as soon as possible. Your call could help us remove a dangerous criminal from the community or may eliminate someone from police enquiries. “

Anyone with information is asked to call police on the police non-emergency line on 101 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or by Tweeting @MetCC.

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Schenectady Felon Indicted for Gun and Ammunition Possession

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Schenectady Felon Indicted for Gun and Ammunition Possession

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher L. Morgan, age 31, of Schenectady, New York, was arraigned last week on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to the indictment, on September 6, 2016, Morgan possessed a .38 caliber Colt Cobra revolver, as well as 10 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition.  The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Morgan is in custody pending trial.  If convicted, Morgan faces up to 10 years in prison and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Schenectady Police Department and the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.