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DOJ releases February violent crime prosecution recap

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Friday, March 18, 2022

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Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced Friday that the Department of Justice charged 130 gun offenders and secured more than 245 total years in prison sentences on 18 gun convictions in the month of February. Since 2019, the DOJ has an 83% conviction rate in Superior Court gun cases.

“My first priority is combatting violent crime—particularly gun crimes,” said AG Jennings. “Gun violence is a both a national crisis and a local one. In Delaware, guns are overwhelmingly the driving force behind rising violent crimes, and the strongest predictor that violent crime will turn deadly. This office has consistently prosecuted and convicted gun offenders at an extremely high rate, and we will continue to find and prosecute gun criminals and gun traffickers in every corner of this state.”

Other violent case highlights from February include:

Convictions

State v. John Cameron: Defendant pleaded guilty to Murder 1^st Degree for the strangulation of his cellmate, Phillip Langell.
State v. Juan Sanchez: Defendant, a serial burglar, pleaded guilty to Burglary 2^nd Degree (two counts).
State v. Cecilia Oriano-Sanchez:Defendant pleaded guilty to Vehicular Homicide Second Degree. She was speeding and fell asleep behind the wheel, causing her vehicle to veer off of the roadway and strike another vehicle waiting to exit a gas station, killing the driver of the other vehicle.
State v. Isaiah Baird: Defendant pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.
State v. Fernando Garcia: Defendant pleaded guilty to Rape 4^th Degree and is scheduled for sentencing in April.
State v. Nyjir Lee: Defendant pleaded guilty to Rape 2^nd Degree and is scheduled for sentencing in April.
State v. Taha El-Abaddi: Defendant was convicted of Murder by Neglect 1^stDegree and faces 15 years to life in prison.
State v. Labeeb Perkins: Defendant was convicted of Unlawful Sexual Contact 2^nd Degree.
State. v. Clarence Rivera: Defendant pleaded guilty to Manslaughter, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony for the July 2017 killing of Cyree Watson and faces up to 13 years in prison.
State v. Christopher Owens/Imburgia: Defendant pleaded guilty to Aggravated Menacing, Unlawful Imprisonment 2^nd Degree, Breach of Conditions of Bond During Commitment (two counts), Act of Intimidation (two counts), and Stalking.
State v. Michael Reynolds:Defendant pleaded guilty to Strangulation, Reckless Endangering 2^nd Degree and Felony Non-Compliance with Conditions of Bond.
State v. Christopher Miller:Defendant pleaded guilty to Child Abuse 2^nd Degree (two counts) in a case where the victim sustained a number of fractured bones.
State v. Michael Deblasio: Defendant was convicted at trial of Driving Under the Influence (4th offense), Vehicular Assault 2^nd Degree, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and other traffic offenses.
State v. Anthony Wallace: Defendant pleaded guilty to Stalking, Assault 2^ndDegree, Malicious Interference with Communications, and Criminal Contempt of a Protection from Abuse Order.
State v. Teodoro Diaz: Defendant was convicted at trial of Unlawful Imprisonment 2^nd Degree and Offensive Touching.
State v. Marvell Watts: Defendant was convicted at trial of Criminal Contempt of a Protection from Abuse Order and Violation of a Protective Order.
State v. Dacrysha Flowers: Defendant pleaded guilty to Concealed Carry of a Deadly Weapon and Drug Dealing Tier 2.
State v. Joshua Dudley: Victim pleaded guilty to Providing a False Written Statement after acting as a straw purchaser on a gun purchase.

Sentences

State v. Samuel Palmer: Defendant pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Defendant was apprehended with an AR-15 after a police chase and was prohibited due to two prior violent felony convictions.
State v. Orrin Daniels: Defendant pleaded guilty to Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree (two counts), Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and Felony Resisting Arrest after driving his vehicle toward two WPD officers responding to a domestic violence incident. The State requested 10 years in prison based on the facts, prior record, and the Defendant’s probationary status at the time of the offense; Defendant was ultimately sentenced to 4 years in prison followed by probation.
State v. Rashid Roane: Defendant pleaded guilty to Assault 1^st Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
State v. Ronnie Williams: Defendant was convicted on charges of Rape 2^ndDegree, Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Solicitation of a Child, Sexual Abuse by a Person in a Position of Trust 2^nd Degree, and Unlawful Sexual Contact 1^st Degree and sentenced to 22 years in prison.
State v. Henry Rivera: Defendant entered a pre-indictment guilty plea to Robbery 1^st Degree and was sentenced to 3 years in prison.
State v. Zun Kebei: Defendant pleaded guilty to Vehicular Assault 1^stDegree and Driving Under the Influence (two counts) and was sentenced to 2 years in prison.
State v. Kalif Reeves: Defendant pleaded guilty to Murder 2^nd Degree for the March 2018 murder of William Laws and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Reeves’ codefendants (Edwin Rivera, Shai Thodos and Noah Youngs) were sentenced in 2019.
State v. Maleke Brittingham: Defendant was sentenced to 5 years in prison for his role in the robbery and murder of Tony Berry and Behk Suk at the Printz Deli in June 2013. Mitigating factors included the Defendant’s testimony against co-defendant Anthony Dale and expiration of a relevant statute of limitations.
State v. Indi Islam: Defendant was sentenced to 3 years in prison for her role as an accomplice in the robbery and murder of Tony Berry and Behk Suk at the Printz Deli in June 2013. Mitigating factors included Defendant’s testimony against co-defendant Anthony Dale and expiration of a relevant statute of limitations.
State v. Devin Coleman: Defendant was designated a habitual offender and sentenced to 29 years in prison for Possession of Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited. This case stemmed from Operation Rise n Shyne.
State v. Michael Taylor: Defendant was sentenced to 5 years in prison for Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Drug Dealing. This case stemmed from Operation Rise n Shyne.
State v. Marquis Mack: Defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Felony Drug Dealing (five counts). This case stemmed from Operation Rise n Shyne.
State v. Michael Hastings: Defendant was sentenced to 4 years in prison for Reckless Endangerment 1^st Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony after pointing a loaded gun at protesters at a political rally.
State v. Marquise Byrd: Defendant was sentenced to 3 years in prison followed by probation after pleading guilty to Reckless Endangering 1^stDegree and of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. During an argument with his girlfriend, and while intoxicated, Defendant accidently discharged a firearm through the floor, almost striking the victim who was sleeping in the apartment below.
State v. Ronald Cochran: Defendant was sentenced to a total of 65 years in prison, suspended after 15 years for Attempted Assault First Degree (two counts), Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (two counts), and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited. Defendant had fired a weapon at multiple police officers but, luckily, did not strike any.
State v. Clarence Weatherspoon:Defendant pleaded guilty to Rape 4^thDegree and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, suspended to 4 years in prison followed by probation.
State v. Lemmon Pitts: Defendant pleaded guilty to Child Abuse for the rape of his granddaughter and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, suspended after serving 20 years, followed by 10 years of probation. Defendant will register as a sex offender pursuant to statute and is to have no contact with the victim or anyone under 18.
State v. Nicholas Savage: Defendant pleaded guilty to a Hate Crime with an underlying offense of Aggravated Menacing and was sentenced to 8 years in prison suspended after serving 9 months for 2 years probation, plus orders to undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluations, complete anger management counseling, and have no contact with the victims, among other conditions.

New charges

State v. Israel Lecompte: Defendant was indicted for 12 charges including Murder 1^st Degree (two counts), and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (four counts). The Defendant, who is also charged with multiple violent offenses in the NorthPak gang case, is accused of murdering Nathan Smith in the Knollwood community of Claymont in July 2021
State v. Edward Martin: Defendant was charged with Murder 1^st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Concealed Carry of a Deadly Weapon for the February 20, 2022 fatal shooting of Arrick Richards.
State v. Kahlim Hopkins: Defendant was charged with Murder 1^st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited for the February 20, 2022 fatal shooting of Nicholas Davis.
State v. Samuel Waters: Defendant, a former Wilmington Police Department officer, was charged with Tampering with Public Records 1^st Degree, Perjury 2^nd Degree, Assault 3^rd Degree (three counts), Official Misconduct (two counts) and Falsifying a Business Record in connection with two excessive force incidents in September 2021.
State v. Keyon Ealy: Defendant was charged with Engaging in a Firearms Transaction on Behalf of Another (36 counts) and False Statement (29 counts) in connection with the straw purchases.
State v. Karen Morris and Shane Willey: Defendant was charged with Engaging in a Firearms Transaction Behalf of Another (nine counts) and False Statement (five counts); Willey was charged with Engaging in a Firearms Transaction on Behalf of Another (three counts) and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree. Both defendants were charged in connection with straw purchases.
State v. Malik Jarvis: Defendant was charged with False Statement (four counts) in connection with straw purchases.
State v. Paige Morris: Defendant is charged with Engaging in a Firearms Transaction on Behalf of Another (two counts), Providing a Firearm to a Person Prohibited, and False Statement.
State v. Kecia Rosado: Defendant, a suspended WPD officer, was charged with Burglary 1^st Degree, Assault 2^ndDegree, Unlawful Imprisonment 2^ndDegree, and Offensive Touching following an investigation into an attack against her intimate partner.
State v. George Johnson, Stephen Garrison, Terrance Jones, Tara Weston, Lamont Johnson, Quasean Deputy, Harrell Richards, Lentia Brown, Alvin Dixon, Brandon Garrison, Christopher Sturgis, Deshawn Hines, Glen Jacobs, Jermaze White, Joquon Nocks, Joronta Dixon, Linwood Nocks, Montez Purnell, Paul Parker, Someeka Dixon, Tynessa Garrison, Wayne Majors, Dajion Garrison, Ashley Marshall, Allen White, Andre Washington, Antonio Bailey, Suzanna Baker, Damarius Turnage, James Brown, Jaun’ye Paul, Kevin Ricketts, Lemuel Hurst, Semeion Reed, Sherita Gunby, Stephon McDonald, Yonta Turnage, and Roy Nichols: Defendants are charged with 280 crimes, including Racketeering, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy, and a multitude of high-tier drug dealing charges, following a joint operation by the Delaware State Police, Delaware Department of Justice, and Maryland/Pennsylvania law enforcement authorities, which eliminated Sussex County’s largest heroin trafficking organization in Sussex County.

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DOJ releases February violent crime prosecution recap

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Friday, March 18, 2022

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Other violent case highlights from February include:

Convictions

State v. John Cameron: Defendant pleaded guilty to Murder 1^st Degree for the strangulation of his cellmate, Phillip Langell.
State v. Juan Sanchez: Defendant, a serial burglar, pleaded guilty to Burglary 2^nd Degree (two counts).
State v. Cecilia Oriano-Sanchez:Defendant pleaded guilty to Vehicular Homicide Second Degree. She was speeding and fell asleep behind the wheel, causing her vehicle to veer off of the roadway and strike another vehicle waiting to exit a gas station, killing the driver of the other vehicle.
State v. Isaiah Baird: Defendant pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.
State v. Fernando Garcia: Defendant pleaded guilty to Rape 4^th Degree and is scheduled for sentencing in April.
State v. Nyjir Lee: Defendant pleaded guilty to Rape 2^nd Degree and is scheduled for sentencing in April.
State v. Taha El-Abaddi: Defendant was convicted of Murder by Neglect 1^stDegree and faces 15 years to life in prison.
State v. Labeeb Perkins: Defendant was convicted of Unlawful Sexual Contact 2^nd Degree.
State. v. Clarence Rivera: Defendant pleaded guilty to Manslaughter, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony for the July 2017 killing of Cyree Watson and faces up to 13 years in prison.
State v. Christopher Owens/Imburgia: Defendant pleaded guilty to Aggravated Menacing, Unlawful Imprisonment 2^nd Degree, Breach of Conditions of Bond During Commitment (two counts), Act of Intimidation (two counts), and Stalking.
State v. Michael Reynolds:Defendant pleaded guilty to Strangulation, Reckless Endangering 2^nd Degree and Felony Non-Compliance with Conditions of Bond.
State v. Christopher Miller:Defendant pleaded guilty to Child Abuse 2^nd Degree (two counts) in a case where the victim sustained a number of fractured bones.
State v. Michael Deblasio: Defendant was convicted at trial of Driving Under the Influence (4th offense), Vehicular Assault 2^nd Degree, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and other traffic offenses.
State v. Anthony Wallace: Defendant pleaded guilty to Stalking, Assault 2^ndDegree, Malicious Interference with Communications, and Criminal Contempt of a Protection from Abuse Order.
State v. Teodoro Diaz: Defendant was convicted at trial of Unlawful Imprisonment 2^nd Degree and Offensive Touching.
State v. Marvell Watts: Defendant was convicted at trial of Criminal Contempt of a Protection from Abuse Order and Violation of a Protective Order.
State v. Dacrysha Flowers: Defendant pleaded guilty to Concealed Carry of a Deadly Weapon and Drug Dealing Tier 2.
State v. Joshua Dudley: Victim pleaded guilty to Providing a False Written Statement after acting as a straw purchaser on a gun purchase.

Sentences

State v. Samuel Palmer: Defendant pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. Defendant was apprehended with an AR-15 after a police chase and was prohibited due to two prior violent felony convictions.
State v. Orrin Daniels: Defendant pleaded guilty to Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree (two counts), Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and Felony Resisting Arrest after driving his vehicle toward two WPD officers responding to a domestic violence incident. The State requested 10 years in prison based on the facts, prior record, and the Defendant’s probationary status at the time of the offense; Defendant was ultimately sentenced to 4 years in prison followed by probation.
State v. Rashid Roane: Defendant pleaded guilty to Assault 1^st Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
State v. Ronnie Williams: Defendant was convicted on charges of Rape 2^ndDegree, Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Solicitation of a Child, Sexual Abuse by a Person in a Position of Trust 2^nd Degree, and Unlawful Sexual Contact 1^st Degree and sentenced to 22 years in prison.
State v. Henry Rivera: Defendant entered a pre-indictment guilty plea to Robbery 1^st Degree and was sentenced to 3 years in prison.
State v. Zun Kebei: Defendant pleaded guilty to Vehicular Assault 1^stDegree and Driving Under the Influence (two counts) and was sentenced to 2 years in prison.
State v. Kalif Reeves: Defendant pleaded guilty to Murder 2^nd Degree for the March 2018 murder of William Laws and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Reeves’ codefendants (Edwin Rivera, Shai Thodos and Noah Youngs) were sentenced in 2019.
State v. Maleke Brittingham: Defendant was sentenced to 5 years in prison for his role in the robbery and murder of Tony Berry and Behk Suk at the Printz Deli in June 2013. Mitigating factors included the Defendant’s testimony against co-defendant Anthony Dale and expiration of a relevant statute of limitations.
State v. Indi Islam: Defendant was sentenced to 3 years in prison for her role as an accomplice in the robbery and murder of Tony Berry and Behk Suk at the Printz Deli in June 2013. Mitigating factors included Defendant’s testimony against co-defendant Anthony Dale and expiration of a relevant statute of limitations.
State v. Devin Coleman: Defendant was designated a habitual offender and sentenced to 29 years in prison for Possession of Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited. This case stemmed from Operation Rise n Shyne.
State v. Michael Taylor: Defendant was sentenced to 5 years in prison for Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Drug Dealing. This case stemmed from Operation Rise n Shyne.
State v. Marquis Mack: Defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Felony Drug Dealing (five counts). This case stemmed from Operation Rise n Shyne.
State v. Michael Hastings: Defendant was sentenced to 4 years in prison for Reckless Endangerment 1^st Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony after pointing a loaded gun at protesters at a political rally.
State v. Marquise Byrd: Defendant was sentenced to 3 years in prison followed by probation after pleading guilty to Reckless Endangering 1^stDegree and of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. During an argument with his girlfriend, and while intoxicated, Defendant accidently discharged a firearm through the floor, almost striking the victim who was sleeping in the apartment below.
State v. Ronald Cochran: Defendant was sentenced to a total of 65 years in prison, suspended after 15 years for Attempted Assault First Degree (two counts), Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (two counts), and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited. Defendant had fired a weapon at multiple police officers but, luckily, did not strike any.
State v. Clarence Weatherspoon:Defendant pleaded guilty to Rape 4^thDegree and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, suspended to 4 years in prison followed by probation.
State v. Lemmon Pitts: Defendant pleaded guilty to Child Abuse for the rape of his granddaughter and was sentenced to 25 years in prison, suspended after serving 20 years, followed by 10 years of probation. Defendant will register as a sex offender pursuant to statute and is to have no contact with the victim or anyone under 18.
State v. Nicholas Savage: Defendant pleaded guilty to a Hate Crime with an underlying offense of Aggravated Menacing and was sentenced to 8 years in prison suspended after serving 9 months for 2 years probation, plus orders to undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluations, complete anger management counseling, and have no contact with the victims, among other conditions.

New charges

State v. Israel Lecompte: Defendant was indicted for 12 charges including Murder 1^st Degree (two counts), and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (four counts). The Defendant, who is also charged with multiple violent offenses in the NorthPak gang case, is accused of murdering Nathan Smith in the Knollwood community of Claymont in July 2021
State v. Edward Martin: Defendant was charged with Murder 1^st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Concealed Carry of a Deadly Weapon for the February 20, 2022 fatal shooting of Arrick Richards.
State v. Kahlim Hopkins: Defendant was charged with Murder 1^st Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited for the February 20, 2022 fatal shooting of Nicholas Davis.
State v. Samuel Waters: Defendant, a former Wilmington Police Department officer, was charged with Tampering with Public Records 1^st Degree, Perjury 2^nd Degree, Assault 3^rd Degree (three counts), Official Misconduct (two counts) and Falsifying a Business Record in connection with two excessive force incidents in September 2021.
State v. Keyon Ealy: Defendant was charged with Engaging in a Firearms Transaction on Behalf of Another (36 counts) and False Statement (29 counts) in connection with the straw purchases.
State v. Karen Morris and Shane Willey: Defendant was charged with Engaging in a Firearms Transaction Behalf of Another (nine counts) and False Statement (five counts); Willey was charged with Engaging in a Firearms Transaction on Behalf of Another (three counts) and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree. Both defendants were charged in connection with straw purchases.
State v. Malik Jarvis: Defendant was charged with False Statement (four counts) in connection with straw purchases.
State v. Paige Morris: Defendant is charged with Engaging in a Firearms Transaction on Behalf of Another (two counts), Providing a Firearm to a Person Prohibited, and False Statement.
State v. Kecia Rosado: Defendant, a suspended WPD officer, was charged with Burglary 1^st Degree, Assault 2^ndDegree, Unlawful Imprisonment 2^ndDegree, and Offensive Touching following an investigation into an attack against her intimate partner.
State v. George Johnson, Stephen Garrison, Terrance Jones, Tara Weston, Lamont Johnson, Quasean Deputy, Harrell Richards, Lentia Brown, Alvin Dixon, Brandon Garrison, Christopher Sturgis, Deshawn Hines, Glen Jacobs, Jermaze White, Joquon Nocks, Joronta Dixon, Linwood Nocks, Montez Purnell, Paul Parker, Someeka Dixon, Tynessa Garrison, Wayne Majors, Dajion Garrison, Ashley Marshall, Allen White, Andre Washington, Antonio Bailey, Suzanna Baker, Damarius Turnage, James Brown, Jaun’ye Paul, Kevin Ricketts, Lemuel Hurst, Semeion Reed, Sherita Gunby, Stephon McDonald, Yonta Turnage, and Roy Nichols: Defendants are charged with 280 crimes, including Racketeering, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy, and a multitude of high-tier drug dealing charges, following a joint operation by the Delaware State Police, Delaware Department of Justice, and Maryland/Pennsylvania law enforcement authorities, which eliminated Sussex County’s largest heroin trafficking organization in Sussex County.

ICYMI

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.

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DOJ releases February violent crime prosecution recap

DOJ releases February violent crime prosecution recap

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