The #FBI plays a crucial role in combating violent crime nationwide. Read this recent round-up of violent crime stories:

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Violent Crime Case Round-Up

October 6, 2023

The FBI plays a key role in combating violent crimes across our country—and in some cases, abroad—through our investigative work targeting gangs and criminal organizations, violent crimes against children, Indian Country crime, human trafficking and involuntary servitude, bank robbery, and jewelry and gem theft.

FBI investigators usually work in partnership with other law enforcement groups, often establishing task forces to concentrate resources and efforts. This round-up is only a partial list of recent FBI violent crime stories—for a full list, read more FBI violent crime news and press releases.

Frank James Sentenced to Life In Prison for Subway Mass Shooting
Frank James was sentenced to 10 concurrent life sentences in prison, plus 10 years to run consecutively for shooting 10 people during an attack on the New York City subway in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, on April 12, 2022.

James previously pleaded guilty to all 11 counts of a superseding indictment, which included 10 counts of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation vehicle—one count for each gunshot victim—and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of his violent attack.
“Today, Frank James was rightfully sentenced for his deliberate and calculated act of terror against our city,” stated FBI New York Assistant Director-in-Charge James Smith. “He aimed to kill innocent people, who were simply going about their daily lives amid the morning rush. It is because of the dogged determination and vigilance of the investigators of the FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task force that James was brought to justice and is facing the consequences he rightfully deserves.”
Full press release
Washington Man Sentenced for Hate Crime Targeting LGBTQI+ Community at Seattle Nightclub
Kalvinn Garcia was sentenced in federal court for committing a hate crime in connection with an arson at a nightclub and event space in Seattle, Washington.

Garcia set fire to the contents of a dumpster in the alley directly behind the nightclub, and was arrested minutes after setting the fire. Garcia admitted that through the use of fire, he willfully attempted to cause bodily injury to the occupants of the nightclub because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Mr. Garcia admitted to setting the fire in an effort to hurt people based on his own bias,” said FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi. “No person in the United States should fear for their safety based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. I am proud of the continued work of the FBI and our partners in protecting the civil rights of all people.”
Full press release
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Committing Two Armed Carjackings, Shooting at Police During Car Pursuit, and Assaulting a Federal Corrections Officer
Justin Venegas was sentenced to 23 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for two carjackings during which he brandished a firearm and shot at one victim, shooting at police officers during the vehicle pursuit, and for assaulting a federal officer while in custody.

“The defendants’ sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone who is considering terrorizing the safety and security of our community by committing armed carjackings,” said FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans. “The sentence also reflects the severity of the crime and the commitment of the FBI, along with our federal, state, and local partners, to reduce the potential of future carjacking offenses, a major driver of violent crimes.”
Full press release
Bronx Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Drug-Related Shooting on Crowded Manhattan Sidewalk
Michael Rowe was sentenced to 22 years in prison for shooting another man over a $150 drug debt on a crowded sidewalk in Hell’s Kitchen on April 29, 2023.

“Michael Rowe resorted to a reckless act of violence when his victim failed to pay him just $150,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams. “Rowe could have taken someone’s life on that crowded sidewalk in Hell’s Kitchen over a trivial drug debt, but fortunately, no bystanders were hurt, and the victim survived his injuries. Thanks to the quick work of our law enforcement partners and the prosecutors of this Office, Rowe now faces prison time for his dangerous behavior.”
Full press release
Camden County Man Sentenced to 100 Years in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children
Michael Williams Kersey was sentenced to 1,200 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to engage in sexual exploitation of children; three counts of sexual exploitation of children; and possession of child pornography.

Kersey’s co-defendant, Lesley Henry, produced sexually explicit images and sent them to Kersey. Henry is serving more than 30 years in prison.
“Kersey’s determination to pursue lurid desires shows his lack of fear of the law and a willingness to harm children no matter how young they are,” said FBI Senior Supervisory Special Agent Will Clarke of the FBI’s Savannah office. “Although the FBI can never fully repair the damage inflicted by these predators, we can ensure that justice is served on those who commit these terrible crimes.”
Full press release
Inmate at FCI-Berlin Sentenced to an Additional 30 Months for Assaulting Another Inmate
Aniel Gomez was sentenced in federal court for assaulting another inmate, and also ordered to pay $1,392 in restitution to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

On December 19, 2022, Gomez beat another inmate with a homemade weapon consisting of two padlocks strapped together. As a result, the victim suffered head trauma, including the loss of teeth and lacerations above the right eyebrow and back of the head.
“Today’s sentence makes it clear that prison is not a place to continue committing crimes,” said FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen. “Aniel Gomez brutally beat a fellow inmate and will now spend more time behind bars for jeopardizing that inmate’s safety and the safety of the prison’s staff. This case demonstrates how the FBI will not hesitate to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone who engages in violence will be brought to justice.”
Full press release
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