During the recent lapse in federal appropriations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland continued its prosecution efforts, securing convictions, indictments, plea agreements, and sentencings in several notable cases.
“During the recent lapse in appropriations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland continued to steadfastly carry out its essential mission,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes. “Our Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff remained unwavering in pursuing cases that protected public safety, upheld the rule of law, and served the interests of justice. I am grateful for their professionalism and dedication during this period, and we look forward to continuing to carry out our responsibilities with the same diligence and commitment now that normal operations are restored.”
Among the October 2025 cases highlighted by the office:
– David Donnell Fulton of York, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child after authorities found illicit images at his home.
– Mehul Ramesh Khatiwala (also known as Mike Khatiwala) from Voorhees, New Jersey received a seven-year prison sentence for supervising a multi-million-dollar bank fraud conspiracy; this marks his second conviction on such charges.
– Jamari James David Leverett from Baltimore was indicted on charges including sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child sexual abuse material; he allegedly used online profiles to target minors nationwide.
– Fode Sitafa Mara from Takoma Park was convicted on multiple counts related to aggravated sexual abuse against two minors and other offenses; evidence showed repeated assaults at an Embassy-leased residence in Ouagadougou.
– Lester Massey Jr., from Oxon Hill was sentenced to 30 months for being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition after law enforcement recovered 243 live rounds at his residence.
– Lawrence Earl Smith Jr., a former Baltimore City School Police Officer and football coach, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion related to fraudulent overtime claims exceeding $200,000 and failure to pay over $60,000 in taxes across several years.
– Duane Watts and Donna Jones from Baltimore admitted guilt in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme involving false representations between May 2020 and May 2021.
In November 2025:
– Donzell Lernard Campbell from Laurel was sentenced to over nine years in prison following guilty pleas related to machine gun possession, drug trafficking offenses, firearm crimes linked with drug activity, and being a felon with ammunition.
– Jayre Reaves from Ellicott City received a sentence of 27 months for mail fraud; he must also forfeit $615,000 and pay restitution totaling $614,000.
– Jennifer Tinker from Ellicott City was sentenced to nearly six years after embezzling more than $1.1 million from two employers; she used stolen funds for personal purchases including vacations and concert tickets.
– Jackson Traylor from Dania Beach pleaded guilty after sending more than ten antisemitic messages using various phone numbers between July 2024 and April 2025.
The Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages those seeking more information about its work or community resources to visit justice.gov/usao-md or justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
