United States of America v. Abdirashid Haret

Seattle, WA - Man who Held ATF Undercover Agent and Confidential Informant at Gunpoint Pleads Guilty



October 20, 2017 Incident in Lowe’s Parking Lot in Kent, Resulted in Injuries to Two Assailants



One of two men who attempted to rob a federal agent working on an illegal firearms investigation, pleaded guilty today to three federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. ABDIRASHID HARET, 20, of Des Moines, Washington, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer and person assisting a federal officer, using a firearm in a crime of violence and robbery of funds belonging to the United States. When sentenced by U.S. District Judge James L. Robart on March 25, 2019, prosecutors will recommend up to 15 years in prison. The ultimate sentence will be determined by Judge Robart and the statutory maximum is life in prison.



According to the facts in the plea agreement, HARET and co-defendant OMAR ABDULLAH, 23, of Seattle, Washington, had made arrangements to sell two firearms to a man who, unknown to them, was a confidential informant (CI) working with ATF. The CI and an undercover ATF agent met with HARET and ABDULLAH in a vehicle in the parking lot of the Kent Lowe’s store. After the agent and CI got in the car, HARET and ABDULLAH used the two loaded the firearms they brought to the meeting to rob the undercover agent and the CI. The undercover agent told HARET and ABDULLAH he would get additional money out of his car. HARET followed the agent out of the car, still armed with a firearm. The undercover agent was able to pull his own gun and fired at ABDULLAH who still held the CI at gunpoint in the car. HARET dropped his gun and attempted to flee. He was struck and injured running across Pacific Highway. Both ABDULLAH and HARET were taken to medical facilities. ABDULLAH continues to get specialized treatment for his gunshot wounds.



Assault on a federal officer and person assisting a federal officer is punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Using a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum seven years in prison and up to life in prison. Robbery of money of the United States is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.



The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

Charge:

Assault of Federal Officer and Person Assisting Federal Officers 18:111(a)(1) and (b)

(1s)

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm - 18:922(g)(1)

(2)

Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence 18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) - (ii)

(3s)

Robbery of Money of the United States 18:2114(a)

(4s)

Using a Firearm During a Crime of Violence 18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) - (ii) and 924(c)(1)(C)(i)

(6s)

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 18:922(g)(1)

(8s)

12/18/2018 71 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Hon. Brian A Tsuchida- CRD: A. Elkington; AUSA: Todd Greenberg; Def Cnsl: Mohammad Hamoudi; Court Reporter: Digital Recording; Time of Hearing: 10:00; Courtroom: 12B; CHANGE OF PLEA HEARING as to Abdirashid Haret held on 12/18/2018.



Defendant present in custody. Defendant placed under oath and advised of rights/charges/penalties; Defendant executes Consent to Rule 11 Plea in a felony case before a U.S. Magistrate Judge; Court reviews the plea agreement; Abdirashid Haret (2) pleads GUILTY to Count 1s,3s,4s. Remaining Counts to be dismissed at sentencing. Court finds the Defendant is competent to enter a guilty plea; Court signs the Report and Recommendation and Counsel have fourteen days to file objections; Court orders the preparation of a Presentence Report. Defendant remanded to custody. Sentencing set for 3/25/2019 at 09:30 AM in Courtroom 14106 before Judge James L. Robart. (AE) (Entered: 12/18/2018)

12/18/2018 72 CONSENT TO RULE 11 PLEA in a felony case as to Abdirashid Haret (AE) (Entered: 12/18/2018)

12/18/2018 73 PLEA AGREEMENT as to Abdirashid Haret (cc: USPO, FLU, AFU) (AE) (Entered: 12/18/2018)

12/18/2018 74 REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION re Plea of Guilty as to Abdirashid Haret by Hon. Brian A Tsuchida. (cc: USPO) Noting Date 1/3/2019, (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Acceptance of Plea)(AE) (Entered: 12/18/2018)