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Date: 08-25-2021
Case Style:
Case Number: 2:20-cr-20426-SJM-EAS
Judge: Stephen J. Murphy, III
Court: United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Wayne County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States Attorney’s Office
Defendant's Attorney:
Description: Detroit, MI: Felon in possession a firearm charge criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant.
William Henry Berry, 30, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, fire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Berry came to the attention of the FBI during an investigation into a series of shootings between rival gangs in the Detroit area. Phone records placed Berry’s cell phone at the scene of four of those shootings. During a subsequent search of Berry’s home agents recovered a loaded American Tactical Omni Hybrid outfitted with a “red dot” sight. Berry, who was on parole at the time, having previously been convicted of armed robbery, was prohibited from possessing a firearm. In addition, agents discovered cash, bank cards in several other peoples’ names, and a notebook with names, addresses, and social security numbers of identity theft victims. Further investigation revealed that Berry had used the stolen identities to obtain over $52,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits.
“Berry committed these serious felonies while on state parole demonstrating his contempt for the law,” said acting United States Attorney Saima Mohsin. “As a parolee, Berry chose not to become a productive member of society, but instead returned to violent criminal activity, identity theft and fraud. There is no parole in the federal system. Today’s sentence protects the public by ensuring Berry will remain incarcerated for a significant period of time.”
“This case is an example of how violent criminals have diversified their illegal activities in an attempt to thwart enforcement efforts," said Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Detroit. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and shut down criminal enterprises in any form."
Mohsin commended the work of the FBI in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Picek prosecuted the case.
Outcome: 08/19/2021 31 Exhibit (A) Presented on the Record re 29 Sentencing Memorandum by United States of America as to William Henry Berry (DPar) (Entered: 08/19/2021)
08/19/2021 Minute Entry for proceedings before District Judge Stephen J. Murphy, III: Sentencing held as to William Henry Berry. Disposition: Rule 11 Plea Agreement accepted by the Court. Defendant consented to video on the record. (Court Reporter: Linda Cavanagh) (Defendant Attorney: Jeffery A. Taylor) (AUSA: Andrew Picek, Catherine Morris, Linda Aouate) (DPar) (Entered: 08/19/2021)
Defendant was sentenced to 78 months in prison.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: