4 Indicted In Racketeering Conspiracy; BPD Sergeant Among Victims

BALTIMORE, MD — Four Baltimore men have been indicted on federal racketeering charges in connection with what prosecutors say was a robbery and carjacking outfit. Among the crimes linked to the organization were multiple murders as well as a robbery during which Baltimore Police Sgt. Isaac Carrington was shot and injured outside his home while off duty, according to the indictment.

Those involved are accused of violence, including murder, "to intimidate others who would interfere with their enterprise" and "to gain a certain status in the community and on social media platforms," the indictment says. Officials said the goal of the enterprise was to use force and intimidation to rob people, buy firearms, profit and further the organization.

"We will not allow armed carjacking and robbery crews to threaten our neighborhoods and victimize our communities," U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur said in a statement. "Having allegedly used guns to bring fear and death to our streets, these defendants now face the prospect of years in federal prison. Police officers, federal agents, and state and federal prosecutors are united and determined to bring such violent offenders to justice together."

The racketeering conspiracy was dubbed the "Foster enterprise" by prosecutors. One of the main perpetrators in the organization was Karon Foster, according to the indictment. It was connected to six armed carjackings and four armed robberies in Baltimore from April 19 to Aug. 8, 2019, and prosecutors alleged its members were also linked to multiple murders.

"The Baltimore Police Department has a deep appreciation for the dedicated work of our federal partners for indicting the people responsible for these heinous crimes," Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said in a statement. "We are extremely grateful for this partnership that brought this case to closure and ensuring that justice will be served. We will continue to work side-by-side with all of our law enforcement partners in identifying and apprehending repeat violent offenders and taking them off the streets of Baltimore."

A federal grand jury indicted the following individuals, the U.S. Attorney reported Thursday:

• Karon Foster, 26, conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity; carjacking conspiracy; conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; three counts of carjacking; three counts of using a firearm in a crime of violence; carjacking resulting in death; and use, carry and discharge a firearm in a crime of violence
• Rashaud Nesmith, 19, conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, carjacking conspiracy; conspiracy to use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; carjacking; and use, carry and brandish a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence
• Jamai Wells, 30, carjacking conspiracy; conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in a crime of violence; carjacking; use, carry, and brandish a firearm in a crime of violence; and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
• Daniel Williams, 29, carjacking conspiracy; conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in a crime of violence; carjacking; use, carry, and brandish a firearm in a crime of violence

Authorities allege Foster and Nesmith were involved a nonfatal shooting on Aug. 8, 2019.

That day, Carrington was shot on his front lawn in the 5600 block of Summerfield Avenue before 3:30 p.m. while talking with his neighbor.

A car believed to be an Acura pulled up, at least one man wearing a face mask got out and the suspect tried to rob the off-duty officer and his neighbor at gunpoint, police said. The neighbor threw his belongings down and ran, and Carrington ran the opposite direction, at which point the gunman chased Carrington and shot him multiple times. Carrington was placed on life support at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. He was released about two weeks later.

"Citizens of Baltimore City deserve to feel that they can drive down this city’s streets and stand in their front yard without fear of gun violence or death,"ATF Baltimore Field Division Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones said in a statement Thursday. "We are proud of the partnerships we have with both prosecutors and law enforcement that allows ATF Special Agents and Baltimore Police Task Force Officers to get violent offenders, especially those who use firearms to commit their crimes, off the street and brought to justice."

Related:

• Sergeant Carrington Released From Shock Trauma In Baltimore
• 'I'm 10-8,' Police Sergeant Says At Shock Trauma After Being Shot
• $19K Reward Offered For Info After Baltimore Police Sergeant Shot
• Baltimore Police Sergeant Who Was Shot Now On Life Support: BPD

Officials also allege Foster, Nesmith and others were involved in the attempted robbery of Kendrick Sharpe, who was shot and killed in the 5300 block of Fernpark Avenue during the course of the crime on Aug. 1, 2019.

Prosecutors allege Nesmith was involved in the armed robbery of Devon Chavis, who was shot and killed during the course of the robbery in the 4900 block of Goodnow Road on July 23, 2019.

Foster is charged in the death of Taven Lowther, who was shot and killed in the course of the carjacking of an Acura MDX in the 4400 block of Franconia Drive on June 12, 2019, officials said.

Wells and Williams are alleged to have participated with Foster and others in at least one armed carjacking, federal prosecutors said.

"This federal indictment sends a loud and clear message to anyone who wishes to foster an atmosphere of fear within our neighborhoods," Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said in a statement. "This sort of reckless violence will not be tolerated by the community, law enforcement, nor my office. I applaud the work and ongoing partnership between my office and our federal partners. Collaboration and partnership like this is key to tackling the violence in our city to achieve the progress that we seek and that our city and state deserve."

The map below shows the locations where carjackings, homicides and other crimes occurred that were mentioned in the indictment:

Here is the indictment: