Authorities Offer $50,000 Reward in Manassas Cold Case

Law Enforcement Seeks Assistance in Unsolved Murder of Virginia State Trooper Johnny Bowman

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, and Manassas City Police Department announced a $50,000 reward today for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the murder of Virginia State Trooper Johnny Rush Bowman in August 1984.

In the early morning of August 19, 1984, Trooper Bowman answered the front door of his residence in the Bristoe Station development of Manassas, Virginia, and was repeatedly stabbed by an unknown assailant(s). Trooper Bowman’s wife was home during the attack and placed the 911 call for assistance. The attacker(s) fled on foot from Bowman’s home, leaving behind eyeglasses, a wig, and a construction hard hat. Trooper Bowman died shortly thereafter at a local hospital. In addition to his wife, Trooper Bowman left behind a 2-year-old daughter.

Twenty-eight years after Trooper Bowman’s murder, advancements in forensic testing have identified new information regarding DNA found at the scene. Forensic evidence was originally submitted to the FBI Laboratory for testing in 1984. Additional tests were conducted in the late 1990s and again in 2010.

“While this brutal attack occurred more than 25 years ago, we believe that someone can still provide a piece of the puzzle that will help solve this case,” said James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “It is important for the public to know that no piece of information is too small to share. With the assistance of advanced forensic science, we are able to actively pursue new leads to identify whoever is responsible for this murder.”

“Solving this homicide has been a priority for the Virginia State Police since it occurred that fateful morning of August 19, 1984,” said Capt. David A. Russillo, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Fairfax Field Office. “Over the past 28 years, this case has taken investigators to as far away as California, Ohio, and other states in their pursuit of the necessary evidence to bring the murderer or murderers to justice.”

“I am confident that we are moving in the right direction with this investigation,” said Chief Douglas W. Keen, Manassas City Police Department. “It’s important for the public to understand that even after 28 years, we are committed to solving this murder and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Investigators from Virginia State Police, Manassas City Police Department, and the FBI have been involved in this case since 1984 and continue to diligently follow every lead. In 2005, Virginia State Police conducted a media campaign asking for the public’s assistance in recalling any details that could help to solve this case. The FBI has provided law enforcement assistance to Virginia State Police and Manassas City Police Department to include the processing of evidence at the FBI Laboratory.

Law enforcement agencies are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Virginia State Police tip line at 703-803-2637.

Additional Contacts:

Virginia State Police

Public Affairs Office: 804-263-5547

www.vsp.state.va.us

Manassas City Police

Public Affairs Office: 703-257-8038

www.manassascity.org

Manassas Gang Associate Sentenced to 276 Months for Role in Sex Trafficking High School Girls and for Committing Multiple Gun Crimes

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Donyel Pier Dove, aka “Bleek,” 28, of Manassas, Virginia, was sentenced today to 276 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role as a bodyguard and driver for a gang-led prostitution business that recruited and trafficked high school girls. As part of his sentencing, Dove also was held responsible for conducting two armed robberies in Manassas, Virginia, and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon during a burglary in Fairfax County.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II, Attorney General of Virginia; Colonel David Rohrer, Fairfax County Chief of Police; James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Douglas W. Keen, Manassas City Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Anthony J. Trenga.

“Donyel Dove was convicted for his role in a juvenile sex trafficking ring that recruited eight young girls to engage in his street gang’s prostitution business. The brutality and callousness of traffickers who prostitute minors should result in long sentences to place them behind bars where they can’t hurt our youth. Mr. Dove will have the next 23 years to reflect on his evil crime.”

“Today, we sent a clear message that participation in human trafficking at any level simply will not be tolerated in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Attorney General Cuccinelli. “Though nothing can take away the hurt and suffering the girls and their families have suffered as a result of Dove’s behavior, it is our hope that today’s sentencing will help them in their challenging journey to heal and move on.”

“Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who strong-arm young girls into prostitution will pay the price for their actions,” said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. “Along with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to combat all forms of child exploitation through the pursuit of individuals who commit these heinous crimes.”

On May 17, 2012, Dove pled guilty to sex trafficking of a juvenile. According to court records, Dove was an associate of the Underground Gangster Crips (UGC), a Crips “set” based in Fairfax County, Virginia. As part of his involvement with UGC, Dove served as a bodyguard and driver in the UGC prostitution enterprise and walked with prostitutes for protection on multiple occasions. On at least two occasions, in 2009 and 2011, Dove transported or walked with two juveniles, ages 16 and 17, while they were engaging in commercial sex acts. Dove provided the juveniles with drugs, held and distributed proceeds from the prostitution, and received a portion of the proceeds himself. Dove also purchased a credit card that was used to pay for advertisements on Backpage.com to solicit customers for the prostitution enterprise.

Dove also pled guilty to using a firearm during a crime of violence in relation to two armed robberies of 7-Eleven stores in Manassas, Virginia, in March 2012. In addition, Dove possessed a gun during a March 2012 burglary in Fairfax, Virginia, despite being a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Dove is the second of five UGC members or associates who have been convicted of sex trafficking of juveniles in connection with this case. Michael Tavon Jefferies, aka “Loc,” was sentenced on July 6, 2012 to 120 months in prison for his role in the enterprise. The three remaining defendants (Christopher Sylvia, Henock Ghile, and Justin Strom) are scheduled for sentencing on August 17, September 7, and September 14, 2012, respectively.

This case was investigated by the Fairfax County Police Department, the Manassas City Police Department, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with assistance from the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force. Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Marc J. Birnbaum and Assistant United States Attorney Inayat Delawala are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Founded in 2004, the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies—along with nongovernmental organizations—dedicated to combating human trafficking and related crimes.

SUR-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 168 Months in Prison for Sex Trafficking Virginia Teen

First Sur-13 Gang Member Conviction for Child Sex Trafficking Highlights U.S. Attorney’s Office Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Trafficking

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Ramiro Espinoza Jamaica, also known as “Criminal,” 21, of Manassas, Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the sex trafficking of a juvenile female in Northern Virginia.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Charlie T. Deane, Prince William County Chief of Police; and Douglas W. Keen, Manassas City Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge T.S. Ellis, III. Espinoza Jamaica pled guilty to the sex trafficking of a child on April 12, 2012.

“Ramiro Jamaica, better known as ‘Criminal,’ is a SUR-13 gang member who preyed on a vulnerable 14-year-old girl. After luring her into his apartment, he sexually abused her, physically assaulted her, and then made money by prostituting her to a stranger,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “My office has charged 11 Northern Virginia gang members with juvenile sex trafficking and will continue our zero-tolerance policy against all human traffickers. Today’s conviction sends a strong message that we will put away anyone who sexually exploits children in this district, even a single time.”

“The trafficking and prostitution of a child is one of the most horrific and despicable crimes that we investigate,” said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. “This investigation clearly demonstrates the FBI’s resolve in bringing those who exploit children to justice.”

“This case represents the great working relationships between federal and local law enforcement—working with the U.S. Attorney’s to ensure we have solid cases to prosecute these offenders who prey on the weak,” said Manassas Police Chief Keen.

According to court documents, Jamaica, a Mexican-born U.S. citizen, is a member of SUR-13, a transnational street gang that is active in Northern Virginia. In and around early 2011, Jamaica harbored a runaway 14-year-old girl for purposes of prostitution. Despite the juvenile’s young age, Jamaica exploited her for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts. Jamaica escorted the juvenile to a prostitution appointment, used his sublet bedroom in Manassas for a prostitution appointment, and provided the juvenile with alcohol in preparation for the commercial sex acts. Jamaica willingly and knowingly engaged in this conduct.

Jamaica is the first SUR-13 gang member to be convicted of child sex trafficking in the Eastern District of Virginia. In addition to SUR-13, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has charged and convicted members of the Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS-13) international street gang and the Underground Gangster Crips gang with the sex trafficking of juveniles. This prosecution is also noteworthy in that, unlike other recent juvenile sex trafficking cases successfully prosecuted in this district, Jamaica prostituted the victim on only one known occasion, yet the United States Attorney’s Office successfully secured a conviction for child sex trafficking.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office, with assistance from the Prince William County Police Department, the Manassas City Police Department, and the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Terwilliger and Special Assistant United States Attorney A. Marisa Chun are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Founded in 2004, the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies—along with nongovernmental organizations—dedicated to combating human trafficking and related crimes.

SUR-13 Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Trafficking

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Ramiro Espinoza Jamaica, aka “Criminal,” 20, of Manassas, Virginia, pled guilty late yesterday to sex trafficking a 14-year-old female runaway. Jamaica is a member of SUR–13, a transnational Hispanic street gang.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Charlie T. Deane, Prince William County Chief of Police; and Douglas W. Keen, Manassas City Chief of Police, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by United States District Judge T. S. Ellis, III.

Indicted on March 8, 2012, Jamaica pled guilty on April 12, 2012 to sex trafficking of a minor. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison when he is sentenced on July 13, 2012.

“We have a zero-tolerance, one-strike policy toward juvenile sex trafficking in this District,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Anyone we find who entices or forces a young girl into the vile world of prostitution will pay a very heavy price for their actions.”

“This case demonstrates how an individual can prey upon young girls and lure them into prostitution,” said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. “The FBI is committed to apprehending and prosecuting individuals who sexually exploit children, and we will continue to work to identify these predators and their victims.”

According to court documents, Jamaica, a Mexican-born U.S. citizen, harbored a runaway 14-year-old girl for purposes of prostitution in early 2011. Jamaica admitted that he escorted the young girl to a prostitution appointment, used his sublet bedroom for a prostitution appointment, and provided the girl with alcohol to help her have sex with a client.

Jamaica is the first SUR-13 gang member to be convicted of child sex trafficking. In addition to SUR-13, since 2011, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has charged and convicted members of MS-13 and the Underground Gangster Crips with the sex trafficking of juveniles.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with assistance from the Prince William County Police Department, the Manassas City Police Department, and the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Terwilliger and Special Assistant United States Attorney A. Marisa Chun are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

Founded in 2004, the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies—along with non-governmental organizations—dedicated to combating human trafficking and related crimes.