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Pursuant to Rule 11(c)(1)(A) and (B) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the United States of America and the Defendant, CAROLYN BLAKE, agree as follows: Plea and Maximum Sentence 1. The Defendant is entering into this agreement and is pleading guilty freely and voluntarily without promise or benefit of any kind, other than contained herein, and without threats, force, intimidation, or coercion of any kind. The Defendant agrees that, had this case gone to trial, the Government would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt the facts contained herein and in the Indictment, which is incorporated herein by reference. 2. The Defendant agrees to plead guilty to Count Five of the Indictment, charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1956(h). The Defendant admits that she is guilty of this crime, that she is pleading guilty because she is guilty, and that she understands that she will be adjudicated guilty of this offense. Should the Defendant meet all the terms stated in this plea agreement, the Government agrees to dismiss Counts One and Six at sentencing. 3. The Defendant understands the nature of the offense to which she is pleading guilty and the elements thereof, including the penalties provided by law. The maximum penalties for Count Five charging her with a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h) (money laundering conspiracy) are 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $500,000. The Defendant also understands that the Court may impose a term of supervised release to follow any incarceration in accordance with 18U.S.C. §3583, and that, in this case, the authorized term of supervised release is at least two years but not more than three years. The Defendant understands that the Court will also order the Defendant to pay restitution to victims and to pay the costs of incarceration and supervision, and that she will be required to pay a mandatory special assessment of $100. 4. If the Court accepts the Defendant's plea of guilty, and the Defendant fulfills each of the terms and conditions of this plea agreement, the United States agrees that it will not further prosecute the Defendant for crimes arising from the facts set forth herein or in the Indictment. This paragraph does not apply to any "crimes of violence," as that term is defined by 18 U.S.C. §16, or to any offenses which the Defendant failed to disclose fully to the Government. The Defendant also understands that this plea agreement affects only criminal charges and shall not be construed, in whole or in any part, as a waiver, settlement, or compromise of any civil or administrative remedies available to any agency or department of the United States or any state or local government.
5. Prior to the time of sentencing, the Defendant shall pay a special assessment of $100.00 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3013. The Defendant shall provide the United States a receipt or other evidence of payment at the time of sentencing. 6. The Defendant agrees that if the Court does not accept her plea of guilty, this agreement shall be null and void. Advice of Rights 7. The Defendant, having been advised of her constitutional rights, including her right to a trial by jury, her right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against her, her right to testify if she so chooses and to call witnesses on her behalf, her right to be represented by an attorney at every stage of the proceedings against her, her privilege against self-incrimination, her right to appeal her conviction, if she is found guilty, and her right to appeal the imposition of sentence against her, knowingly and voluntarily waives these rights and privileges and agrees to enter the plea of guilty as set forth in this plea agreement. Factual Basis 8. The Defendant agrees that had this case gone to trial, the Government would have presented evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that:
Sentencing Guidelines and Sentencing Factors 9. The parties agree that the Defendant's sentencing is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines and that the controlling Guideline applicable to the offense to which the Defendant is pleading guilty is U.S.S.G. § 2S1.1, Laundering of Monetary Instruments. The parties stipulate and agree to recommend the following guideline calculations:
10. The Defendant understands that her Criminal History Category will be determined by the Court after the completion of a Pre-Sentence Investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. Should the Defendant comply fully with her obligations under this agreement, the Government will, based on information available as of the date of this plea agreement and subject to satisfactory debriefings at which the Defendant is entirely truthful and fully accepts responsibility for her criminal conduct and continues to accept responsibility for her criminal conduct up to and including the sentencing date, recommend a downward adjustment of two (2) levels for acceptance of responsibility under U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1. The Government, however, will not be required to make this recommendation if any of the following occurs: (1) the Defendant fails or refuses to make a full, accurate and complete disclosure to this office or the probation office of the circumstances surrounding the relevant offense conduct and her present financial condition; (2) the Defendant is found to have misrepresented facts to the United States prior to entering this plea agreement; (3) the Defendant commits any misconduct after entering into this plea agreement, including but not limited to, committing a state or federal offense, violating any term of release, or making false statements or misrepresentations to any governmental entity or official; or (4) the Defendant fails to comply with any terms of this plea agreement. The parties agree to recommend that no adjustment to the guideline level other than those discussed in this agreement is appropriate, and the Defendant agrees to seek no downward departures. The Government agrees to seek no upward departures, as long as the Defendant is entirely truthful during the course of her cooperation pursuant to paragraph 14 of this agreement. 11. The Defendant understands and agrees that federal sentencing law requires the Court to impose a sentence which is reasonable and that the Court must consider the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines in effect at the time of the sentencing in determining a reasonable sentence. The Defendant also understands that sentencing is within the discretion of the Court and that the Court is not bound by this agreement. The Defendant understands that the facts that determine the offense level will be found by the Court at sentencing and that in making those determinations the Court may consider any reliable evidence, including hearsay, as well as provisions or stipulations in this plea agreement. Both parties agree to recommend that the sentencing guidelines should apply pursuant to United States v. Booker and that they, along with the other factors set forth under 18 U.S.C. § 3553, provide a fair and just resolution based upon the facts of this case. The Defendant also states that she has had ample opportunity to discuss, and has in fact discussed, the impact of the sentencing guidelines and the statutory maximum sentence with her attorney and is satisfied with her attorney's advice in this case.
12. The Defendant is aware that the Government is obligated to advise the Court and the United States Probation Office of all information relevant to sentencing, including, but not limited to, all criminal activity and/or relevant conduct engaged in by the Defendant. Such information, including but not limited to the conduct set forth herein and in the Indictment, shall be used to calculate the Sentencing Guideline range applicable to the Defendant. The Defendant acknowledges that the Court has not yet determined a sentence and that any estimate of a probable sentencing range under the guidelines that the Defendant may have received, or may receive in the future, from her counsel, the Government, or the Probation Office is a prediction, not a promise, and it is not binding on the Probation Office or the Court. The Government makes no promise or representation concerning the sentence that the Defendant will receive, and the Defendant cannot withdraw her guilty plea based on the actual sentence. The parties understand that the final determination concerning sentencing rests within the sole discretion of the Court. 13. If the Court imposes a sentence with which the Defendant is not satisfied, she will not be permitted to withdraw her guilty plea for that reason nor will she be permitted to withdraw her plea should the Court decline to follow any recommendations or stipulations of the parties. Agreement to Cooperate 14. The Defendant agrees to provide entirely truthful, complete and accurate information, and she agrees to cooperate fully with the Government. This cooperation shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
15. The Defendant agrees that the Government may meet with and debrief her without the presence of her attorney, unless the Defendant specifically requests her attorney's presence at such debriefings and meetings. Upon request of the Defendant, the Government will endeavor to provide advance notice to counsel of the date, place and time of meetings and debriefings, it being understood that the Government's ability to provide such notice may vary according to time constraints and other circumstances. The Government may accommodate requests to alter the time and place of such debriefings. It is understood, however, that any cancellations or rescheduling of debriefings or meetings requested by the Defendant that hinder the Government's ability to prepare adequately for trials, hearings or other proceedings may adversely affect Defendant's ability to provide substantial assistance. Matters occurring at any meeting or debriefing may be considered by the Government in its determination of whether the Defendant has provided substantial assistance or otherwise complied with the letter and spirit of this plea agreement, and may be considered by the Court in imposing sentence regardless of whether counsel was present at the meeting or debriefing. 16. The Government agrees to consider the nature and extent of the Defendant's cooperation in determining whether she has provided substantial assistance to law enforcement authorities pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1 and 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e). The Defendant acknowledges that the determination of whether she has provided substantial assistance is a decision solely within the discretion of the Government. If the Government concludes that the Defendant has provided substantial assistance to law enforcement authorities pursuant to U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1 and 18 U.S.C. § 3553(e), the Government will file a motion for a downward departure. If such a motion is filed, the Government has the right to make a specific recommendation to the sentencing Court regarding the number of offense levels the Court should depart downward in fashioning an appropriate sentence, and the Government will also advise the Court of the full nature, extent and timing of the Defendant's cooperation.
Bar to Employment by or Business with Federal Government 17. The Defendant agrees that she will not solicit or accept employment with the federal government, and will not solicit, conduct, or attempt to conduct any business with the federal government for a period of three (3) years from the date of sentencing. This prohibition applies to: (a) the Defendant, acting on her own behalf or as an agent or representative of any individual, organization, or business; and (b) to any individual or business with whom the Defendant is "affiliated," as that term is defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, at 48 C.F.R. §9.403. The Defendant understands that this prohibition will be included as a condition of her probation and/or supervised release, and that a violation of this condition could result in the Defendant's imprisonment or return to prison. No Protection for False Statements or Future 18. The Defendant shall at all times give complete, truthful and accurate information and testimony, and she agrees not to commit, or attempt to commit, any further crimes. The Defendant understands that this plea agreement does not protect her from prosecution for perjury, should she testify untruthfully at any proceeding, or for making false statements in connection with interviews conducted pursuant to this agreement or any other statements or testimony on or after the date of this agreement. Nor does this agreement protect her from representations made during proffers and in representations through counsel prior to, and in connection with, the signing of this agreement; if it is determined that she has failed to provide such complete, truthful and accurate information, the agreement is voidable at the election of the Government and the Government is no longer bound by the loss, restitution or money judgment stipulations. Nor does this agreement protect her from prosecution for other crimes or offenses as to which she does not make full admission and give truthful and complete information. Further, should the Defendant fail to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement, the Government may fully prosecute the Defendant on all criminal charges that can be brought against the Defendant. With respect to such a prosecution:
19. In the event of a dispute as to whether the Defendant has knowingly committed a breach of this agreement, and if the Government chooses to exercise its rights under the preceding paragraph, and if the Defendant so requests, the matter shall be submitted to the Court and shall be determined by the Court in an appropriate proceeding at which Defendant's disclosures and documents shall be admissible and at which time the Government shall have the burden to establish the Defendant's breach by a preponderance of the evidence. Waiver of Right to Appeal 20. The Defendant, knowing and understanding all of the facts set out herein and in the Indictment, including the maximum possible penalty that could be imposed, and knowing and understanding her right to appeal her conviction and her sentence as provided in 18 U.S.C. § 3742, hereby expressly waives the right to appeal her conviction and any sentence within the maximum provided in the statute of conviction (or the manner in which that sentence was determined) on the grounds set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3742 or on any ground whatever, in exchange for the concessions made by the Government in this plea agreement. The Defendant also knowingly and voluntarily waives her right to challenge her conviction, her sentence, or the manner in which the sentence was determined in any collateral attack, including but not limited to a motion brought under 28 U.S.C. §2255. This agreement does not affect the rights or obligations of the United States as set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3742(b). Right of Allocution 21. The Government reserves the right to allocute as to the nature and seriousness of the offense and to make a recommendation as to sentencing. The attorneys for the Government will inform the Court and the Probation Office of: (1) this agreement; (2) the nature and extent of the Defendant's activities with respect to this case; and (3) all other information in its possession relevant to sentencing. Non-binding on Non-parties 22. The Defendant understands that this agreement binds and limits in any manner only the Government, defined as the United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Public Integrity Section and the Antitrust Division, National Criminal Enforcement Section. This agreement does not bind any United States Attorney's Office, nor does it bind any state or local prosecutor. It also does not bar or compromise any civil or administrative claim pending or that may be made against the Defendant. If requested, however, the Public Integrity Section and the National Criminal Enforcement Section will bring this agreement to the attention of any other prosecuting jurisdiction and ask that jurisdiction to abide by the provisions of this plea agreement. The Defendant understands that other prosecuting jurisdictions retain discretion over whether to abide by the provisions of this agreement. Restitution 23. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3663A, the Defendant understands and agrees that restitution to victims of this offense is mandatory. The loss to the victims, including the United States Department of Defense, is estimated to be approximately $3.1 million representing the presently known monetary instruments laundered by the Defendant as set forth herein and in the Indictment. The parties understand that under the law the Defendant is entitled to argue for offsets based on the amounts paid or agreed to be paid to those victims by potentially responsible parties. The Defendant agrees not to transfer or otherwise encumber her assets except with notice to, and consent of, the undersigned representatives of the United States until such time as this agreement is filed with the Court, at which point the Defendant must seek leave of Court to transfer or otherwise encumber her assets. The parties agree that the Defendant will not be required to obtain the consent of the United States for property transfers necessary to pay ordinary living expenses and ordinary business expenses and attorneys' fees. The Defendant agrees as part of this plea agreement that she will provide to the Government detailed financial information about all income and expenses on a monthly basis and as requested. Forfeiture 24. The Defendant agrees to identify the proceeds from, or traceable to all property involved in the money laundering conspiracy charged in Count Five, including any assets derived from, or traceable to, the proceeds of unlawful activity in which the Defendant has or had any financial interest, and any facilitating property. The Defendant agrees to take all steps as requested by the United States to locate and repatriate property subject to forfeiture, and further agrees not to contest the forfeiture of her interests in such property. The Defendant also agrees not to assist others in making claims against seized property. 25. The Defendant agrees to hold the United States, its agents and employees harmless from any claims whatsoever in connection with the seizure or forfeiture of property covered by this agreement. 26. The Defendant further agrees to waive all interest in any such asset in any administrative or judicial forfeiture proceeding, whether criminal or civil, state or federal. The Defendant agrees to consent to the entry of orders of forfeiture for such property, announcement of the forfeiture at sentencing, and incorporation of the forfeiture in the judgment. The Defendant acknowledges that she understands that the forfeiture of assets is part of the sentence that may be imposed in this case and waives any failure by the court to advise her of this, pursuant to Rule 11(b)(1)(J), at the time her guilty plea is accepted. 27. The Defendant agrees to take all steps as requested by the United States to pass clear title to forfeitable assets to the United States, and to testify truthfully in any judicial forfeiture proceeding. The Defendant acknowledges that all property covered by this agreement is subject to forfeiture as proceeds of illegal conduct or property involved in illegal conduct giving rise to forfeiture, and the Defendant agrees to the entry of a judgment against her in an amount not less than $3.1 million, representing the property involved in the money laundering conspiracy charged in Count Five of the Indictment and described herein. No Additional Agreements 28. No promises, agreements, or conditions have been entered into other than those expressly set forth in this plea agreement, and none shall be entered into and/or are binding upon the Defendant and the Government unless expressly set forth in writing, signed by all parties and physically attached to this plea agreement. This plea agreement supersedes any prior promises, agreements or conditions between the Government and the Defendant. 29. A facsimile signature is deemed an original signature for the purpose of executing this plea agreement. Multiple signature pages are authorized for the purpose of executing this plea agreement. Acknowledgments The Defendant I, Carolyn Blake, hereby expressly acknowledge the following: (1) that I have read this entire plea agreement; (2) that I have had an opportunity to discuss this plea agreement fully and freely with my attorney; (3) that I fully and completely understand each and every one of its terms; (4) that I am fully satisfied with the advice and representation provided to me by my attorney; and (5) that I have signed this plea agreement knowingly, freely and voluntarily.
Counsel for the Defendant I, Ray Jackson and Tshombe Anderson, attorneys for Carolyn Blake, hereby expressly
acknowledge the following: (1) that I have discussed this plea agreement with my client; (2) that
I have fully explained each one of its terms to my client; (3) that I have fully answered each and
every question put to me by my client regarding the plea agreement; and (4) in my opinion, my
client completely understands the letter and spirit of all of the plea agreement's terms.
For the United States
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