Mohamed Waes, Reproductive Health Services Threat, Ohio 2022
[Image: A photo of the Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio building in Columbus, Ohio]
Mohamed Waes, a 33-year-old Columbus man, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act for threatening to burn down a reproductive health services clinic in Ohio.
According to court documents, on July 5, 2022, Waes intentionally interfered with and intimidated employees of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio by threatening over the phone to burn down their building because they were providing reproductive health services.
Waes also pleaded guilty to felony charges of communicating interstate threats and conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of this conspiracy, Waes attempted to launder nearly $2 million in fraud proceeds, successfully laundering $273,982.08.
The FBI Cincinnati Field Office and IRS:CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Rausch and Peter Glenn-Applegate for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
“Threatening to burn down facilities that provide reproductive health services is not just unlawful, it’s conduct that frightens and obstructs patients and providers of reproductive services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
A sentencing hearing will be set at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Defendant: Mohamed Waes, age 33, city: Columbus, state: Ohio
Criminal Charges: Misdemeanor charge under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, felony charges of communicating interstate threats and conspiracy to commit money laundering
Date: July 5, 2022
Sentence: A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors
Dollar Amounts: $1,972,792.84 attempted in BEC proceeds, $273,982.08 successfully laundered
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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