Philadelphia police seek suspect in armed carjacking

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Southwest Detective Division/Major Crimes Carjacking Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspect involved in a carjacking incident on July 10, 2024 at 8:32 p.m. The incident occurred in the apartment block of South 39th Street.

The suspect is described as a 20-year-old black woman with a medium complexion, approximately 5’3″ tall with a slim build. She has black hair tied in two ponytails and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt. The suspect was armed with a black semi-automatic pistol.

Vehicle description: The stolen vehicle is a white 2010 Buick Lacrosse with Pennsylvania license plate MMD-9255. The vehicle has tinted black windows on the driver and passenger sides and a dark blue side mirror on the driver’s side.

Authorities are urging anyone who sees the suspect or vehicle not to approach and to call 911 immediately. Tips can be submitted by calling 215.686.TIPS (8477) or by texting the same number. An electronic form is also available for anonymous tips. All tips will be treated confidentially.

Police are actively seeking information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the stolen vehicle.

NEWARK, NJ – Today, Hatem Ghouneim, a 35-year-old Egyptian national, admitted his involvement in a fraud against a rideshare company totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ghouneim’s guilty plea to three counts of wire fraud was entered before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in federal court in Newark following his extradition from Spain.

In the scam, which took place from January to December 2019, Ghouneim set up fraudulent accounts using stolen identities to collect referral fees from a technology company that operates a ride-sharing service. This scheme resulted in significant financial losses to the company in the form of fraudulent referral payments.

For each count of wire fraud, Ghouneim faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2024.

The investigation, led by the FBI under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, culminated in Ghouneim’s guilty plea. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of International Affairs, the Office of the FBI Attaché in Spain, and the Spanish government for their critical role in arresting and extraditing Ghouneim to face charges in the United States.

TRENTON, NJ – Dywann Pugh, 44, of Asbury Park, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking and weapons offenses. The sentencing took place in federal court in Trenton, presided over by U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi.

Pugh had previously pleaded guilty to possession of 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine-containing mixture with the intent to resell and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Those confessions were entered before former U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan.

The charges stemmed from an operation on November 21, 2022, in which police executed search warrants at Pugh’s residence. During the search, officers found over three kilograms each of methamphetamine and cocaine, approximately 150 grams of fentanyl, approximately $19,000 in cash, and various drug distribution tools, including a pill press and approximately seven kilograms of cutting agents. A loaded .380 caliber Hi-Point pistol was also seized.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Quraishi ordered Pugh to be placed on probation for five years. In addition, Judge Sheridan ordered the forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition seized during the raid.

The successful outcome of this case was due to the joint efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations Newark, and the Neptune Township Police Department. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger thanked DEA Special Agent Cheryl Ortiz, Acting Special Agent William S. Walker of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, and Police Chief Anthony Gualario of the Neptune Township Police Department for their leadership and assistance.