Press Release
Contact:
DONALD A. DAVIS
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
PHONE: (616) 456-2404
LOWELL RESIDENT AND HIS PHILADELPHIA FRIEND NOW CHARGED
WITH KIDNAPPING AND CONSPIRING TO MURDER DONALD DIETZ
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Rami Saba of Lowell, Michigan, and Raogo Ouedraogo of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have been charged with conspiring to murder and kidnap Donald Dietz, resulting in Dietz’s death. A federal grand jury returned the charges Thursday afternoon, alleging the men committed the crimes in connection with their scheme to illegally obtain money and funds belonging to Dietz in various financial institutions.
The grand jury specifically charged that Saba and Ouedraogo conspired to commit murder-for-hire, conspired to kidnap and actually did kidnap Dietz, resulting in Dietz’s death. The new charges are in addition to those previously brought, which are conspiracy to commit bank fraud and four counts each of attempted bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The new charges are each punishable by up to life in prison. The murder-for-hire and kidnapping resulting in death charges are also eligible for the death penalty. However, the Attorney General of the United States must review the case and authorize any pursuit of the death penalty before the U.S. Attorney may actually seek it.
Defendant Saba is scheduled to be arraigned on the new charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ellen Carmody at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. No date has yet been set for Defendant Ouedraogo. Both men are currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
U.S. Attorney Davis praised the joint, continuing efforts of the Michigan State Police and the United States Secret Service in this ongoing investigation. This case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Davis with Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Green.
The charges in the Indictment are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. A copy of the Indictment is attached.
END
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