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Press Release
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alexander Hamilton, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight months in prison for illegally recording and publishing secret grand jury proceedings while he served on the Grand Jury in the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ordered Hamilton to serve 12 months of probation following his release.
Hamilton pleaded guilty on August 29, 2023, to contempt and obstruction of justice under federal and District of Columbia law.
Hamilton, a former special police officer who worked as an armed guard at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, was sworn in as a grand juror in D.C. Superior Court on September 9, 2022. His grand jury service ended on October 13, 2022, after an MPD officer monitoring public Instagram accounts saw an account called “moefromthezzz,” posting video from the Grand Jury room.
Hamilton, whose account had nearly 10,400 followers, posted videos of at least 14 different grand jury investigations and at least 18 different witnesses within the Superior Court of the District of Columbia Grand Jury room. He indicated he knew what he was doing was illegal, boasting that his actions could land him in prison for three years.
When he was sworn in, Hamilton had been instructed to keep the proceedings secret from family, friends, or any other members of the public. Hamilton took an oath stating that he would keep the proceedings secret. However, as Hamilton raised one hand to take the oath, he filmed himself—using his cell phone in the other hand —and stated, “I’m about to lie.” Hamilton then sent that video to various people via text message. While the swearing in took place at Superior Court, the grand jury sits in a suite at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Hamilton was both verbally instructed and given written materials explaining that cell phones were not permitted in the grand jury room.
Despite these warnings, Hamilton posted portions of grand jury testimony on Instagram Stories and broadcasted significant periods of testimony on Instagram Live. Hamilton often overlaid his Instagram stories with rat emojis and terms such as “hot” or “snitches.” He continuously showed contempt and disdain for any individual who would testify before a grand jury.
On multiple occasions, Hamilton filmed portions of testimony where the witness stated their name—revealing the identity of the witness to his followers.
At different times in the videos, he zoomed in on evidence that was presented on the screen. During the broadcast, Hamilton had a conversation with followers where he said the witness was the one who should be considered “guilty.”
On October 11, 2022, Hamilton sent messages stating, “They can lock you up for this . . . Having your phone back here.” On at least three occasions, Hamilton referenced receiving three years in prison for bringing his phone into the grand jury room and recording testimony.
The MPD discovered the Instagram videos. Personnel from the U.S. Attorney’s office recognized the individual as Hamilton. During a consensual interview with law enforcement, Hamilton admitted to recording grand jury proceedings and posting them to his Instagram account. Hamilton indicated that he filmed the proceedings using one of two phones that he owns. Hamilton also sent dozens of messages via text message and Instagram discussing his grand jury service.
Hamilton was arrested on November 17, 2022.
In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Unit (CIIU).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Gold. Valuable assistance was provided by former U.S. Attorney CIIU Special Agent Geoff Guska, U.S. Attorney CIIU Special Agent Sean Ricardi and CIIU Supervisory Special Agent Tina Lukens. Notable assistance was provided by Investigative Analyst Chris Fagioli and Special Agent Durand Odom of the CIIU.
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