Two Men Sentenced For Planning To Murder Federal Agent

Two Detroit men were sentenced to lengthy prison terms following their convictions for plotting to kill a federal agent and committing narcotics and firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today. 

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Steven Bogdalek, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Rufus Deon Wilson, 39, was sentenced to life in prison and John Robert Davis, 43, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.  The sentenced was imposed by U.S. District Judge Bernard A. Friedman.

The evidence presented at the June trial established that in April 2013, Davis and Wilson conspired to rob and murder an ATF agent who was acting in an undercover capacity.  Davis and Wilson believed that the agent was a drug courier who wanted to rob a drug stash house.  Davis and Wilson planned to double-cross the agent by robbing and murdering him after he picked up drugs from the stash house.  During recorded conversations, Davis and Wilson talked about killing the agent by crashing into his vehicle, binding his hands behind his back, slashing his throat with a knife to avoid the sound of gun fire, stripping his body of any identifying information, and then either leaving the agent naked in the car to die or burning the car. 

On May 2, 2013, Davis and Wilson were arrested in a warehouse as they prepared to travel to the stash house to commit the robbery and murder.  Davis was in possession of a black mask and latex gloves.  Wilson, who was already wearing latex gloves, was in possession of loaded pistol and a large knife with an 8” serrated blade.

“These defendants plotted to violently kill another human being so that they could steal drugs and money,” McQuade said.  “These sentences are harsh but appropriate for violent offenders who place such little value on human life.”

This case was investigated by special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Martin and Douglas Salzenstein.