Former U.S. Navy Air Traffic Controller Indicted for Interstate Domestic Violence

BALTIMORE, MD—A federal grand jury has indicted Ryan Holness, age 28, of Lexington Park, Maryland, for interstate domestic violence, related to the murder of his wife, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

“The Interstate Domestic Violence Statute, which was enacted in 1994, authorizes federal prosecution of any criminal who travels across a state line with the intent to kill a spouse or intimate partner,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “The decision to use that authority in this case was made jointly by federal and state authorities.”

According to the one count indictment, on June 5, 2009, Holness allegedly traveled across state lines with the intent to kill or injure his spouse and in the course of doing so, committed and attempted to commit a crime of violence against his spouse.

Holness faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. No court appearance has been scheduled. Holness remains detained on related state charges.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the Maryland State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Kent County State’s Attorney Robert Strong and his office for their work in this investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorneys Kwame J. Manley and Cheryl L. Crumpton, who are prosecuting the case.