Incident Date: September 2019 thru January 2021
Release Date: 1/7/2021
Release Time:
Earlier this week, a fourth and final co-defendant involved in a violent 2019 incident pled guilty in Cumberland County Unified Court. These convictions stem from drug-motivated kidnapping and shooting that occurred in September 2019.
During the early morning hours of September 23, 2019, a 41-year old Naples man was confronted at his home by two men whom he owed a drug debt to. After firing several rounds into the ceiling, the suspects forced the man from his home at gunpoint and into an awaiting vehicle. The victim was then ordered to provide directions to the home of a Casco man, who also reportedly owed a drug debt. As the men arrived at the Casco address, the victim was locked in the trunk of the vehicle, while the armed suspects quietly entered the Casco man’s home. The suspects searched the home using light from their cell phones, all while the occupants, including children, were sleeping. Unable to find who they were looking for the suspects left.
After leaving the residence, the suspects drove to a remote location on Tenney Hill Rd (in Casco) where they allowed the Naples man to exit the locked trunk. The suspects forced him to remove all of his clothing and then told him to “run.” The suspects then fired weapons at him as he was running away.
At that time, a neighbor reported hearing gunshots and called 911. The victim was found by responding deputies running naked down the road. He provided a description of the suspect vehicle, which was eventually stopped in the Town of Windham. Mahdi Ali, Ajoung Malual, Samson Samson, and Noh Okubazghi were the occupants of the vehicle. A firearm, which matched shell casings found at the scene, was located inside the car, along with various drugs. All four men were arrested and transported to the Cumberland County Jail where they were booked on numerous charges.
The ensuing investigation determined that Mahdi Ali and Ajoung Malual were involved in the kidnapping and shooting. The victim was treated at a local hospital for injuries sustained during this incident. He underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments from his leg.
The CCSO investigation was aided by law enforcement officials from Maine Drug Enforcement & the U.S. Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by the Maine Attorney General’s Office. A thorough investigation that included handwriting samples, translation of specific phone calls, and DNA and ballistics analysis lead to successful convictions of all.
Convictions and sentences are outlined below:
Samson SAMSON – 23 yoa from Minneapolis, MN was convicted of Unlawful Possession of Scheduled Drugs and was sentenced to 90 days in jail. He was immediately extradited back to Minnesota where he faced probation violations as he was on probation for Aggravated Robbery and Assault with Deadly Weapon.
Noh OKUBAGZHI – 21 yoa from Boston, MA was convicted of Possession of Schedule Drugs and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Mahdi ALI - 25 yoa from Boston, MA pled guilty to Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Felon in Possession of Firearm and two counts of Reckless Conduct with a Firearm. ALI was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with all but 6 years suspended, and 4 years of probation.
Ajoung MALUAL - 23 yoa from Westbrook, ME pled guilty this week to Kidnapping and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with all but 5 years suspended, and 4 years of probation. MALUAL also pled guilty and was sentenced to 5 years concurrent for Burglary, Aggravated Assault, and two counts of Reckless Conduct with a firearm.
SAMSON OKUBAGZHI ALI MALUAL
This incident captures some of the many dangers that exist with drug addiction. It should come as no surprise that the potential for drug-related violence exists in many towns and cities, and is not exclusive to larger metropolitan areas. This case, along with many others like it, continues to outline a prevalent drug problem in our rural communities. The CCSO and its law enforcement partners remain committed to the safety of our residents and are driven to remove dangerous criminals from our communities.
Released by:
Captain Donald Foss
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
(207)774-1444 ext 2112