St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies served search and seizure warrants on Trevone Damone Butler, 33, of Lexington Park, MD, recovering suspected drugs, paraphernalia, and an unserialized lower receiver for a regulated firearm.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, with the assistance of the Emergency Services Team and the Vice/Narcotics Support Team, took the suspect into custody without incident at a residence in the 46000 block of Admiral Lane in Lexington Park on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

During the subsequent search, Detectives located U.S. currency, suspected crack cocaine, and a digital scale with residue from what is suspected to be a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). Detectives also discovered a privately manufactured lower receiver for an AR-15-style rifle.

The warrant search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed suspected Ketamine, crack cocaine, and additional paraphernalia. The suspected CDS was in sufficient quantities and packaged in a manner indicative of an intent to distribute.

Butler was charged with multiple felony violations, two counts of CDS: possession with intent to distribute, CDS: possession of firearms during a drug trafficking crime, CDS: possession of firearms, CDS: possession of production equipment, illegal firearm possession by an individual with a felony conviction, and related firearm charges, and is currently incarcerated at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, MD.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 18, 2024) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Devone Articis Hall, 33, no fixed address, in connection with an assault that happened on April 3, 2024, in Lexington Park, MD. The suspect is approximately 5’ 6” tall with a thin build.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Hall, and detectives from the SMCSO Criminal Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.

Due to the nature of the assault, Detectives caution that Hall may pose an immediate danger to the public. Individuals are urged not to approach him and to immediately contact 911 if they encounter him.

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or send a text to Crime Solvers at 274637. Type "Tip239" in the message block and select SEND. After you get a response, continue your conversation.

Remember, with Crime Solvers, your identity remains anonymous. You could be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 18, 2024)— Following an extensive investigation, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Vice/Narcotics Unit, assisted by members of the CID Criminal Intelligence Unit and Vice/Narcotics Support Team served a search and seizure warrant on Lakesha Denise Savoy, 37, of Lexington Park, MD, for suspected involvement in trafficking and distribution of controlled dangerous substances. Simultaneously, deputies served a warrant at a residence in the 46000 block of Robert Leon Drive in Lexington Park.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Savoy was taken into custody, and U.S. currency and cell phones were recovered on her person. Numerous digital scales containing suspected CDS residue, suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, and Suboxone (buprenorphine) in sufficient quantities and packaged in a manner indicative of an intent to distribute were recovered from the residence.

The suspect was charged with three felony counts of CDS possession with intent to distribute and is incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

SRO investigating assault at Davis Middle School: On April 16, the school resource officer at Davis Middle School was made aware of an assault that occurred on April 15 in which a male student inappropriately touched a female student during class. The student will be charged on a Juvenile Offense Report with assault. Anyone with additional information is asked to call PFC Miedzinski at 301-609-3282 ext. 0668. The investigation is ongoing.

The St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office will host the 34^th Annual Memorial Service for Maryland Crime Victims and their families from Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties.

The annual memorial service creates a safe and nurturing environment for families of crime victims to share their stories. The Statewide Memorial Services kick off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

There are four statewide services hosted annually to commemorate over 4,000 crime victims who have lost their lives to criminal violence. In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and the Maryland Board of Victim Services, the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office will host the Southern Region’s service.

This year’s program will be highlighted by two readings from Shownda Greenwell and John Duckett, parents of Jamari Duckett, a young man who was tragically killed by a drunk driver, and will also include:

• Guest Speaker Lieutenant Krystle Rossignol, Maryland State Police Commander
• The Presentation of Colors by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
• National Anthem by Gracen Armsworthy, St. Mary’s County high school student
• Invocation and benediction by Chaplain Charlie Wharton
• Master of Ceremonies State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling
• A candle lighting ceremony

The memorial service is open to the public and will be held this Sunday, April 21, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the Senate trial of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: 

“Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate disagree with President Joe Biden’s border policies. They say this frequently. In response, they should work with Democrats and pass a comprehensive border security package, like the one that was negotiated last year and should have been approved as part of a supplemental appropriations bill months ago. Republicans say they want reform and change, yet they continuously block the necessary funding and policy change to do so. Impeachment is not the proper vehicle for responding to policy differences. It should be reserved for high crimes and misdemeanors, as proscribed by the Constitution – and Secretary Mayorkas has not engaged in any behavior that would rise to this constitutional level. Despite the bluster, a majority of Senate Republicans and even some House Republicans and their legal scholars know this to be true.

“The Senate needs to get back to real work on behalf of the American people and not keep playing partisan games to run out the clock on the Biden-Harris administration’s first term. Among other priorities deserving of floor time, we should be approving comprehensive border security reform and providing desperately needed assistance to our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region.” 

April 17, 2024

Col. Orlando Lilly is pinned by his son, wearing his Natural Resources Police badge for the first time at his swearing in ceremony. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) formally welcomed Orlando D. Lilly as the 11th Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police on Wednesday. The former Baltimore County Police Major and Navy veteran was sworn in at DNR headquarters in Annapolis. Lilly assumes the rank of Colonel. 

Lilly, 55, takes over the post most recently held by Col. Adrian Baker, who retired in January 2023. Acting Lieutenant Colonel Brian Rathgeb has served in the acting Deputy Superintendent position since July 2023.

“Col. Lilly has gone above and beyond throughout his law enforcement career, building a legacy of dedication and professionalism,” Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “We know that with Col. Lilly at the helm, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will be in good hands. His commitment to equitable policing, community-building, and leadership will ensure Natural Resources Police officers continue to effectively serve Marylanders through fair and equitable enforcement of the state’s natural resource laws.”

“We are very appreciative of Acting Lt. Col. Brian Rathgeb’s service and leadership during the previous months,” added Kurtz. “His guidance was invaluable and we are extremely proud and fortunate to have him as a part of our leadership team.”

Lilly has 29 years of experience in law enforcement, including serving in several leadership positions with the Baltimore County Police Department. Most recently, Lilly was a Major in the Western Patrol Division at the department, where he was assigned to the Operations Bureau. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Baltimore and a master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University.

Lilly has also served in various positions outside of the Baltimore County Police Department. He has been a member of several advisory boards, including the Baltimore County Work Group on Equitable Policing and the Baltimore County Government’s New Americans Task Force. Lilly also developed the curriculum and taught math application in law enforcement for 17 years in the Forensic Science Department at the University of Baltimore.

Col. Orlando Lilly and the Natural Resources Police Color Guard at his swearing in ceremony. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.

“I’m excited to join the Maryland Natural Resources Police and look forward to the unique task of protecting Maryland’s natural resources,” Lilly said. “I want to thank Gov. Moore and Secretary Kurtz for providing me with this opportunity. My goal in this new role will be to ensure Natural Resources Police continue to provide excellent conservation enforcement, while also working closely with the communities we serve to understand how we can better address their needs.”

A beacon in community policing, Lilly’s actions to strengthen the bond between the police and the citizens they serve has been evident throughout his career. Lilly hosted routine community events during his time with the Baltimore County Police Department, including basketball clinics, community walks, “Coffee with a Cop,” National Night Out, and many other community-building events.

He intends to bring that ethic of service to the community to Natural Resources Police. Growing up in central North Carolina, Lilly developed a passion for the outdoors from his father, who was an avid hunter and fisherman. Working alongside conservation officers in Baltimore County showed him that police work can reach a wide variety of people and communities.

Lilly worked his way up through the ranks during his tenure at the Baltimore County Police Department. He started his law enforcement career as an entry-level officer in 1994 after his service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Shreveport (LPD-12). Most recently, Lilly oversaw five of Baltimore County’s 10 precincts.

An Albemarle, North Carolina native, Lilly first gained interest in the Baltimore County Police Department through a North Carolina Central University college class focused on Cornelius “Neil” Behan. Behan served as Baltimore County’s Chief of Police from 1977 to 1994 and was nationally renowned for his work in adapting and implementing community-based policing practices. Lilly and his wife, Angelica, reside in Ellicott City. They have two children.

The Natural Resources Police comprises 258 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, including reserve and retired officers. The agency is responsible for enforcing conservation and boating safety laws, protecting state parks, public lands, and waterways.

Prince Frederick, Md. – April 17, 2024  – The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources Office invites residents to celebrate Volunteer Week and Earth Day by lending a hand removing invasive beach grass at Flag Ponds Nature Park on Saturday, April 20, from 9-11:30 a.m.

Tasks include cutting, bagging and transporting phragmites, or common reed, to reduce the spread around the ponds and beaches at the park. Invasive phragmites is a very tall, dense grass that threatens local ecosystems by blocking sunlight from smaller, native species, reducing biodiversity and altering native habitats.

This activity is appropriate for adults, families and service groups. Service hours are also available. Residents ages 9 and up are welcome to volunteer; anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the physical nature of this project, no infants, toddlers or children younger than 7 will be permitted in the work zone for safety reasons.

Tools and protective equipment will be provided. There is a half-mile walk to and from the work site and volunteers should wear long sleeves and pants, hat and sturdy shoes. It is also recommended volunteers use sun protection and bring plenty of water. Flag Ponds Nature Park is located at 1525 Flag Ponds Parkway, Lusby.

Participants can register for the event online through the Calvert Nature Society. For questions regarding the event contact Jessy.Oberright@calvertcountymd.gov.

For more information about Parks & Recreation facilities and programs, visit online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/ParksandRecreation. For updates on Parks & Recreation services, park availability, field closures and more visit Parks & Recreation at www.Facebook.com/CalvertCountyParks and follow @CalvertCountyParksandRec on Instagram. 

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD - Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from the Calvert Career and Technology Academy (CTA) competed against students from across the state of Maryland at the 51st annual SkillsUSA Maryland State Championship held April 12-13, 2024 in Westminster, Md. Calvert County Public School students competed in 30 different technical and leadership competitions where 34 students earned top three honors. Individual students and teams brought home a total of 19 medals across 17 different contests.

The SkillsUSA Maryland State Championship not only provides a platform for students to demonstrate their technical expertise, but also to foster camaraderie, leadership, and professional development. Throughout the rigorous competitions, students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on challenges, teamwork exercises, and industry-standard assessments, all under the guidance of expert judges and mentors. "The hard work of our students to rise to the level of state competition is nothing short of inspirational,” stated Career and Technology Academy Principal Carrie Akins. “These students have bright futures ahead and ensure that the future of our local and regional workforce will enjoy the innovation and dedication of some of the most talented and dedicated young people possible.”

In addition to 34 students earning medals at this year’s state championships, the Calvert Career and Technology Academy SkillsUSA Chapter was named a gold-level Chapter of Excellence. This designation is given to chapters that demonstrate outstanding integration of the SkillsUSA Framework across all aspects of the educational experience. The SkillsUSA Framework is comprised of three main areas: personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills grounded in academics.

“The recognition of how we implement the SkillsUSA framework at CTA shows our dedication to the belief that technical, professional, and personal skills are all part of a full and complete education. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our lead 

advisors Sarah Jones, Michelle Miller, and Kadesha Pleger, our student officer team, students across our 14 different programs, our industry-expert teaching staff, and the commitment, support, and mentorship of many local business partners,” said Akins.

The following Calvert County Public School students earned medals at this year’s state event:

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Silver

Cory Moyer

AUDIO RADIO PRODUCTION

Silver

Dwight Brooks

Liam McGowan

CAREER PATHWAYS SHOWCASE – AGRICULTURE (Team of 3)

Silver

Wesley Cosgrove

Olivia Eyler

Hank Valentin

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

(Team of 3)

Silver

Kayla Freeman

Alvani Generillo

Kathryn Phillips

CULINARY ARTS

Bronze

Allison Gallagher

ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION WIRING

Bronze

Carson McCarthy

FIREFIGHTING

Gold

Cody Davenport

Silver

Travis Winston

HEALTH KNOWLEDGE BOWL

(Team of 4)

Silver

Reagan Fruin

Moier Graham

Jaydin Johnson

Victoria Yuhase

SCREENPRINTING TECHNOLOGY

Gold

Dantae McGowan

TEAMWORKS CONSTRUCTION

(Team of 4)

Bronze

Noah Jenkins

Kira Paau-Pesquera

Kaden Walp

Andrew Wroten

INTERNETWORKING

Bronze

Alexander Hawe

JOB SKILLS DEMONSTRATION OPEN

Silver

Isabella Hickman

Bronze

Alexia West

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Gold

Jessica Cecil

OUTSTANDING CHAPTER

(Team of 3)

Gold

Sheala Jefferson

Alyssa Lane

Amy Ontko

PLUMBING

Bronze

Logan Roush

POWER EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGIES

Gold

Thomas Marshall

PROMOTIONAL BULLETIN BOARD

Silver

Ky DePhillip

Gabriella Evans

Jirah Tenedero

Students who earned gold medals now advance to the National SkillsUSA Championship event to be held in Atlanta, Ga. June 24-28, 2024. At the national level, more than 6,000 state champions from across the United States will compete head-to-head in 115 skilled and leadership competitions.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure a skilled work force. The organization serves more than 300,000 high school and college students, as well as professional members, nationwide. As part of the SkillsUSA program, students gain experiences in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. The organization focuses on quality of work, high ethical standards, superior work skills, lifelong education, and pride in the dignity of work.

The Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) will celebrate 2024 Business Appreciation Week from May 6 to 10. Business Appreciation Week annually recognizes the invaluable contributions of local businesses, which serve as the backbone of the Charles County economy.

“2024 marks the third year of Charles County’s Business Appreciation Week,” says Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle. “This week highlights the commitment from Charles County residents, businesses, and organizations to creating a thriving business environment for all. This shared spirit of support paves the way for our local businesses to strengthen our local economy and enrich our community.”

Charles County's 2024 Business Appreciation Week will include events celebrating local businesses, from ribbon cuttings and business visits to webinars and mixers.

The week kicks off on May 6 when the Economic Development Department, in partnership with Will Holmes Consulting, will host the Money Maryland regional expo to connect business owners with beneficial local and state resources to grow their enterprises.

Tuesday, May 7, will feature a Business Appreciation Week Proclamation from the Charles County Board of County Commissioners, a Circle of Services Webinar highlighting local resources available to business owners, and the Business Growth Advantage Program (BGAP) Alumni Luncheon.

The Economic Development Department, community leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders will visit local businesses on Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 9.

To wrap up the week, the Business Networking Mixer will welcome the businesses recognized during the Business Appreciation Week engagement visits on Friday, May 10.

“The economic development department is constantly coming up with new ideas, solutions, and creative approaches to better the business landscape in Charles County,” shares Charles County Economic Development Advisory Board Chair Anne Hooper. “Business Appreciation Week will positively impact economic growth, development, and Charles County’s businesses and residents.”

Charles County’s 2024 Business Appreciation Week celebrates the remarkable efforts of local businesses providing essential jobs, products, and services to the entire community. Learn more about this year's Business Appreciation Week events and how to participate here.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 17, 2024) - To mitigate alcohol-related accidents and their devastating consequences, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) will conduct a roadside sobriety checkpoint on Friday evening, April 19, 2024, along Route 235, in the vicinity of Hollywood and California, MD. Deputies will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. 

SMCSO recognizes that roadside sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools to combat impaired driving behavior. Providing advance notice of these checkpoints discourages impaired driving, raises awareness about the critical importance of refraining from driving under the influence, and is legally mandated for the checkpoint to be valid.

If you plan to drink, use a designated driver or a ride-sharing service. Doing so ensures the safety of both you and others on the road. 

St. Mary’s City – May 1, 2024: The Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition is excited to announce the launch of its new searchable website celebrating the diverse history of Southern Maryland.   This new searchable website will enable our community, students and teachers, and those interested to access this rich and extensive history.  This includes access to information on notable individuals, places to experience, events and institutions that interpret the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color in the Southern Maryland region. The website is aligned with the Maryland State Department of Education’s Social Studies Framework.

Southern Maryland History Coalition Launch Event - To be held at the Dodge Performing Arts Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 4 pm to 7:30 pm  This event will feature the launch of the Coalition’s website, an exhibit area featuring historical and cultural institutions from throughout the region, authors, quilts and poetry.  The keynote speaker for the event is noted author, performer and GU272 descendent Melisande Short-Colomb.  The public is invited but needs to register.  Additional information and registration for the event may be found at the Calvert Library’s website Southern MD Equity in History Coalition (SMC) - Calvert Library (libnet.info).

About the Coalition - The Coalition is administered by the Big Conversation Partners in Dismantling Racism and Privilege in Southern Maryland, a project of Middleham and St. Peters Episcopal Parish in Lusby, Maryland.  The Coalition has the support of 31 organizations across the region including the public-school systems, libraries, museums, community organizations, colleges and churches.  It is sponsored by the St. Mary’s College of Maryland which is hosting the website and receives financial support from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. 

On Tuesday, April 16, Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Ms. TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, held additional 2025 budget work sessions with the Commissioners.  Yesterday’s session focused on an overview of the County’s proposed general fund budget. The general fund budget includes funding for county-administered services, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and the county’s share of funding for the Charles County Board of Education. Yesterday’s presentation provided details on the County Agencies budget requests, which included presentations from the Charles County Board of Education, Sheriff’s Office, College of Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Library, State’s Attorney’s Office, Health Department, Circuit Court, Election Board, Charles County Department of Social Services, and the Charles County Charitable Trust.  

The afternoon session delved into the proposed fiscal 2025 budgets associated with the fiscal 2025 through fiscal 2029 Capital Improvement Program Budget. Commissioners will receive weekly updates on the proposed fiscal 2025 budget leading up to a public hearing on Wednesday, April 24. The fiscal 2025 budget is set for final adoption on Tuesday, May 14.

Briefings

• Staff held a briefing on Proposed Bill 2024-10 Amendments to the Charles County Building Code. The bill would codify local amendments to the Maryland State Code adopted by the state in May 2023. Updates include simpler language for ease of use and amendments that add a requirement for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, require a master electrician to be present during the inspection of any energized equipment, and other updates. Commissioners voted unanimously to introduce the bill and scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
• Staff held briefings on Summer Youth Employment and Connected Devices programs.
• Anthony Adesina, Business Retention and Expansion Manager provided an update on a project to form a sister city partnership with Matola, Mozambique.
• Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator, reviewed the procurement process for vendor selection on an informational campaign after the proposed charter document is submitted to Commissioners.   

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A Budget Transfer Request of $350,000 to the Capital Projects fund to support a possible building purchase in Waldorf.
• A Change Order of $1,502,992 Cliffton Wastewater Treatment Plant to address price escalations, scope changes, and associated delays related to the project including modifications to the electrical, mechanical, and building components.
• Approval of Updates to the County Commissioner Expense Policy.
• A Letter of Support for the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge.

Actions on Boards and Commissions
Commissioners took the following actions on appointments to Boards and Commissions:

• Reappointed Renaldo Walston, Ebony Cullens, Charles Cummings, Jonathan Lee, Jenine Melton, and Omnyi Harrell; and appointed Rhonda Bello, Joseph Barnete, and Rebecca Collins as Citizen Members to the Commission for Veterans Affairs.

Annual Reports

County Commissioners received updates on the activities of the Charles County Interfaith Commission, the Nuisance Abatement Hearing Board, and the Homeowners Association Dispute Review Board.

Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here

Next Commissioners Session: April 23-24

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258. 

The last day of school for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students for the 2023-2024 school year is Monday, June 10. The last day of school for teachers is Tuesday, June 11.

These dates are final, barring any unforeseen inclement weather as CCPS still has two inclement weather days left for use if needed. Four inclement weather days were built into the CCPS 2023-2024 calendar, and only two have been used.

The following is the end-of-year schedule for students and teachers.

• Friday, June 7: Two-hour early dismissal for students.
• Monday, June 10: Two-hour early dismissal for students, last day of school for students.
• Tuesday, June 11: Last day of school for teachers.

The last two days of school – June 7 and 10 – are early dismissal days for students to allow for report card preparation.  

Report cards for students will be posted online in ParentVue and StudentVue by Monday, June 17.

The following end-of-year dates apply to other CCPS staff.

• 12-month teachers’ last day is June 21.
• 11-month certified staff last day is June 26.
• 10.5-month certified staff last day is June 18.
• 11-month support staff last day is June 27.
• 10.5-month support staff last day is June 21.
• 10-month teachers’ last day is June 11.
• 10-month support staff (10-month secretaries and IEP clerks) last day is June 11.
• 10-month instructional assistants’ last day is June 11.
• 10-month food service managers’/assistant managers’ last day is June 12.
• 10-month food service workers’ last day is June 11.

Employees with questions about their last workday should contact their supervisor.

 On April 13 at 10:06 p.m., officers responded to the area of Meadow Lane in Waldorf for the report of a citizen armed robbery. While responding, Pfc. Karopchinsky observed the suspect vehicle on Crain Highway near Berry Road. He initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and four suspects were detained and then positively identified as being involved in the robbery. Officers recovered the victim’s property, three handguns, and cannabis. Isaiah Terell Rice, 18, of White Plains, Julius Ford, age 18, of Waldorf, and two juveniles (charged as adults) were charged with armed robbery, illegal possession of a handgun, assault, and other related charges. A judge ordered Rice and Ford could be released from the Charles County Detention Center on personal recognizance as long as they meet the criteria for electronic monitoring. Detective Gregory and M/Cpl. Saunders are investigating.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1463 Calls for service, including 15 Emergency Petitions from April 8 through April 14, 2024.

Calls for service include requests for police assistance originating from the public as well as self-initiated events made by deputy sheriffs.

The Emergency Petition statute in Maryland enables the prompt evaluation of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis having the potential to harm themselves or others to be taken to an emergency facility to assess the need for immediate treatment.

ARRESTS:

4/09/24 – Rainier Nazal Dizon, 42, of Baltimore, MD, by Deputy James Morgan for Second-Degree Assault and Second-Degree Assault on a Division of Corrections employee.

4/10/24 – Lawrence Alvin Hoffman Sr., 55, of Avenue, MD, by Deputy First Class Richard Wilhelmi for Threat of Arson.

4/11/24 – Jerel Darnell Owens, 34, of Valley Lee, MD, by Deputy Santiago Estrada for Unlawful Removal of a Vehicle, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.

4/12/24 – Mark Russell Hutson Jr., 42, of Bryantown, MD, by Deputy First Class Richard Wilhelmi for Second- and Third-Degree Burglary, Fouth-Degree Burglary, Malicious Destruction of Property and Theft Under $100.

4/12/24 – Judith Lynn Pennifill, 47, of Lusby, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell for CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis.

DUIs:

4/08/24 – Aaron Michael Carroll, 30, of Hollywood, MD, by Deputy Bianca Melton for Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Reckless Driving, and Negligent Driving.

4/08/24 - Judith Lynn Pennifill, 47, of Lusby, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Reckless Driving, and Negligent Driving.

4/10/24 – Marika Shontel Driggers, 44, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Donald Shubrooks for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

4/13/24 – Alexis Marie Bonincontri, 25, of Lothian, VA, by Deputy First Class Michael Myers for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol

4/13/24 – William Rodney Morgan, 59, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

SUMMONSES:

4/08/24 – Alexander Holley Gough, 64, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell for Sex Offender Failure to Notify for Change in Vehicle Information.

4/09/24 – Lakesha Denise Savoy, 37, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy First Class Austin Edelen for CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis X 2, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

4/11/24 – Terri James Dyer Jr., 36, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for Sex Offender Failure to Notify for Change in Vehicle Information.

WARRANTS:
4/10/24 – Dorothy Lynn Morales, 58, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Alexander Tasciotti for Threat of Arson.

4/11/24 – Branden Joseph Dixon, 31, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy Julian Grant for three counts of Sex Offender Failure to Notify.

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, April 15, 2024, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Malcolm Fluellyn, 27, of Bryans Road, to 46 years in prison with all but 15 years suspended for two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and six counts of Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense. Fluellyn will be on supervised probation for five years upon release.

On February 26, 2024, Fluellyn entered a guilty plea to the aforementioned charges.

On February 10, 2023, a Charles County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer at General Smallwood Middle School reported that multiple students accused Fluellyn of inappropriately touching them.

An investigation of the allegations revealed that Fluellyn was working as a permanent substitute teacher at General Smallwood Middle School from December 2022 through February 2023. Fluellyn inappropriately touched the victims, some on numerous occasions, at the school while he worked there. Additionally, Fluellyn reached out to some of the victims on Instagram and made inappropriate sexual comments about their bodies.  

The eight victims ranged in age between 12 and 13 years old. Fluellyn was immediately fired from the school when school officials learned of the assaults.

The Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to the case told the judge at sentencing, “Members of this community, and any community, should be able to send their children to school without having to worry that an adult will sexually prey on them in any way. It’s just not acceptable.”

Sentencing

• County 16 – Sexual Abuse of a Minor
  • 25 years with all but 7 years suspended
• Count 21 – Sexual Abuse of a Minor
  • 21 years with all but 8 years suspended
  • Consecutive to Count 16
• Count 4, 29, 31, 33, 37, 39 – Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense
  • 1 year
  • Concurrent with each other and Count 16

(SYKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland State Police announces that applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual Leadership and Career Development Seminar, which will take place from July 12-14, 2024. The goal of the free event is to develop interest and introduce high school rising juniors and seniors and incoming college freshmen to career opportunities with the Department.

The three-day, action-packed seminar will be held at the Maryland State Police Training Academy in Sykesville.  Those interested in starting a career in law enforcement – either sworn or civilian – are invited to learn about the Maryland State Police from troopers and civilian employees who specialize in a wide range of expertise. The seminar is a way to identify young talent and foster a relationship with the community. The goal is to provide participants with hands-on experiences and an introduction to the Department’s mission critical career opportunities. 

Attendees will learn about emergency communications, fitness and defensive tactics, facets of a law enforcement career, aviation/flight paramedics. leadership, digital forensics/cybersecurity and details into our diverse civilian occupations. Troopers and civilian employees from various specialized units will be on hand to share their experiences about life as a state trooper or as a civilian employee in a law enforcement career. This will include representatives from Criminal Investigations, Forensic Sciences, Police Communications, Information Technology and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Along with this exciting opportunity, food and lodging will be provided on the campus of the Maryland State Police Academy. Each barrack commander will select one applicant to represent their respective county, including Baltimore City.

To qualify for enrollment, applicants must submit either a two-minute self-taped video or a written essay to explain why they are interested in a career in law enforcement.  The deadline for applications remains open. For more application guidelines, please visit https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Careers/Pages/Youth-Leadership-Seminar.aspx.

Questions about the seminar and the application process can be emailed to msp.youthprograms@maryland.gov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 16, 2024) – On April 15, 2024, at 5:25 p.m., St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Newtowne Neck Road and Wathen Road in Leonardtown, MD, for the report of an automobile collision involving three vehicles: a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2014 Toyota Highlander, and a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 

The initial investigation determined that the Silverado, driven by Salvador Martinez Gonzalez, 34, was traveling north on Newtowne Neck Road. The driver of the truck failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway, crossed the center line, and struck the southbound Toyota Highlander, operated by Ann Hardman, 60. The Monte Carlo, also traveling south on Newtown Neck Road and operated by Joseph Green, 60, was struck by the Toyota Highlander. 

Ann Hardman and Salvador Martinez Gonzalez were taken to area trauma centers and are currently listed in stable condition. Joseph Green and a passenger were uninjured in the crash. 

Due to the collision's severity, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Weather and speed are believed to be contributing factors in this crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or any events leading up to it and who has not already provided a statement is asked to contact Corporal Vincent Pontorno at 301-475-2400, ext. 2337, or by email at Vincent.Pontorno@stmaryscountymd.gov.