Thursday, March 31, 2016

“PILL MILL” DISTRIBUTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE OXYCODONE

“PILL MILL” DISTRIBUTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE OXYCODONE

 Abuse of Oxycodone Pills Contributes to Epidemic of Heroin Overdose Deaths

 
Baltimore, Maryland - Walter Moffett, age 51, of Chestertown, Maryland pleaded guilty today to his participation in a drug conspiracy in connection with the operation of purported pain management clinics that were actually “pill mills.” Eight co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty to the same charge.
 
The guilty pleas was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Chief Gary Gardner of the Howard County Police Department; Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans; Chief Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police.    
 
“Pharmaceutical pills can be just as harmful as illegal drugs when they are used without proper medical supervision and without valid medical need,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.  “Abuse of oxycodone is one of our most significant drug enforcement challenges, and it contributes to the epidemic of heroin overdose deaths.”
 
“Last year, DEA and its partners combined their resources to identify these drug dealers who cunningly attempted to bypass the Maryland Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (CRISP). The result of these efforts was the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that was making a toxic profit off of addiction. These “runners” and “distributors” were allowing a countless number of highly addictive prescription opioids to hit the streets of Maryland, Delaware, Washington, DC, and Virginia,” said Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division.  “The DEA wants to thank our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to eradicating these drug dealers, who are destroying lives and making enormous profits from the diversion of pain medication.”
 
According to court documents, “pill mills,” routinely engage in the practice of prescribing and dispensing controlled substances - primarily oxycodone - outside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. The owners kept the profits from the pill mill operations and from the sales of oxycodone in cash.  According to the indictments, the owners recruited “distributors” and “runners” to visit their clinics so that they would profit from the cash fees charged for an office visit.  Runners are recruited - usually by a distributor - to enter pill mill clinics with fictitious complaints of pain in order to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances.  Typically, runners filled the prescription and gave the oxycodone tablets they received to the distributor.  Runners were typically paid in either cash or oxycodone tablets for their services.  The distributors then generally sold the pills for a profit.
 
According to his plea agreement, since at least 2014, Moffett conspired with other individuals to distribute oxycodone. During the course of the conspiracy, Moffett obtained large quantities of oxycodone 30 mg pills by visiting pain clinics, including PG Wellness Center, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and A Plus Pain Center, in Washington, DC, and getting prescriptions from the doctors working there.  Moffett also worked with others to go to the clinics to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone, also without a medical need.  Those individuals then filled the prescriptions at various pharmacies in the Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas and provided the pills to Moffett and other conspirators. Moffett, who was an addict, took some of the pills himself and sold the remaining pills to co-conspirators for a profit.  Those co-conspirators then re-sold the oxycodone pills for up to $30 per pill. 
 
Obtaining and filling the prescriptions for oxycodone required a significant amount of coordination between Moffett and his co-conspirators.  For example, they had to ensure that individuals were not caught getting oxycodone prescriptions from multiple clinics at the same time.  The Maryland Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (known as CRISP) allowed practitioners to report all narcotic prescriptions so that other practitioners could make sure that patients were not obtaining multiple prescriptions.  Moffett and other members of the conspiracy regularly sought to circumvent the limitations imposed by CRISP and other states’ prescription drug monitoring programs. During the course of the conspiracy, investigators overheard Moffett discussing with others conspirators the details of his and others’ visits to the clinics, filling the prescriptions, and distributing the pills. 
 
During Moffett’s participation in the conspiracy at least 340,000 mgs of oxycodone were distributed.
 
U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis scheduled sentencing for Moffett on August 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
 
Co-defendants Danielle Silberstein, age 32, of Waldorf; Peter Snyder, age 35, of Ocean City, Maryland; Robert Long, age 35, of Mechanicsville, Maryland; Jamie Davis, age 29, of LaPlata, Maryland; Ronald Tennyson, age 33, of Mechanicsville; Terrell Downing, age 26, of New Carrollton, Maryland; and John Fields, age 67, of Temple Hills, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Ronald Rust, age 45, of Alexandria, Virginia, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison.  Co-defendant Melissa Catlett, age 39, of King George, Virginia passed away before her case was adjudicated.
 
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA Tactical Diversion Squads from Baltimore and Washington DC., HHS-Office of Inspector General, Howard County Police Department, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Prince George’s County Police Department, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore City Police Department, and Virginia State Police for their work in this pharmaceutical investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark and Joshua Ferrentino, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Suspicious Incident

On March 30, 2016, at approximately 6:45 p.m., St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the Wendy’s located in the 45000 block of Miramar Way in California, for the report of a suspicious incident. An unknown person called Wendy’s and stated that “everyone needs to evacuate the building” before hanging up the phone. A search was conducted by K9 units which yielded negative results. The case is being investigated by Deputy J. Smith.

 
 
 

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Incident Briefs 3/28 – 3/30


Theft – Unknown suspect(s) removed a tag from a motorcycle. The case is being investigated by Corporal Corcoran. CASE# 16576-16

Robbery – Unknown suspect(s) assaulted a victim and stole his property in the Avenue area. The case is being investigated by DFC Vezzosi. CASE# 16586-16
Counterfeit Complaint – A subject attempted to use a fake bill at the Carter Building in Leonardtown. The case is being investigated by Cpl. Davis. CASE# 16597-16
 
 As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.
Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.
 
If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. 1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

 

Registered Sex Offender Charged with Failing to Notify of a Temporary Address Change

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Compliance Unit received information that a Tier III lifetime registered sex offender, Clevland Dwight Hall II, age 36, was living at an address in Leonardtown but was registered under a Calvert County address.

The investigation revealed Hall, who was previously convicted of sexually assaulting children under the age of 13 years old, had been staying at a residence in Leonardtown.

Numerous children under the ages of 10 were inside the residence where Hall was staying. Hall was located at the residence on March 25, 2016, and taken to the St. Mary's County Detention Center where he was charged with failing to notify the sex offender registry of a temporary address change.

Suspect Hall is being held without bond pending a bond review with a district court judge.


Clevland Dwight Hall, II

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Sheriff Tim Cameron Appointed to Governor Hogan’s Emergency Management Advisory Council

Governor Hogan has appointed St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron to a two-year term on the Governor’s Emergency Management Advisory Council (GEMAC). The GEMAC serves as an independent advisory board, comprised of persons with special expertise in areas critical to homeland security and emergency management. Sheriff Cameron brings more than 35 years of law enforcement and public safety experience to the Council, including three terms as the Sheriff of St. Mary's County.
 
“It is an honor to be appointed by Governor Hogan to his Emergency Management Advisory Council. The council works to ensure Maryland is an aware and prepared state. It is a pleasure to serve with such an exemplary group, including fellow St. Mary’s County resident David Willenborg,” Cameron said.
 
This is the second time that Governor Hogan has specifically called upon Sheriff Cameron’s expertise. In 2015, the Governor appointed Cameron to serve on his Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force.
 
Sheriff Cameron earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Management in 2006, through Johns Hopkins University's Public Safety Leadership program. Cameron then enrolled in the University's prestigious Police Executive Leadership Program and received his Master of Business Administration in May 2007.
 
Since then, Cameron has gone on to complete the Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Post Graduate School, in Monterey, CA, at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He is also a graduate of the 92nd Class of the National Sheriff’s Institute, Session 66 of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Course, and of Session 14 of the Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission Leadership Challenge.
 
The two-year term is set to expire in 2018.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Incident Briefs 3/19 - 3/28




Theft – Unknown suspect(s) stole property from a residence in the 21000 block of Edgar Way in Lexington Park. CASE# 15246-16

Attempted Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) attempted to force entry into a residence in the 49000 block of Demko Road in Lexington Park. CASE# 15403-16

Breaking and Entering to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a vehicle and stole property on the 19000 block of Piney Point Road in Piney Point. CASE# 15618-16

Attempted Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) attempted to force entry into a residence on the 21000 block of Exquisite Court in Lexington Park. Nothing appeared to be stolen. CASE# 15718-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a shed and stole property on the 27000 block of Mechanicsville Road in Mechanicsville. The investigation is ongoing. CASE# 15835-16

Theft – Unknown suspect(s) stole the front registration plate from a vehicle in the 20000 block of Piney Point Road in Callaway. CASE# 15841-16

Attempted Burglary – A known suspect attempted to enter a residence in the 22000 block of Gloucester Court in Lexington Park. The case is under investigation by Deputy L. Johnson. CASE# 16320-16
 
 As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.
 
Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.
 
If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. 1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Vice/Narcotics Arrests

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics detectives were conducting a drug investigation of a separate suspect when they encountered Geral Anthony Holt Jr. (Age 25 of Mechanicsville, MD) as a passenger of the target vehicle. Suspect Holt Jr. was in possession of a substance believed to be synthetic marijuana. Laboratory results confirmed the substance was XLR-11 aka “Dead Man Walking” synthetic marijuana. Charges were obtained in this case and Suspect Holt Jr. eluded apprehension for more than a year, allegedly traveling in and out of the State of Maryland. The warrant has now been served and he has been formally charged. He is awaiting a hearing before the District Court.
 
Inquiries should be directed to Captain Daniel D. Alioto,
Commander of Vice/Narcotics
301-475-4200, ext. *1918.

 

Geral Anthony Holt Jr

TWO MEN INDICTED FOR ARMED ROBBERY OF FIVE STORES IN ST. MARY’S COUNTY

TWO MEN INDICTED FOR ARMED ROBBERY OF FIVE STORES IN
ST. MARY’S COUNTY
 
Allegedly Went on a Nine Day Robbery Spree

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Quantaz Lamar Shields, age 28, of Leonardtown, Maryland; and Trevone Damone Butler, age 25, of Lexington Park, Maryland, on charges that they conspired to rob businesses in St. Mary’s County. The indictment was returned on March 21, 2016 and unsealed today after Butler’s arrest. Shields is in custody on other charges. 

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Richard Fritz.

According to the 10 count indictment, on five occasions from October 20 to 28, 2015, Shields brandished a firearm and demanded money from employees of a liquor store, motel, pizza store, convenience store and pharmacy in Lexington Park and Leonardtown. Shields took store proceeds, tip money and cigarettes. Prior to leaving the pizza store and pharmacy, Shields phoned Butler so that Butler could pick him up from the scene of the robberies.

A detention hearing was held this morning for Butler before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jillyn K. Schulze in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Butler was detained pending trial. An initial appearance is scheduled for Shields on May 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
Shields and Butler face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the robbery conspiracy and on each count of robbery. Shields also faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison for the first count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, consecutive to any term of imprisonment for the robberies, a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison for each additional count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, and 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a gun.

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 commended the FBI, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly O'Connell Hayes and Leah Jo Bressack, who are prosecuting the case.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Charges Suspect in Animal Cruelty Case

The Sheriff’s Office has received several inquiries from concerned citizens regarding an ongoing animal cruelty investigation. The suspect, Divon James Chase, age 25, of Lexington Park, has been charged with Animal Cruelty. 

On March 14, 2016, Corporal E. O’Connor responded to the area of JD Court and Great Mills Road, for the report of a “subject beating a puppy.” According to witnesses, a small dog dashed across all lanes of Great Mills Road to an area near the Chesapeake Public Charter School. Several independent witnesses allege they observed Chase “sling the dog over his shoulder and slam the dog to the ground on its head.” Witnesses also advised Chase continued to punish the small dog by dragging and kicking. 

As Corporal O’ Connor continued her investigation she was able to identify the suspect. As a result of her investigation, she made an application for charges to the District Court Commissioner that same evening. 

Suspect Chase was officially charged during the evening hours of March 21 and is currently awaiting a hearing in the District Court. 

Animal Control was notified and will review the incident to determine if further action is required. 

Any other citizens who may have witnessed this incident are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.


Divon James Chase

Sobriety Checkpoint Rescheduled; Additional Units Added to Saturation Patrol

The sobriety checkpoint scheduled for Saturday, March 19, was postponed due to inclement weather and will be rescheduled.

In lieu of the checkpoint, the Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police added additional patrol units to the saturation patrol initiative.

While conducting the saturation patrols, Deputies and Troopers wrote 49 citations, 30 warnings and six safety equipment repair orders. In addition, seven (7) individuals were arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol:

Brandi Ditoto, Maryland State Trooper – Anderson, Kari Lynn

NO BOOKING PHOTO AVAILABLE 

Chris Ditoto, Maryland State Trooper – Richards, Crystal Lavone

NO BOOKING PHOTO AVAILABLE

Cpl. James Stone, Sheriff’s Office – Cruz, Flor Angel

 













Cpl. James Stone, Sheriff’s Office – Monterroas, Jesus















Cpl. Elizabeth O’Connor, Sheriff’s Office – Moats, Danny Eugene




 Deputy Matthew McCuen, Sheriff’s OfficeCesar Leonel Hernandez-Chacon



Cpl. Timothy Snyder, Sheriff’s Office – Dudley, Stephen Michael



























St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Emergency Services Team Training in Leonardtown

On Monday, March 21, 2016, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Team hosted a tri-county tactical training day at Walter Francis Duke Elementary School and Hayden Farm in Leonardtown, while students were on Spring Break. Tactical teams from Charles and Calvert County took part in the day-long training focused on interoperability during a variety of simulated critical incidents. “This is an excellent opportunity for the members of our neighboring counties to work together and become familiar with each other, equipment, and capabilities,” said Captain Steven Hall, Commander of the St. Mary’s County Emergency Services Team.


Sheriff Cameron said, “In keeping with our mutual aid memorandums of understanding and through partnerships with the St. Mary’s County Public Schools, these tri-county training sessions will continue to ensure we have a coordinated effort to be prepared, make our community aware, and most importantly – keep our citizens safe.”





Additional Photos Available -  http://bit.ly/1Zo4Y6Z

Monday, March 21, 2016

St. Mary's County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Animal Cruelty Case

The Sheriff’s Office has received several inquiries from concerned citizens regarding an ongoing animal cruelty investigation. At this time, charges are pending against a suspect. When the suspect is officially charged personal identifiers will be released through a Sheriff’s Office press release. 

The animal warden is a separate county entity. Any action taken regarding the removal or relocation of any animals in an animal cruelty case is made by the animal warden and is separate from criminal activity the Sheriff’s Office investigates.

Vice/Narcotics Arrests

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics detectives identified Lavonte Devow King (Age 24 of Lexington Park) as a distributor of cocaine. Detectives made several undercover purchases of cocaine from Suspect King which led to his indictment and subsequent arrest. Suspect King was charged with multiple counts of “Distribution of Cocaine” and was originally held on a “No Bond” status. 
Lavonte Devow King


Brandon Lowell Stump (Age 23 of Mechanicsville, MD) was charged with “Altering a Prescription” and “Attempting to Obtain a Prescription by Fraud.” Suspect Stump passed the altered prescription in an attempt to obtain “Suboxone.” 




Brandon Lowell Stump 


Inquiries should be directed to Captain Daniel D. Alioto
Commander of Vice/Narcotics
301-475-4200, ext. *1918.

A Unique Collaboration between Law Enforcement and Seniors in St. Mary’s County

An alarming number of people died in St. Mary's County in 2008 as a result of drug overdoses. One person was too many to lose to drugs, and St. Mary's County had lost 17. Discovering this sort of disturbing trend was exactly the reason the Sheriff's Office had instituted COMPSTAT meetings. Under COMPSTAT, the Sheriff's Office holds weekly meetings, to review reports and statistics gathered during the week to identify and address crime through the use of targeted enforcement.

In this case, Sheriff Tim Cameron decided to create a separate division of Vice/Narcotics, which was formally combined with the Criminal Investigations Division. Vice Narcotics immediately went to work as a newly independent division with a directive to strategically focus their efforts on this emerging issue. Several detectives were assigned to positions within the ‘Drug Diversion Unit’ of the Vice/Narcotics Division. Their daily task was and continues to be pharmaceutical diversion. As a result of their efforts, they successfully decreased the amount of overdose deaths to eight the following year.

Captain Daniel Alioto states, “Through our experience, we know that heroin addiction does not begin with heroin. Addicts begin abusing prescription medications such as Oxycodone or Percocet, commonly prescribed painkillers.”

The detectives began to carefully screen Emergency Petitions which are completed by deputies on scene for their direct relationships to overdoses. A deputy completes an Emergency Petition when they encounter a person in mental crisis or as a result of an overdose. This critical information alerts detectives to current trends in the community, and the process remains a fundamental part of the ongoing effort to eliminate drug abuse.

 “To be successful, it’s imperative we provide accurate information to the community regarding drug abuse and continue to be consistent on a grassroots level,” states Captain Alioto.

As a result, of the Sheriff's outreach program, a somewhat unique partnership has developed between the Sheriff’s Office and seniors in St. Mary’s County. Not many people tend to link senior citizens and drug misuse, but seniors play a more key role in the prevention of drug misuse than one might imagine. Last week, at a seminar sponsored by the Department of Aging & Human Services, Captain Alioto addressed the problem.

Captain Alioto told the concerned citizens gathered at the Northern Senior Activity Center that they could play an essential role in reducing drug abuse, merely by properly disposing of any unwanted medications they had lying around the house. Alioto told his stunned audience that, “One Oxycodone pill that is 30 mg. can be sold on the street for $30.”

By the end of the seminar, seniors had turned in more than 2,200 pills and 11 controlled substance liquids. This seminar was just one of several events planned in partnership with other agencies throughout the year. Such cooperation between citizens and the Sheriff's Office is a vital effort in the fight against opioid abuse, keeping surrendered drugs out of the hands of addicts and pushers forever. To date, nearly 800,000 unwanted medications, 70% of which are controlled dangerous substances, have been destroyed through efforts of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office partnership with the community.

Sheriff Cameron and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office are committed to reducing the drug epidemic by educating the community. In addition to their in-house work, the Sheriff’s Office has also established outreach programs, fostering partnerships with St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Walden, the St. Mary’s County Health Department, and the Department of Aging & Human Services, as well as with federal agencies and others.

For concerned citizens, the Sheriff's Office offers 24/7 medication collection at their headquarters, located in Leonardtown. Sheriff’s Office deputies will also pick up unwanted medications from the homebound on April 30, 2016. Sheriff’s Office deputies will also pick up unwanted medications from the homebound on April 30, 2016. Residents wishing to schedule a pickup should call Sarah Miller, St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services Community Programs & Outreach Manager, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1073, or sarah.miller@stmarysmd.com.



 
 
 

Captain Daniel Alioto presents an attendee with a medication lock box she won through a door prize raffle at the presentation. Medication lock box provided by the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services.


Sunday, March 20, 2016

VIce/Narcotics Arrests

John Wendell Young aka “John-John” (Age 41 of Chaptico, MD) was indicted as a result of a vehicle pursuit. Suspect Young was charged with “Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute," 
"Resisting Arrest,” and “Failure to Remain at the Scene of an Accident” and other traffic related offenses. 


John Wendell Young


 Joel Shawn Mitchell (Age 29 of Mechanicsville, MD) was observed by detectives purchasing “Adderall” in the parking lot of a Mechanicsville business. He was stopped, detained and charged with the drug violation. The distributor was located and identified; charges are pending.


Detectives received information regarding a “Fraudulent Prescription” being passed at a local pharmacy. The prescription was placed in the name of “Nicole Lewis.” The suspect who actually created the false prescription is Kara Pickeral (Age 32 of Hughesville, MD) aka “Kara Walker” and “Kara Casey.”Detectives detained and subsequently charged Suspect Pickeral with “Attempting to Obtain a Prescription by Fraud.” The prescriptions were for “Xanax” and “Ambien,” however, she was found to be in possession of “Oxycodone” as well.

Kara Pickeral

 
Inquiries should be directed to Captain Daniel D. Alioto
Commander of Vice/Narcotics
301-475-4200, ext. *1918.
 

Saturday, March 19, 2016

#SMCSO Seeking Assistance in Locating a Subject for a Check of His Welfare

UPDATE - Young has been located.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in attempting to locate Tramaine Eugene Young, age 34, for a check of his welfare. Young was last seen leaving MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in a silver/gray 2010 Nissan Altima, bearing Maryland Registration Plates – 5BW0228.
Young is 6’03” tall, 245 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Duty Officer at 301-475-8008.


St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to Conduct Emergency Services Team (EST) Training Exercise

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Team (EST), through a continued partnership with St. Mary’s County Public Schools, will host scenario-based training exercises. The training will be held at Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School in Leonardtown, on Monday, March 21, 2016, from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., while schools are closed for Spring Break. The public should expect an abundance of law enforcement personnel and equipment in and around the campus. The training scenarios will include EST teams from both the Charles and Calvert County Sheriff’s Office. 

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Public Information Officer at 301-475-4200, ext. *1922.



Arrests 3-19-2016

3-14-2016 – Assault – Deputy S. Kerby responded to the 24000 block of Barnsby Lane in Hollywood for the report of an argument. The victim alleged the suspect, Nikkita Lyn Medlin, age 24, of Hollywood, threw a cell phone which cut the victim's ear. There were visible signs of injury. Medlin was placed under arrest for Assault in the First Degree. CASE# 1389-16

Nikkita Lyn Medlin


3-14-2016 – Possession – Deputy M. Pleisse responded to the District Court House in Leonardtown, for the report of a subject found to be in the possession of a controlled dangerous substance. After setting off the alarms, security performed a search which revealed the suspect, Datavis Jermaine Berry, age 19, of Leonardtown, was in possession of suspected marijuana and paraphernalia. Prior to being placed under arrest, Deputy Pleisse searched his pockets and found a small baggie containing pills of suspected oxycodone. Berry was charged with CDS Possession: Paraphernalia and CDS Possession - Not Marijuana: Oxycodone. CASE# 13817-16


Datavis Jermaine Berry


3-5-2016 – Assault on Law Enforcement Officer – Deputy M. Pleisse responded to the 28000 block of Woodburn Hill Road in Mechanicsville, for a welfare check on an individual. Officers from the Maryland State Police and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the investigation.  The suspect, Michael Salvator Beale, age 35, of Mechanicsville, slammed the door on a trooper’s finger while he tried to make contact with Beale. He was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for evaluation before being placed under arrest.  Beale was charged with Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. CASE# 14025-16

Michael Salvator Beale


3-16-2016 – Second Degree Escape – Suspect Nikkita Lyn Medlin, age 24, of Mechanicsville, was arrested for violating the terms of her pre-trial release by violating a protective order. Medlin was placed under arrest for Escape 2nd Degree, Condition of Release. CASE# 14153-16

 Nikkita Lyn Medlin
















Suspect Wanted for Violating Terms of Pre-Trial Release

Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect, Joseph Eckloff, age 32, of Lexington Park, MD, who is currently wanted for Escape, stemming from his violation of conditions of his pre-trial confinement.

On March 19, 2016, Eckloff violated the conditions of his pre-trial release, as ordered by Circuit Court Judge Karen Abrams, by fleeing an in-patient rehabilitation facility. Eckloff had been released from the St. Mary’s County Detention Center under the conditions following his arrest by CID detectives in December for charges including Armed Robbery and Assault 1st Degree. 

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this crime to contact Detective Cory Ellis at 301-475-4200, ext. *8125 or via email Cory.Ellis@stmarysmd.com. Callers may also call Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333 (callers can remain anonymous, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus your message to “CRIMES” (274637).



Joseph Eckloff, age 20, of Lexington Park

Incident Briefs 3/16 – 3/19





Breaking and Entering to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole handicap placards in the 28000 block of Thompson Corner Road in Mechanicsville. Dep. Holdsworth is investigating the case. CASE# 14187-15

Breaking and Entering to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) attempted to enter two motor vehicles in the parking lot of White Marsh Elementary School. Dep. Bare is investigating the case. CASE# 14200-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 44000 block of Tall Timber Road in Tall Timbers. DFC Potter is investigating the case. CASE# 14226-16

Counterfeit – Unknown suspect(s) attempted to purchase merchandise with counterfeit money at the Hollywood Burchmart. DFC. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 14483-16

Counterfeit – Unknown suspect(s) attempted to pass a counterfeit bill at the Hollywood Burchmart. Cpl. Knott is investigating the case. CASE# 14580-16


Counterfeit – Unknown suspect(s) made a purchase with a counterfeit bill in Leonardtown. The same suspect returned later that day and made another purchase using a different counterfeit bill. Dep. Roszell is investigating the case. CASE# 14582-16


As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Sheriff’s Office to Conduct Enhanced Impaired Driving Initiatives

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Maryland State Police, will conduct enhanced impaired driving initiatives, surrounding St. Patrick’s Day festivities, extending from Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20, 2016.

The efforts include increased patrols throughout the weekend and a sobriety checkpoint the evening of Saturday, March 19. Officers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment, in addition to other traffic infractions. Corrective actions will be taken against drivers operating a motor vehicle while impaired.

“For too many in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has ended in tragedy due to drunk drivers getting behind the wheel. Over St. Patrick’s Day from 2009 to 2013, there was a total of 276 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The funds for the checkpoint are provided by the Maryland Highway Safety Office.
  



St. Mary’s County Medication Collection Continues to be a Success

Prescription drug abuse is a growing national epidemic. This growth is fueled in part by misconceptions about prescription drug safety and increased availability. Research shows that over 50% of people who obtained prescription drugs for non-medical use received them from a friend or relative at no cost while another 15% bought or took them from a friend or relative.

Community members can help in the effort to reduce prescription drug abuse rates by properly disposing of medications through participation in the St. Mary's County Medication Drop-Off Program. Through this program, residents may safely dispose of unused or expired medications in the collection boxes that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the front lobby of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in Leonardtown. Any unwanted medications, prescribed or over-the-counter, may be discarded in the drop-box, and all deposits through this program are completely anonymous. 

Proper disposal of prescription medications protects our community in many ways. It prevents poisoning of children and pets, deters misuse and abuse by youth and adults, and avoids health problems from accidentally taking the wrong medicine, too much of the same medicine, or a medicine that is too old to work well. The primary goal of community medication collection is to keep controlled dangerous substances (CDS) off the streets. Examples of controlled dangerous substances include narcotics, antidepressants, and stimulants that are manufactured for legitimate medical use but have the potential for misuse or abuse.

Since the medication collection began in 2011, numerous medications have been safely disposed of and diverted from potential misuse in the community. 

Captain Daniel D. Alioto, Commander St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, Vice Narcotics states, "The success of the program is notable. Through partnerships, prevention presentations, and community participation nearly 800,000 unwanted medications, of which 70% are controlled dangerous substances, have been collected. As a direct result of the program, more than half a million controlled dangerous substances have been diverted from the hands of drug seekers.”

Opportunities for safe disposal include:

·         St. Mary's County Medication Drop-Off Program – Collection boxes in the front lobby of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office in Leonardtown. Available 24/7.

·         April 30, 2016 – Pick-up for homebound residents. Call 301-475-4200, ext*1073 for more information.

·         Friday, October 21, 2016, Department of Aging & Human Services, “Way to Wellness” Health Fair, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Southern Maryland Higher Education Center.




Photo: The St. Mary’s County Medication Drop Boxes and coordinating partners

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Meenakshi Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer; Jenna Mulliken, Local Health Improvement Coordinator; Captain Daniel Alioto, Commander of Vice/Narcotics for St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office; Tim Cameron, St. Mary’s County Sheriff; Kendall Wood, Opioid Misuse Prevention Program Coordinator; and Maryellen Kraese, St. Mary’s County Prevention Coordinator.

The St. Mary's County Medication Drop-Off Program is one of the many prevention initiatives that is supported by the Behavioral Health Action Team (BHAT) of the Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership. The BHAT is comprised of community members and organizations working together to improve behavioral health (mental health and substance misuse) outcomes for all St. Mary’s County residents. Special thanks to the following partners for their continued commitment to the prescription medication collection initiative: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services, St. Mary’s County Health Department and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.

For more information visit http://healthystmarys.com/behavioral-health/smartrx