Thursday, December 29, 2016

Vice/Narcotics Arrest

Vice/Narcotics detectives identified Blanche Thomas Laungayan (Age 48 of Lexington Park) as a distributor of prescription medication. Undercover purchases of “Alprozolam” (Xanax) were made by detectives. She was indicted and subsequently arrested, after which she was held in a no bond status. 

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


Blanche Thomas Laungayan

Vice/Narcotics Arrests


St. Mary’s County Vice/Narcotics detectives began an investigation into the possibility heroin was being sold from a residence on Pump House Lane in Leonardtown, Maryland. As the investigation continued, it was confirmed suspect Javar Charles-Marquis Nolan (Age 30) was selling heroin from the target home. 

Detectives obtained a search and seizure warrant, which was executed with the assistance of the Emergency Services Team, K-9 and Vice/Narcotics Support Team deputies. Recovered from the home were 67 individual baggies of heroin (street value $4,500), packaging materials, digital scale, a drug ledger, a quantity of marijuana, and nearly $3,900 in cash. Additionally, numerous bottles of liquid methadone in the names of other individuals were recovered, which appear to have been traded for heroin. 

Additional arrests and charges against suspect Nolan are pending a review with State’s Attorney Richard D. Fritz. 

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




Incident Briefs – 12/29/2016




Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a garage and stole property in the 27000 block of Mechanicsville Road in Mechanicsville. Cpl. D. Snyder is investigating the case. CASE# 66200-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 19000 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park. Dfc. D. Smith is investigating the case. CASE# 66181-16


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.



Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Incident Briefs – 12/26/2016 – 12/28/2016


12-27-2016
Burglary – During the overnight hours, unknown suspect(s) entered removed property from vehicles parked at the Avis Rent-A-Car in the 46000 block of Valley Drive in Lexington Park. DFC. C. Beyer is investigating the case. CASE# 65916-16

Breaking and Entering to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered multiple motor vehicles in the 22000 block of Torino Drive in California and removed property in the 22000 block of Torino Drive in California. CPL. D. Reppel is investigating the cases. CASE# 65998-16



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.


Monday, December 26, 2016

Incident Briefs – 12/22/2016 – 12/26/2016


12-22-2016
Theft – Unknown suspect(s) cut gas lines to a building and removed breakers from the Air Conditioning Unit in the 25000 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. DFC K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 65220-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a building in the 25000 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. Nothing appeared to be stolen. DFC K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 65229-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a building and stole property in the 25000 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. DFC. K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 65230-16

12-23-2016
Strong Arm Robbery – Unknown suspect(s) approached a victim and stole the victim’s money on Spring Valley Drive in Lexington Park. Deputy D. Smith is investigating the case. CASE# 65395-16

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.

Vice/Narcotics Arrests

St. Mary’s County Vice/Narcotics detectives have been investigating a drug network which spans across numerous jurisdictions and States from Virginia to New York over the course of the last two years. The drug ring sends individuals into communities with fraudulent “Promethazine-Codeine” prescriptions to be filled and then either pays them or provides drugs to them for each completed transaction. 

Suspect Kevin Lewis (Age 24 of Washington, D.C.) was with a group of individuals on January 23, 2015, who passed a fraudulent prescription and when St. Mary’s County deputies attempted to stop them, they fled. Suspect Lewis was apprehended and found to be in possession of “oxycodone”, cocaine and evidence related to the ongoing fraud. He was charged accordingly and released from detention. Suspect Lewis was subsequently indicted and has been on the run until his recent arrest in the District of Columbia. He was extradited back to St. Mary’s County where he is being held without bond pending trial. 

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

 
 Kevin Lewis 

Saturday, December 24, 2016

#SMCSO Deputies Successfully Terminate Motor Vehicle Pursuit

During the early morning hours of December 24, 2016, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen reporting a motor vehicle collision in the area of Eighteen Wheel Dr. in Ridge, further stating the operator was inside the vehicle “passed out.” Cpl. Jean Vezzosi responded and made contact with the operator, who provided a false name.  The deputy detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage. Once he requested the operator to exit the vehicle, the operator fled, causing a motor vehicle pursuit to ensue. Two separate deployments of tire deflation devices were set, both with successful results and the vehicle was permanently disabled at Chancellor’s Run Road and Rose Lane in Great Mills. The operator refused to the exit the vehicle and was extracted, then placed into custody. He was transported to the hospital for a facial injury.
Contact with the registered owner of the vehicle helped identify the operator as Michael Anthony Green, age 40, of Calvert County.

Suspect Green has numerous open warrants through Calvert County to include multiple  “Failure to Appear” arrest warrants for separate incidents of non-payment of Child Support, Drug Possession, Driving while Revoked, and three separate warrants for failing to appear on probation violations. Numerous traffic violations and additional charges to include driving while intoxicated and driving while revoked are pending. 


Michael Anthony Green




Vice/Narcotics Arrests

During increased holiday patrols performed by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Vice/Narcotics detectives and deputies from the Lexington Park COPs Unit combined their efforts in a covert crime prevention operation. The operation took place in a shopping center, and detectives observed Joseph Henry Payne (Age 38 of Lexington Park, MD) meet with another individual, suspect Raymond Anthony Jones, Sr. (Age 48 of Great Mills, MD). Detectives observed a drug transaction between the two and both suspects were detained. Cocaine, more than $2,200 in cash, a cellular phone, and a 2006 Hyundai Elantra was seized pending a search and seizure warrant.

Suspect Payne was charged with “Distribution of Cocaine” and suspect Jones, Sr. was charged with “Possession of Cocaine”. Suspect Payne is a registered sexual offender, and proper notification was made regarding his arrest. Additional charges against suspect Payne are pending a review with State’s Attorney Richard D. Fritz.


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


Joseph Henry Payne 
 
Raymond Anthony Jones, Sr.




Thursday, December 22, 2016

Incident Briefs - 12/22/2016


Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a motor vehicle and stole property in the 45000 block of Oregon Way in Lexington Park. Deputy J. Bush is investigating the case. CASE# 64990-16

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a motor vehicle in the 45000 block of Short Way in Lexington Park. Deputy D. Mcclure is investigating the case. CASE# 64998-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a victim’s residence and stole property in the 21000 block of Atalanta Street in Lexington Park. Deputy G. Muschette is investigating the case. CASE# 65019-16

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 21000 block of Cedar Hill Lane in Leonardtown. DFC. C. Beyer is investigating the case. CASE# 65032-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a residence in the 37000 block of Apache Road in Charlotte Hall. DFC. K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 65057-16

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 21000 block of Winding Way in Lexington Park. Dep. D. Mcclure is investigating the case. CASE# 65064-16

Theft – Unknown suspect(s) stole property from the 37000 block of Apache Road in Charlotte Hall. DFC. K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 65078-16

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 37000 block of Apache Road in Charlotte Hall. DFC. K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 65078-16

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.


SMCSO Criminal Investigations Division Investigating Robbery in Lexington Park

On Nov. 28, 2016, at approximately 12:40 p.m. the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Spring Valley Apartments, 46000 Spring Valley Court, in Lexington Park for a reported robbery. The Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation. 

Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in providing information related to a motor vehicle, possibly a silver Ford 500, believed to be in connection with the crime. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Trevor Teague at 301-475-4200, ext *8128 or by email at Trevor.Teague@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).


 

NBA Legend and Former Boston Celtic Chris Herren to Speak about Drug Addiction at St. Mary’s County Public Schools; Evening Session Open to the Public

Former Boston Celtic and NBA legend Chris Herren will be the featured speaker in local presentations on drug addiction during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, January 22-28, 2017.

In addition to student assemblies at Leonardtown High School, Great Mills High School, and Chopticon High School on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, and Wednesday, January 25, 2017, Herren will give a community presentation on January 24, 2017, at Leonardtown High School, doors open at 6:00 p.m. The evening presentation, beginning at 7 p.m., will be free and open to the public.

In 1999, Chris Herren realized a lifelong dream to play in the NBA when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets. However, even before he began his professional career, he had a history of substance abuse. After his rookie year, Herren was traded to the Boston Celtics, and within a few years, he had lost it all. Over time, with a great effort, he was able to re-focus his life. Alcohol and drug-free since 2008, Herren has since become a noted addiction speaker.

In a very personal and raw presentation, Herren tells the brutally honest story of his descent into addiction, his remarkable recovery, and the new path that is allowing him to make a difference in others' lives. Now he travels the Country telling his poignant story in the hope that he will be able to reach just one person and save them from the effects of substance abuse. St. Mary’s County Public Schools, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services have partnered in bringing this inspiring event to our community.

"When the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office approached us with this, we recognized how important it is for our students to hear Chris Herren's message,” says Scott Smith, Superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools. “We need to seize any opportunity available to educate our students about the consequences of drug misuse and abuse. Chris Herren's story has an impact on his audience that will resonate for years to come. Our kids need to hear it, and I am confident Chris will get their attention."

“This program not only benefits students but their families as well,” adds Sheriff Tim Cameron. “This is a continuation of our prevention efforts in St. Mary's County and we are pleased to be able to add Chris Herren's intimate point of view to the ongoing conversation surrounding alcohol and drug abuse, and the impact it has on families.”

Nationally, young adults (age 18 to 25) are the biggest abusers of prescription opioid pain relievers, ADHS stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs. In 2014, more than 1700 young adults died from prescription drug overdoses. And locally, 59% of middle and high school students have used alcohol in the last 30 days, with 20% before age 13, and 32% claim to be currently using.

“My day-to-day operation hinges upon partnerships such as the one the Sheriff’s Office enjoys with the Board of Education. We will continue our commitment to drug awareness and prevention which is why some of the funding for this event was made possible through monies seized from local drug dealers,” concluded Captain Daniel Alioto. “They are contributing to the problem and their ill-gotten proceeds should be a part of the solution.”

Register at www.reboundstory.eventbrite.com. For more information contact Jennifer Stone, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer at 240-256-4847.

SMCSO Correctional Officer Selected for Governor’s Crime Prevention Award

On December 13, 2016, Correctional Officer First Class Kristie Ardire became the second officer at the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office to be selected for a prestigious Governor’s Crime Prevention Award. The Governor’s Crime Prevention Awards recognize those law enforcement and correctional officers who have benefited their departments and communities through outstanding efforts in developing and implementing crime prevention programs. Ardire was honored at the 37th Annual Governor’s Crime Prevention Award ceremony, hosted by the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute.

Commending the recipients of the awards, Governor Hogan stated, “I am pleased to take the opportunity to recognize those citizens, community groups, law enforcement agencies, and law enforcement officers who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the furtherance of crime prevention. On behalf of our entire state, I express my gratitude to all the award winners and nominees for their dedication in making Maryland a safer place.”

The Awards Subcommittee chose Ardire for her efforts in conjunction with a local pre-trial release program. The program, established in November 2015, allows inmates at the St. Mary's County Detention Center who are awaiting trial to be released into the community. Ardire has the responsibility for making recommendations for placement in the Pre-Trial program to judges. Those inmates who are selected for the program are then continuously monitored. Ardire's vigilant monitoring of released inmates has helped to identify 111 offenders, preventing further criminal activity and assisting in public safety. 

The pre-trial release program has also reduced failures to appear in court, thus decreasing the need for additional police resources to bring in non-compliant defendants. To date, the program has saved law enforcement agencies more than $400,000, and the evidence indicates increased savings in the future. 

While piloting the pre-trial release program, Ardire also performed investigative and procedural duties related to the supervision of all criminal defendants awaiting trial. She is responsible for determining whether a particular defendant poses a threat to himself or others while awaiting trial and the likelihood that a defendant will appear for appointed court dates. 

In addition to her other duties, Ardire was in charge of enrolling 16 released inmates in a program designed to combat the growing opioid epidemic through the administration of Vivitrol injections and other treatments for substance abuse. 

“While the nation struggles with the issue of cash bail and pretrial supervision, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of CFC Ardire and the Corrections Team have been able to provide our community with a robust offender monitoring program which offers increased public safety at significant cost savings to the taxpayer. This program is being explored as a model for the State to emulate, and I am proud of CFC Ardire and the team for their ability in the development and implementation of a solution to such a national issue that will continue to yield a long term positive benefit to St. Mary's County.





Wednesday, December 21, 2016

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Adds Mental Health Component to Maximum Deployment

The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for individuals at risk for mental health issues. Parties, large family gatherings, and other seasonal events can exacerbate raw feelings and create negative situations. If feelings of discontent are combined with alcohol or drugs used to self-medicate, a hostile environment may result.

As first responders to all too many heart-wrenching scenarios, the St. Mary's County Sheriff’s Office is well aware that the holidays provide not only opportunities for increased crime but also an increase in calls related to people experiencing mental health crises. For this reason, Sheriff Tim Cameron has partnered with the Southern Maryland Community Network's Community Behavioral Health Liaison Program (CBHL), adding a mental health component to his maximum deployment operations. The Behavioral Health Liaison, Susan Onofrio, is a clinician who provides access to community resources for those experiencing mental health crises in St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert Counties

“With saturation patrols to capture drivers under the influence and enhanced robbery patrols, we strategically deploy our resources during the holiday season to provide a safe holiday experience for everyone in the community. In addition to these concerns, we are also prepared for those who might be experiencing a mental health crisis,” says Sheriff Cameron. “Our officers have been undergoing Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in order to learn to recognize and respond appropriately to presenting signs of mental illness, and we have partnered with a Behavioral Health Liaison to offer on-scene resources and alternatives to arrest for these individuals.” 

The benefits of the partnership between the Sheriff's Office and the CBHL played out recently during maximum deployment. When a call that fit the profile of a mental health crisis was dispatched, two attending Behavioral Health clinicians accompanied Captain Daniel Alioto, Commander of Vice/Narcotics and coordinator of the CIT training program at the Sheriff’s Office and Captain Steve Hall, Commander of Special Operations and the Lexington Park COPs Unit, to Lexington Park. Deputies informed the officers that a man who currently appeared to be under the influence of PCP had also experienced mental health issues in the past. While deputies arranged for the man to be transported to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital under an emergency petition, the clinicians provided the man’s wife with a list of resources that she and her husband could utilize during this time of emergency and beyond.

Patrice Duperval, LCSW-C, Supervisor of CBHL and Tri-County Team Leader for Targeted Case Management at Southern Maryland Community Network comments, “This call was a perfect example of a situation where we were able to be the calm after the storm.” She added, “Both the husband and wife will benefit from on-going services.”

After responding to that call, the clinicians then met formally with the deputies of the Lexington Park COPs Unit. Aware that the deputies regularly have interactions with individuals suffering from mental health crises, the specialists explained how they could assist law enforcement in providing these individuals and their families with the care and resources they need. Such assistance can ultimately reduce recidivism on the part of these individuals. 

While they were still in the area, the COPs Unit received a call to check on the welfare of a homeless man, and the clinicians were able to offer the man options for a warm place to stay over the winter. On the way back from the second call, another call came in from a local store. The owner stated that an individual was displaying erratic and off-key behavior. Based on the description given, the clinicians recognized the previously encountered individual. They responded to the scene with deputies and were ready to provide him assistance and resources. 

Responding to these calls also provided the clinicians and the deputies an opportunity to watch each other in action. The CIT-trained deputies were able to use the skills they had learned to identify those exhibiting signs of a mental illness, and then employed those skills to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations. From there, the clinicians supplied the individuals involved with links to appropriate community resources and referrals for proper treatment, including personalized safety planning. 

The Sheriff’s Office will continue the partnership with the Southern Maryland Community Network even after the holidays. Clinicians will assist in providing checks on the homeless in January as well as mental health checks during the hot summer months, ensuring that individuals in St. Mary’s County receive the resources they need throughout the year. 

Captain Daniel Alioto, Commander, says, “As deputies, we see first-hand the importance partnering with trained clinicians while we respond to calls for service involving citizens who may be in a mental crisis; providing immediate contact and resources without a detention or arrest component is critical.” He added, “Especially during the holidays, we want to make every effort to afford both individuals in crisis and their families to remain in a safe environment as we work together to provide them the long-term help they deserve.”


Members of the Lexington Park Cops Unit meet with clinicians from the Southern Maryland Community Network to discuss how they can continue to work together to assist individuals in accessing resources and care.

Lexington Park COPs Unit deputies along with clinicians from the Southern Maryland Community Network offer a homeless man living in Lexington Park resources during the Sheriff's Office Maximum Deployment Operation over the weekend.


Holiday Cheer: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Hosts 13th Annual “Shop with a Cop”

(L-R) Sheriff Tim Cameron and a child
nominated for "Shop with a Cop".
This past Saturday, as they have for the past 13 years, members of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office volunteered their time to take disadvantaged children shopping for Christmas, but the children in the “Shop With a Cop” program weren't looking for gifts for themselves. Each year, the staff at St. Mary's County Public Schools and the principals and counselors of several parochial schools provide the names of children who want to make Christmas special for their loved ones but have no way to make those wishes come true.

This Christmas season, a total of 114 kids were selected to “Shop with a Cop”. These children were able to pick out an assortment of clothes, toys, and gifts for family members. In addition, they and their chaperones were treated to breakfast, prepared by members of the Optimist Clubs of St. Mary's County and the St. Mary's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7. Volunteers then assisted the children in wrapping those special gifts.

Sheriff Tim Cameron who has attended the event each year since its inception says, “'Shop with a Cop” is a positive experience not only for the children but also for those who so generously volunteer their time. These volunteers always enjoy giving back to their community, and this event is a prime example of positive interaction between law enforcement and the families of St. Mary’s County.”

Also participating in the 2016 Christmas “Shop With a Cop” were Maryland State Officers and deputies from the State Fire Marshal's Office, United States Coast Guard, Point Lookout Department of Natural Resource Park Rangers, Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Mary's County Office of Parole and Probation, troopers from the Maryland State Police — St. Mary's, Calvert, and LaPlata Barracks, and Troopers from the Maryland State Police Aviation Division.

The St. Mary's County Shop with a Cop program is an independent 501c3 nonprofit program. The board of directors is comprised of members of the St. Mary's County Optimist Club and the St. Mary's County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7. The Christmas event was planned, coordinated, and supervised by Lorraine "Bunny" Brewer, Toni and Jimmy Long, Joseph Stanalonis, and Bill Raddatz. In addition to the Christmas “Shop with a Cop,” the program also sponsors the annual “Back to School Shop with a Cop” event.

Sheriff Tim Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office sincerely thank all of those who continue to make these annual programs incredible successes. These events are only possible because of the generous outpouring of donations of money and time from committed members of the community.

Visit the #SMCSO Facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstsheriff to view our Shop with a COP photo album. Remember to follow #SMCSO on Twitter @firstsheriff. As always, THANK YOU for your continued support!

(L-R) Sheriff Tim Cameron and a child
nominated for "Shop with a Cop".




Monday, December 19, 2016

Incident Briefs – 12/16/2016 – 12/19/2016


12-16-2016
Theft – Unknown suspect(s) stole property from a victim’s yard in the 44000 block of Bellview Court in Tall Timbers. DFC. K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 63971-16

12-17-2016
Burglary – Between 12/06 and 12/08, unknown suspect(s) entered a vacant residence and stole property in the 20000 block of Jackson Road in Callaway. DFC B. Gaskill is investigating the incident. CASE# 64247-16

Vandalisms – Unknown suspect(s) damaged multiple mailboxes using a blunt object in the area of North Patuxent Beach Road in California. Cpl. D. Reppel is investigating the case. CASE# 64337-16, 64339-16, and 64342-16

12-18-2016
Burglary – Uknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 21000 block of Galatea Street in Lexington Park; nothing appeared to be stolen from the residence. Dep. G. Muschette is investigating the case. CASE# 64525-16

12-19-2016
Theft – Between 12/14 and 12/18, unknown suspect(s) stole a registration plate from a vehicle parked in the 21000 block of Suburban Drive in Lexington Park. Dep. M. Beyer is investigating the case. CASE# 64578-16


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, December 16, 2016

Sobriety Checkpoint Scheduled for Friday, December 16

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of other agencies, will conduct a roadside sobriety checkpoint during the evening of Friday, December 16, on MD Route 235, within St. Mary’s County.

Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills three people every two hours, according to the United States Department of Transportation.

The checkpoint is one of the several initiatives under the umbrella of “Maximum Deployment,” which will commence on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot with a public roll call.

“Maximum Deployment” is a policing strategy used during the holiday season to target areas of increased crime, subsequently increasing protection in St. Mary’s County.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office uses roadside sobriety checkpoints as one of the tools in the battle against impaired driving. On behalf of Sheriff Cameron and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, we ask that everyone drive safely during the Christmas and New Year holiday seasons.

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Selected for Community Partner Award

Recently, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was presented with a Community Partner Award by the Southern Maryland Community Network. The Sheriff's Office was honored for participating in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) programs, and for partnering with the Southern Maryland Community Network’s Behavioral Health Liaison Program (CBHL). The CBHL provides resources for those in mental health crisis in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties.

Susan Onofrio, Community Behavioral Health Liaison, Southern Maryland Community Network, says that “The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was recognized for assiduously bringing the Memphis Model Crisis Intervention Team training to the Sheriff’s Office, and for acknowledging the importance of having officers trained in crisis intervention.”

CIT is a national model that helps police officers better serve and interact with their community through understanding and learning about mental illness. CIT training provides law enforcement officers, communications staff and corrections officers with the skills they need to identify those who are exhibiting signs of a mental illness. In addition, police officers are trained in how to de-escalate potentially dangerous conditions involving those in a mental health crisis when responding to calls.

In announcing the award, the Southern Maryland Community Network stated, “All over the country police officers, communications staff, and corrections officers are receiving the skills they need to identify mental illness through Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) training. The CIT model is changing the way law enforcement responds to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.”

In addition to the CIT training, partnering with the CBHL program assists law enforcement in securing proper treatment for those suffering from mental disorders. Onofrio explains that, traditionally, in St. Mary’s County and policing as a whole, the practice was to transport individuals in mental health crisis to jail. Now, the focus is on referral. Deputies can connect those individuals suffering from mental disorders and their families with a Behavioral Health Liaison, who can provide individualized safety planning, referral, and links to the appropriate community resources.

St. Mary's County Sheriff Tim Cameron commented, “The Sheriff’s Office thanks the Southern Maryland Community Network for partnering with us and providing the means for our officers to assess at-risk individuals, to engage them in ways that de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, and to link those individuals and their families with mental health programs and providers. This partnership gives us options in the community, and allows us to respond efficiently and compassionately.” Cameron added, “The deputies involved in CIT have undergone extensive training. We at the Sheriff's Office are very appreciative of this recognition of their hard work and efforts, and are proud to be selected as the recipient of the Southern Maryland Community Network’s Community Partner Award.”

The Sheriff’s Office and the Southern Maryland Community Network will continue their partnership with a mental health component added to the annual Holiday Deployment Operations hosted by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and Behavioral Health Liaisons will be on patrol together and available to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.








Incident Briefs – 12-13-2016 to 12-16-2016


12-13-2016
Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 21000 block of Ronald Drive in Lexington Park. DFC K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 63501-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry and caused damaged at a residence in the24000 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. Dep. G. Muschette is investigating the case. CASE# 63524-16

12-14-2016
Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 45000 block of Belvoir Road in Great Mills. DFC B. Gaskill is investigating the case. CASE# 63559-16

12-15-2016
Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into an office building in the 23000 block of Three Notch Road in Hollywood. Nothing appeared to be stolen. DFC. R. Steinbach is investigating the case. CASE# 63847-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 43000 block of Sunny Ridge Lane in Hollywood. Cpl. S. Kerby is investigating the case. CASE# 63867-16


Assist Other Agency – Deputy S. Bowie assisted the Maryland State Fire Marshall with crowd control while they investigated a building fire in the 46000 block of Marshall Blvd. in Lexington Park. CASE# 63845-16



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.




#SMCSO Seeking Public's Assistance in Locating Tier III Sex Offenders



The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two TierIII Lifetime Sex Offenders, who have active arrests warrants for failing to register.

William Jae Johnson, age 35

Charles Dennis Raley, Jr., age 30 (LOCATED)

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Melissa Hulse at 301-475-4200, ext.* 1996 or by email at Melissa.Hulse@stmarysmd.com.

CRIME SOLVERS at 301-475-3333 or text a tip to “TIP239” plus your message to ‘CRIMES” (274637). St. Mary’s County CRIME SOLVERS offers rewards up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Calls to CRIME SOLVERS are NOT RECORDED.


William Jae Johnson



Charles Dennis Raley, Jr.






Thursday, December 15, 2016

Sheriff Tim Cameron Announces All Hands Holiday Patrol Operation

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron announces an “All Hands Holiday Patrol Operation” scheduled for Friday, December 16, 2016, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The Holiday Patrol operation will commence with a public “Roll Call” in the Walmart Parking Lot in California, Maryland, where the Command Post will be stationed throughout the evening.

As part of the Holiday Patrol Operation, Sheriff Cameron has instituted a “Maximum Deployment” initiative in which approximately thirty to thirty-five additional deputies, typically not assigned to the uniformed division will participate. These include Command Staff and personnel from the Administrative Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Vice/Narcotics, Warrant Unit, K-9 Unit, and the Southern Maryland Information Center. This additional deployment will focus on enhanced traffic enforcement, theft detection and prevention, robbery decoy operations, warrant service operations, Vice/Narcotics overt and covert drug detection, and neighborhood saturation patrols. 

Sheriff Cameron explained, “The purpose of these operations is to increase public safety by creating a high-visibility police presence in our residential and business communities. We anticipate that our presence and direct action will deter those who might engage in crimes such as theft, assaults, and burglaries to motor vehicles.”

Putting training skills into practice, Sheriff Cameron has also added a mental health component to the deployments. Deputies who have undergone extensive Crisis Intervention Team training will be teamed with Behavioral Health Liaisons to patrol areas where data shows an increase in mental health crises. The deputies will be available to use their training to de-escalate the situation and provide the individual with a warm hand-off to the Behavioral Health Liaisons. 

“We are using all available resources and data to strategically deploy our personnel as part of our ongoing efforts to provide a safe holiday experience for the members of our community,” Sheriff Cameron said.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Pamela McKay Passing the Torch as Chesapeake Region Law Enforcement Accreditation Alliance (CRLEAA) President


The Civilian Administrator for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Ms. Pamela McKay, has also honorably represented the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Southern Maryland as President of the Chesapeake Region Law Enforcement Accreditation Alliance (CRLEAA) for the past eight years. 

As of January 1, 2017, she will transition the presidency of CRLEAA to Greg Solomon of the American University Police Department. 

Sheriff Tim Cameron said, “During her tenure, Ms. McKay not only brought recognition to Southern Maryland law enforcement, but she also provided assistance to agencies throughout the region in obtaining and maintaining their accreditation status through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). Her wealth of knowledge and experience with accreditation has served not only the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office well, but all agencies belonging to the Chesapeake Region Law Enforcement Accreditation Alliance.”

On her role as President of CRLEAA, Ms. McKay commented, “Accreditation is something that I have a passion for, and through this organization, I have created mutually beneficial professional relationships. Most of all, I am proud of the work we did as a team. One of the initiatives I am most proud of is working together to ensure that all member agencies will continue to have access to more frequent, relevant, and affordable training.” 

Fellow CRLEAA peer, Ms. Tamera Bulla, commented on Pam’s legacy of service by saying, “For well over a decade, Pam has been a respected leader and “go to” resource for law enforcement professionals in both CRLEAA and MAPP. Her detailed knowledge on policy and Accreditation matters has helped agencies in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and DC. But perhaps even more important is the level of personal mentoring, encouragement and inspiration she has provided us all.”

The CRLEAA serves Maryland, Delaware, and DC agencies. CRLEAA is a not-for-profit organization formed in the 1980's as a network of law enforcement professionals supporting accreditation through effective communication, cooperation, and shared resources. CRLEAA recognizes and supports the concept of accreditation for law enforcement agencies as a means of enhancing the quality of law enforcement services within the region.

On behalf of Sheriff Tim Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, congratulations to Pamela McKay for her tenure and professional representation of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Southern Maryland to the CRLEAA. 



Civilian Administrator, Pamela McKay with CALEA Program Manager, John Gregory

Annual Shop with a Cop Program Scheduled for Saturday, December 17

The St. Mary's County “Shop with a Cop” program will hold its 13th Annual Christmas “Shop with a Cop” event this Saturday, December 17. Each child is allotted money to spend however they choose, whether it be for themselves, family members or household items. Each child is transported to Wal-Mart and then to the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds where they are awaited by Optimist members who are ready to serve a huge breakfast, wrap their gifts, and entertain them with a puppet show. At the end of the event, the excited children are returned home.

The “Shop with a Cop” program is a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization consisting of members of the St. Mary's County Optimist Clubs and the St. Mary's County Fraternal Order of Police. The children are selected based on nominations from police officers and St. Mary’s County public and private schools staff. 

The “Shop with a Cop” program is an all-volunteer program with no paid employees. Donations are welcome and are tax-deductible. Donations can be sent to:

St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office
23150 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, Maryland 20650
Attention: Bill Raddatz

Anyone with questions should contact the event coordinator, Sgt. Bill Raddatz, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1958.






Incident Briefs – 12/12/2016

12-9-2016

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 46000 block of Saltmarsh Court in Lexington Park. Cpl. D. Corcoran is investigating the case. CASE# 62886-16

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle in the 21000 block of Cameron Court in Lexington Park. Nothing appeared to be stolen. CASE# 62920-16

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 21000 block of Seafross Court in Lexington Park. Dep. D. Smith is investigating the case. CASE# 62914-16

Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 22000 block of Ventura Way in California. DFC R. Steinbach is investigating the case. CASE# 62940-16

12-10-2016

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 17000 block of Point Lookout Road in Piney Point. Dep. D. Smith is investigating the case. CASE# 63035-16

12-11-2016

Burglary to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered two motor vehicles in the Westbury Subdivision; no property was stolen. CASE# 63163-16, 63171-16

Burglary to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 45000 block of Calla Lane in Great Mills. Cpl. Corcoran is investigating the case. CASE# 63172-16

Property Destruction – Unknown suspect(s) spray painted vulgar images and words in the bathrooms and outbuildings at Lancaster and Nicollet Parks in Lexington Park. DFC J. Krum and Dep D. Smith are investigating the cases. CASE# 63165-16 and 63183-16


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, December 9, 2016

Five-Year-Old Boy Shows Support for Law Enforcement Officers: Meet a Little Guy with a BIG Heart

Often it is the small gestures, such as a smile or kind word from a loving heart, that make all the difference. And sometimes those simple acts rebound to affect others in ways that could never have been predicted. Even at the tender age of five, young Brady already understands the meaning behind the phrase, “Small gestures can have a big impact.

With a series of small gestures, Brady hopes to make one BIG impact in his community. According to Brady's mom, “He doesn’t like it when his friends say cops are bad or that they are scared of them. He wants everyone to know that police are amazing and here to help keep us safe.” She explained how, for Christmas this year, Brady asked her to help him collect photos of him with law enforcement officers. 

Brady’s Christmas goal is to have photos with 80 members of law enforcement. When the officers of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office heard about this unique Christmas wish, they immediately set out to do everything they could to help Brady achieve his goal. Sheriff Tim Cameron personally invited Brady and his family—and their camera—to the holiday deployment Roll Call. After the briefing, Brady and his family were able to meet the officers on duty, thank them for their service, and of course, take lots of photos. The smiles on everyone's faces tell how big a story this is, and how significant the impact that Brady's wish is already having.

On behalf of Sheriff Cameron and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, thank you, Brady, for your big heart and for supporting law enforcement officers across the county. You are wise beyond your young years and have the spirit of a law enforcement officer. Law enforcement is about helping people through small gestures – helping change a tire, holding a hand of someone experiencing a crisis, or just listening to their concerns – it’s the small gestures that have a significant impact. The men and women of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office are honored to help you achieve your goal. 












DUI Arrests - November 2016

11-1-2016 - James Patrick Yates, age 54, of Leonardtown, by Deputy First Class C. Beyer

James Patrick Yates

11-2-2016 - Ronald Phillip Pinkney, age 59, of Prince Frederick, by Deputy A. Shelko

Ronald Phillip Pinkney


11-2-2016 - Latesha Michelle Thompson, age 26, of Mechanicsville, by Deputy A. Budd

Latesha Michelle Thompson (FILE PHOTO)


11-2-2016 - Wyman Ewing Jones, age 26, of Patuxent River, by Deputy First Class J. Maguire


Wyman Ewing Jones


11-8-16 - James Richard Nelson, Jr, age 35, of Cheltenham, by Corporal B. Foor

NO PHOTO 

11-5-16 - Joseph Axzavis Stewart, Jr, age 37, of Lexington Park, by Deputy D. Potter


Joseph Axzavis Stewart, Jr. 

11-8-16 - Heather Marie Garner, age 28, of Hollywood, by Deputy C. Ball


Heather Marie Garner 


11-10-16 - Richard Eugene Harris, age 60, of Keene, Texas, by Deputy B. Fennessey

Richard Eugene Harris 


11-18-16 - Floyd William Downs, age 21, of Lexington Park, by Corporal B. Foor

NO PHOTO 


11-19-16 - Bryan Theodore Chapman, age 41, of Waldorf, by Deputy First Class B. Gaskill

Bryan Theodore Chapman 

11-24-16 - John Douglas Lawrence, Jr, age 56, of Park Hall, Deputy First Class L. Johnson

NO PHOTO 


11-23-16 - Ryan Patrick Mirfield, age 36, of Great Mills, by Corporal J. Stone

Ryan Patrick Mirfield 

11-24-16 - Bayron Benjamin Ruiz Rivas, age 25, of Leonardtown, by Deputy J. Bush


Bayron Benjamin Ruiz Rivas