COPs UNIT ARRESTS 7-30-14

ALCOHOL VIOLATION – On July 25, 2014, Deputy Krum assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed suspects Francine Mae Morgan, 55, of Lexington Park, and James Calvin Morgan, 49, of Lexington Park, in the area of South Shangri La Drive in Lexington Park, consuming alcoholic beverages. Both were charged with the violation by criminal citation.

Francine Morgan

 

James Morgan

 

ALCOHOL VIOLATION – On July 26, 2014, Deputy Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed suspect Alexandra Spencer Barnes, 56, of Lexington Park, in the area of Tulagi Place at Freedom Run Park, consuming an alcoholic beverage. Barnes was charged with the violation by criminal citation.

Alexandra Barnes

 

DISORDERLY CONDUCT/TRESPASSING – On July 26, 2014, Deputy Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed suspect Robert Imirie Blackistone, 55, of Leonardtown, standing in the area of the 2000 Liquors store in violation of a no trespass notice. Blackistone appeared intoxicated. While speaking with Blackistone, a citizen approached Deputy Beishline and informed him Blackistone attempted to speak to her (in front of her young child) in an inappropriate sexual manner. Blackistone was placed under arrest at which time he became disorderly by yelling profanity in the presence of shopping center patrons. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Trespass: Private Property and Disorderly Conduct.

Robert Blackistone

 

TRESPASSING – On July 25, 2014 at 7:47 PM, Deputy Beishline observed suspect Steven Wayne Carter, 55, of no fixed address, on the property of Millison Plaza in violation of a notice not to trespass. Carter appeared intoxicated and was placed under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Trespass: Private Property. Carter was arrested again for trespassing in Millison Plaza on 7-27-14 by Deputy Bowen from the Patrol Division.

Steven Carter

 

CID & Patrol Make ARRESTS in Wicomico Shores Vandalism

Wicomico Shores, Mechanicsville, Maryland - Between March and June of 2014, the Wicomico Shores neighborhood experienced a rash of what appeared to be related property destruction/vandalism offenses. Suspects damaged the newly built pavilion, bath house, and public docks at the Wicomico Shores Park/ boat dock area. Several vehicles were scratched or "keyed" or their tires punctured.  Publicly owned property was spray painted or "tagged" throughout the community and extensive damage was done to the Wicomico Shores golf Course. The interior of a home in the neighborhood was also tagged and destroyed.

 

St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office patrol deputies took numerous reports for these crimes. As a result, Detective Corporal David Alexander from the Criminal Investigations Division and Deputy Amber Logue from the Patrol Division consolidated all of these cases and began an in depth investigation. After compiling information and examining all evidence, they were able to positively identify nine (9) suspects believed to be responsible for these crimes with varying levels of involvement. Each suspect was subsequently interviewed and additional evidence of their participation in these crimes was obtained. The residence in the neighborhood which was tagged and destroyed was identified as a "club house" used by the group. 

"RB" and or "RBFL" was spray painted, (tagged), throughout the community during this time frame as well. Information was subsequently obtained identifying the group of 9 juvenile suspects as members of a loose knit gang known as the “ Rebel Boys” or “Rebel Boys For Life”.

The following 4 juvenile suspects have been charged. 2 suspects will be charged pending contact. 3 suspects may be charged after a review of the case with the State's Attorney's Office.   

1. Male, white, age 18, of Mechanicsville, was a juvenile at the time the crimes were committed. Charged with Felony and Misdemeanor Property Destruction and Theft. 

2. Male, white, age 15, of Mechanicsville, charged with several counts of Theft and Property Destruction.

3. Male, white, age 14, of Mechanicsville, charged with several counts of Theft and Property Destruction.

4. Male, white, age 15, of Mechanicsville, charged with several counts of Theft and Property Destruction.

5. Male, white, age 14, of Mechanicsville, will be charged with several counts of property destruction pending contact and processing.

6. Male, white, age 16, of Mechanicsville, will be charged with several counts of property destruction and theft pending contact and processing.  

The juveniles who have been charged were released to a parent or relative pending a hearing with The Department of Juvenile Services.   

Arrests 7-24-14 to 7-27-14

DISORDERLY CONDUCT – On July 24, 2014, Deputy Cole responded to the Shell gas station located in the 20000 block of Point Lookout Road in Callaway, for a disturbance. Witnesses reported a female walking aimlessly in the shopping center yelling profanity. She threated to assault shopping center employees who asked her to leave. Deputy Cole made contact with the female who was identified as Ashley Marie Moore, 29, of Hollywood. Moore appeared to be very intoxicated and continued to yell profanity. Moore was ordered to stop yelling several times and refused. Her actions caused several patrons of the shopping center to gather. Moore was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Possession Alcoholic Beverage, and Failure to Obey Lawful Order.

Ashley Moore

PROTECTIVE ORDER VIOLATION – On July 25, 2014, deputies responded to a residence in the 36000 block of Manor Road in Chaptico, for a protective order violation. The victim alleged suspect James Bret Reed, 54, of Leonardtown, entered the yard of the victim in violation of an active protective order. While responding to the residence, Deputy Kerns observed Reed driving his vehicle in the area. Reed was located at a nearby store and placed under arrest. Reed was also determined to be operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with the Protective Order Violation and DUI by Corporal O’Connor.

James Reed

ASSAULT – On July 26, 2014, Deputy S. Cameron responded to St. Mary’s Hospital for an assault. The victim alleged suspect Kenneth Ray Dyson, 31, of Lexington Park, assaulted the victim by strangling with his hands. Deputy Cameron observed fresh injuries consistent with the victim’s account of events. Dyson was located and placed under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.   

Kenneth Dyson

ASSUALT – On July 17, 2014, a victim reported suspect Robert Quincy Graham JR, 28, of California, assaulted the victim while at their residence located on Iverson Drive in California. The victim alleged Graham strangled the victim and bit the victim’s ear during an argument. Corporal O’Connor observed evidence of injury consistent with the victim’s account of the incident. Graham was located and placed under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.

Robert Graham Jr.

ASSAULT – On July 25, 2014, Deputy Phelan responded to a residence on Upland Drive in Bushwood for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Ronald Linzell Scruggs Jr., 20, of Bushwood, struck the victim in the face and threw the victim to the floor. Scruggs allegedly broke the victim’s cell phone during an incident the night before. Deputy Phelan observed evidence of injury on the victim. As Deputy Phelan returned to the residence to arrest Scruggs, he fled on foot into the woods. Scruggs was located a short time later and placed under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.  

Ronald Scruggs Jr.

Incident Briefs 7-25-14 to 7-29-14

7-25-14 BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE - A victim reported unknown suspect(s) entered his unlocked vehicle and stole property while attending a party on Lawrence Avenue in Leonardtown. Case remains open and Deputy Pleisse is investigating. Case #40510-14

7-26-14 VANDALISM - A victim, who resides on Blackistone Circle in Hollywood, reported unknown suspect(s) damaged a wooden sign on his property. The sign appeared to have been shot with a BB gun. Case #40648-14

7-26-14 THEFT - The owner of a produce stand located on Bayside Road in Clements, reported unknown suspect(s) stole produce from the stand overnight. Case #40649-14

7-26-14 THEFT - A victim reported unknown suspect(s) stole cash from her while shopping at the Food Lion in Leonardtown on 7-13-14. Case remains open and is assigned to Deputy Roszell. Case #40657-14 

7-27-14 VANDALSIM - A victim, who resides on Blake Creek Road in Valley Lee, reported unknown suspect(s) cut 2 of the tires on her vehicle. Case #40754-14

7-27-14 BURGLARY TO MOTOR VEHICLE - A victim, who resides on Magee Drive in Leonardtown, reported unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked vehicle and stole her wallet containing cash. Case remains open and is assigned to Corporal Connelly. Case #40825-14

7-27-14 VANDALSIM - A victim reported unknown suspect(s) scratched his vehicle while it was parked at the Cadillac Jack's Bar on Great Mills Road. Case remains open and is assigned to Deputy S. Cameron. Case #40837-14

7-29-14 PROWLER - A victim, observed a person carry a ladder toward her residence located on Pin Cushion Road in Leonardtown. The unidentified person fled the area after someone in the residence turned on the porch light. Caser remains open. Case #41073-14

Death Investigation - California, Maryland

California, Maryland - On July 28, 2014 at 6:45 PM, deputies responded to the end of MacArthur Boulevard after citizens in the neighborhood reported hearing a gunshot. On arrival, deputies found a male subject suffering from a gun shot wound. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. 

The preliminary investigation and all evidence gathered thus far indicates the gunshot wound was self-inflicted. 

Additional details will be released as they are developed.

Sheriff Discusses Leadership with Campers

Leonardtown, Maryland - On July 22, 2014, students attending the Middle School Leadership Academy Camp came to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office for a tour. The students met with Captain Steve Hall, Commander of the Patrol Division and graduate of the FBI National Academy, for an impromptu question and answer session on what it means to be a leader.

During the tour, students were able to see the duty officer, Sergeant Stephen Myers, in action. They met the Sheriff's Office Crime Analyst, Jim O'Neil, and Crime Laboratory technician, Megan Roberts, who explained what they do to solve crime.

 

The visit culminated with and in depth discussion with Sheriff Tim Cameron about leadership. So many great questions were asked of the Sheriff. Sheriff Cameron explained how by simply attending the Leadership Academy Camp all of the students were already leaders. One of the students asked what is the best part of being Sheriff. Sheriff Cameron replied, "helping people, seeing the members of this agency do great things, and meeting young people like you."

This group of young men and women were so impressive. Sheriff Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Barbara Ives and her students for visiting and wish them continued success throughout their lives.        

 

 

For more photos check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/firstsheriff .

COPs UNIT Issues ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS 7-24-14

ALCOHOL VIOLATION – On July 24, 2014 at 6:10 PM, Deputy Al Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed suspects Sarah Louis Smith, 33, of Lexington Park, and Joanne Marie Dimuzio, 54, of California, on the property of Millison Plaza drinking alcoholic beverages. Both were charged with the alcohol violation by criminal citation.

Sarah Smith

 

Joanne Dimuzio

 

ALCOHOL VIOLATION – On July 24, 2014 at 7:20 PM, Deputy Al Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed suspect Joseph Michael Curtis, 54, of Great Mills, on the property of Millison Plaza drinking an alcoholic beverage. Curtis was charged with the alcohol violation by criminal citation.

Joseph M. Curtis

 

ALCOHOL VIOLATION – On July 24, 2014 at 10:10 PM, Deputy Al Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed suspect Anthony Charles Wright, 45, of Lexington Park, on the property of Canopy Liquors drinking an alcoholic beverage. Wright was charged with the alcohol violation by criminal citation.  

Anthony Wright

Incident Briefs 7-24-14 to 7-25-14

7-24-14 LITTERING - A complainant reported unknown suspect(s) are using his property on Florence Lane in St. James to dump trash. Case remains open and is assigned to Deputy Teague. Case #40257-14

7-24-14 PROPERTY DESTRUCTION - Suspect(s) damaged the gate to Myrtle Point State Park. Case remains open and is assigned to Deputy Cole. Case #40275-14

 

 

DUI Arrests

Tracy Lavell Holliman Jr., 23, of La Plata, on 7-20-14 by Deputy Murphy

Tracy Holliman Jr.

Gilbert Hernandez Cortoba, 29, of Lexington Park, on 7-20-14 by Deputy Logue

Gilbert Cortoba

Dana Leigh Belkov, 30, of Mechanicsville, on 7-23-14 by Corporal Watters NP

Andrew Nathan Patton, 22, of Chaptico, on 7-24-14 by Corporal E. Johnson NP

ARRESTS 7-22-14 TO 7-23-14

DOMESTIC ASSAULT – on July 23, 2014, Deputy L. Johnson responded to a residence on Morningside Lane in Lexington Park, for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect John William Kegley, 31, of Lexington Park, strangled the victim with his hands during an argument over property. The victim blacked out during the assault. Deputy Johnson observed evidence of injury on the victim. Kegley was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.

John Kegley

 

TRESPASSING – On July 23, 2014, DFC Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed suspect Joseph Kenneth Morgan, 50, of Lexington Park, on the property of Lex’s Apartment’s. Morgan had been served with a no trespass notice for the property on 9-13-14 by DFC T. Snyder. Morgan was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Trespass: Private Property.

Joseph Morgan

PUBLIC INTOXICATION – On July 22, 2014, DFC Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, was flagged down by citizens on South Shangri La Drive in Lexington Park. Citizens reported seeing a white male subject with long gray hair walking in the roadway. He was nearly struck by vehicles. 3 additional callers to 9 1 1 reported seeing the same subject intoxicated in the roadway. DFC Beishline subsequently located suspect Steven Wayne Carter, 55, of no fixed address, sleeping in the back parking lot of the Bay District Fire Department. Carter appeared to be extremely intoxicated. DFC Beishline placed Carter under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Alcoholic Beverage Intoxication: Endangerment.  

 

Steven Carter

THEFT SCHEME – On July 23, 2014, Deputy Potter responded to the BJ’s Wholesale Club in California, for a reported employee theft. The store manager alleged suspect Patrick Louis Campbell, 20, of Lexington Park, stole nearly $16,000 in cash, gift cards, and merchandise while employed from 3-5-14 to 7-22-14. Campbell would purchase a low price item and then use the receipt to create a fraudulent return for cash or gift cards. Campbell was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Theft Scheme $10,000 to $100.000.  

Patrick Campbell

 

Incident Briefs 7-23-14 to 7-24-14

7-23-14 FRAUD - A victim, who resides on Midway Drive in Lexington Park, reported he received a phone call from a Hispanic male suspect claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. The suspect told the victim he needed to pay $2,500 immediately to avoid being arrested. The victim purchased (5) $500 Green Dot cards and provided the suspect with the information. Case #40112-14

7-23-14 THEFT - Unknown suspect(s) stole the air conditioning unit from a building in the 21000 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, sometime during the last week. Case #40114-14

 

COPs UNIT Assists Elderly Driver

Lexington Park, Maryland - On July 22, 2014, DFC Tim Snyder and DFC Al Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, observed a green passenger vehicle traveling the wrong direction on Great Mills Road. The vehicle then parked in Millison Plaza where the operator was contacted by DFC Snyder and DFC Beishline. The operator was a 76 year old female from Dale City, Virginia. She left her home to go shopping at approximately 10:00 AM, when she became confused and got lost. She had been driving for over 12 hours, ending up in St. Mary's County. Deputies contacted her daughter who was about to file a missing person's report in Virginia. DFC Snyder and DFC Beishline then assisted in returning her safely to the Virginia State line where she was reunited her family.   

 

 

COPs UNIT Arrests 7-22-14

On July 22, 2014, Deputy Al Beishline observed Anthony Charles Wright, 45, of Lexington Park, on the property of St. Mary's Square after having been served a no trespass notice for the property. Wright was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary's County Detention Center. He was charged with Trespass Private Property.

Anthony Wright

On July 22, 2014 at 9:36 PM, DFC Tim Snyder observed suspect Robert Keith Long, 54, of Lexington Park, drinking an alcoholic beverage on the property of the Checkers restaurant in Lexington Park. Long was charged with the Alcohol Violation by criminal citation.

On July 22, 2014 at 10:29 PM, DFC Al Beishline observed suspect Robert Keith Long, 54, of Lexington Park, on the property of Lex's Apartments located on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, drinking an alcoholic beverage. Long was charged with the Alcohol Violation by criminal citation.

Robert K. Long

 

On July 22, 2014, Deputy Al Beishline arrested William Cornelius Curtis, 55, of Lexington Park, on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear in Court. The original charge was Trespassing Private Property.

William Curtis

 

On July 22, 2014, Deputy Krum arrested Eric Dwayne Dickerson, 41, of no fixed address, on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear in Court. The original charge was Trespass Private Property.

Eric Dickerson

 

GRAB & GO CRIME - PROTECT WHAT'S YOURS

Recently, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office has seen a spike in burglary/theft crimes from motor vehicles. In the overwhelming majority of these cases the vehicles had been left UNLOCKED by the owner. Just within the last week, property was stolen from unlocked vehicles located at residences in the area of Route 234 at Route 5 in Leonardtown.  

Typically, there are two scenarios which burglars who commit these crimes look for.

ONE - Burglars pull on door handles looking for a vehicle that has been left UNLOCKED. When they find one, go in and steal anything they can get their hands on.

TWO - Burglars who WINDOW SHOP by looking in the windows of vehicles for property that has been left IN PLAIN VIEW. When they find something they want, they BREAK IN and TAKE IT.

These GRAB & GO crimes are avoidable. Sheriff Tim Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office remind citizens to LOCK YOUR CAR, TAKE YOUR KEYS, AND HIDE YOUR BELONGINGS.

 
DON'T BE A VICTIM. PROTECT WHAT'S YOURS.

Stolen Motorcycle Report Leads to Arrest for False Statement

Mechanicsville, Maryland - On July 6, 2014, Gary Lee Weaver, 26, of Mechanicsville, reported his 2012 Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle, (pictured), stolen to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office. Weaver reported the motorcycle had been stolen from his residence in the early morning hours on 7-6-14. Detective M. Green from the Criminal Investigations Division assumed the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, Detective Green received information regarding the location of the motorcycle and subsequently located it at a residence in Lexington Park on 7-16-14. Detective Green further determined Weaver had filed a false police report regarding the theft of his motorcycle in order to receive insurance money

On 7-23-14, Weaver was charged with False Statement to Police Officer Causing Investigation and False Statement to Police Officer by criminal summons.

 

Gary L. Weaver

 

ARRESTS 7-21-14 TO 7-22-14

DOMESTIC ASSAULT – On July 21, 2014, DFC Knott responded to a residence on Eric Road in Lexington Park, for a reported domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Matthew Taylor Burnside, 22, of Lexington Park, grabbed the victim by the throat and threw the victim on to a bed. Burnside also broke the victim’s phone during the incident. Burnside was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.

Matthew Burnside

 

ASSAULT – On July 21, 2014, Deputy Roszell responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center for a fight between inmates. The investigation revealed inmates Jamarr Sherman Mackall, 21, of Lexington Park, and Joe Derrick Young, 26, of no fixed address, entered the victim’s cell and assaulted him. The victim sustained facial injuries during the assault. Mackall and Young were both charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.  

Jamarr Mackall

 

Joe Young

 

 

PROTECTIVE ORDER VIOLATION – On July 22, 2014, Deputy Pleisse responded to a residence on Shenandoah Drive in Mechanicsville, for a violation of a protective order. The victim alleged suspect Joseph William Vestraci Jr., 70, of Mechanicsville, drove by the victim’s residence repeatedly in violation of an active protective order. Vestraci was located and placed under arrest. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Violation of Protective Order.

Joseph Vestraci

 

DISORDERLY CONDUCT – On July 22, 2014, Deputy Schultz responded to Indian Way in Lexington Park, for an assault. After conducting the investigation into the assault, Deputy Schultz advised all parties to leave the area. Suspect Shantell Shanese Swales, 21, of Lexington Park, began yelling profanity at one of the victim’s involved in the assault. Deputy Schultz ordered Swales several times to stop yelling and leave the area. Her actions caused the individuals involved in the original incident to return to the scene. Swales refused all orders and was placed under arrest. She was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with Disorderly Conduct and Failure to Obey a Lawful Order.

Shantell Swales

 

Incident Briefs 7-22-14 to 7-23-14

4-22-14 THEFT - A victim, who resides on Mason Drive, reported unknown suspect(s) stole several solar lights from her yard. Case #39847-14

4-22-14 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides on Leopard Lane, reported unknown suspect(s) entered her unsecured shed and stole a leaf blower. Case remains open and is assigned to DFC Knott. Case #39853-14

4-23-14 Motor Vehicle Accident - At 11:26 PM, Corporal Moritz responded to Medley's Neck Road in the area of Tower Hill Lane for a motor vehicle accident. Preliminary investigation revealed, David Burst, 22, of Leonardtown, was operating a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado truck at a high rate of speed when he lost control. The vehicle flipped and Burst suffered a head injury. He was flown to an area hospital for precautionary measures. Case #40038-14

 

UPDATE 7-23-14: Fatal Accident at Maryland International Raceway

Further investigation revealed, Aaron Slemker (correct spelling), age 21, of Clayton, Ohio, was participating in a motorcycle drag racing class. After the warm up lap, Slemker was returning to the staging area operating his 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the motorcycle.

Additional details will be released as they are developed.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE
JULY 22, 2014

Budd's Creek, Maryland - on July 22, 2014 at 12:45 PM, deputies responded to the Maryland International Raceway for an accident involving a motorcyclist. Preliminary investigation revealed the operator of a racing motorcycle, identified as 21 year old Aaron Slemkez, was participating in a training session on an access road behind the drag-strip when he lost control and struck a cement barrier. Life saving efforts were administered; however Slemkez succumbed to his injuries. The next of kin have been notified. Sheriff's Office accident reconstruction team member Corporal W. Watters responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

Additional details will be released as they are developed.

Fatal Accident at Maryland Internation Raceway

Budd's Creek, Maryland - on July 22, 2014 at 12:45 PM, deputies responded to the Maryland International Raceway for an accident involving a motorcyclist. Preliminary investigation revealed the operator of a racing motorcycle, identified as 21 year old Aaron Slemkez, was participating in a training session on an access road behind the drag-strip when he lost control and struck a cement barrier. Life saving efforts were administered; however Slemkez succumbed to his injuries. The next of kin have been notified. Sheriff's Office accident reconstruction team member Corporal W. Watters responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

Additional details will be released as they are developed.

Another St. Mary's County Drug Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years

July 21, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Contact AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC or
www.justice.gov/usao/md MARCIA MURPHY at (410) 209-4885

ST. MARY'S COUNTY DRUG DEALER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON

        Greenbelt, Maryland - Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Jeffrey Kirk Berry, a/k/a "Kojack," age 55, of Lexington Park, Maryland, today to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute powder and crack cocaine; and for being a felon in possession of firearms. Chief Judge Chasanow also found that Berry was an armed career criminal based on three previous drug convictions. For the full press release go to www.justice.gov/usao/md

Captain Dan Alioto, Commander of the Vice/Narcotics Division of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, had this to say about these convictions/sentences, "This is another great example of what happens when long term committed partnerships work together for a common goal. I'm looking forward to the continued relationship as we move forward on our next investigation."

 
July 14, 2014                          
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC or
www.justice.gov/usao/md  MARCIA MURPHY at (410) 209-4885
 

COCAINE DEALER IN ST. MARY’S COUNTY DRUG TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACY SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON

 

Greenbelt, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Jamar Holt, a/k/a “Reds,” “Jamal Holt” and “Rex,” age 36, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and a kilogram or more of heroin; engaging in money laundering; and violating his supervised release.  Chief Judge Chasanow also entered an order requiring Holt to forfeit $1 million, two vehicles, three properties located in Baltimore, as well as jewelry and $22,390 seized at Holt’s residence during the execution of a search warrant.

            The sentence 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; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Kelly of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office .

            According to his plea agreement, from October 2012 to April 2013, Holt acquired kilograms of cocaine and other quantities of heroin, and provided the drugs to conspirators who distributed the drugs to customers.  Co-conspirator Damon Estep coordinated the delivery of cocaine to himself and other conspirators from St. Mary’s County.  The conspirators would meet in Glen Burnie to pay for the drugs to be distributed in St. Mary’s County by Estep and others.  The distribution of between 15 and five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, and between three and one kilograms of heroin, were reasonably foreseeable to Holt. 

 Holt had been sentenced on April 14, 2005 in federal court in Maryland to six years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute heroin. His drug trafficking activities occurred while on supervised release, thereby violating his terms of release.

 In November 2012, Holt gave his girlfriend around $20,000, more or less, to buy a 2012 Jeep. In December 2012, Holt also delivered checks totaling $54,440.42 to an individual to pay off an outstanding loan on properties located at 524-530 Oldtown Mall, Baltimore.  In return, Holt received an ownership interest in the properties.  In February 2013, Holt provided $51,000 in cash to the seller of property located at 4338 Glenmore Avenue in Baltimore, in order to buy the property.  The monies Holt provided in these transactions included the proceeds of his drug trafficking, which Holt intended to conceal.

 When Holt was charged in May 2013 in a superseding indictment, he was notified that the government would seek forfeiture of any property obtained as a result of the drug conspiracy.  Nevertheless, on June 25, 2013, Holt filed a false document purporting to transfer his ownership in 4338 Glenmore to his sister and mother. The signatures of his mother and sister on the document were forged.  In filing this document, Holt intended to obstruct forfeiture proceedings.

 On April 25, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Holt’s residence and seized drug paraphernalia, seven cell phones, $22,390 in cash and over $119,000 in jewelry, including 12 watches with brands such as Rolex and Breitling.

 Chief Judge Chasanow sentenced Damon Jerome Estep, a/k/a “Country”, age 38, of California, Maryland, on February 7, 2014 to 188 months in prison. Co-defendants Alrahman Sharif Allen, a/k/a “Rock” and “Rahman Allen;” and Jeffrey Kirk Berry, a/k/a “Kojack,” previously pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy and await sentencing.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Jo Bressack and Deborah Johnston, who prosecuted the case.

 

 

Incident Briefs 7-21-14 to 7-22-14

7-21-14 THEFT - A victim reported unidentified suspects stole money from him while he was staying at the Super 8 Motel in California. He had been partying with the suspects earlier at the same hotel in another room. Case remains open and is assigned to Deputy Roszell. Case #39655-14

7-21-14 THEFT - A victim, who resides in California state, reported he had is 2008 Yamaha YZF 450 motorcycle on Craig's List for sale. The motorcycle's physical location was in Mechanicsville, at a relative's home. An unidentified black male suspect went to the relative's home and pretended to look at the motorcycle to potentially purchase it. The suspect then drove off with the motorcycle and without paying for it. Case remains open and is assigned to Deputy Phelan. Case #39693-14 

7-22-14 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides in the 30000 block of Point Lookout Road in Mechanicsville, reported unknown suspect(s) forcibly entered her home and disturbed items inside. However, nothing appeared to have been stolen. Case remains open. Case #39746-14

7-22-14 BURGLARY - A victim, who resides on Oregon way in Lexington Park, reported unknown suspect(s) forcibly entered her home and stole money sitting on a table. Case remains open. Case #39732-14

Arrests 7-18-14 to 7-20-14

VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER – On July 18, 2014, Deputy L. Johnson responded to a residence on Cambridge Avenue in Lexington Park, for a protective order violation. The victim alleged suspect James William Justice, 47, of Lexington Park, sent the victim a letter from the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he is currently incarcerated. Justice is to have no contact with the victim according to the active protective order. Justice was charged with Violation of Protective Order.

James Justice 

DOMESTIC ASSAULT – On July 19, 2014, Deputy Teague responded to a residence on Manon Way in Lexington Park, for a reported domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Jarrell Raheim Johnson, 26, of Prince Frederick, assaulted the victim by slapping the victim in the face. Johnson then strangled the victim during an argument over personal property. Johnson broke the victim’s cell phone and home phone to prevent the victim from calling 9 1 1. Deputy Teague observed fresh evidence of injury on the victim. Johnson was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.

Jarrell Johnson

 

ASSAULT – On July 19, Deputy Murphy responded to a residence on Ridge Road in Mechanicsville, for a domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Patience Elizabeth Hoover, 24, of Mechanicsville, struck the victim in the face during an argument. Hoover was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.

Patience Hoover

 

ASSAULT – On July 19, 2014, Corporal Reppel responded to a residence on Flat Iron Road in Great Mills, for an assault. The victim alleged suspect Daniel Bernard Underwood, 56, of Great Mills, grabbed the victim by the hair and punched the victim in the face. Corporal Reppel observed fresh evidence of injury on the victim. Underwood was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault.  

Daniel Underwood

VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER – On July 20, 2014, Deputy Pontorno responded to a residence on Town Creek Drive in California, for a reported protective order violation. At that time, the protected party in the order was found at the residence of the respondent, identified as Michael Patrick Ryan, 31, of California. Ryan was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Violation of Protective Order.

Michael Ryan

ASSAULT – On July 20, 2014, Corporal Kirkner responded to a residence on in the 15000 block of Point Lookout Road in St. Inigoes, for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect Joshua Joseph Yates, 25, of St. Inigoes, struck the victim in the face with his fist while they were driving on Point Lookout Road. The suspect tore the rear view mirror from the windshield and struck the victim in the face with it during the assault as well. Corporal Kirkner observed fresh evidence of injury on the victim. Yates was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2^nd Degree Assault and Property Destruction.   

Joshua Yates