Emergency Response Team (ERT) Graduation

Correctional Officers from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, along with correctional officers from Calvert and Charles County, graduated from an arduous 56 hour training program to become Emergency Response Team (ERT) certified.  The Emergency Response Team is a specialized group of correctional officers who receive additional training and are activated in emergencies which can include medical emergencies, fights, riots, attempted escapes, etc. Congratulations to Corporal Luis E. Ramos-Dompenciel, Correctional Officers Casey G. Hill, Alexander M. Mueller, and Brandon M. Reynolds. Courthouse Deputy William Hill, who retired from the Sheriff's Office as a sergeant, pinned the ERT insignia on his son C/O Hill's shirt. Deputy Hill served on the ERT Team when he was a correctional officer.

 (Pictured left to right C/O Casey Hill, Cpl. Luis Ramos-Dompenciel, C/O Brandon Reynolds, C/O      Alexander Mueller

On View Arrests/Warrants/DUI/Criminal Citations

On View Arrests:

Theft-  On May 14, 2019, Dep. Payne responded to the 48000 block of Freehold Drive in St. Mary's City, for the reported disturbance. Investigation determined Garret Brady Harim, age 22 of Coltons Point, came to the victim's residence uninvited.  When the victim refused to come outside the residence, Harim entered the victim's vehicle and stole change.  Harim was located in the victim's vehicle by Dep. Payne, and arrested.  Harim was charged with Rogue and Vagabond and Theft.  CASE# 28080-19

Garret Brady Harim

Theft-Trespassing-  On May 18, 2019, Dep. Chase responded to the 21800 block of Shangri La Drive in Lexington Park for the reported theft.  Investigation determined James Edward Nolan, age 61 with no fixed address, stole two pairs of sunglasses from the Rite Aid store, and was previously served a notice not to trespass for the establishment. Nolan was located in the area and arrested; Nolan was charged with Theft and Trespass-Private Property.  CASE# 28857-19

James Edward Nolan 

Assault-  On May 18, 2019, Dep. Luffey responded to the 25300 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported disturbance.  Investigation determined Amber Lynn Battagila, age 44 of Leonardtown, assaulted the victim by striking, scratching and biting the victim. Battagila was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree.  CASE# 28887-19

Amber Lynn Battagila 

Warrants:

05/13/19-  Darren Edward Cole, age 32 of St. Inigoes was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation/Violate Protective Order by Cpl. Flerlage# 241.  CASE# 27880-19

Darren Edward Cole 

05/13/19-  James Lionel Medley Jr., age 34 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for CDS: Distribute-Narcotic and Theft by DFC. Holdsworth# 305.  CASE# 27898-19

James Lionel Medley Jr. 

05/14/19-  Jessica Jean Bennett, age 30 of Hughesville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for CDS: Possess-Not Marijuana by DFC. Holdsworth# 305.  CASE# 23257-19

Jessica Jean Bennett

05/14/19-  Joseph Matthew Lockard, age 21 of Waldorf, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for nine counts of Assault 1st Degree, nine counts of Assault 2nd Degree, ten counts of Reckless Endangerment, Handgun on Person, Loaded Handgun on Person, and Firearm Use/Felony-Violent Crime by Cpl. Flerlage# 241.  CASE# 26031-19

Joseph Matthew Lockard 

05/14/19-  Michael John Corbin, age 51 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Knowingly Driving Uninsured Vehicle by Dep. Bowling# 354.  CASE# 28008-19

Michael John Corbin

05/15/19-  Alaina Rose Repp, age 32 of Montgomery Village, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA-Fail to Send Child to School, Violate Protective Order, and Theft by Cpl. Maloy# 137.  CASE# 28264-19

Alaina Rose Repp

05/16/19-  William Alexander Sledge, age 62 with no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/CDS: Possession-Paraphernalia by Dep. Rycyzyn# 350.  CASE# 28353-19

William Alexander Sledge

05/16/19-  Ryan Michael Caywood, age 30 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation-Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking by Cpl. Steinbach# 268.  CASE# 28421-19

Ryan Michael Caywood

05/16/19-  Joseph William Medley III, age 35 of Leonardtown, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Escape 2nd Degree-Condition of Release by Dep. Forinash# 344.  CASE# 24275-19

Joseph William Medley III 

05/17/19-  Jessica Lynne Gibson, age 32 with no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana by Dep. Graves# 354.  CASE# 28576-19

Jessica Lynne Gibson

05/17/19-  Ricky Ray Adkins, age 60 with no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Escape 2nd Degree and Trespass Private Property by Dep. Baker# 349.  CASE# 28684-19

Ricky Ray Adkins 

05/18/19-  De Aundre Tyrique Keys, age 22 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Assault 2nd Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property, Fail to Stop After Accident, and Fail to Return and Remain at Scene of Accident by Dep. Edwards# 335.  CASE# 1654-19

De Aundre Tyrique Keys 

05/18/19-  Serenity Faith Byrd, age 26 of Hollywood, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Escape 1st & 2nd Degree by Dep. Edwards# 335.  CASE# 27837-19

Serenity Faith Byrd 

05/18/19-  Raymond Michael Shorts, age 28 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Forinash# 344.  CASE# 28766-19

Raymond Michael Shorts 

05/19/19-  Christopher Paul Forrest, age 43 of Ridge, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Assault 1st & 2nd Degree by Dep. Graves# 354.  CASE# 28901-19

Christopher Paul Forrest 

DUIs

5/16/19-  Benjamin Edward Schaible, age 49 of Great Mills, was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving While Impaired by Alcohol by Dep. Henry# 333.  CASE# 28306-19

Benjamin Edward Schaible 

05/17/19-  Ruth Rae Cross, age 57 of Great Mills, was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, and Driving While Intoxicated by Dep. Wimberly# 357.  CASE# 28519-19

Ruth Rae Cross 

05/19/19-  Danielle Christine Wathen, age 28 of La Plata, was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, and Driving While Intoxicated by Dep. Baker# 349.  CASE# 28904-19

Danielle Christine Wathen 

Criminal Citations:

05/16/19-  Jennifer Lyn Wood, age 53 of Leonardtown, was charged with Theft via criminal citation by Cpl. Steinbach after Wood attempted to leave the Walmart store located on Miramar Way with items that were not purchased.  CASE# 28439-19 (No Photograph Available)

No Trespassing Under St. George Island Bridge

REMINDER: Fishing under the St. George Island bridge is not permitted by order of the Maryland State Highway Administration. In addition, the Piney Point Public Landing, owned by the Commissioners of St. Mary's County, closes at dark except for loading and unloading boats. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office will be enforcing these regulations.

No Parking or Trespassing Along North Patuxent Beach Road

REMINDER: There is no parking or trespassing alongside North Patuxent Beach Road in California and there is no trespassing on the adjacent private pier. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office will be patrolling the area for enforcement. 

Reporter John Wharton Lauded Upon Retirement

State's Attorney Richard Fritz, John Wharton and Sheriff Tim Cameron 

John Wharton, longtime St. Mary’s County reporter, was recognized and lauded on Thursday by Sheriff Tim Cameron and Richard Fritz, State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County, for his career which spanned 34 years writing for The Enterprise newspaper. Wharton is retiring on Friday, May 31, 2019.

Wharton was presented with a plaque by the Sheriff and State’s Attorney at a Coffee with the Sheriff event at the Loffler Senior Activity Center in Great Mills which read, “The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s Count hereby present John Wharton with this plaque of sincere appreciation for 34 years of fair, respectful and award-winning reporting with The Enterprise newspaper, covering law enforcement and judicial issues for the entirety of his career with the St. Mary’s County newspaper of record.”

“We wish you the very best in your well-deserved retirement.”

Wharton, a resident of California, started with The Enterprise in 1985. Fritz has been State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County since December 1998, while Cameron has been St. Mary’s County Sheriff since December 2006.

John Wharton brought Christmas cheer each year to the Sheriff's Office, Circuit and District courts and to The Enterprise office 

On View Arrests/Warrants/DUI

On View Arrests:

Disorderly Conduct:  On May 10, 2019, Cpl. Handy responded to the 21600 block of Great Mills road in Lexington Park for the reported disturbance.  The victim advised two individuals were in the area banging on the business windows and harassing customers for money.  Upon arrival, Justin Antoine Parker, age 29 of Great Mills, was observed on scene creating a disturbance.  Parker was told multiple times to vacate the area, however he continued to scream and cause a disturbance.  Parker was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.  CASE# 27341-19

Justin Antoine Parker 

Drug Arrest/DUI-  On May 11, 2019, Dep. Wimberly responded to the 39800 block of Big Chestnut Road in Clements for the reported suspicious vehicle.  Upon arrival contact was made with the vehicle operator David Patrick Nickerson, age 18 of Leonardtown. Located in Nickerson's vehicle was a grinder with marijuana residue, suspected Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) wax, and a CDS smoking device. Nickerson displayed signs of impairment was arrested and charged with CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana and Attempting to Drive While Impaired by Controlled Dangerous Substances.  CASE# 27533-19

David Patrick Nickerson 

Assault/False Imprisonment-  On May 11, 2019, Dep. Rycyzyn responded to the 21600 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, for the reported barricade.  Contact was made with the victim who advised Matthew Joseph Hatcher, age 33 of Mechanicsville, assaulted her and then barricaded the hotel room door not allowing her to leave.  Hatcher also broke the victim's cellphone.  Rycyzyn observed the furniture in the room moved to barricade the door, and the victim's broken phone.  Hatcher was arrested and charged with False Imprisonment, Assault 2nd Degree, and Malicious Destruction of Property.  CASE# 27368-19

Matthew Joseph Hatcher 

Home Invasion/Burglary-  On May 12, 2019, Dep. Fenwick responded to the 45900 block of Great Mills Court in Lexington Park, for the reported disturbance.  Investigation determined Keith Sebastian Brown, age 29 of Lexington Park, shattered the victim's window, and damaged window blinds trying to force his way into the residence.  Brown ultimately pushed the victim out of the way and entered the residence through the front door, and began to actively assault the second victim.  Brown punched and strangled the second victim, and was on scene assaulting the victim when officers arrived.  Brown was arrested and charged with Home Invasion, Burglary 3rd Degree, two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, and Malicious Destruction of Property.  CASE# 27688-19

Keith Sebastian Brown 

Assault 1st & 2nd Degree-  On May 13, 2019, Dep. Graves responded to the 21600 block of Atalanta Street in Lexington Park, for the reported disturbance.  Investigation determined Ronald Eugene Townsend, age 55 of Lexington Park, was upset with the victim, and retrieved a knife.  Townsend then made several threatening gestures with the knife towards the victim, causing the victim to flee the residence.  Townsend was arrested and charged with Assault First & Second Degree.  CASE# 27811-19

Ronald Eugene Townsend 

Drug Arrest/Rouge and Vagabond-  On May 13, 2019, Dep. T. Snyder responded to the 21600 block of Hancock Road in Lexington Park, for the reported individual staggering the roadway, that was almost struck by a vehicle.  Upon arrival, the individual, later identified as Keith Randall Nelson, age 45 with no fixed address, was located sitting in a vehicle.  The owner of the vehicle was contacted advised Nelson did not have the victim's permission to be inside the vehicle.  Nelson was removed from the vehicle, and proceeded to assault another officer on scene by kicking the officer in the hand.  Located on Nelson's person was a pill bottle containing a suspected amphetamine pill, and a plastic baggie containing suspected cocaine was located in the vehicle where Nelson was sitting.  Nelson was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree,  two counts of CDS: Possess-Not Marijuana, and Rouge and Vagabond.  CASE# 27790-19

Keith Randall Nelson 

Warrants:

05/10/19-  Marla Kay Williams, age 29 of Lusby, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Child Support by Dep. Hersh# 343.  CASE# 27317-19

Marla Kay Williams 

05/10/19-  Brian Russell Mays, age 23 of Tall Timbers, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Driving While Suspended by Dep. Rycyzyn# 350.  CASE# 27352-19

Brian Russell Mays 

05/12/19-  Ashley Lauren Markart, age 26 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Driving While Suspended by Dep. Westphal# 337.  CASE# 27610-19

Ashley Lauren Markart 

05/12/19-  Ja Quon Taurus Lancaster, age 23 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for FTA/Driving While Suspended by Dep. Henry# 333.  CASE# 27681-19

Ja Quon Taurus Lancaster 

05/12/19-  Jalin Atibe Lee, age 24 of Temple Hills, was arrested on an outstanding Child Support warrant by Cpl. Ruest# 204.  CASE# 21684-19

Jalin Atibe Lee 

05/13/19-  Ky'ree Truvell Miles, age 22 of Great Mills, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Firearm Possession:Felony Conviction, Regulated Firearm:Illegal Possession, Regulated Firearm: Stolen/Sell, Illegal Possession of Ammunition, and Handgun on Person by Det. Fennessey# 292.  CASE# 4404-19

Ky'ree Truvell Miles 

DUI:

05/12/19-  Dep. Wynnyk responded to the 44100 block of Wildewood Parkway in California, for the reported vehicle accident.  Investigation determined Richard Scott Vallandingham, age 39 of Hollywood was involved in a collision and was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.  Vallandingham was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving While Intoxicated.  CASE# 27657-19

Richard Scott Vallandingham 

 

Traffic Tip Tuesdays: Clinging to Vehicles Prohibited

In an effort to promote awareness of state traffic laws, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office posts excerpts of the 2018-2019 edition of The Maryland Vehicle Law Annotated on Tuesdays.

Adhering to the law will make roadways in St. Mary’s County and in Maryland safer for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, horse-and-buggy operators and pedestrians.

#TrafficTipTuesdays

Clinging to Vehicles Prohibited

Sec. 21-2104 (b) Bicycles or motor scooters – A person riding on any bicycle or motor scooter may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.

(c) Play vehicles – A person riding on any play vehicle may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.

(d) Coasters – A person riding on any coaster may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.

(e) Skateboards – A person riding on any skateboard may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.

(f) Roller skates – A person riding on any roller skates may not attach them or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.

(g) Sleds – A person riding on any sled may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.

(h) Toy vehicles – A person riding on any toy vehicle may not attach it or himself to any vehicle on a roadway.

The fine for clinging to a vehicle is $60.

Homicide Investigation

On May 26, 2019, at approximately 11:20 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 35800 block of Bay Drive in Chaptico, for the reported stabbing.  Responding officers located the victim, later identified as Michael Ross Bethea, age 47 of Washington, D.C. suffering from a stab wound.  Lifesaving measures were attempted by responding officers and emergency personnel, however Bethea was pronounced deceased on the scene.  Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and continued the investigation.

Preliminary investigation determined the victim was involved in a family dispute, and was subsequently stabbed outside the residence.  The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation.  Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Skyler LeFave at (301) 475-4200 extension *1983 or by email at Skyler.LeFave@stmarysmd.com. Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.

                                                
                     

On View Arrests/Warrants/DUI

On View Arrests:

Threat of Arson/Assault- On May 8, 2019, Dep. Burgess responded to the 24300 block of Old Hollywood Road for a reported disturbance.  Investigation determined Jerry Allen Stone Sr., age 49 of Hollywood, was involved in an argument with the victims.  During the argument Stone made threats to burn the residence down, assaulted one of the victims with a piece of rod iron, and destroyed a plant.  Stone was arrested and charged with two counts of Arson/Threat, two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, and Malicious Destruction of Property.  CASE# 26991-19

Jerry Allen Stone Sr. 

Assault-  On May 9, 2019, Cpl. Foor responded to the 20700 block of Old Great Mills Road in Great Mills, for the reported assault.  Investigation determined Derrick Lewis, age 54 of Great Mills, assaulted the victim by pouring a beer on the victim, punching and choking the victim.  The victim displayed visible signs of injury and Lewis was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree.  CASE# 27176-19

Derrick Lewis 

Warrants:

05/08/19-  David John Crane Jr., age 28 of Colorado, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Theft by Dep. Baker# 349.  CASE# 27005-19

David John Crane Jr. 

05/09/19-  Osie Mae Shade, age 59 of Ridge, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Driving While Suspended by Dep. Graves# 354.  CASE# 27110-19

Osie Mae Shade 

05/09/19- Shawn Michael Clark, age 28 of Clements, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Burglary 3rd Degree by DFC. Holdsworth# 305.  CASE# 27187-19

Shawn Michael Clark 

05/10/19-  Anthony James Campbell, age 36 of Mechanicsville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Violation of Probation/Assault 2nd Degree by DFC. Holdsworth# 305.  CASE# 27203-19

Anthony James Campbell

05/10/19-  Thomas Roy King, age 27 of Leonardtown, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear by Dep. Baker# 349.  CASE# 27223-19

Thomas Roy King

05/10/19-  James Francis Goddard, age 32 of Valley Lee, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Theft and Burglary by Dep. Shelko# 326.  CASE# 7432-19

James Francis Goddard

05/11/19-  Deamonte Antonio Lacey, age 20 of Lexington Park, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Theft by Cpl. Worrey# 152.  CASE# 6854-19

Deamonte Antonio Lacey

DUI:

05/09/19-  Dep. Burgess conducted a traffic stop in the 22600 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park and identified the operator to be Christopher Paul Forrest, age 43 of Lexington Park.  Forrest was determined to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol; he was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, and Driving While Intoxicated.  CASE# 27029-19

Christopher Paul Forrest