Major Merican, Six Other Retirees Celebrated with more than 209 Years of Service

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office on Thursday bid farewell to Major Michael Merican, the agency's Assistant Sheriff, as well as six other long-time employees as they enter into retirement, providing a combined 209 years of service to the community.  

The Commissioners of St. Mary's County on Tuesday offered commendations to Major Merican #27, with 37 years and eight months of service; Captain Richard Gray #526, with 31 years and eight months of service; Sgt. Mark Porter #44, with 34 years and five months of service; Cpl. Earl Young #701, with 29 years and five months of service and Cpl. Ralph Butler #588, with 23 years and five months of service. 

On Thursday, the Sheriff's Office also offered the Final Salute to Capt. Eric Sweeney #64, Commander of the Vice/Narcotics Division, with 31 years of service, and Cpl. Elizabeth O'Connor #138, with 21 years and 10 months of service. 

Commissioners Mike Hewitt and Eric Colvin and Major Merican share a laugh

Major Merican joined the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office in June 1984 as a deputy sheriff. In 2002, Merican was named as the commander of the St. Mary's County Adult Detention Center. Capt. Merican was promoted to Major in 2017. 

Commissioner Todd Morgan called Major Merican's time as warden of the detention center "transformative." 

Major Merican said at Thursday's Final Salute, "Today's not an end. It's a beginning. When a door closes, another opens. It's been a great run. It's my community. It's your community. It's bittersweet for me. I love the Sheriff's Office. I love every one of you guys." 

"We'll replace the position, but we won't replace the man," Sheriff Tim Cameron said of Merican's departure on Tuesday. 

"This is a bittersweet day, certainly for me," Sheriff Cameron said on Thursday, "but it's also a celebration. We bid you farewell, but not good bye." 

Sheriff Cameron congratulates Major Merican 

Cpl. Elizabeth O'Connor, Sgt. Mark Porter, Capt. Eric Sweeney and Major Merican

Sheriff Cameron congratulates Capt. Sweeney 

The Final Salute 

Capt. Gray said on Tuesday, "To the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, your dedication and commitment to the department and the profession is remarkable." Sheriff Cameron called Capt. Gray "one of the finest instructors" at the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy. 

The Commissioners of St. Mary's County, Sheriff Cameron and Capt. Gray 

Capt. Gray hugs Deputy Warden Mary Ann Thompson

Sgt. Porter joined the Sheriff's Office in 1987 and said, "This agency by far outranks any agency that I'm familiar with. I've made lifelong friends along the way." 

Sheriff Cameron said Sgt. Porter has "poured his heart and soul" into his career with the agency. 

The Commissioners of St. Mary's County, Sheriff Cameron and Cpl. Young 

Cpl. Young said, "Other than the birth of my children, putting on this uniform is the proudest thing I've ever done." 

Corporal Young and Mary Ann Thompson 

The county commissioners, Sheriff Cameron and Cpl. Butler 

Cpl. Butler told his peers, "I love you guys and I will see you soon." Sheriff Cameron told him, "Congratulations on an exemplary career." 

Sheriff Cameron, Cpl. O'Connor and the St. Mary's Commissioners 

 

Child Safety Seat Installation Event on April 9, 2022

 

Have you struggled with your child’s car seat? Learn tips for car seat success when you meet one-on-one with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, including St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office deputies, on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Register today for a free appointment at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b094aa5a92aa5f49-stmarys Registration is required to participate. 

Installation will take place at the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad at 21685 FDR Boulevard in Lexington Park between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm that day. 

On View Arrests/Warrants/Criminal Citations

On View Arrests:

Burglary- On March 25, 2022, Dep. Wynnyk responded to the 21400 block of Sydney Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported check the welfare. The residence is unoccupied and has a lockbox on the door. Carlos Isaisas Hernandez-Ticas, age 20 of no fixed address, was located inside the residence. Investigation determined Hernandez-Ticas did not have authorization or permission to be inside the residence. Hernandez-Ticas was arrested and charged with Burglary 4th Degree. 

Carlos Isaisas Hernandez-Ticas 

Assault/Disorderly Conduct- On March 25, 2022, DFC. Westphal responded to the 45000 block of Miramar Way in California, for the reported disturbance. Investigation determined Dimitri Paul Brooks, age 26 of Great Mills, arrived at the victim's place of employment and grabbed the victim and put the victim in a headlock. Numerous citizens intervened and attempted to stop the assault at which time Brooks pushed one victim and headbutted another. Brooks is also the respondent of a valid court order preventing Brooks from contacting the victim. Brooks was arrested and charged with Assault 1st and 2nd Degree and Violate Protective Order. 

Dimitri Paul Brooks 

Violate Protective Order- On March 26, 2022, DFC. Shelko made contact with the victim who advised Vincent Paul Shontere, age 59 of Avenue, violated a valid court order by contacting the victim and going to the prohibited residence in the 38000 block of Malcolm Gass Lane in Avenue.  Shontere was arrested and charged with Violate Protective Order. 

Vincent Paul Shontere 

Assault- On March 26, 2022, Dep. Walker responded to the 21300 block of Foxglove Court in Lexington Park, for the reported disturbance. Investigation determined Jahlil Menyata Cooper, age 30 of Lexington Park, struck the victim in the face, and bit the victim on the hand, causing visible injury. Cooper was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Jahlil Menvata Cooper 

Handgun Arrest- On March 27, 2022, DFC. Raley conducted a vehicle stop in the 22700 block of Three Notch Road in California. Prior to the vehicle stop Emergency Communications received a call regarding the vehicle being operated in a reckless manner. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Robert Francis Kennedy Jr., age 39 of Washington, D.C. Kennedy was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Kennedy was uncooperative, and attempted to pull away from deputies on scene. A vehicle inventory search was conducted prior to the vehicle being towed. Located during the inventory search  was a loaded handgun. Kennedy was charged with Loaded Handgun in Vehicle, Loaded Handgun on Person, Handgun in Vehicle, Resisting Arrest and Driving While Intoxicated. 

Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.

Warrants Served: 

03/24/22- Ryan Michael Clark, age 38 of Hollywood- Failure to Appear/Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Flerlage# 241. 

Ryan Michael Clark 

03/27/22- Michael Dean Pistorio Jr., age 21 of no fixed address- Burglary 3rd and 4th Degree and Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Kril# 382. 

Michael Dean Pistorio Jr. 

Criminal Citations:

03/24/22- Mirranda Leigh Metcalfe, age 27 of Mechanicsville- Theft by Dep. Palmer# 373. 

03/26/22- Melissa Delores Jerdon, age 64 of Mechanicsville- Theft by DFC. Shelko# 326. 

03/27/22- Benjamin Tylor Pistorio, age 21 of Mechanicsville- Theft by Dep. Rycyzyn# 350. 

03/27/22- Kashif Delouis Dyson, age 37 of Lexington Park- Theft by Dep. Rycyzyn# 350. 

Wanted Individuals: Israel Holmes and Frank James Fenwick

 

Israel Holmes 

Frank James Fenwick 

The St. Mary’s County Office of the Sheriff is seeking the whereabouts of two individuals, both wanted on warrants for Sex Offender Registry violations.

Israel Holmes, age 22 of Great Mills, is wanted for Failure to Register as Sex Offender and Violation of Probation. 

Frank James Fenwick, age 46 of no fixed address, is also wanted for Failure to Register as Sex Offender.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either person is asked to contact Detective Cpl. Taylore Nauman at 301-475-4200, ext. 8109 or email taylore.nauman@stmarysmd.com.

Citizens may remain anonymous and contact the St. Mary’s County 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.

Mother and Daughter Serving in the St. Mary's Sheriff's Office Together

 

Corrections Cpl. Dannette Barrow and Daughter Andrea Barrow

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office continues to celebrate Women's History Month in March. Meet Corrections Corporal Dannette Barrow and her daughter Andrea Barrow, who is currently a cadet with the agency. 

Cpl. Barrow joined the St. Mary's Sheriff's Office in 2011, relocating here with her family from Maine. Coming from a military family, Cpl. Barrow previously served in law enforcement and her daughter aims to follow her mother's career path in becoming a corrections officer. 

"When you tell yourself what you're going to do, you can do it," Cpl. Barrow said. 

#WomensHistoryMonth  

Stolen Vehicle Sought

 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a motor vehicle theft investigation that occurred in the 28000 block of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville. The theft occurred on March 24, 2022, at approximately 5 a.m. The stolen vehicle is a 1993 black, Ford Econoline van with an orange lightbar on top of the vehicle with a vehicle registration of 70C323.  The van is prominently marked with Southern Maryland Radio logos to include Star 98.3, WKIK and 97.7 “The Bay.” 

The radio station also utilizes a similar van with the same markings, but that vehicle is a 1993 GMC. That vehicle is not stolen. Citizens are advised it is scheduled to be at an event in Callaway on Saturday from noon to 2 pm.  

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Deputy Anthony Cucinotta at (301) 475-4200 extension 78174 or by email at Anthony.Cucinotta@stmarysmd.com. For immediate assistance contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008.

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.

For official news and information, follow the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter @firstsheriff.

 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in a theft investigation. On Tuesday, March 17, 2022 at 5 pm, the suspect picked up the victim's cellphone from a table and left the Lexington Park Donut Connection store with it. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Alexander Wynnyk at 301-475-4200, ext. 8020 or email alexander.wynnyk@stmarysmd.com. Case # 13471-22 

Citizens may remain anonymous and contact the St. Mary’s County 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/Criminal Citations/Juvenile Referrals

 On View Arrests:

Property Destruction/Assault- On March 23, 2022, Dep. Fleenor responded to the 38000 block of Arlington Drive in Mechanicsville, for the reported property destruction. Investigation determined Bryan Jacquel Pendarvis, age 31 of Mechanicsville, poured bleach on the victim's belongings, damaging the items. Contact was made with a second victim who advised Pendarvis was seen on their property without their permission. Pendarvis was arrested and charged with Malicious Destruction of Property and Trespassing. Later on March 23, 2002, Dep. N. Hill responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center for the reported assault. Investigation determined Pendarvis assaulted two correctional officers kicking both officers. Pendarvis was charged with Assault 2nd Degree/DOC Employee.

Bryan Jacquel Pendarvis

Warrants Served:

03/22/22- Crystal Lynn Magtutu, age 34 of Lusby- Theft by Dep. Hudson# 390. 

Crystal Lynn Magtutu

03/22/22- Patricia Lynn Jones, age 59 of Great Mills- Violate Protective Order, Assault 2nd Degree, CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana by Dep. Katulich# 363. 

Patricia Lynn Jones

03/22/22- Zachary Thomas Liberto, age 21 of Bel Air- Attempted 2nd Degree Rape and Assault 1st and 2nd Degree by Dep. Hudson# 390. 

Zachary Thomas Liberto 

Criminal Citations:

03/22/22- Zachary Kenneth Lengfield, age 28 of Piney Point- Trespass: Private Property by Dep. Wilson# 370. 

Juvenile Referrals: 

03/23/22- Male age 13 of Great Mills- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Chase# 346. 

03/23/22- Female age 13 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Chase# 346. 

03/25/22- Male age 10 of Leonardtown- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Cucinotta# 393. 

03/25/22- Male age 13 of California- Telephone Misuse by Dep. Chase# 346. 

03/27/22- Male age 14 of Leonardtown- Burglary 4th Degree by Dep. Deinert# 401. 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in a theft investigation. On Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 11:30 pm, the suspect fraudulently used a barcode for an inexpensive item at the self-checkout register at the California Walmart store rather than the actual barcodes of merchandise. The suspect was stopped by loss prevention staff, but fled the store before she could be identified. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Thomas Deinert at 301-475-4200, ext. 8182 or email thomas.deinert@stmarysmd.com. Case # 10413-22 

Citizens may remain anonymous and contact the St. Mary’s County 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/Criminal Citations/Juvenile Referrals

 On View Arrests:

Assault- On March 17, 2022, Dep. Lawrence responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Michael Hemi Fischer, age 24 of Mechanicsville, and Donald Earl Walker, age 34 of no fixed address, engaged in a mutual assault. Fischer and Walker were charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Michael Hemi Fischer

Donald Earl Walker

Property Destruction- On March 17, 2022, Dep. Allebach responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported property destruction. Investigation determined Derrick Justin Connolly, age 35 of St. Inigoes, shattered the window on his cell door by throwing a pair of trimmers at the window. Connolly was charged with Malicious Destruction of Property. 

Derrick Justin Connolly

Violation of Peace Order- On March 19, 2022, Dep. Luffey responded to the 45200 block of Blue Water Lane in Piney Point, for the report of threats. While on scene Dep. Luffey served James Philip Lucas, age 63 of Piney Point, with a peace order just received from court, which states Lucas could not contact the victim by any means. After being served the order Lucas continued to yell at the victim. Lucas was arrested and charged with Peace Order: Fail to Comply. 

James Philip Lucas

Warrants Served:

03/17/22- Ronnie Lee Braitsch, age 32 of Baltimore- Burglary 1st, 3rd, and 4th Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property and Theft by Dep. Walker# 366. 

Ronnie Lee Braitsch

03/17/22- Katie Lynn Somerville, age 30 of Tall Timbers- Driving Without a License and Driving Uninsured Vehicle by Dep. Walker# 366. 

Katie Lynn Somerville

03/17/22- Jacy Brice Ponce-Torres, age 21 of California- Rape 2nd degree by Dep Allebach# 392. 

Jacy Brice Ponce-Torres

03/18/22- Meghann Emily Abraham, age 31 of Leonardtown- Credit Card/Steal Another's, Theft, and Trespassing by Cpl. Roszell# 296. 

Meghann Emily Abraham

03/18/22- Cortez NMN Bridges, age 46 of Great Mills- Confine Unattended Child by DFC. Beyer# 319. 

Cortez NMN Bridges

03/19/22- Nakita Laquette Williams, age 44 of Lexington Park- Failure to Appear/Failure to Return Rental Vehicle and Failure to Appear/Defense Witness by Dep. Wilhelmi# 365. 

Nakita Laquette Williams

03/19/22- James William Thomas Burke, age 37 of Chaptico- Armed Robbery by Dep. Tasciotti# 398. 

James William Thomas Burke

03/19/22- Troy Lamont Fenwick, age 46 of Ridge- Assault 1st and 2nd Degree by Dep. Luffey# 352. 

Troy Lamont Fenwick

03/20/22- James Philip Lucas, age 63 of Piney Point- Peace Order/Fail to Comply, Harassment, and Telephone Misuse by Dep. Luffey# 352. 

James Philip Lucas

03/21/22- Andre Gregory Passie, age 32 of California- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Wilson# 370. 

Andre Gregory Passie

03/21/22- Lisa Marie Youngblood, age 27 of California- Theft by Cpl. Green# 218. 

Lisa Marie Youngblood

Criminal Citations Issued:

03/17/22- George Wheeler Jacks, age 53 of Lexington Park- Trespass: Private Property by Cpl. Beishline# 252. 

03/22/22- William Alexander Sledge, age 64 of Lexington Park- Trespass: Private Property by Cpl. Beishline# 252. 

Juvenile Referrals:

03/19/22- Female age 16 of Lexington Park- Malicious Destruction of Property by DFC. Beyer# 319. 

03/20/22- Male age 10 of Leonardtown- Assault 2nd Degree and Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Tasciotti# 398. 

03/20/22- Female age 12 of Leonardtown- Assault 2nd Degree by DFC. Snyder# 342. 

03/20/22- Female age 14 of Great Mills- Affray by Dep. Fleenor# 388. 

03/20/22- Male age 12 of Lexington Park- Trespass: Posted Property and Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Mattera# 375.