Fatal Pedestrian Collision Under Investigation

 

On Friday, July 29, 2022, at 3:18 pm, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Route 5 and Cedar Lane Road in Leonardtown for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Deputies arrived on scene to find the pedestrian suffering from serious injuries and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to continue the investigation.

Preliminary investigation determined that Joseph Harry Norris IV, age 42 of Leonardtown, was attempting to cross the travel lanes of Point Lookout Road when he was struck by a 2018 Dodge Journey, operated by Ashlee Lauren Kennedy, age 35 of Mechanicsville, which was traveling northbound on Point Lookout Road. Norris was transported to a local hospital by ambulance where he was declared deceased a short time later.

At this time, weather and the pedestrian’s failure to yield the right of way are considered to be contributing factors in the collision.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or events leading up to the collision are asked to call DFC Matthew Beyer at 301-475-4200, ext. 78005 or at matthew.beyer@stmarysmd.com.

Identity Needed for Burglary-to-Motor-Vehicle Suspect

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in a burglary-to-a-motor-vehicle investigation. On Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 4 pm, the victim came back out of the California Walmart store to find the victim's vehicle window had been smashed and a wallet had been stolen from the vehicle. Video surveillance showed the suspect going to the passenger side of the victim's vehicle before the suspect left in his vehicle. Later on the same day, one of the victim's credit cards was used at the 7-11 store in Prince Frederick. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Thomas Deinert at 301-475-4200, ext. 78182 or email thomas.deinert@stmarysmd.com. Case # 30177-22 

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.

Be Vigilant Against Scams

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office reminds all citizens to be vigilant against scams. The following are some common, ongoing scams:

 * Email and phishing scams: 

"Please be aware of an increase in email-based attacks and suspicious emails, even if they are sent from a known contact.

If an email arrives from a known contact, but includes links/attachments/CLICK HERE buttons, you should exercise due diligence to confirm the legitimacy of the email. Reach out to the contact in person or by phone to confirm they are the sender before opening. This includes things like prayer chains and COVID-19 information.

-Do not open suspicious emails
-Do not click links contained within
-Do not post sensitive information online, or provide usernames, passwords and/or personal information to any unsolicited request."

* Scams related to federal stimulus checks:
From the Federal Trade Commission:
"1. The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money. No fees. No charges. No nothing.
2. The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.
3. These reports of checks aren’t yet a reality. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
So, remember: no matter what this payment winds up being, only scammers will ask you to pay to get it. If you spot one of these scams, please tell the Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/complaint. 

* IRS Scam:

The caller is an individual posing as an IRS agent, or law enforcement official collecting debts on behalf of the IRS, in attempt to extort money.  The perpetrators will identify themselves as either IRS Agents, or members of law enforcement and will inform the person receiving the call they have overdue taxes and will demand the bill be paid immediately.  The caller will want the citizen to pay the overdue bill either through a wire transfer or via a prepaid debit card.  In the event the person refuses to pay, the caller will often threaten arrest or suspension of the person’s driver’s license. Some of these callers may actually “spoof” the telephone number of the IRS or local law enforcement, to appear legitimate, as the number will show IRS or law enforcement on caller ID. In an effort to add further legitimacy, the caller may provide personal information they were able to obtain from public sources or social media. Warning signs of a financial scam may include requesting payment immediately, agreeing to work secretly to avoid embarrassment, or directing payment go through third parties or via unconventional methods such as gift cards.

* Arrest Scam:

The caller poses as a member of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and uses names of actual employees as well as "spoofs" local numbers to add legitimacy. The caller will threaten arrest for various infractions or claim to need your assistance on an urgent matter. These can also be in the form of text messages. Ultimately, the individual will seek some sort of gift card or personal information or a bank transfer. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office will not call or text threats of arrest, if you don't pay a fine for missing jury duty, owe back taxes, or to ask for monetary assistance. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office nor any government agency will ask for payment or assistance in the form of gift cards.  Never provide personal information over the phone. 

If you have been the victim of a scam and wish to file a report please contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at (301) 475-8008 or file a report online at https://www.firstsheriff.com/citizenreport/ 

 

UPDATE: Two Arrests in Shooting in Lexington Park

 

On April 28, 2022, at 4:57 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 46700 block of Marshall Boulevard in Lexington Park, for the reported shooting. Deputies arrived on scene and located the victim, Danicco Theodore Hall, age 21 of Lexington Park, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported by helicopter to an area trauma center in critical condition. Detectives and Crime Lab personnel from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and continued the investigation.

On July 26, 2022, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division arrested Darrick Monte Evans, age 43, and Demetrius Rashud Puifory, age 44, both of California and charged them with the following:

Attempted First Degree Murder

Attempted Second Degree Murder

Armed Robbery

Robbery

Reckless Endangerment

Multiple Handgun Offenses

Evans and Puifory remain incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown on a no-bond status.

The victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Austin Schultz at (301) 475-4200 extension 71953 or by email at Austin.Schultz@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.

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

 

Darrick Monte Evans

Demetrius Rashud Puifory 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspects

 
Sept. 21, 2022 update: The suspects have been identified and charged.  

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the two people pictured in a theft investigation. On Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10:50 pm, the male suspect, accompanied by the female suspect, picked up a tote bag at the California Walmart store and filled it with merchandise. At the checkout register, the male suspect paid for the tote bag, but not for the merchandise inside. The two suspects left in a gray Nissan Altima. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy Toni Hunsinger at 301-475-4200, ext. 78015 or email toni.hunsinger@stmarysmd.com. Case # 32281-22 

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/Juvenile Referrals

On View Arrests:

Trespassing- On July 22, 2022, Dep. Deinert responded to the 21600 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park , for the reported disturbance. Upon arrival contact was made with Jessica Lynn Gibson, age 35 of no fixed address. Gibson was creating a disturbance and banging on the windows of the establishment. Gibson was issued a notice not trespass, and refused to leave the business. Gibson was arrested and charged with Trespass: Private Property. 

Jessica Lynn Gibson

Assault- On July 22, 2022, Cpl. McClure responded to the 49700 block of Military Lane in Great Mills, for the reported disturbance. Investigation determined Terence Lydell Chase, age 37 of Great Mills, assaulted the victim by striking the victim in the face and strangling the victim.  The victim had visible injuries to the face and strangulation marks were also present on the victim's neck. Chase was arrested and charged with Assault 1st and 2nd Degree. 

Terence Lydell Chase

Assault- On July 24, 2022, Dep. Fleenor responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Heather Nicole Hugel, age 32 of Great Mills, spit in the victim's face and struck the victim in the face after the two argued over issues in the dayroom. Hugel was charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Heather Nicole Hugel

Assault- On July 24, 2022, Dep. Jerew responded to the 21300 block of Fox Glove Court in Lexington Park, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Hunter Snow White, age 18 of Lexington Park, assaulted two victims by striking the victims in the face. Both victims displayed visible signs of injury and White was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Hunter Snow White

Assault- On July 24, 2022, Dep. Salas responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Trey Dominic Barnes, age 36 of Callaway, assaulted the victim by slapping the victim in the face. Barnes was charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Trey Dominic Barnes

Robbery/Theft- On July 25, 2022, Dep. Morgan responded to the 46500 block of Corporate Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported disturbance. Investigation determined Carlos Humberto Coroy Ruiz, age 26 of Prince Frederick, attempted to removed the victim from a vehicle. Ruiz then stole the victim's cell phone and subsequently discarded the phone into the Patuxent River. Ruiz was arrested and charged with Robbery, Theft, and Malicious Destruction of Property. 

Carlos Humberto Coroy Ruiz

Warrants Served:

07/23/22- Darius Antonio Varlack, age 42 of Hollywood- Violation of Probation/Theft by Dep. Kirscht# 395. 

Darius Antonio Varlack

07/24/22- Sherry Lynn King, age 47 of California- Theft and Trespassing: Private Property by Dep. Edelen# 330. 

Sherry Lynn King

07/25/22- Bailee Cash Gardiner, age 18 of Bushwood- Handgun in Vehicle, Loaded Handgun in Vehicle, Loaded Handgun on Person, and Possession of a Firearm by Minor by Dep. Lawrence# 279. 

Bailee Cash Gardiner

07/25/22- Michael Dominic Desarno, age 49 of Prince Frederick- Violate Protective Order by DFC. Rycyzyn# 350. 

Michael Dominic Desarno 

07/25/22- Oliver Thomas Smith, age 36 of Lexington Park- Failure to Appear/Violation of Probation and Driving Without a License by Dep. Katulich# 363. 

Oliver Thomas Smith

07/26/22- Walter Crouse Prentiss III, age 41 of Tracys Landing- Rape 2nd Degree, Assault 1st and 2nd Degree, and Property Destruction by DFC. Beyer# 319. 

Walter Crouse Prentiss III

Juvenile Referrals:

07/14/22- Female age 17 of Lexington Park- Affray and Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Reynolds# 394. 

07/14/22- Female age 16 of California- Affray by Dep. Tasciotti# 398. 

07/14/22- Female age 16 of Great Mills- Affray by Dep. Tasciotti# 398. 

07/21/22- Female age 15 of Mechanicsville- Assault 1st and 2nd Degree by DFC. Raley# 345. 

07/23/22- Male age 14 of Lexington Park- Failure of Vehicle Driver to Stop After Accident, Knowingly Driving Uninsured Vehicle, and Driving ATV Without Required License by Dep. McLean# 400. 

07/23/22- Male age 16 of California- Driving Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Holder of Learner's Permit Driving Without Adult Supervision, and Failure to Yield the Right of Way by DFC. T. Snyder# 342.

07/24/22- Male age 14 of Lexington Park- Burglary 3rd Degree and Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. C. Hill# 381. 

07/26/22- Male age 13 of Lexington Park- Burglary 4th Degree and Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Kril# 382. 

Sheriff's Office Applies for Byrne Memorial Justice Grant

 

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 Monday, May 9, 2022 at 11:50 am, the suspect removed two Apple iPhone 13s from a display and fled the California Best Buy store without paying for them. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Austin Welch at 301-475-4200, ext. 78180 or email austin.welch@stmarysmd.com. Case # 23398-22 

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.  

Collision in California Under Investigation

 

On Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 4:41 pm, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies and emergency rescue personnel responded to the 44000 block of St. Andrew’s Church Road in California for the report of a motor vehicle crash involving three vehicles. Upon arrival, it was determined that one of the drivers sustained incapacitating injuries. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

Preliminary investigation determined that a 2017 blue Honda Accord was being operated by Kelly Myung Han, age 51 of Centerville, VA. Han failed to yield the right of way when making a left turn from a private driveway onto St. Andrew’s Church Road. When making the left turn, the Honda Accord was struck by a silver 2002 Honda Civic, operated by Mario Casarez Balbuena, age 54 of Silver Spring, which was traveling north on St. Andrew’s Church Road.

After the first impact, the Honda Accord was pushed into the southbound lanes and was then struck a second time by a 2016 Lexus IS300, operated by a driver whose identity is not being released because of participation in a confidential state program.

Han, the operator of the Honda Accord, was flown to an area hospital with incapacitating injuries and is currently in critical condition. Balbuena, the operator of the Honda Civic, was transported by ambulance to an area hospital and was treated for minor injuries. The driver of the Lexus was also treated for minor injuries at an area hospital.

The investigation continues at this time. Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not already provided a statement to police is asked to contact Cpl. Vincent Pontorno at 301-475-4200, ext. 72337 or email vincent.pontorno@stmarysmd.com.

Congratulations to our Camp DARE Graduates

Capt. Steve Hall and DFC Robert Chase congratulate Camp DARE graduates

Congratulations to this year's students at Camp DARE upon their successful graduation. The graduation ceremony held on Thursday concluded the four-day camp held at Leonardtown Middle School. Thank you to this year's partners: SMECO, Mechanicsville Optimist Club, St. Mary's County Board of Education, Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and Maryland State Police. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office looks forward to hosting the camp again next summer.

Capt. Steve Hall hold's Madelyn Bean's essay while she reads it

 

DFC Artina Alvey reads an essay written by Julian Stewart

Saniyah Dyson reads her essay at the podium

Yellow Team

Green Team

Red Team

On View Arrests/Warrants/Criminal Citations/Juvenile Referrals

On View Arrests:

Theft- On July 14, 2022, DFC. Hersh responded to the 25800 block of Pt. Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported burglary to motor vehicle. The victim advised he observed an individual near his unsecured vehicle with his property. The victim approached the individual and retrieved his property. The individual was identified as Marshall Edmond Lewis Jr., age 38 of Lexington Park. Lewis was arrested and charged with Theft and Rogue and Vagabond. 

Marshall Edmond Lewis Jr. 

Assault- On July 15, 2022, Dep. Lawrence responded to the 44900 block of Worth Avenue in California, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Alexis Imani Anderson, age 26 of Lexington Park, punched the victim in the arm and also bit and scratched the victim. The victim had visible injuries from the assault and Anderson was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Alexis Imani Anderson

Violate Protective Order- On July 16, 2022, DFC. Fenwick responded to the 40000 block of Old Horse Landing Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported protective order violation. Investigation determined Michael Robert Guy, age 44 of Mechanicsville, violated a valid court order by being at the victim's residence. Guy was arrested and charged with Violate Protective Order. 

Michael Robert Guy

Assault- On July 17, 2022, Dep. Hudson responded to the 38300 block of Harding Way in Mechanicsville, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Christina Carmella Pasquini, age 32 of Hughesville, assaulted the victim by scratching the victim, causing visible injuries. Pasquini was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. (No Photograph Available)

Violate Protective Order- On July 18, 2022, Dep. Fleenor made contact with the victim who provided social media posts sent by Michael Robert Guy, age 44 of Mechanicsville. The social media posts were in violation of a valid court order stating Guy could not contact or harass the victim. Guy was arrested and charged with Violate Protective Order and Harassment: a Course of Conduct. 

Michael Robert Guy

Disorderly Conduct- On July 19, 2022, Dep. Jerew responded to the 45900 block of Indian Way in Great Mills, for the reported check the welfare of an individual causing a disturbance inside a residence. Deputies made contact with Jessica Lynne Gibson, age 35 of Great Mills. Gibson continued to yell and cause a scene outside getting the attention of several neighbors. Gibson continued her behavior and was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct. 

Jessica Lynne Gibson

Violate Protective Order- On July 19, 2022, Dep. Kirscht made contact with the victim who provided him with social media posts where Michael Robert Guy, age 44 of Mechanicsville, was attempting to contact the victim in violation of a valid court order. Guy was arrested and charged with Violate Protective Order and Harassment: a Course of Conduct. 

Michael Robert Guy

Warrants Served:

07/14/22- Jennifer Ann Sprague, age 56 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Kirscht# 395. (No Photograph Available)

07/14/22- Brian Richard Russell, age 63 of Great Mills- Assault 1st Degree by Dep. Welch# 399. 

Brian Richard Russell

07/14/22- Calvin Ben Jones, age 71 of Leonardtown- Driving Without a License by Cpl. Roszell# 296. 

Calvin Ben Jones

07/15/22- Derrick Lee Scott, age 36 of Lexington Park- Arson/Threat by Dep. Kril# 382. 

Derrick Lee Scott

07/16/22- Rhonda Lee Baker, age 34 of Chaptico- Neglect of Minor, Theft, and Driving While Impaired by Cpl. Knott# 234. 

Rhonda Lee Baker

07/17/22- Raymond Francis Chase, age 68 of Lexington Park- Failure to Appear/Driving While Suspended by DFC. Schell# 359. 

Raymond Francis Chase

07/18/22- Tyler Allen Paige Dloughy, age 26 of no fixed address- Assault 1st and 2nd Degree by Dep. Kirscht# 395. 

Tyler Allen Paige Dloughy

07/18/22- Marcus Meshach Whalen, age 22 of Great Mills- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Kirscht# 395. 

Marcus Meshach Whalen

07/21/22- Robert Gerry Jones, age 59 of Mechanicsville- Failure to Appear/Driving on Suspended License by Dep. Jerew# 372. 

Robert Gerry Jones

Criminal Citations Issued:

07/15/22- Quinton Marquis Remied, age 25 of no fixed address- Trespass: Private Property by Dep. Katulich# 363. 

07/17/22- Jacqueline Kay Miller, age 54 of Lusby- Theft by Dep. Deinert# 401. 

07/18/22- Darious Anthony Jones, age 30 of Lexington Park- Theft by Dep. Reynolds# 394. 

07/20/22- Blanche Thomas Laungayan, age 53 of Lexington Park- False Statement to Officer by Dep. Wimberly# 357. 

Juvenile Referrals:

07/14/22- Female age 17 of Mechanicsville- Assault 2nd Degree by DFC. T. Snyder# 342. 

07/17/22- Female age 17 of Mechanicsville- Theft by Dep. Dixon# 380. 

07/19/22- Female age 16 of California- Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Welch# 399.

07/19/22- Male age 15 of California- Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Welch# 399.

07/19/22- Male age 16 of Lexington Park- Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Welch# 399. 

Remembering Retired Corporal Margaret "Peggy" Smolarsky #126

Sheriff Tim Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office fondly remember retired Corporal Peggy Smolarsky on this anniversary of her passing. 

Corporal Smolarsky passed away on July 20, 2021 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Peggy is missed at the Sheriff's Office every day. 

 

Peggy began her career with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in April of 1999 as a deputy and retired in November of 2016 after more than 17 years of service.