Lt. Trow Receives Final Salute After 25 Years of Service

 

Lt. Russell Trow receives the Final Salute from Lt. Shawn Moses 

Lt. Russell Trow received the Final Salute from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, after serving with the agency for 25 years and three months, starting in August 1997. 

Lt. Trow served in many roles with the Sheriff's Office and most recently served as the Acting Commander of the Vice/Narcotics Division before retiring as a law enforcement officer this week. Trow will return to the Sheriff's Office in December as a civilian Firearms Instructor. 

Sheriff Tim Cameron presents Lt. Trow with his retirement badge 

Sheriff-Elect Steve Hall, Lt. Trow and Jason Graves

Lt. Trow makes the Final Walk among his peers at the Sheriff's Office 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

 
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the man pictured in a theft investigation. On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at 2 pm, the suspect entered the Lexington Park Big Lots store, filled two reusable bags with merchandise and left the store without paying for any of the items. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy James Morgan at 301-475-4200, ext. 78170 or email james.morgan@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 57412-22 

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. 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspects

 

March 20, 2023 update: The suspect has been identified and charged with Theft: Under $100. Thank you. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the persons pictured in a theft investigation. On Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, at 1:30 am, the individuals pictured arrived at the Wawa in Mechanicsville in a white four-door sedan. The person shown in the black hat removed a fire extinguisher from a gas pump, placed it in the white sedan and the group left in an unknown direction. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy First Class Dianne Hersh at 301-475-4200, ext. 78155 or email dianne.hersh@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 53050-22 

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.

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, Nov. 14, 2022, at 3:40 pm, the suspect entered a vehicle in the parking lot of the Ace Hardware in Charlotte Hall and stole cash. The suspect attempted to access two more vehicles before leaving the area on foot toward Route 5. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Paul Rodriguez at 301-475-4200, ext. 78139 or email paul.rodriguez@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 58497-22 

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.

Keeping the Thanksgiving Dinner Tradition Going

 For the 9th year in a row, Kelsey Bush, along with friends and family, delivered a feast to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, on Thanksgiving Day. 

The tradition began when Kelsey's two-year-old son told his father he wanted to cook Thanksgiving Dinner for a deputy. The tradition is now known as the Magnificent Creation of Curtis Monroe Moffatt Bush. Sheriff Tim Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office are truly humbled by the continued support and generosity from our community. 

Maximum Deployment 2022

 Today, for the 11th year in a row, Sheriff Tim Cameron is implementing Maximum Deployment. Maximum Deployment is an initiative designed for high visibility patrols and provides an increased police presence around shopping centers, roadways, and neighborhoods to ensure safety during the holiday season. 

Captain Hall, Major Safford, and Sheriff Cameron 

Sheriff Cameron

Cpl. Carberry, Cpl. Muschette, and Cpl. Davis

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 Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, at 6 am, the suspect entered the California Walmart, removed a computer from the shelf and walked out of the store without paying. The suspect was wearing a Space Jam jacket. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Alexander Tasciotti at 301-475-4200, ext. 78151 or email alexander.tasciotti@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 58246-22 

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.

 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspects

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the man and woman pictured. On Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at 1:12 pm, the suspects used distraction tactics to steal numerous pairs of shoes from Famous Footwear in California. The two suspects then attempted to return the shoes at another Famous Footwear in another jurisdiction. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy Joseph Senatore at 301-475-4200, ext. 78163 or email joseph.senatore@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 59323-22 

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.

 

Sheriff's Office Advises Against Sending Checks through the Mail

 

Due to the excessive number of intercepted checks in the US Mail in recent months in Southern Maryland, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at this time advises residents to refrain from sending checks through the US Postal Service, if possible.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to forward numerous reports of local check fraud to the US Postal Inspection Service for their investigations.

Both personal and business checks have been intercepted in the US Mail, with checks washed, written and cashed for fraudulent and exorbitant amounts.

The Sheriff’s Office advises citizens to utilize online payment methods or to make payments over the phone to pay bills at this time.

To report incidents of check or mail fraud to the Sheriff's Office, please use the Citizens Online Reporting System at https://www.firstsheriff.com/citizenreport/ Mail fraud, mail theft and other postal issues can be reported to the US Postal Inspection Service at https://www.uspis.gov/report 

On View Arrests/Warrants/Criminal Citations/Juvenile Referrals

On View Arrests:

Theft- On November 12, 2022, Dep. Reynolds responded to the 46500 block of Expedition Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported theft. The victim advised Isiaih Alexander Woodland, age 18 of Lexington Park, stole the victim's keys and then proceeded to take the victim's vehicle. While Woodland had the vehicle the victim received messages from Woodland threatening to call law enforcement and allege false crimes committed by the victim if the victim reported the vehicle theft. The vehicle was observed by Dep. Tasciotti operating in the 22700 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park. The vehicle was stopped and Woodland was taken into custody. Located in the vehicle was over 10 grams of suspected marijuana. Woodland was charged with Theft, Motor Vehicle: Unlawful Taking, Rogue and Vagabond, Extort/Slander, and CDS: Possession-Cannabis 10 grams plus.

Isiaih Alexander Woodland 

Assault- On November 12, 2022, Dep. Truss responded to the 36800 block of Danny's Way in Chaptico, for the reported assault. The victim advised Christina Margaret Buckler, age 38 of Chaptico, threw items at the victim and scratched the victim.  The victim had visible scratches and Buckler was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Christina Margaret Buckler

Indecent Exposure- On November 12, 2022, Dep. Stewart responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported Indecent Exposure. Investigation determined Demetrius Roshawn Puifory, age 44 of California, exposed his genitals to the victim. Puifory was charged with Indecent Exposure. 

Demetrius Roshawn Puifory

Assault/Reckless Endangerment- On November 13, 2022, Dep. Tasciotti responded to the 45000 block of Deer Pond Lane in California, for the reported assault. The victim advised during an argument, William Reed Mesmer, age 54 of California, removed a handgun from his waistband, and fired a shot into the ground near the victim. The victim advised Mesmer then pointed the firearm at the victim Mesmer was arrested and charged with Assault 1st and 2nd Degree and Reckless Endangerment. 

William Reed Mesmer

Fraud/False Statement- On November 13, 2022, Dep. Stewart made contact with Steven Wayne Sams, age 43 of Waldorf, in the 27600 block of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville. Sams provided Dep. Stewart was a false name, due to having outstanding warrants for his arrest in another jurisdiction. Sams was arrested and charged with Fraud/Person: Avoid Apprehension. 

Steven Wayne Sams

Assault- On November 13, 2022, Dep. Haas responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Leonard Charles Hall III, age 28 of no fixed address, grabbed the victim's wrist after refusing to secure in his cell.  Hall was charged with Assault 2nd Degree.

Leonard Charles Hall III

Assault/False Imprisonment- On November 14, 2022, Dep. Senatore responded to the 21300 block of Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills, for the reported disturbance. Contact was made with the victim who had multiple abrasions to the face and neck. Investigation determined Dylan Shane Chapman, age 22 of Great Mills, assaulted the victim by striking the victim in the face multiple times and strangling the victim. During the incident Chapman stole and destroyed the victim's phone and prevented the victim from leaving. Chapman was charged with Assault 1st and 2nd Degree, Theft, and False Imprisonment. 

Dylan Shane Chapman

Fraud- On November 14, 2022, Dep. Jerew responded to the 46800 block of Rogers Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported disturbance. Upon arrival contact was made with Tyree Duprei Scott, age 28 of Lexington Park. Scott provided Dep. Jerew with a false name to avoid apprehension on outstanding warrants. Scott was positively identified and arrested. Scott was charged with Fraud: Person-Avoid Apprehension and served the outstanding warrants for Failure to Appear/Trespass: Private Property. 

Tyree Duprei Scott

Indecent Exposure/Disorderly Conduct- On November 14, 2022, Cpl. Teague responded to the 21700 block of Tulagi Place in Lexington Park, for the reported indecent exposure. Upon arriving at the bus stop,  Cpl. Teague observed William Jerome Swales Jr., age 42 of no fixed address, dancing in a circle, nude from the waist down. Swales was also fondling himself, and bending over while numerous citizens were in the area. Swales was arrested and charged with Indecent Exposure and Disorderly Conduct. 

William Jerome Swales Jr.

Warrants Served:

11/11/22- Robert Francis Wayne Bridgett, age 33 of Lexington Park- Assault 1st and 2nd Degree by Dep. Palmer# 373. 

Robert Francis Wayne Bridgett

11/11/22- Christian Alexander Montanez, age 27 of no fixed address- Violate Protective Order and Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Palmer# 373. 

Christian Alexander Montanez

11/13/22- James Wayne Murphy, age 57 of no fixed address- Trespass: Private Property by Cpl. Reppel# 141. 

James Wayne Murphy

11/14/22- Shawn Michael Clark, age 30 of Lexington Park- Violate Protective Order by DFC. Fenwick# 338. 

Shawn Michael Clark

11/14/22- Anthony Donald Forbes, age 59 of Mechanicsville- CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana, Knowingly Driving Uninsured Vehicle, and Person Driving on Suspended License by DFC. Fenwick# 338. 

Anthony Donald Forbes

11/14/22- Davon Amonie Barnes, age 26 of Lexington Park- Failure to Appear/Violation of Protective Order by Dep. Wilson# 370. 

Davon Amonie Barnes

11/17/22- Kerry Joseph Woods Jr., age 25 of Lexington Park- Driving on Revoked License by DFC. Hersh# 343. 

Kerry Joseph Woods 

Criminal Citations Issued:

11/12/22- Dawn Maire Brown, age 46 of Lexington Park- Theft by Dep. Welch# 399.

Juvenile Referrals:

11/08/22- Male age 16 of Lexington Park- False Statement to Officer by DFC. Beyer# 319. 

11/09/22- Male age 13 of Lexington Park- Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Deinert# 401. 

11/14/22- Male age 16 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree and Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Absher# 405. 

11/21/22- Male age 16 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Kirscht# 395. 

Identity Needed for Theft Suspects

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the two individuals pictured in a theft investigation. On Tuesday, July 30, 2022, at 7:24 pm, the two suspects entered the Ulta Beauty store in California and proceeded to fill a bag with numerous fragrances and left the store without paying. The suspects were last seen leaving in a silver or gray Dodge Charger with no visible registration heading north on Three Notch Road. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy Thomas Deinert at 301-475-4200, ext. 78182 or email thomas.deinert@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 38695-22 

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. 

Deputy McLean Awarded for DUI Enforcement

 

Deputy Ryan McLean 

Congratulations to Deputy Ryan McLean for his recognition as the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office's top DUI arrest producer in 2021-2022. Deputy McLean was awarded this week at a ceremony held by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). 

Deputy McLean entered duty with the St. Mary's Sheriff's Office on April 5, 2021, graduated from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy in November 2021 and joined the Patrol Division later that month. 

Between November 2021 and June 30, 2022, Deputy McLean quickly established himself as an aggressive DUI enforcer, making 11 DUI arrests in seven months. During that timeframe, Deputy McLean maintained his patrol case load and worked about four months of midnight shifts. 

Deputy McLean takes great pride in his DUI efforts and his work ethic in enforcing DUI laws is clearly aligned with Maryland's Toward Zero Deaths goal. 

Please join our agency in congratulating Deputy McLean for his outstanding DUI enforcement.  

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

 

Dec. 5 update: The suspect has been identified. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the man pictured in a theft investigation. On Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at 10:50 pm, the suspect took a computer and related items from the California Walmart store without paying. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Joseph Senatore at 301-475-4200, ext. 78163 or email joseph.senatore@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 58574-22 

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. 

Lexington Park Men Arrested on CDS, Firearm Charges

Juwan Deontre Ford 

James Sylvester Ford Jr. 

 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrested two Lexington Park men this week upon execution of a search warrant resulting in CDS and firearm charges.

In October 2022, detectives began an investigation involving the distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substances at the 21200 block of Winding Way in Lexington Park. Over the course of the investigation, Juwan Deontre Ford, age 19 of Lexington Park, and James Sylvester Ford Jr., age 21 of Lexington Park, were observed conducting multiple hand-to-hand drug transactions at the residence.

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, the Criminal Investigations Division, along with the Sheriff’s Office’s Emergency Services Team, executed a search and seizure warrant at the residence. When Juwan Ford was detained, he had suspected marijuana residue on both hands. Inside of the residence, a large quantity of suspected marijuana was floating in the toilet that Juwan Ford attempted to flush.

When James Ford Jr. was detained, he was carrying a shoulder bag, which contained three individual bags of suspected marijuana, totaling more than 10 grams.

During the search of the residence, more than 10 grams of marijuana, large heat-sealed plastic bags, digital scales and other evidence was recovered.

James Ford was charged with CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute and CDS Possession: Cannabis 10 Grams +, and was released on bail from the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center on Thursday.

Juwan Ford was charged with CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute; CDS Possession: Cannabis 10 Grams +; CDS Distribution with Firearm; Firearm Possession with Felony Conviction; Regulated Firearm: Illegal Possession and Possession of a Firearm as Minor. He is being held on a no-bond status at the detention center.

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the man pictured in a theft investigation. On Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at 5:45 pm, the suspect scanned a cart full of merchandise at the California Walmart, but failed to pay and attempted to use an old receipt for proof of purchase. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Raymond Allebach at 301-475-4200, ext. 78110 or email raymond.allebach@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 58503-22 

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.