Free Child Seat Installation on Thursday, Jan. 12

 

Is your child safety seat installed correctly? Not Sure? Are you about to become a parent? Let a National Certified Child Safety Seat technician teach you how to install your seat correctly and safely.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and its community partners are hosting another free child safety seat installation event. Deputies and trained staff will install child safety seats on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad at 21685 FDR Blvd. in Lexington Park, next to the Lexington Park Library. 

The installation event runs from 3pm to 6pm. Appointments are preferred, but drive-ups will be accepted up until 5:30 pm. 

Sign up for an installation appointment at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054caba729a3f49-january#/  

Identity Needed for Motor Vehicle Burglary Suspect

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the female pictured in a burglary to motor vehicles investigation. On Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at 10:50 pm, the suspect walked through several neighborhoods in the California area, checking vehicles for unlocked doors. Upon finding unlocked doors, the suspect entered and rummaged through the vehicles. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Michael Myers at 301-475-4200, ext. 78137 or email michael.myers@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 65213-22 

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. 

Wanted: Walter Crouse Prentiss

 

Walter Crouse Prentiss 

Jan. 11, 2023 update: Prentiss was located and arrested. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Walter Crouse Prentiss, age 42 of no fixed address, who is wanted for violating the conditions of his Pre-Trial Release and removing his GPS monitor. Prentiss was incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center for First-Degree Rape; three counts of First-Degree Assault, three counts of Second-Degree Assault and Malicious Destruction of Property.

Anyone with information on Prentiss’ whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Joseph Bowling at 301-475-4200, ext. 71959 or email joseph.bowling@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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.

Sheriff's Office Raises More than $31,000 for Special Olympics Maryland this Year

 

Former Sheriff Tim Cameron, Sheriff Steven A. Hall and Chaplain Charlie Wharton 

Through its fundraising events this year, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office has collected $31,612.15 for Special Olympics Maryland in 2022. The Sheriff's Office and its community partners raised money during the Law Enforcement Torch Run in September and at the annual St. Mary's Splash, held on Saturday, Dec. 17. 

The St. Mary's Splash event in the cold waters of the Potomac River generated about $17,000 from participants. 

The money raised funds for sports and leadership programs that will benefit more than 200 local Special Olympics athletes. 

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community, according to the organization. 

Lexington Park Shooting Under Investigation

 

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at 7:08 pm, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 21800 block of Ronald Drive in Lexington Park for the reported shooting. Deputies arrived on the scene and located a 25-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the head. Preliminary investigation determined that the shooting occurred near the intersection of Ronald Drive and Pegg Road.

The victim was flown by helicopter to an area medical facility for treatment for incapacitating injuries where he was listed in stable condition.

Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Lab Technicians responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Cpl. Austin Schultz at 301-475-4200, ext. 71953 or email austin.schultz@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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.

Officer-Involved Shooting in California Update

 

Tyler Ray Marini Sater 

Dec. 22, 2022 update:

The suspect has been identified as Tyler Ray Marini Sater, age 20 of Stoney Beach, Anne Arundel County. He remains hospitalized in stable condition and criminal charges have been filed against Sater for the following:

Armed Robbery; Robbery; Attempted Armed Carjacking; Attempted Carjacking; Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle; two counts of Attempted Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle; First-Degree Assault; Second-Degree Assault; Attempted Harming of a Law Enforcement Animal; Attempted Animal Cruelty; three counts of Rogue and Vagabond; Malicious Destruction of Property More than $1,000; Theft: $1,500 to under $25,000 and Attempted Theft: Less than $100.

Sgt. Timothy Wesner, a 10-year veteran of the agency, was identified as the deputy who fired his weapon, striking the suspect twice. Per policy, Sgt. Wesner remains on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Original Release: On December 19, 2022, at 9:32 p.m. deputies responded to the California Wawa located in the 23100 block of Three Notch Road in California, for the reported stolen vehicle. Deputies located the stolen vehicle minutes later at a hotel in the 23400 block of Three Notch Road. Contact was made with an individual matching the suspect description, who then fled on foot towards the Wildewood shopping center. Deputies pursued the suspect who was armed with a knife. Deputies attempted less lethal means by tasing the suspect multiple times with no positive effect, as well as utilizing a Sheriff’s Office K-9.

The suspect attempted to carjack an occupied vehicle at a restaurant, but the victim fled. The suspect continued to flee through the shopping center and entered a separate vehicle which was running and was shot by a deputy who fired three rounds from their service weapon. Deputies initiated first aid immediately to the suspect who was subsequently flown to an area trauma center for treatment and remains in critical condition. No injuries to deputies have been reported. The suspect is an adult, white male, and has yet to be positively identified.

In accordance with Maryland State Law, the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) was contacted and briefed on the incident but declined to investigate.

The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Sheriff’s Office Agency Policy and Procedures.

This incident remains under investigation and updates will be provided as the investigation continues. Anyone with information on this incident that has not provided a statement to law enforcement is asked to contact Detective Warren Forinash at (301) 475-4200 extension 78072 or by email at Warren.Forinash@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

 

Dec. 23 update: The suspect has been identified, with theft charges pending. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the man pictured in an ongoing theft investigation. The suspect has been involved in numerous recent thefts from the Target and Walmart stores in California. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Dianne Hersh at 301-475-4200, ext. 78155 or email dianne.hersh@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 64866-22

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. 

Holiday Saturation Patrols Underway in St. Mary's County

 

Sheriff Steven A. Hall and the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office remind motorists not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol this holiday season. 

Sheriff's Office deputies and Maryland State Police troopers are conducting saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout St. Mary's County this month, on the lookout for impaired drivers and other traffic infractions. 

Please plan on using a designated driver or a driver service to make it back home safely from holiday gatherings.  

Don't ruin the holidays for yourself and others by making the poor decision of driving under the influence. 

Officer Involved Shooting in California

 

On December 19, 2022, at 9:32 p.m. deputies responded to the California Wawa located in the 23100 block of Three Notch Road in California, for the reported stolen vehicle. Deputies located the stolen vehicle minutes later at a hotel in the 23400 block of Three Notch Road. Contact was made with an individual matching the suspect description, who then fled on foot towards the Wildewood shopping center. Deputies pursued the suspect who was armed with a knife. Deputies attempted less lethal means by tasing the suspect multiple times with no positive effect, as well as utilizing a Sheriff’s Office K-9.  

The suspect attempted to carjack an occupied vehicle at a restaurant, but the victim fled. The suspect continued to flee through the shopping center and entered a separate vehicle which was running and was shot by a deputy who fired three rounds from their service weapon. Deputies initiated first aid immediately to the suspect who was subsequently flown to an area trauma center for treatment and remains in critical condition. No injuries to deputies have been reported.  The suspect is an adult, white male, and has yet to be positively identified.

In accordance with Maryland State Law, the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) was contacted and briefed on the incident but declined to investigate.

The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Sheriff’s Office Agency Policy and Procedures.

This incident remains under investigation and updates will be provided as the investigation continues.  Anyone with information on this incident that has not provided a statement to law enforcement is asked to contact Detective Warren Forinash at (301) 475-4200 extension 78072 or by email at Warren.Forinash@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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.

 

Officer Involved Shooting in California Under Investigation

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is investigating an officer involved shooting in the 23400 block of Three Notch Road in California, in the area of the Wildewood Shopping Center. At approximately 9:32 p.m. deputies responded to the California Wawa for the reported stolen vehicle. Deputies located the stolen vehicle in the area of the shopping center and the suspect fled on foot. During the foot chase, the suspect was shot. The suspect was provided first aid and transported by helicopter to an area trauma center for treatment. No injuries to deputies have been reported.

 
In accordance with Maryland State Law, the Maryland Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division (IID) was contacted and briefed on the investigation.
Updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

Sheriff Hall Congratulates Promoted Officers

 

Sheriff Steven A. Hall and Major Clayton Safford 

Sheriff Steven A. Hall congratulated St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office deputies last week upon their recent hard-earned promotions within the agency. 

Lt. Clayton Safford was promoted to Major and Assistant Sheriff of the agency, effective Nov. 14, 2022. 

Sheriff Hall and Capt. Richard Russell 

Lt. Richard Russell was promoted to Captain, effective Dec. 6, 2022, as is also the Acting Commander of the Special Operations Division. 

Sheriff Hall and Lt. Scott Ruest 

Sgt. Scott Ruest was promoted to Lieutenant, effective Dec. 6, 2022. 

Sheriff Hall and Cpl. Shawn Shelko 

 Deputy First Class Shawn Shelko was promoted to Corporal on Nov. 4, 2022. 

Sheriff Hall and Cpl. Tyler Payne

 Deputy First Class Tyler Payne was promoted to Corporal on Sept. 29, 2022. 

Sheriff Hall and DFC Edelen 

Deputy Austin Edelen was promoted to Deputy First Class on June 24, 2022. 

Sheriff Hall and Cpl. Dale Wade 

CFC Dale Wade was promoted to Corporal on Sept. 23, 2022. 

Sheriff Hall and CFC Pelczar 

CO Jeremy Pelczar was promoted to Correctional Officer First Class on Oct. 4, 2022. 

Sheriff Hall and Cpl. Matthew Beyer 

Deputy First Class Matthew Beyer was promoted to Corporal on Oct. 18, 2022. 

On View Arrests/Warrants/Criminal Citations/Juvenile Referrals

 On View Arrests:

Burglary/Assault- On December 7, 2022, Cpl. Teague responded to the 21300 block of Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills, for the reported burglary in progress. Investigation determined Jason Williams Wiley, age 35 of Ridge, forced his way into the victim's residence and assaulted the victim. Wiley fled the scene prior to police arrival and was located hiding near the residence in the woods. Located on Wiley at at the time of his arrest were suspected Suboxone strips. Wiley was arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd and 4th Degree, Assault 2nd Degree and CDS: Possession-not Marijuana. 

Jason Williams Wiley

Assault- On December 8, 2022, Dep. Deinert responded to the 22700 block of Three Notch Road in California, for the reported motor vehicle collision. While investigating the collision, the operator of one of the involved vehicles, Andrew James Briggs, age 36 of Solomons, was involved in an argument with a tow truck operator and brandished a pocket knife. Briggs was arrested for Assault 1st and 2nd Degree. 

Andrew James Briggs 

Threat of Arson- On December 9, 2022, Dep. N. Hill responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, to serve court paperwork on Patrick Charles Koller, age 42 of Pennsylvania. Koller made a threat to burn down a residence in the presence of Dep. Hill. Koller was charged with Threat of Arson. 

Patrick Charles Koller

Trespassing/Fail to Obey Lawful Order- On December 9, 2022, Dep. Morgan responded to the 25000 block of Pt. Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported trespassing. Upon arrival Joseph Maurice Watts, age 56 of no fixed address was located in front of the property. Watts was told to leave by Dep. Morgan as well as employees of the business several times and he refused. Watts was arrested and charged with Trespass: Private Property and Fail to Obey Reasonable/Lawful Order. 

Joseph Maurice Watts

Assault- On December 12, 2022, Dep. Cucinotta responded to the 23900 block of Mervell Dean Road in Hollywood, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Tyrell Lamar Douglas, age 25 of Hollywood, punched the victim in the face, causing visible injury. Douglas was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Tyrell Lamar Douglas

Assault- On December 11, 2022, Dep. Shubrooks responded to the 46000 block of Whittemore Court in Lexington Park, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Kishan Dasharathbhai Patel, age 20 of Lexington Park, retrieved two knives, and threatened the victim. Patel was arrested and charged with Assault 1st Degree. 

Kishan Dasharathbhai Patel 

Assault- On December 11, 2022, Dep. Campbell responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Francis Xavier Curtis, age 25 of Brandywine and Martell D'Angelo Morgan, age 35 of Piney Point, sprayed the victim's through the food chute with an unknown liquid. Curtis and Morgan were charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Francis Xavier Curtis

Martell D'Angelo Morgan

Assault- On December 12, 2022, Dep. Deinert responded to the 21400 block of Prather Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Janet Kathleen Kimble, age 30 of Lexington Park, assaulted the victim by punching the victim in the face, leaving visible injury. Kimble was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. (No Photograph Available)

Violate Protective Order- On December 12, 2022, Dep. Myers responded to the 21400 block of Bellevue Court in Lexington Park, for the reported protective order violation. Investigation determined Gabriel Jerome Elam, age 46 of Lexington Park, violated a valid court order by being at the victim's residence. Elam was arrested and charged with Violate Protective Order. 

Gabriel Jerome Elam

Assault- On December 14, 2022, DFC. Wynnyk responded to the 21200 block of Mayfaire Lane in Lexington Park, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Malachi Tracy Bailey, age 23 of Lexington Park, struck the victim in the face and placed his arm around the victim's neck impacting the victim's ability to breathe. Bailey was arrested and charged with Assault 1st and 2nd Degree. 

Malachi Tracy Bailey

Warrants Served:

12/07/22- Nathan Javon Allen, age 21 of Lexington Park- Negligent Manslaughter, Criminal Negligent Manslaughter Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Aggressive Driving, Driving Vehicle in Race, Participating as Timekeeper/Flagman, and Possession of Firearm by Minor by Det. Lawrence# 279. 

Nathan Javon Allen

12/07/22- Richard Hunter Plummer, age 35 of California- Violation of Probation/Driving While Suspended by Dep. Allebach# 392. (No Photograph Available) 

12/08/22- Brandon Lowell Stump, age 30 of Waldorf- Violate Protective Order by Dep. Senatore# 404. 

Brandon Lowell Stump

12/08/22- Chelsea Lee Hoffnagle, age 36 of Lusby- Failure to Appear/Theft and Trespassing by Dep. Katulich# 363. 

Chelsea Lee Hoffnagle

12/08/22- Frederick Lamont Davis, age 58 of Bushwood- Failure to Appear/Driving While Suspended by DFC. Schell# 359. 

Frederick Lamont Davis

12/08/22- Kenneth Bernard Robinson, age 53 of Callaway- Assault 2nd Degree and Sex Offense 4th Degree by DFC. Fenwick# 338. 

Kenneth Bernard Robinson

12/08/22- Ronnell Tyrone Shields, age 32 of Lexington Park- Burglary 2nd Degree and Theft by Dep. Budd# 325. 

Ronnell Tyrone Shields 

12/09/22- Thomas Lavon Moreland, age 20 of Lexington Park- Murder 1st Degree, Attempted Murder 1st Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Assault by DFC. Fenwick# 338. 

Thomas Lavon Moreland

12/11/22- Leonard John Louchart, age 42 of Pennsylvania- Failure to Appear/Robbery and Escape 2nd Degree by Cpl. Roszell# 296. 

Leonard John Louchart

12/12/22- Christopher Glenn James, age 33 of Bushwood- Motor Vehicle/Unlawful Taking, Theft and Escape 2nd Degree by DFC. Fenwick# 338. 

Christopher Glenn James 

12/14/22- Israel NMN Holmes, age 23 of Lexington Park- Fail to Register/Offender-False Information by Dep. Welch# 399. 

Israel NMN Holmes 

Criminal Citations:

12/07/22- Aimee Inez Fletcher, age 48 of Lexington Park- Theft by DFC. Rycyzyn# 350. 

12/09/22- Carlos Isaias Ticas, age 20 of no fixed address- Trespass: Private Property by DFC. Wynnyk# 351. 

12/12/22- Christina Rebecca Davis, age 42 of California- Trespass: Private Property by DFC. Schell# 359. 

12/14/22- Ashley Raquel Barnes, age 34 of California- Theft by Dep. Welch# 399. 

Juvenile Referrals:

12/07/22- Male age 14 of Dameron- Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Muschette# 303. 

12/07/22- Female age 13 of Great Mills- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Chase# 346. 

12/08/22- Male age 16 of Great Mills- Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Muschette# 303. 

12/10/22- Male age 17 of Lexington Park- Driving Without a License by Dep. Jerew# 372. 

12/11/22- Male age 14 of Lexington Park- Armed Robbery (four counts) and Theft by Dep. Marsch# 397. 

12/12/22- Male age 15 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Shubrooks# 389. 

12/13/22- Female age 13 Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree (4 counts) by DFC. Rycyzyn# 350. 

12/13/22- Female age 15 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Chase-Johnson# 407. 

12/15/22- Male age 14 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Muschette# 303. 

12/15/22-Male age 17 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Muschette# 303. 

12/15/22- Female age 16 of Lexington Park- Malicious Destruction of Property by Cpl. Muschette# 303. 

12/15/22- Female age 15 of Lexington Park- Theft by Cpl. Muschette# 303. 

Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, in Leonardtown

 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Maryland State Police, will be conducting a roadside sobriety checkpoint on Friday evening, Dec. 16, 2022.

The sobriety checkpoint will take place on Route 5 in the Leonardtown area where law enforcement officers will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that roadside sobriety checkpoints are highly visible and effective tools used in efforts to combat impaired driving behavior. Advance notification of sobriety checkpoints gives motorists the opportunity to make informed decisions by preventing and deterring impaired driving. Advance notifications to the public are also required by law for the validity of a sobriety checkpoint.

If you plan to drink, use a designated driver or a driver service. Keep yourself and your neighbors safe on our roads this holiday season.

Identity Needed for Theft Suspects

 

Dec. 20, 2022 update: The suspects have been identified. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the two males pictured in a theft investigation. On Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at 1:25 am, the two subjects were in the Mechanicsville Wawa convenience store when the male in the gray shirt reached behind the counter and removed a Juul product. The two men then left the store without paying for the item. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy Myles Chase-Johnson at 301-475-4200, ext. 78175 or email myles.chasejohnson@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 62044-22 

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. 

The Living Sheriffs of St. Mary's County

Sheriff David Zylak, Sheriff Tim Cameron, Sheriff Steven A. Hall and Sheriff Richard Voorhaar 

Sheriff Steven A. Hall stands with Sheriff David Zylak (2002-2006), Sheriff Tim Cameron (2006-2022) and Sheriff Richard Voorhaar (1994-2002). The three previous St. Mary's County sheriffs joined Sheriff Hall at St. Mary's City earlier this month at a private ceremony for friends and family. 

Sheriff Hall noted that all of his promotions within the Sheriff's Office were made under these three past sheriffs. Sheriff Hall joined the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office as a Correctional Officer in 1994 and worked his way up through the ranks. 

"This rare assembly of all the living sheriffs represents three decades of Sheriff's Office leadership and the will of our people in the county," Sheriff Hall said. 

Silver Spring Man Arrested for Stealing Grease

 

Hamsel Lugo Peralta

Deputy First Class Phillip Henry was conducting a premise check at the Lexington Village shopping center in Lexington Park early Wednesday morning when he came upon a suspicious vehicle and individual behind the Golden Chicken restaurant.

Defendant Hamsel Lugo Peralta, age 19 of Silver Spring, told Deputy Thomas Deinert that he was taking used oil grease from the Valley Proteins dumpster at the rear of the business. A grease dumpster behind another nearby restaurant, Pizza Boli's, also had two locks broken. Peralta said he was able to open the top door of Pizza Boli's dumpster and inserted a hose in to suck the grease out into a 330-gallon container inside the vehicle. Peralta was attempting to breach the dumpster behind Golden Chicken when caught by deputies. 

It is estimated that the two 330-gallon tanks in the vehicle would be worth $3,000 after sale. 

Peralta was arrested by Deputy Deinert, transported to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown where he was charged with Theft Scheme: $1,500 to under $25,000; Theft Scheme: $100 to under $1,500; Theft: $1,500 to under $25,000; Theft: $100 to under $1,500 and Destruction of Property under $500. 

Keep Handicap Placards Safe when not in Use

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office has responded to reports of handicap parking placard thefts this month, stolen from parked vehicles in residential areas. 

Sheriff Steven A. Hall reminds citizens who use handicap parking placards to keep them in a safe and secure place when not in use. To prevent theft, do not leave the placard out in prominent view when not being used for handicap parking. 

To prevent motor vehicle burglaries in general, keep your vehicle doors locked and keep valuables out of sight. 

According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, "You must remove all hanging placards from the rearview mirror while your vehicle is in motion. You must always have your copy of the medical certification in your possession whenever you use the placard or plates. This certification must be presented to law enforcement upon request. To discourage theft, please conceal your placard when it is not in use."

"Anyone committing fraud or misrepresenting themselves when applying for or using a parking placard for people with disabilities is subject to a fine of up to $500. If disability conditions are not met, the plate/placards may be revoked," according to the Maryland MVA. 
 

Report thefts to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at 301-475-8008 or online at https://www.firstsheriff.com/citizenreport/