Leonardtown Couple Charged with Sexual Abuse of Minors

Brian Joseph Wiegman

 

Stormy Shiree Bates 

A Leonardtown man and woman have been arrested and charged by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on several charges of Sex Abuse of a Minor, Neglect of a Minor and Second-Degree Rape.

Following an investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Division, Brian Joseph Wiegman, age 45 of Leonardtown, has been arrested and charged with two counts of Sex Abuse of a Minor and one count of Neglect of a Minor.

Wiegman’s girlfriend, Stormy Shiree Bates, age 39 of Leonardtown, has been arrested and charged with three counts of Second-Degree Rape, three counts of Sex Abuse of a Minor and one count of Neglect of a Minor.

Both Wiegman and Bates are being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown on a no-bond status.

Deputies Train at Rifle Qualifications

 

Deputies firing their rifles in the prone position 

Deputies Preston Dixon and Allison Mattera fire rifles from behind barricades 

Twice a year, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies attend rifle qualifications and training, honing their firearms safety, accuracy and marksmanship skills. Under the scrutiny of the agency’s Armorer and Chief Firearms Instructor, deputies train using their agency issued AR-15 rifles. Starting from a prone shooting position at a distance of 75 yards from the targets, the deputies must safely and accurately fire their weapons from various distances and shooting positions such as prone, standing, kneeling, and using barricades. The deputies complete their course of fire by advancing towards the target while firing their weapons. The qualification course is scored by the instructors and the results are forwarded to the Maryland Police Training Commission.

Remarking about the nice weather at the range on this day, “the officers need to be able to shoot in the rain, heat and in all conditions,” said Russell Trow, Chief Firearms Instructor.

Armed Robbery in Hollywood Under Investigation

 

On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 10:08 pm, two masked men entered the Birdies convenience store at the 24600 block of Three Notch Road in Hollywood. The two suspects pointed a handgun at store employees, demanding money from the registers. The suspects removed currency from the registers and fled on foot.

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies and K-9 Unit responded to the scene and the Criminal Investigations Division is continuing the investigation.

Anyone with cellphone video or images who was present at the scene is asked to visit the Sheriff’s Office’s Citizen Upload Video Upload Portal at https://www.firstsheriff.com/uploadevidence/ Videos can be provided anonymously through the portal.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective David Lawrence at 301-475-4200, ext. 78130 or email david.lawrence@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.

Wanted: Caitlin Ann Mossbarger

 

Caitlin Ann Mossbarger 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the whereabouts of Caitlin Ann Mossbarger, age 33 of Park Hall, for violating the terms of her Pre-Trial release with the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown for a district court case for Driving on a Suspended License. Mossbarger’s whereabouts are currently unknown, but she is believed to be in the Lexington Park area.

Anyone with information on Mossbarger’s 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. 

Meet Cpl. Holdsworth, Sheriff's Deputy of the Year for 2022

 

Commissioner President Randy Guy, Cpl. Daniel Holdsworth, Sheriff Steve Hall and Commissioner Mike Alderson 

Corporal Daniel Holdsworth was chosen by the Command Staff as the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year for his outstanding work in 2022.

Cpl. Holdsworth grew up in Lothian in Anne Arundel County until he left to attend college at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. After a year, he came back home and continued to study Criminal Justice at Anne Arundel Community College. He then started working full-time in the construction industry until the housing market crash of 2008 changed his plans.

He decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and began applying to agencies in Southern Maryland. Holdsworth joined the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer in 2010. After being promoted to Corrections Officer First Class, Holdsworth successfully applied to become a Deputy Sheriff in 2014.

“My father, Lee Holdsworth, was a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and he is the reason I became interested in a career in law enforcement,” Cpl. Holdsworth said. “Although he retired when I was very young, I grew up hearing stories about policework and it seemed like an exciting line of work, and it is,” he said.

Last week, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Awards Banquet and recognized Cpl. Holdsworth for his noteworthy work in 2022. A member of the Lexington Park COPs Unit since Aug. 7, 2021, Cpl. Holdsworth was selected as the Deputy Sheriff of the Year for 2022 for his proactive police work and positive interactions with the community he serves.

During a traffic stop last year, the driver asked Cpl. Holdsworth to speak to her children about police work and he invited the family to visit the Sheriff’s Office District 4 Station in Lexington Park for a tour. In April 2022, Cpl. Holdsworth assisted the members of the Church of the Ascension in Lexington Park with installing a new refrigerator for their food pantry. In the same month, Cpl. Holdsworth responded to a local business for the report of a man with a gun. He located and apprehended the armed subject, who was prohibited from owning the firearm by state law.

Cpl. Holdsworth said he is honored to be named as the Deputy Sheriff of the Year but was quick to share accolades with the Sheriff’s Office’s COPs Unit for their work as well. “To be selected as Deputy of the Year means a lot to me,” he said. “The COPs Unit has had a very busy year and I believe everyone in the unit deserves the same recognition. From attending countless community events to making gun and drug arrests, we have been busy. While it doesn’t change the performance of our work, I am appreciative of the recognition and for the Team Award the COPs Unit received,” he said.

Cpl. Holdsworth said his favorite part of the job is meeting and getting to know members of the St. Mary’s County community. The COPs Unit attended a community event last weekend, “and it was enjoyable to talk to people, answer questions and show off our equipment. The kids always love sitting in the car and seeing the lights,” he said.

The most challenging part of the job is the schedule, he said. “Police work is 24/7 so we are going to be working some nights and weekends, which means I miss out on some family events. Depending on events or crime trends, our schedule can change at a moment’s notice.”

If you are interested in a career with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Cpl. Holdsworth advised, “Stop thinking about it and apply today. Submit your application and take advantage of our $15,000 sign-on bonus. This is a very rewarding career and it’s true – no day is ever the same.”

To learn more visit www.firstsheriff.com/employment or call our Recruiter at 301-475-4200, ext. 71936.

Cpl. Rachael Roszell holds Cpl. Holdsworth's baby at the awards banquet last week 

Sheriff Hall Announces Officers of the Year for 2022

 

Corporal Daniel Holdsworth with Commissioner President Randy Guy, Sheriff Steve Hall and Commissioner Mike Alderson 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office held its annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, recognizing the outstanding and noteworthy achievements of its officers and personnel in 2022. We thank Commissioner President Randy Guy, Commissioner Mike Alderson and County Administrator David Weiskopf for attending the ceremony with us at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall.  

Deputy Sheriff of the Year: 

Cpl. Daniel Holdsworth, a member of the Sheriff's Office COPs Unit, was named Deputy Sheriff of the Year for his proactive police work and dedication to the community. In April 2022, Cpl. Holdsworth responded to a local business for the report of a man with a gun. Cpl. Holdsworth went above and beyond during the investigation to ensure the suspect was appropriately charged, possibly preventing an armed robbery from occurring. Cpl. Holdsworth often takes on extra assignments and takes the time to speak with citizens about police work. 

Correctional Officer of the Year: 

CFC Monica Moncivais-Romero with Commissioner President Guy, Sheriff Hall and Commissioner Alderson 

Corrections First Class Monica Moncivais-Romero was named Correctional Officer of the Year for 2022 for going above and beyond her duties in the Pre-trial Supervision Unit. She is bilingual and provides translation services during her normal duties and assists deputies, the State's Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office and Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy. She is also the only female member of the Corrections Division Emergency Response Team. 

Professional Staff Member of the Year:

Stacey Hancock with Commissioner President Guy, Sheriff Hall and Commissioner Alderson 

Crime Analyst Stacey Hancock was named the Professional Staff Member of the Year for 2022 for her integral assistance to the Criminal Investigations Division in providing information to detectives. She also continues to serve as a Crime Lab technician within the division. Her work aids in both the investigation of serious crimes and the ensuing prosecution. 

Sgt. Nolan Scully Memorial NCO Award:

Sgt. Anthony Whipkey, Sheriff Hall, Ruth Scully and Brayden Scully  

Sgt. Anthony Whipkey was bestowed with the Sgt. Nolan Scully Memorial NCO Award for his leadership in the Patrol Division. A member of the Hostage Negotiations Team and Crisis Intervention Team instructor, Sgt. Whipkey serves as a mentor to deputies throughout Southern Maryland. He has been essential to the high morale and motivation among his squad. 

Law Enforcement Rookie of the Year: 

Deputy Brandon Reynolds and Sheriff Hall 

Deputy Brandon Reynolds was selected as the Law Enforcement Rookie of the Year for 2022. After working long shifts, participating in training, attending court hearings and covering manpower shortages, Deputy Reynolds still finds time to think of others before himself. He volunteers with Foundation for Heroes and helped raise funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and St. Mary's Splash. Through his charitable works, Deputy Reynolds has also supplied several basketball hoops to local neighborhoods. 

Corrections Rookie of the Year: 

CO John Edelen and Sheriff Hall 

Correctional Officer John Edelen was chosen as the Corrections Rookie of the Year for 2022. CO Edelen's professionalism and attention to detail have led him to have made numerous contraband discoveries on inmates coming in off the street, in housing units and on their person to include narcotics, weapons, pens, marijuana and other prohibited items. He is now learning to become a booking officer. 

Lifesaving Awards:

Deputy Ryan McLean and Sheriff Hall 

In November 2022, Deputy Ryan McLean responded to a call for a self-inflicted laceration to the neck after a suicide attempt. Deputy McLean's preparedness and prompt application of first aid in a potentially fatal situation ultimately resulted in saving the person's life. Emergency medical personnel on the scene complimented the deputy's treatment of the person's injuries and indicated those actions did in fact save the person's life. 

Deputy Reynolds and Sheriff Hall 

In January 2023, Deputy Reynolds responded to an apartment for the report of a person not breathing. Deputy Reynolds immediately began CPR until EMS arrival. His quick actions no doubt saved the life of the victim and contributed to the person's recovery. 

Deputy Donald Shubrooks and Sheriff Hall 

In May 2022, Sgt. Dale Smith (not pictured) and Deputy Donald Shubrooks responded to a home for the report of an overdose. Sgt. Smith administered a dose of Narcan and began CPR while Deputy Shubrooks administered a second dose of Narcan and assisted in monitoring the victim. Due to their quick actions and training, the victim survived the overdose and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. 

Meritorious Action: 

Cpl. Holdsworth and Sheriff Hall 

In April 2022, Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a business in Lexington Park for the report of a man with a gun. The suspect was located by Deputy Christopher Palmer and Cpl. Timothy White (not pictured) and Cpl. Holdsworth. A loaded ghost gun was located near where the suspect was arrested along with a backpack containing dozens of rounds of ammunition. During a time of high gun violence in Lexington Park, the quick response and teamwork helped remove another illegal gun from the streets. 

Sgt. Angela Delozier (not pictured) was awarded for Meritorious Action for her response in November 2022 for a barricaded person. Sgt. Delozier exemplified courage and resolve in a stressful and dangerous situation. She had a door separating herself and an agitated, possibly armed subject and did everything she could to resolve the situation peacefully before additional resources were needed. Sgt. Delozier took command of the situation and negotiated a positive outcome while acting above and beyond what is normally expected of an officer in her position. 

Sgt. Michael Peacher (not pictured) was awarded for Meritorious Action for his response in December 2022 to a barricaded subject. Sgt. Peacher, through his successful negotiating and scene management skills, was able to bring a fast and peaceful resolution to the barricade. 

DFC Alexander Wynnyk and Sheriff Hall 

In February 2022, DFC Alexander Wynnyk was on his way home after a 12-hour shift when he responded to a call for an escaped prisoner. The escapee resisted arrest. Assisted by two citizens, DFC Wynnyk was able to put the escapee into custody. 

Members of the K-9 Unit and Vice/Narcotics Division (not pictured) were awarded for Meritorious Action for a traffic stop in May 2022 that resulted in eight pounds of cocaine being seized with a street value of more than $120,000. To date, it is the largest single seizure of cocaine in St. Mary's County by deputies. 

2022 High School Graduations Team Award 

Sheriff's Office personnel were recognized for their efforts in supporting high school graduations last year at outdoor events in high heat. All assigned officers rose to the occasion to work as a professional team to work with each other, school staff, Department of Emergency Services and ultimately adapt and improvise roles to meet the safety, security and health needs of attendees. 

Collision Reconstruction Unit Team Award 

The members of the Collision Reconstruction Unit were awarded for their work in 2022 for their work in responding to nine fatal collisions, resulting in the death of 10 people and an additional nine serious injury collisions that will have a lifelong effect on those involved. Members are required to dedicate a significant amount of time toward completing investigations. 

Sheriff Hall, Cpl. Holdsworth, DFC Wynnyk and Cpl. Glen Knott 

COPs Unit Team Award: 

The Sheriff's Office Community Policing Unit was awarded for its work in assisting former residents of a closed hotel in Lexington Park. The hotel environment over time became a public nuisance and was host to numerous misdemeanor and felony crimes. Most hotel rooms and common areas posed health and fire hazards. The hotel was ultimately closed which displaced some citizens. The COPs Unit went above and beyond to notify affected citizens of the impending closure and offered assistance locating new housing options for them. 

K-9 Unit Team Award: 

Members of the Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit (not pictured) were awarded for their work in 2022. The unit handled 855 calls for service in 2022, while assisting in 1,869 other calls. The unit further assisted with 55 search warrants which resulted in significant quantities of narcotics and money being seized. 

Promotions 

The following personnel were promoted in 2022: Major Clayton Safford; Assistant Warden Michael Pilkerton; Captain Bonnie Payne; Captain Richard Russell; Lieutenant Justin Anderson; Lt. Patrick Britt; Lt. Scott Ruest; Sergeant Jonathan Rosado; Sgt. Timothy Wesner; Corporal Matthew Beyer; Cpl. Thomas Bowen; Cpl. Brianna Edelen; Cpl. Tyler Payne; Cpl. Shawn Shelko; Cpl. Dale Wade; Deputy First Class Andrew Burgess; DFC Austin Edelen; DFC Benjamin Luffey, DFC Michael Rycyzyn; DFC Max Schell; DFC Travis Wimberly; DFC Alexander Wynnyk; Correctional Officer First Class Jeremy Pelczar and CFC Michael Schmidt. 

Years of Service: 

CO Earl Young with Sheriff Hall 

30 years: CO Earl Young, Sgt. Stephen Myers (not pictured) and Sgt. Harold Young (not pictured) 

Sheriff Hall and Captain Richard Russell 

Sheriff Hall and Lt. Doug Mills 

Sheriff Hall and Russell Trow 

25 Years: Cpl. Chad Hartzell (not pictured), Cpl. Michael Labanowski (not pictured), Sgt. Michael Peacher (not pictured), Michael Licausi (not pictured), Cpl. Julie Yingling (not pictured), Lt. Doug Mills, Russell Trow and Capt. Richard Russell 
 

Sheriff Hall and Sgt. Brian Connelly 

Sheriff Hall and Lt. Eva Jones 

20 Years: Sgt. Brian Connelly, Lt. Eva Jones and Cpl. Brian Gillingham (not pictured)  

Sheriff Hall and Cpl. Kenneth Flerlage 

Sheriff Hall and Capt. George Hayden 

Sheriff Hall and Cpl. Austin Schultz 

15 Years: Cpl. Kenneth Flerlage, Capt. George Hayden, Cpl. Gretchen Irby, Lt. Jeffrey Knight and Cpl. Austin Schultz 

Safe Driving

Safe Driving awards: Three years - DFC Benjamin Luffey, Cpl. Blaine Gaskill and Deputy Austin Edelen; Six years - Sgt. Melissa Green and Sgt. Sheena Tirpak; 12 years - Sgt. Brian Connelly; 15 years - Lt. Eva Jones and Cpl. Jaime Davis 

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 Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at 12:45 pm, the suspect walked out of the Ollie's Bargain Outlet in Lexington Park with two vacuum cleaners and other merchandise and did not pay for any of the items. 

The suspect appears to be a tall, thin white male, last seen leaving in a black Chrysler van. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to contact Deputy Helen Deitrich at 301-475-4200, ext. 78066 or email helen.deitrich@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 10396-23

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: Dimitri Paul Brooks

 

Dimitri Paul Brooks 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the whereabouts of Dimitri Paul Brooks, age 28 of Lexington Park, wanted for Second-Degree Escape for absconding from an authorized residential treatment facility on April 5, 2023. Brooks is awaiting sentencing for Violation of Probation: First-Degree Assault.

Anyone with information on Brooks’ 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.

Identity Needed in Property Destruction Investigation

 

April 12, 2023 update: The suspect has been identified. Thank you. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person driving the pictured gray Dodge Charger in a property destruction investigation. On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 7:35 pm, several people gathered in the parking lot of the Extreme Clean Car Wash on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. The driver of the gray Dodge Charger caused damage to the parking lot upon exiting, while a male in a black shirt recorded the suspect as he left. 

The suspect is described as a black male with long dreadlocks, wearing a white shirt and dark pants. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to contact Deputy Alexander Wynnyk at 301-475-4200, ext. 78020 or email alexander.wynnyk@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 17963-23 

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. 

Seventeen of 18 Businesses Pass Alcohol Compliance Checks

 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Alcohol Enforcement Unit recently conducted a series of alcohol compliance checks at 18 businesses in northern and central St. Mary’s County. Seventeen of the establishments were found to be compliant, while only one business failed to ask an underage person for identification.

The covert compliance checks were conducted on Thursday, March 30, 2023, starting at 3 pm, utilizing an underage individual. The 19-year-old was wearing plain clothes and was directed to enter each business to order or retrieve an alcoholic beverage for purchase.

Of the 18 businesses visited, 17 (94 percent) were found in compliance with Maryland law and required identification from the underage person. One business failed to ask for identification or failed to corroborate the person’s age and the underage individual was able to purchase an alcoholic beverage underage.

Businesses found in compliance were: Pal Liquors & Gas in Leonardtown; Centre Liquors in Leonardtown; Third Base Store in Loveville; St. Mary’s Gas Station in Clements; Village Liquors in Chaptico; Chaptico Market in Chaptico; Race-N In in Budds Creek; Vino 2 Wine & Liquor in Charlotte Hall; Lighthouse in Charlotte Hall; Fred’s Liquor in Charlotte Hall; New Market Service Center in Mechanicsville; Big Dogs’ Paradise in Mechanicsville; A & B Liquor in Mechanicsville; DJ’s One Stop Shop in Mechanicsville; Korner Karryout in Mechanicsville; Cook’s Liquor in Hollywood and Bradfords Neighborhood Market in Hollywood.

The one business found to be in violation was Leonardtown Wine & Spirits in Leonardtown.

The alcohol violation report was forwarded to the St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board for review.

St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and Health Department Alert Public to Danger of Xylazine

 

Joint News Release:
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
St. Mary’s County Health Department

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 10, 2023) - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is warning the public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with a powerful non-opioid animal sedative, xylazine - a deadly combination commonly known as “Tranq”. This dangerous illicit drug mixture has been found across the U.S. states, including in St. Mary’s County.

Xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning. Because xylazine is not an opioid, naloxone (Narcan®) will not work to reverse its effects. People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds involving necrosis—the rotting of skin tissue—that may lead to amputation.

St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) encourages those who are using illicit substances to seek professional help for their substance use disorder. Help is available in the community. Individuals can be connected to local treatment options through the SMCHD website, calling 301-862-1680, or walking in Monday-Friday during business hours at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub. The Health Hub also offers the SMCHD Harm Reduction Program (HRP) to help mitigate the harms associated with drug use – such as overdoses, wounds, and infections - and encourage people into treatment when they are ready for it. The HRP provides infectious disease testing, narcan, and ways to test drug paraphernalia (such as pill bottles and syringes) for presence of fentanyl or other substances like xylazine.

“Illicit fentanyl is already a dangerous drug, but when it is combined with xylazine, it becomes even deadlier,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Narcan may help to reverse the fatal breathing problem that fentanyl can cause but it won’t work on xylazine. If you’re using drugs, get help - treatment options are available and recovery is possible.”

“Drug addiction is a serious public health issue. St. Mary’s County residents need to be aware of xylazine and its dangerous effects. If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, please seek treatment through the resources provided by the St. Mary’s County Health Department and community partners before it’s too late,” Sheriff Steve Hall said.

For further information about the SMCHD Harm Reduction Program, visit smchd.org/harmreduction

For more information about programs and resources provided at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub, visit smchd.org/hub.

Identities Needed in Theft Investigation

 

April 12, 2023 update: The suspect has been identified. Thank you. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identities of the persons pictured in a theft investigation. On Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at 8:55 pm, the two male subjects entered the Dollar Tree store at the 22500 block of MacArthur Boulevard in California. As they walked into the store, the man in the blue denim jacket pointed to a personally owned scooter that was parked in the entry to the store. 

The subjects purchased balloons and took the scooter as they walked out of the store. The scooter is an electric E Trax scooter. 

Anyone with information about the identities of the suspects or this incident is asked to contact Deputy Travis Wimberly at 301-475-4200, ext. 78086 or email travis.wimberly@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 10251-23 

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. 

Cpl. Corcoran Nearly Died Six Years Ago from a Heart Attack

 

Cpl. David Corcoran at the hospital in 2017 with his hockey teammates

Six years ago today, Corporal David Corcoran technically dropped dead while he was playing goalie at an ice hockey game. Luckily, he was playing with other emergency first responders who quickly resuscitated him and because of their immediate and successful efforts, Cpl. Corcoran is today a 25-year veteran of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

On April 7, 2017, Cpl. Corcoran was playing in a fundraising charity hockey game in Washington D.C. to support the Washington Burn Foundation. Cpl. Corcoran was playing goalie for his team when about a minute into the third period, the gameplay was down at the other end of the rink. But suddenly Cpl. Corcoran dropped down face first onto the ice unresponsive.

The other players immediately responded and started CPR on him. A staff member at the rink brought over an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Cpl. Corcoran took two shocks before he started breathing again and regained consciousness. Cpl. Corcoran was only 43 at the time.

“At that point, I had the elephant on the chest,” feeling burning and pressure in his chest, Cpl. Corcoran said in a recent interview looking back on the incident.

“When I woke up, they told me that I had a heart attack,” Cpl. Corcoran said in an interview with The Enterprise newspaper in 2017. “I didn’t believe them. They said, ‘no, you were dead.’”

Cpl. Corcoran was transported to an area hospital where doctors found that one of his arteries was completely blocked. Doctors performed surgery, reopening the artery with a stint and Corcoran said he felt “instant relief” following the procedure and he was out of the hospital the following Monday.

Cpl. Corcoran said his family has a history of heart disease and there were indications the week before the heart attack happened that something with his health was amiss. He felt chest discomfort on the Monday before the cardiac arrest while playing ice hockey. “My chest was burning. I never thought about a heart attack at all,” he said, because he was playing hard.

The next day, he rode a bicycle and felt the same pain in the chest, but it went away.

By the time of Friday’s charity ice hockey game, Cpl. Corcoran said he wasn’t feeling well. “To me it felt like the flu times a million,” he said. He felt dizzy. He was light-headed and had trouble breathing. And then he went down.

But following the stint procedure and the years since, “the heart is tip top,” Cpl. Corcoran said. And he quickly went back to working full time at the Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m going to do everything I have to do … so I can live long enough to see my kids grow up, and [enjoy] retirement,” he told The Enterprise in 2017. “Forty-three more years would be good.”

Cpl. Corcoran

Cpl. Corcoran is now a 25-year veteran of the agency, currently working in the Special Operations Division in the Evictions Unit.

He grew up in St. Mary’s County and started playing street hockey when he was 15 years old. Three years later, he started playing ice hockey “and I was just hooked from there on,” he said.

Cpl. Corcoran still plays ice hockey in Southern Maryland, now joined by his son Cobe.

Cpl. Corcoran and his son Cobe 

 

Identities Needed for Theft Suspects

April 10 update: Both of the suspects have been identified. Thank you. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identities of the two women pictured in a theft investigation. On Friday, March 31, 2023, at 10:53 am, the two subjects entered the Hobby Lobby store in California. The two walked around the store and gathered merchandise into their carts and into bags that they took from the shelves. 

When confronted as they were trying to leave the store, the two women abandoned the carts with some stolen items inside and fled with stolen items that they were physically carrying, including a hat, bags and the contents inside of the bags. 

Anyone with information about the identities of the subjects or this incident is asked to contact Deputy Anthony Cucinotta at 301-475-4200, ext. 78174 or email anthony.cucinotta@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 17613-23 

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.