Incident Briefs 7/19/2016

7/16/2016 –  On 7/15/2016, unknown suspect(s) entered a garage and stole property in the 45000 block of Buttercup Lane in Great Mills. Deputy First Class T. Teague is investigating the case. CASE# 36666-16

7/16/2016 – Burglary – Between 7/15/2016 and 7/16/2016, unknown suspect(s) entered ransacked a residence in the 21000 block of Jettison Court in Lexington Park. There were no signs of forced entry, and Deputy J. Bare is investigating the case. CASE# 36579-16

7-16-2016 – Counterfeit Complaint – Deputy McClure responded to WaWa for a counterfeit complaint. A counterfeit $5 bill was recovered. The case remains under investigation. CASE# 36744-16

7-16-2016 – Vandalism – A realtor’s lock was cut from the door of a vacant residence in the 42000 block of Ridge Road in Ridge. Corporal L. Johnson is investigating the case. CASE# 36847-16

7-17-2016 – Breaking and Entering to a Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s() entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 45000 block of Settlers Lane in California. Deputy D. McClure is investigating the case. CASE# 33498-16

7-18-2016 – Robbery – Unknown suspect(s) knocked a victim to the ground and demanded money. The victim fell to the ground, and the suspects stole the victim’s wallet and necklace, then fled the scene. Corporal J. Sommerville. CASE# 37050-16

 As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. 1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

SMCSO Correctional Officer Recognized at the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Conference

On Sunday, June 5, Correctional Officer First Class Kristie Ardire, St. Mary’s County Detention Center, was recognized for her achievement as the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer of the Year at the 41^st Annual Maryland Correctional Administrators Association Conference.

In July 2015, CFC Kristie Ardire was assigned to a support team that was tasked with investigating the feasibility of developing an alternative to incarceration.  Recognizing only half of the jails in Maryland facilitated a pretrial system of various sorts, CFC Ardire, and the team visited different sites to develop a working system for St. Mary’s County. Meanwhile, CFC Ardire maintained her current duties as the detention center re-entry program officer.

After thorough planning, research, development, and approval by the judiciary, State’s Attorney and the public defender; CFC Ardire was transitioned to supervise and coordinate the new pretrial program which has been responsible for conducting over 680 intakes and maintaining an average daily participation of 40 inmates being monitored outside the confines of the jail. CFC Ardire is also responsible for the direct intake of inmates into substance abuse inpatient/outpatient treatment. Because of her tenacity and exceptional work ethic, CFC Ardire exceeded projected annual results in only two months. The pretrial services program anticipates cost savings in the first year of a least $400,000.

A critical key component the pretrial services program offers are one of community public safety. CFC Ardire is vigilant in the monitoring of inmates released to the community through various technologies including GPS, as standard “cash” bail release provides for no monitoring of offenders returning to neighborhoods.

CFC Ardire’s constant contact with offenders ensures public safety through prevention of further criminal activity and reduction in court “failure to appear” thus reducing the need for additional police resources caused by the result of increased criminal investigations and warrant services.

The program currently reports an 80% success rate which is directly attributable from her many countless hours of overtime, commitment, professionalism and compassion.

Captain Michael R. Merican, Corrections Division Commander, states, “The system of “Cash” for pre-trial release has become ineffective as many folks in Maryland and across the country languish in jail on low bonds they simply cannot afford in today’s economic and social climate.  This comes at a significant cost to the taxpayer and burden on the judicial system infrastructure.  The monitoring of persons through a pretrial program allows for folks to continue a productive lifestyle, with public safety interests at the forefront, until their respective case is adjudicated in court typically several months after initial arrest.”

Correctional Officer First Class Kristie Ardire

Incident Briefs 7/15/2016

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) attempted to force entry into a church in the 22000 block of Benswood Drive in California. Corporal J. Vezzosi is investigating the case. CASE# 36441-16

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a shed and stole property in the 28000 block of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville. Deputy M. McCuen is investigating the case. CASE# 36443-16

As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

Results of Increased Presence at Myrtle Point Park

On July 8, 2016, between the hours of 3 p.m. and 1 a.m., St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted an operation at Myrtle Point Park, 24054 Patuxent Boulevard, in California. These proactive actions were in response to reports of criminal activity at the park and violations of park guidelines, received through the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks (http://bit.ly/2a3xqfw).

Deputies observed numerous violations and the following individuals were issued citations during the operation:

·       Ryan Alexander Walls, age 21, of California,  criminal citation for consuming alcoholic beverages on public property

·       Rion O’Neil Brooks, age 24, of Mechanicsville, criminal citation for consuming alcoholic beverages on public property

·        Alphonso Warren Brooks, age 21, of Mechanicsville,  civil citation for possessing marijuana less than 10 grams

·        Brett Ladislaus Dvorak, age 19, of California, adult civil citation for possessing alcohol under 21 years of age

·        Juvenile civil citation for possessing alcohol under 21 years of age

·       Nicholas Anthony Morris, age 19 of Leonardtown, adult civil citation for possessing

alcohol under 21 years of age

During the evening hours, deputies conducted speed enforcement on Patuxent Boulevard issuing six citations and 14 written warnings. Officers also stopped sixteen motor vehicles at the front gate of Myrtle Point Park, who had the intention of entering the park after closing hours to fish.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks, extends appreciation to visitors for their cooperation during enforcement and education operations.

They also remind citizens to call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 301-475-8008, to report suspicious activity. 

June DUI Arrests

6-2-2016 – Tyree Lamont Holmes, age 30, of Suitland, by Deputy J. Vezzosi

No Photo Available 

6-2-2016 – Mark Wayne Williams, age 48, of Lexington Park, by Corporal D. Corcoran

Mark W. Williams

6-4-2016 – Maurice Lidell Jones, age 31, of Hughesville, by Deputy First Class Flerlage

No Photo Available 

6-5-2016 – Stephanie Nicole Monaghan, age 22, of California, by Corporal J. Kirkner

No Photo Available 

6-6-2016 – Lionel Paul Packnett, age 51, of Great Mills, by Deputy K. Flerlage

6-9-2016 – Stefanie Christin Brummitt, age 28, of Mechanicsville, by Deputy B. Fennessey

No Photo Available 

6-11-2016 – Valerie Michael Thomas, age 41, of Hyattsville, by Deputy M. McCuen

Valerie M. Thomas

6-11-2016 – Justin Daniel Baker, age 33, of Lexington Park, by Deputy D. Corcoran

Justin D. Baker

6-11-2016 – James Thomas Carr, Jr. age 54, of Mechanicsville, by Deputy First Class V. Pontorno 

James T. Carr, Jr.

6-18-2016 – Christian Paul Dulay Primero, age 22, of Lexington Park, by Corporal D. Corcoran

No Photo Available 

6-18-2016 – Robert Stephen Dixon, Jr., age 61, of Piney Point, by Deputy B. Gaskill

Robert S. Dixon, Jr.

6-24-2016 – Rico Sterling Montes, age 58, of Mechanicsville, by Corporal D. Corcoran

No Photo Available 

6-24-2015 – Fuquan Hassian Nath, age 41, of Lexington Park, by Deputy T. Sicilano

No Photo Available 

6-24-2016 – James Patrick Yates, age 53, of Leonardtown, by Deputy T. Wesner

No Photo Available 

6-24-2016 – Thomas Edward Blake, age 55, of Mechanicsville, by Deputy M. McCuen

No Photo Available 

6-25-2016 – Patrick Shane Harrison, age 31, of California, by Deputy R. Trudell

No Photo Available 

6-26-2016 – Marsha Lynn Wenworth, age 41, of Leonardtown, by Deputy First Class Beyer

No Photo Available 

6-27-2016 – Lester Jerome Barnes, age 49, of Lexington Park, by Deputy T. Payne 

Lester J. Barnes 

Vice/Narcotics Arrests

St. Mary’s County Vice/Narcotics detectives identified Woody Nathaniel Ward (Age 39) and James Roshawn Garrett (Age 34) both of Hollywood, Maryland as distributors of cocaine. An investigation resulted in the issuance of a search and seizure warrant for their residence. St. Mary’s County Emergency Services Team members, K9 deputies and Vice/Narcotics Support Team deputies assisted in the execution of the search warrant.

Detectives recovered cocaine, marijuana, packaging materials, two digital scales with cocaine residue, four cell phones, ingredients to convert powder cocaine to crack cocaine, a microwave plate with cocaine residue and a loaded handgun. 

Suspect Ward was charged with drug violations, and Suspect Garrett was charged with the gun violation. Suspect Garrett is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Additional drug charges are expected against both suspects, pending a review with State’s Attorney Richard D. Fritz. 

Inquiries should be directed to Captain Daniel D. Alioto, Commander of Vice/Narcotics  

301-475-4200, ext *1918.

Woody N. Ward

James R. Garrett

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Warden Recognized for His Achievements in Advancing the St. Mary’s County Adult Detention Center

On June 11, 2016, Captain Michael R. Merican, Warden of the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, was presented the Sal Russoniello Service Award during The Middle Atlantic States Correctional Association (MASCA) 78th Annual Conference and Training Event held in Ocean City, Maryland.

The award is presented to a professional who has demonstrated an extraordinary devotion to advancing the educational mission of the Middle Atlantic States Correctional Association (MASCA), composed of Correctional Institutions throughout Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

As a thirty-three year veteran of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Captain Merican has served in a wide variety of positions. He has acquired a vast amount of training throughout his career with an extensive amount of specialized training in the administrative arena. Captain Merican’s last ten years have been devoted to Warden of the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. Some of his contributions and achievements in advancing the correctional mission, to name a few, include:

2002

Reimplementation the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Detainee Housing Program

2008

Recipient of joint grant with Department of Social Services (DSS) for inmate re-entry program targeting non-custodial parents

2008 

Recipient of state grant for recognizing inmate gang activity and counter-intelligence

2009

Recipient of state grant for automating Jail Security Checks

2010

Honorary Correctional Officer of the Quarter

2011-2015 

Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Vice President and President

2014 

Appointed to Governors Commissions on Pretrial Reform

2014-Present 

Development and implementation of the first interoperable jail/prison management system

2015 

Recipient of a state grant for Inmate Vivitrol and Naloxone Program to combat opioid abuse

2015 

Designed and implemented a pretrial service unit to address alternatives to incarceration and supervision

2016 

Selected to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Forensic Services Work Group to address incarceration of the mentally ill

Incident Briefs 7/12/2016

Assault – Unknown suspect(s) fired rounds at a residence in the 22000 block of Oakley Road in Avenue. The case is being investigated by Deputy J. Kerns. CASE# 35826-16

Burglary – A backpack was found in a trashcan near the fuel pumps at the Sheetz on Old Great Mills Road. The items inside the bag were returned to the owner. The investigation revealed unknown suspect(s) entered a victim’s residence and stole the backpack in the 44000 block of Boxwood Drive in Callaway. The case is being investigated by Deputy K. Molitor. CASE# 35930-16

As part of our continued effort to increase public awareness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office provides a daily (excluding weekends) report called Incident Briefs. The report contains selected crimes, which are of interest to the residents of St. Mary’s County. Addresses shown indicate blocks and not specific locations. This report is not a comprehensive list of every police event in St. Mary’s County during the stated time frame.

Note: The information contained in the Incident Brief report is based on initial reports made to the Sheriff’s Office. Follow-up investigations may reveal different information.

If you have any questions regarding information contained in the Incident Report contact Jennifer Stone, Public Information Officer at 301-475-4200, ext. *1922, or by email at Jennifer.Stone@stmarysmd.com.

Arrests 7/11/2016

7-8-2016 – Burglary – Corporal Elizabeth O’ Connor responded to the 42000 block of St. John’s Road in Hollywood, for the report of a possible burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect, Tina Marie Tippett, age 27, of Lexington Park inside a residence. Once inside, deputies smelled suspected marijuana throughout the residence. A search of Tippett revealed a bag full of hypodermic needles, one of the needles contained a brown residue of suspected heroin. Tippett was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, where Correctional Officers located suspected suboxone in the suspect’s lunchbox. Tippett was charged with Fourth Degree Burglary, CDS Possession: Paraphernalia, and CDS Possession: Not Marijuana. CASE# 35340-16

Tina Marie Tippett

7-10-2016 – Possession – Deputy Andrew Budd responded to the 45000 block of Alton Lane in California, for the report of a vehicle swerving on the roadway. Upon making contact with the operator, Joshua Christopher Timko, age 24, of Newburg, deputies noticed a hypodermic needle, filled with suspected heroin in plain view. An additional bag of suspected heroin was located in Timko’s left boot and suspected Suboxone strips were located in his wallet. Timko was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Two Counts of CDS Possession: Not Marijuana and Three Counts of CDS Possession: Paraphernalia. CASE# 35712-16

Joshua Christopher Timko

Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron announced today that a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive on Sunday, July 31, 2016, to examine all aspects of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.

Verification by the team that the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation – a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence, he said. The agency is seeking its fourth Law Enforcement Accreditation award.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Monday, August 1, 2016, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Persons interested in speaking are required to sign-in between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The session will be conducted at the Board of County Commissioners Hearing Room, Chesapeake Bldg., 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown, Maryland 20650.

If for some reason an individual cannot speak at the public information session but would still like to provide comments to the assessment team, he/she may do so by telephone. The public may call 301-904-2668 on Monday, August 1, 2016, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the ability of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 13575 Heathcote Blvd. Suite 320 Gainesville, VA 20155.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is Ms. Colleen Vranish. She said the assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar but out-of-state agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit officers and other places where compliance can be witnessed. The assessors are team leader Dennis Nelson, Warden of the Clayton County (GA) Correctional Institution, and Kristin Rightler, Accreditation Manager of the Town of Jupiter (FL) Police Department. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission. A formal committee hearing and review of the assessment report will occur in November 2016, when CALEA commissioners will determine if the agency is to be granted re-accreditation.

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. please write the Commission at 13575 Heathcote Blvd. Suite 320 Gainesville, VA 20155, call (800) 368- 3757 or (703) 352-4225, or email calea@calea.org.