Be Aware of Scams During Tax Filing Season

 

The Internal Revenue Service and the State of Maryland have already begun accepting individual tax returns. Citizens are advised to be aware of scams related to their tax filings. 

Scams against the public continue through various ploys, as scammers portray themselves as the IRS, the Social Security Administration, electrical cooperatives or law enforcement agencies, all with the same intent -- to separate you from your money. 

If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any personal information and hang up. Do not engage in any suspicious emails.  

IRS fraudulent emails: 

If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS that contains a request for personal information, taxes associated with a large investment, inheritance or lottery:
- Don't reply.
- Don't open any attachments. They can contain malicious code that may infect your computer or mobile phone.
- Don't click on any links. Visit our identity protection page if you clicked on links in a suspicious email or website and entered confidential information.
- Forward - preferably with the full email headers - the email as-is to us at phishing@irs.gov. Don't forward scanned images because this removes valuable information.
- Delete the original email.

Fraudulent calls: 

IRS impersonation telephone calls – as well as other types of unwanted calls (telemarketing robocalls, fake grants, tech support, sweepstakes winnings, etc.) remain popular scams. 

For any fraudulent call, after listening to the message, do not provide any information and hang up. When you report the fraudulent call, please include:
- The telephone number of the caller (Caller ID)
- The telephone number you were instructed to call back
- A brief description of the communication

Please report IRS or Treasury-related fraudulent calls to phishing@irs.gov (Subject: IRS Phone Scam).

From the Maryland Comptroller's Office: 

Refund fraud is more prevalent than ever. Remain diligent in protecting your personal identifying information, including your Social Security number, income and withholding amounts. Beware of scammers who call, text or email about needing your personal information for a refund or a federal stimulus payment. The Comptroller’s Office will not initiate a text, email or call seeking this information.  

Wanted Individual: Gerald Issiah Wade Jr.

 

Gerald Issiah Wade Jr. 

March 2, 2022 update: Wade was located and arrested on March 1. 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the whereabouts of Gerald Issiah Wade Jr., age 21 of Lexington Park, for Second-Degree Escape from the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. Wade also has an active warrant for Failure to Appear: Rogue and Vagabond.

Wade is a black male with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Wade’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Cpl. James Bare at 301-475-4200, ext. 8118 or at james.bare@stmarysmd.com.

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.

On View Arrests/Warrants/Criminal Citations /Juvenile Referrals

On View Arrests:

Drug Arrest- On January 18, 2022, Dep. Graves conducted a vehicle stop in the 22100 block of Clipper Drive in Great Mills. The vehicle operator was identified as James William Blackiston III, age 28 of Lexington Park. Blackiston was taken into custody due to outstanding warrants for his arrest. At the time of his arrest, a cigarette box containing suspected, packaged cocaine was located. Blackiston was arrested and charged with CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana and served the outstanding warrants. 

James William Blackiston III

Drug Arrest- On January 19, 2022, Detectives from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Vice/Narcotics Unit executed a search and seizure warrant on Thomas Sebastion Gough Jr., age 22 of Lexington Park. Gough was located in the 21000 block of Lexwood Drive in Lexington Park, in a vehicle. Located on Gough's person were multiple bags of suspected cocaine. A digital scale with suspected CDS residue was located in the vehicle. Gough was charged with CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute, CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana and Narcotics: Production Equipment. 

Thomas Sebastion Gough Jr. 

Reckless Endangerment/Illegal Possession of Firearms- On January 27, 2022, Dep. Mattera responded to the 46000 of East Sunrise Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported shots fired. Deputies were able to locate the residence where the shooting had come from and investigation determined Lorne NMN Marshall, age 31 of Lexington Park, had brought a backpack over to the residence containing two firearms. Marshall then fired several rounds from a handgun, with an inadequate backdrop and neighboring homes in close proximity. At the tine, Marshall was also under the influence of alcohol. Marshall is also prohibited by law from possessing firearms. Marshall was arrested and charged with Reckless Endangerment, Illegal Possession of Ammunition, Regulated Firearm Illegal Possession, Firearm: Possession With Felony Conviction, Intoxicated: Endanger, and Intoxicated Public Disturbance.

Lorne NMN Marshall

Assault- On January 27, 2022, Dep. Welch responded to the 46000 block of Midway Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported disturbance. Investigation determined Jaime Leonel Perez, age 40 of Lexington Park, assaulted the victim by punching the victim in the face, causing visible injury. Perez was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Jaime Leonel Perez

Assault- On January 28, 2022, Dep. Cucinotta responded to the 28600 block of Hancock Drive in Mechanicsville, for the reported assault. The victim advised Justin Steven Cherrico, age 35 of Mechanicsville, spit on the victim and pushed the victim. Cherrico was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Justin Steven Cherrico

Assault/Child Abuse- On January 29, 2022, Dep. Lawrence responded to the 35600 block of Army Navy Drive in Mechanicsville for the reported assault. The victim advised she responded to the juvenile's home to take the child after learning the child was hit repeatedly with a belt. While on scene, Jason Andrew Jackson, age 35 of Mechanicsville, pushed the victim into a ditch when the victim attempted to leave with the child. Further investigation determined Jackson had struck the juvenile victim repeatedly with the belt, leaving welts and bruises on the child. Jackson was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree (two counts) and Child Abuse 2nd Degree. 

Jason Andrew Jackson

Fraud/Obstructing and Hindering- On January 29, 2022, Dep. Salas conducted a traffic stop in the 21500 block of Great Mills road in Lexington Park. The operator of the vehicle provided a false name, and several different dates of birth. Investigation determined the operator to be Abraham Lucero-Reyes, age 28 of Lexington Park. Lucero-Reyes had an outstanding warrant with another agency and was arrested. Lucero-Reyes was charged with Fraud: Person-Identity to Avoid Prosecution and Obstructing and Hindering. 

Abraham Lucero-Reyes

Trespassing- On February 1, 2022, Dep. Jerew responded to the 30500 block of Potomac Way in Charlotte Hall, for the reported trespassing. Upon arrival Dep. Jerew observed Donald Earl Walker, age 34 of no fixed address in the business parking lot. Further investigation determined Walker had been inside the business as well. Walker was previously served a no trespass notice at the business. Walker was arrested and charged with Trespass: Private Property. 

Donald Earl Walker

Assault- On February 1, 2022, Dep. Marsch responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Vicki Marie Curtis, age 45 of no fixed address, threw a plastic bottle, striking the victim. Curtis was charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Vicki Marie Curtis

Violate Protective Order- On February 2, 2022, DFC. Raley responded to the 21000 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, for the reported protective order violation. Investigation determined Lucas Graham Hockaday, age 20 of Lexington Park, violated a valid court order by being at a residence with the victim. Hockaday was arrested and charged with Violate Protective Order. 

Lucas Graham Hockaday

Warrants:

01/18/22- James William Blackiston III, age 28 of Lexington Park- CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana and Possession of Contraband at Place of Confinement by Dep. Graves# 354. 

James William Blackiston

01/26/22- Sean Ross Alpert, age 45 of Port Tobacco- Stalking, Harassment, and Electronic Harassment by Dep. N. Hill# 361. 

Sean Ross Alpert

01/26/22- James Dean Cross, age 46 of Lexington Park- Violate Protective Order by Dep. Graves# 354. 

James Dean Cross

01/26/22- George Edward King Jr., age 54 of Newburg- Escape 2nd Degree-Conditions of Release by Dep. Marsch# 397. 

George Edward King Jr.

01/27/22- Wayne Carroll Key Jr., age 42 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Kirscht# 395.

01/27/22- Luke Delbert Dalton, age 23 of Mechanicsville- Failure to Appear/Violation of Probation by Cpl. Reppel# 141. 

Luke Delbert Dalton

01/29/22- Jerome NMN Daniels, age 44 of no fixed address- Trespass: Private Property by DFC. Shelko# 326.

Jerome NMN Daniels

01/30/22- Jonathan David Rulfrok, age 18 of Mechanicsville- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Deinert# 401. 

Jonathan David Rulfrok

01/31/22- Amanda Renea Wedding, age 36 of Lexington Park- Escape 2nd Degree by Dep. Jerew# 372. 

Amanda Renea Wedding

01/31/22- Kayla Shania Proctor, age 21 of La Plata- Failure to Appear/Driving Uninsured Vehicle by Dep. N. Hill# 361.

Kayla Shania Proctor

02/01/22- Marquez Deion Brice, age 22 of Lusby- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. C. Hill# 381. 

Marquez Deion Brice 

02/01/22- Luke Delbert Dalton, age 23 of Mechanicsville- Violate Protective Order by Dep. C. Hill# 381. 

Luke Delbert Dalton

02/01/22- Michael Kevin Smith Jr., age 26 of Lexington Park- Assault 1st and 2nd Degree, Firearm Use/Felony Violent Crime, and Loaded Handgun on Person by Dep. Marsch# 397. 

Michael Kevin Smith Jr. 

02/02/22- Michael Ryan Norfolk, age 32 of Great Mills- Violation of Probation/Assault 2nd Degree by DFC. M. Beyer# 319. 

Michael Ryan Norfolk

02/02/22- Treyvon Devontae Hood, age 26 of Virginia- Escape 2nd Degree by Dep. Dixon# 380. 

Treyvon Devontae Hood

02/02/22- Amanda Nicolle Marxer, age 39 of California- Theft by Dep. Allebach# 392. 

Amanda Nicolle Marxer

02/02/22- Terri James Dyer Jr., age 33 of Lexington Park- Violation of Probation/4th Degree Sex Offense by Dep. Walker# 366. 

Terri James Dyer Jr. 

Criminal Citations Issued:

01/27/22- Terry Antonio Wheeler, age 53 of Avenue- Theft by Dep. Kirscht# 395, 

01/28/22- Onetha Erica Holmes, age 22 of Park Hall- Trespass: Private Property by Dep. Hudson# 390. 

01/29/22- Debbie Meshill Baker, age 49 of Lexington Park- Disruption of School Activities by Dep. Hudson# 390. 

02/03/22- Charles Patrick Balsbaugh, age 35 of Hollywood- Theft by Dep. Morgan# 384. 

02/03/22- Jesse Marie Jameson, age 31 of Lexington Park- Theft by Dep. Morgan# 384. 

Juvenile Referrals:

01/20/22- Female, age 15 of California- Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Davis# 197. 

01/25/22- Female, age 12 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Budd# 325. 

01/27/22- Female, age 11 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities by Cpl. McClure# 299. 

01/27/22- Female, age 12 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities by Cpl. McClure# #299. 

01/28/22- Female, age 13 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. McClure# 299. 

01/29/22- Male, age 12 of Lexington Park- Malicious Destruction of Property by DFC. Shelko# 326. 

01/29/22- Female, age 16 of Great Mills- Assault 2nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities by Dep. Hudson# 390. 

01/29/22- Female, age 17 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities by Dep. Hudson# 390. 

01/29/22- Male, age 14 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities by Dep. Hudson# 390. 

01/30/22- Female, age 17 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Disorderly Conduct by Dep. Hudson# 390. 

01/31/22- Male, age 16 of Lexington Park- Disruption of School Activities by Dep. Kirscht# 395. 

02/01/22- Male, age 17 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities by Dep. McLean# 400. 

02/01/22- Male, age 17 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities by Dep. McLean# 400. 

02/01/22- Female, age 15 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. Reppel# 141. 

02/02/22- Male, age 13 of Abell- Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Gardiner# 369. 

02/02/22- Male, age 9 of Abell- Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Gardiner# 369. 

02/02/22- Male, age 15 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Salas# 358. 

02/03/22- Female, age 14 of Great Mills- Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle by Dep. Salas# 358. 

02/06/22- Male, age 17 of Bushwood- Burglary 4th Degree by Dep. Palmer# 373. 

UPDATE: Arrest Made in Homicide Investigation in Great Mills

 

UPDATE: The victim of the murder has been identified as Jermell Delontae Jones, age 33 of Great Mills.

On February 4, 2022, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrested Cherron Montril Waul, age 44 of Lexington Park, and Waul was charged with the following:

Murder First Degree

Murder Second Degree

Armed Robbery

Assault First Degree

Assault Second Degree

Preliminary investigation determined Waul lured the victim to meet with him outside of the Indian Bridge Apartments complex, and a physical altercation took place. Jones was stabbed repeatedly and subsequently died.

Waul remains incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, awaiting an appearance before the District Court Commissioner.

Cherron Montril Waul

Original Release: On February 3, 2022, at 7:30 a.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 21100 block of Great Mills Road in Great Mills, for the check the welfare of a male subject lying on the ground. Deputies arrived on scene and located the male victim who was deceased. Detectives and crime lab personnel from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and continued the investigation.

The victim has been positively identified however his name will not be released by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office until next of kin has been notified. The victim is a male, age 33 from Great Mills.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as warranted.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Daniel Sidorowicz at (301) 475-4200 extension 78043 or by email at Daniel.Sidorowicz@stmarysmd.com.

Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637).  Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.

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

 

Sheriff's Office Remembers "Rollin'" Nolan Ray Scully

Sgt. "Rollin'" Nolan Ray Scully 

Sheriff Tim Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office solemnly mark the five-year anniversary of the passing of Sgt. "Rollin'" Nolan Ray Scully, who died on Feb. 4, 2017 at the age of 4.

Born in Leonardtown to parents Ruth Rebecca Rogers Scully and Jonathan Patrick Scully, Nolan bravely fought a rare soft-tissue cancer for a year and a half.

Nolan loved firefighters, police and all emergency first-responders. “Nolan Ray was a fierce Protector, especially to his Mommy,” his 2017 obituary said. “It was no surprise when he became adamant that he wanted nothing more than to be a ‘policeman’ and he became just that being sworn in for the first time” by the Philadelphia Police Commissioner. “Nolan Ray wanted to be a one-of-a-kind policeman,” his obituary said.

Not only was Nolan made an honorary sergeant by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, an active patrol cruiser was also named after him. 

In 2018, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office established an annual award for noncommissioned officers. The Sgt. Nolan Scully Memorial NCO Award is presented to a sworn sergeant who possesses a selfless and fearless leadership style and consistently displays the attributes of a problem solver, motivator and mentor to their subordinates.

“Nolan’s courage and bravery in battling cancer set an example to us all when we think we’re going through challenges in our own lives,” Sheriff Cameron said. “Despite his battle with cancer, Nolan never lost his innocence, happiness and love for his family and never lost his desire to help those in the community in their time of need when he got older. Nolan would have made a fine addition to the ranks of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, but his spirit will live on so long as we remember his example,” Cameron said.

In May 2018, Sgt. Robert C. Merritt was the first member of the Sheriff’s Office to be bestowed with the Sgt. Rollin Nolan Scully Memorial NCO Award for his professional excellence.

Since then, the award has gone to Sgt. Cory Ellis, Sgt. Sarah Smith and Sgt. Scott Ruest.  

The Sheriff's Office misses you, Nolan, but your spirit lives on in our ranks. 

Vice/Narcotics Division Arrests California Man

On February 2, 2022, detectives from the Vice/Narcotics Division, with assistance from the Emergency Services Team (EST) and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, executed a search and seizure warrant at the residence of Nicholas Walter Bond, age 33 of California. The warrant was executed in the 45200 block of Abell Drive in California. Detectives seized a significant quantity of suspected cocaine, fentanyl and other controlled dangerous substances (CDS), along with ammunition, CDS paraphernalia and a firearm. Bond is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a disqualifying offense.

Bond was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, and charged with the following:

CDS: Possession With Intent to Distribute (three counts)

CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana (three counts)

CDS: Possession-Paraphernalia (three counts)

Firearm Traffic/Drug Trafficking Crime

Rifle/Shotgun Possession With Felony Conviction

Rifle/Shotgun Possession-Disqualified Person

Illegal Possession of Ammunition

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

Nicholas Walter Bond 

 

                                                 

 

                                                

Homicide Investigation in Great Mills

 

On February 3, 2022, at 7:30 a.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 21100 block of Great Mills Road in Great Mills, for the check the welfare of a male subject lying on the ground. Deputies arrived on scene and located the male victim who was deceased. Detectives and crime lab personnel from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and continued the investigation.

The victim has been positively identified however his name will not be released by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office until next of kin has been notified. The victim is a male, age 33 from Great Mills.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as warranted.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Daniel Sidorowicz at (301) 475-4200 extension 78043 or by email at Daniel.Sidorowicz@stmarysmd.com.

Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637).  Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.

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

 

Criminal Summonses Served-January 2022

 

01/02/22- Tiarra Lashelle Brooks, age 37 of Lexington Park- Neglect of Minor by Cpl. White# 200. 

01/04/22- Herbert Norris Shannon, age 46 of California- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Tasciotti# 398.

01/04/22- Alita Nicole Myles, age 57 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Wilhelmi# 365.  

01/08/22- Shaniya Curshawn Mason, age 21 of Lexington Park- Theft Scheme by Dep. Tasciotti# 398.

01/09/22- Lucas Graham Hockaday, age 20 of Leonardtown- Malicious Destruction of Property by Lt. Smith# 177. 

01/09/22- Mia Isabel Campbell, age 36 of Lexington Park- Failure to Control Vehicle Speed, Reckless Driving, and Negligent Driving by DFC. Snyder# 342. 

01/11/22- Heather Lynn Jones, age 32 of Great Mills- Neglect of Minor by Dep. Katulich# 363. 

01/12/22- Joseph Ross West, age 32 of Mechanicsville- Malicious Destruction of Property and Theft by Dep. Hunsinger# 385. 

01/12/22- Kenneth John Edward Norris, age 25 of Ridge- Theft Scheme by Dep. Tasciotti# 398. 

01/13/22- Carl Allen Roberson, age 67 of Newberg- Malicious Destruction of Property by Dep. Haas# 367.

01/14/22- Wyatt Corey Herriman, age 34 of Mechanicsville- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Rycyzyn# 350. 

01/14/22- Brandon Joseph Nicholson, age 29 of Mechanicsville- Assault 2nd Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and Failure to Stop After Accident Involving Damage by Dep. Wilson# 379. 

01/14/22- Jamie Lynn Zedek, age 44 of California- Assault 2nd Degree and Theft by Dep. Gardiner# 369. 

01/14/22- Soufiane Cisse, age 42 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Cucinotta# 393. 

01/17/22- Jonathan Michael Weston, age 18 of Mechanicsville- Motor Vehicle-Unlawful Taking, Burglary 2nd & 4th Degree, and Theft by Dep. Kirscht# 395.

01/17/22- Kevin Tyler Coleman, age 29 of Scotland- Assault 1st and 2nd Degree by DFC. Hersh# 343. 

01/17/22- Lamar Kevin Jarel Nolan, age 35 of Mechanicsville- Theft, Theft Scheme, and Credit Card-Steal Another's by Dep. Tasciotti# 398. 

01/18/22- Raphael Andre Maston, age 36 of Mechanicsville- Threat of Arson by DFC.T. Snyder# 342. 

01/20/22- Tiffany Monique Farmer, age 33 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Deinert# 401. 

01/20/22- Lisa Allison Kohut, age 59 of Leonardtown- Child Abuse 2nd Degree-Custodian and Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Shubrooks# 389. 

01/22/22- Alexus Christine Fogle, age 23 of Lexington Park- Theft by Dep. Graves# 354. 

01/23/22- Robert James Grinder, age 32 of Lexington Park- Theft by Dep. Jerew# 372. 

01/24/22- Ashley Nicole Thomas, age 35 of Great Mills- Rogue and Vagabond and Theft by Dep. Cucinotta# 393. 

01/24/22- Dennis Michael Stone, age 42 of Drayden- Assault 1st and 2nd Degree by Cpl. Pontorno# 257. 

01/24/22- Melvin David Hertzler, age 25 of Mechanicsville- Malicious Destruction of Property and Trespass-Posted Property by DFC. Shelko# 326. 

01/24/22- Devin Thomas Stockman, age 25 of Mechanicsville- Malicious Destruction of Property and Trespass-Posted Property by DFC. Shelko# 326. 

01/24/22- John J Stoltzfus, age 21 of Mechanicsville- Malicious Destruction of Property and Trespass-Private Property by DFC. Shelko# 326. 

01/25/22- Tyler Allan Cox, age 25 of Mechanicsville- Theft and Theft Scheme by DFC. Shelko# 326.

01/27/22- Natalie Velasquez, age 28 of Chaptico- Theft by Dep. Graves# 354. 

01/28/22- April Jean Mister, age 50 of Leonardtown- Failure to Appear/Defense Witness by Dep. Salas# 358. 

01/29/22- Patrick Scott Slaughter, age 30 of Mechanicsville- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Reynolds# 394. 

01/30/22- Bryan Wayne Duvall, age 52 of California- Assault 2nd Degree by DFC. Shelko# 326. 

01/31/22- Todd Channing Hensel, age 58 Leonardtown- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Burgess# 355.

01/31/22- James Lee Ragan, age 52 of Leonardtown- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Burgess# 355. 

01/31/22- Kevin Bryan Wright, age 37 of Leonardtown- Rogue and Vagabond by Dep. Edelen# 330.

01/31/22- Christopher Lawrence Mandeville, age 47 of St. Mary's City- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Welch#399. 

Leaving a Running Vehicle Unattended is Illegal

 

Whether you're warming up your vehicle on a cold morning or leaving your vehicle running outside of a store for a quick trip inside, it is illegal in Maryland to leave an unattended motor vehicle with its engine running. 

An unattended running vehicle is an open invitation to car thieves. Don't give them the opportunity. 

Sec. 21-1101 of Maryland's Vehicle Laws states, "a person driving or otherwise in charge of a motor vehicle may not leave it unattended until the engine is stopped, the ignition locked, the key removed, and the brake effectively set." 

Regarding newer vehicles and keyless ignition systems, the law does not apply to a person who "is in charge of a motor vehicle that has had the engine started using a remote keyless ignition system and has been operating unattended for up to 5 consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion; or allows a motor vehicle that is locked and is on private property not open to the public to operate unattended for up to 5 consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion." 

The fines for violation are $70 and one point assessed on a driver's license or $110 and three points if contributing to an accident. 

Robbery and Carjacking Arrest Made After Pursuit

On January 31, 2022, at approximately 10 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 45000 block of Worth Avenue in California for the reported motor vehicle theft. The victim advised she left her vehicle running while she went into a restaurant to purchase food. The victim returned to the parking lot and observed her 2015 Hyundai Elantra was stolen.

A short time later, deputies responded to the Walmart store located at 45485 Miramar Way in California for the reported robbery. Upon arrival a male victim advised his 1999 Honda Civic was stolen from in front of the store. Responding deputies observed the vehicle operating in the area and attempted to stop the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle refused to stop and deputies initiated a vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, the operator discarded property out of the vehicle, which was later recovered and determined to have been stolen from Walmart. Stop sticks were deployed and the vehicle came to a stop at the Race-N-In in Mechanicsville. The operator of the vehicle, later determined to be Josiah Emmanuel Young, age 23 of White Plains, exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Young entered an occupied vehicle that was running in the parking lot and assaulted the victim inside the vehicle, in an attempt to steal the victim’s car. Deputies were able to take Young into custody before he was able to flee in the victim’s vehicle.

Further investigation determined that Young drove the initial stolen vehicle to Walmart and proceeded to the electronics section requesting to view an item. Young then jumped over the counter and began placing various items into a bag. Young then fled the store where he stole the second vehicle. After being taken into custody, Young was found to be in possession of suspected heroin.

Young was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center in Leonardtown, and charged with the following:

Robbery

Carjacking

Assault Second Degree

Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking

Theft

Malicious Destruction of Property

CDS: Possession-not Marijuana

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Deputy Austin Welch at (301) 475-4200 extension 78180 or by email at Austin.Welch@stmarysmd.com.

Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637).  Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.

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

 

Josiah Emmanuel Young