Hogan Administration Launches “Before It’s Too Late” Web Portal to Provide Resources, Raise Awareness of Opioid Crisis

Courtesy of the St. Mary's County Government, Public Information Office, working in cooperation with the Office of the Governor 

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Hogan-Rutherford administration launched “Before It’s Too Late,” a new web portal designed to provide resources and raise public awareness of the rapid escalation of the evolving heroin, opioid, and fentanyl crisis in Maryland.

“For nearly three years, our administration has been focused on combating the heroin and opioid crisis from every angle, including prevention, treatment, and recovery," said Governor Larry Hogan. "This new web portal is another tool to raise awareness and provide critical resources to all Marylanders so that we can save thousands of lives before it’s too late.”

The new website, BeforeItsTooLateMD.org, is a one-stop shop for individuals, families, educators, and health care professionals to get the educational resources they need to prevent this epidemic from spreading—because education goes hand-in-hand with prevention. This public awareness effort also includes a social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.

“Education and public awareness go hand-in-hand with prevention, and are an essential component of our efforts to turn the tide in this heroin and opioid crisis,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford. "The Before It's Too Late portal will provide addicts, family members, educators, and health professionals with the resources they need to get help, understand the disease of addiction, and reduce stigma, in order to save lives."

The “Before It’s Too Late” tagline is derived from a PSA the governor released featuring actor Michael Kelly in March. The launch follows the Regional Opioid and Substance Abuse Summit, which featured Governor Hogan, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe as speakers, and the first-ever Maryland Heroin and Opioid Educational Forum for students at Westminster High School in Carroll County, hosted by Lt. Governor Rutherford. 

In March, Governor Hogan declared a State of Emergency in response to the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl crisis ravaging communities in Maryland and across the country. This declaration

activated the governor’s emergency management authority and enables increased and more rapid coordination between the state and local jurisdictions. The governor also announced $50 million in new funding to address the crisis, as well as the appointment of the governor’s senior emergency management advisor Clay Stamp to lead the Opioid Operational Command Center, which is mobilizing all available resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery.

The new website, BeforeItsTooLateMD.org, can be accessed through the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office website at www.firstsheriff.com.

05/09/17 - 05/12/17 - On View Arrests, Warrants, Criminal Summons Services, and Juvenile Arrests

Sanders, Keon Williams

05/09/17 - Trespassing Private Property – Deputy First Class V. Pontorno observed the suspect Keon Williams Sanders, age 29, of Lexington Park, MD, on the property of Millison Plaza after being duly notified not to do so via a “No Trespass” notice issued by Deputy First Class V. Pontorno.  The suspect was issued a Uniform Criminal Citation for Trespassing on Private Property.   CCN# 24611-17

Stokes, Erin Neveal

05/10/17 –Possession CDS, not Marijuana and Possession Paraphernalia – Deputy First Class D. Potter observed a  passenger vehicle occupied by two subjects parked on the side of the road.  The deputy was passing back through the community when he saw the subjects  still inside of the vehicle.  A check of the vehicle's temporary registration revealed there was no record found through the Motor Vehicle Administration. An additional investigation revealed the vehicle's temporary registration was expired and the vehicle was unregistered.  While the deputy was speaking with the occupants, he observed the suspect pick up a folded white piece of paper from the cup holder in the vehicle and drop it between herself and the driver side seat.  The driver, suspect Erin Neveal Stokes, 25 of Lexington Park, MD, initially provided a family member's name instead of her own.  The investigation revealed the true identity of the suspect and that the folded piece of paper contained suspected Heroin.  The suspect was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where she was charged with Possession CDS, not Marijuana and Possession paraphernalia.  CCN# 24737-17

Williamson, Brian Alan

05/10/17 – Fail to comply with a Peace Order – Deputies responded to the 21000 block of Liberty St., Lexington Park, MD, for a reported violation of a Peace Order.  Deputy First Class R. Beyer located the suspect Brian Alan Williamson, 48 of Lexington Park, MD, within the residence.  The investigation revealed a Peace Order was served on the suspect on May 10, 2017, at  6:30 p.m. by Deputy J. Smith.  The suspect was then located at the residence on May 10, 2017, at approximately 9:06 p.m., in direct violation of the Peace Order.  Deputy First Class R. Beyer arrested the suspect and transported him to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Violation of a Peace Order.   CCN# 24800-17

Huffin, Tavon Irving

Peterson, Brandon DJ

05/11/17 – Possession of CDS, not Marijuana – Deputy Sidorowicz responded to the Comfort Inn located in the 21000 block of Three Notch Rd., Lexington Park, MD, for the report of two subjects passed out inside of a truck in the parking lot.  Witnesses report that although the vehicle was parked, the driver's foot was stuck on the peddle causing it to accelerate.  When deputies arrived on the scene, the fire department was putting out a fire underneath the hood of the vehicle, and both suspects were alert and sitting on the curb. The investigation revealed both suspects were unconscious inside the vehicle and the engine area was on fire when fire personnel arrived.  Fire department personnel woke both suspects, identified as Tavon Irving Huffin, 25 of Lexington Park, MD, and Brandon DJ Peterson, 31 of Mechanicsville, MD.  Fire department personnel identified Peterson as the operator of the vehicle and Huffin as the passenger.  Deputy D. Sidorowicz confiscated suspected Heroin and related paraphernalia from the suspects and inside the vehicle.  Both suspects were arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where they were charged with Possession of CDS, not Marijuana. CCN# 24940-17

Fuller, Mary Lee

05/12/17 – Assault 1^st Degree – Deputies responded to the 41000 block of Courthouse Dr., Leonardtown, MD, for a reported domestic disturbance.  Deputies made contact with the parties involved who indicated they were engaged in a verbal fight. The victim advised the suspect, Mary Lee Fuller, 29 of Leonardtown, MD, threw the victim’s belongings into the hallway.  The suspect still enraged, grabbed a kitchen knife lunging several times at the victim in an attempt to stab the victim.  The victim was able to exit the residence and call 911 after the suspect threw hot coffee in the victim's face.  At the conclusion of Deputy M. McCuen’s investigation, he placed the suspect under arrest and transported her to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where she was charged with Assault 1^st Degree.  It was also discovered the suspect had an active Arrest Warrant for Assault 2^nd Degree, which was served at the time of arrest.  CCN# 25201-17

Savoy, Machiavelli Tyzhae

05/12/17 – Assault 2^nd Degree – Deputy First Class V. Pontorno responded to the 46000 block of Midway Dr., Lexington Park, MD, for an alleged assault. The investigation revealed the victim was angry with the suspect, Machiavelli Tyzhae Savoy, 19 of Lexington Park, MD, and threw his clothes into the trash can.  The suspect then donned a boxing glove and punched the victim in the face twice.  Deputy First Class V. Pontorno arrested the suspect and transported him to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Assault 2^nd Degree.   CCN# 25138-17



Warrant Services:

Knott, Carlonte Antoine

05/11/17 – Carlonte Antoine Knott, 25 of Hollywood, MD, was arrested on a District Court Warrant for Theft of $1000 to under $10,000.  Arrested by Deputy T. Payne – CCN# 23485-17

Armstrong, Latasha Renee

05/11/17 – Latasha Renee Armstrong, 30 of Lexington Park, MD, was arrested on a District Court Warrant for Confining Unattended Child.  Arrested by Deputy G. Muschette – CCN# 19748-17

Criminal Summons Services:

Tifany Nycole Gross, 41 of Lexington Park, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Threats of Arson.  Served by Deputy J. Davis – CCN# 23741-17

Clifton Leon Shorter Jr., 25 of LaPlata, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Theft less $1000.  Served by Deputy D. Holdsworth – CCN#7130-17

Anthony (nmn) Young, 49 of St. Leonard, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons for Assault 2^nd Degree.  Served by Deputy P. Henry – CCN# 24410-17

04/26/17 – 14-year-old male juvenile of Mechanicsville, MD, was arrested at Chopticon High School for Assault 2^nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities. Arrested by School Resource Officer, Corporal A. Holton - CCN# 22214-17

05/13/17 - 05/15/17 - On-view Arrests, Warrant Services, Criminal Summons Services, and Juvenile Arrests





Kitchen, Nathaniel Richard

05/13/17 – Assault 2^nd Degree - Deputies responded to the 19000 block of Greens Crossing Court in Great Mills, MD, for a reported assault.  The investigation revealed the victim and the suspect, Nathaniel Richard Kitchen, 18 of Great Mills, MD, initially engaged in mutual horseplay.  The situation escalated when the suspect knocked the victim down causing the victim to strike their head on the floor, rendering the victim temporarily unconscious.  When the victim regained consciousness, the physical confrontation continued between the suspect and victim. There were visible signs of injuries. Corporal J. Stone arrested and transported the suspect to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Assault 2^nd Degree. CCN# 25283-17

Bertsch, Kevin Preston

05/13/17 – Dangerous Weapon – Conceal – Deputy First Class R. Steinbach was conducting a patrol check of the St. Georges Island Boat Ramp in Piney Point, MD, at approximately 3:30 a.m., on May 13, 2017.  During the patrol check, the deputy observed a motor vehicle in the parking lot. The wharf is duly posted with signs indicating the wharf and parking lot are closed from sunset to sunrise.  Upon making contact with the six occupants inside, Deputy First Class R. Steinbach detected the distinct odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.  The deputy had the driver, suspect Kevin Preston Bertsch, 18 of Great Mills, MD, exit the vehicle.  Upon the suspect exiting the vehicle, Deputy First Class R. Steinbach observed what appeared to be a handgun partially underneath the driver’s seat.  Additional investigation determined what originally appeared to be a handgun, was actually a pellet pistol designed to look like a Glock handgun.  Additionally, a set of metal knuckles and less than 10 grams of Marijuana was also located in the vehicle.  The suspect was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was issued a Civil Citation for Possession of Marijuana less than 10 grams and criminally charged with Concealing a Dangerous Weapon.   CCN# 25240-17

Morgan, Thomas Ronald

05/14/17 – CDS: Possession not Marijuana/CDS: Possession Paraphernalia/Multiple Traffic Citations – Deputy First Class R. Steinbach initiated a traffic stop for a minor traffic infraction.  Upon contact with the driver, suspect Thomas Ronald Morgan, 51 of Piney Point, MD, the deputy learned the suspect's license status and privilege to drive in Maryland was suspended and revoked.  The registration plates on the vehicle were suspended as well.  During contact with Morgan, Deputy Steinbach observed in plain view, within the vehicle, a metal smoking device containing suspected crack cocaine residue.  The suspect was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession, not Marijuana/CDS: Possession Paraphernalia and issued multiple traffic citations. Citations – CCN# 25381-17

Goss, Earl Keith

05/14/17 – Violation of Protective Order and Malicious Destruction of Property valued over $1000 –Deputies responded to the 45000 block of Sayre Dr., Great Mills, MD, for a reported civil dispute.  Upon arrival, Deputy First Class A. Schultz met with the suspect Earl Keith Goss, 30 of Great Mills, MD, who was angered with the victims over a family issue.  During contact with the suspect and victims, the deputy learned a Temporary Protective Order had been issued and served on the Goss by Corporal J. Stone, prohibiting the suspect from being at the residence or on the grounds surrounding the residence.  While on the property, the suspect utilized a sharp object to create numerous puncture holes into the wall of a pool belonging to the victims.  The suspect was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Violation of Protective Order and Malicious Destruction of Property.  - CCN# 25485-17

Hemsley, Tracy Evan

05/14/17 – Malicious Destruction of property less than $1000 – Corporal J. Vezzosi had arrested the suspect Tracy Evan Hemsley, 23 of Lexington Park, MD, for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.  During the transport to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, the suspect began to forcefully kick the plastic divider installed in the police vehicle.  The suspect then spits on the surface of the windows, leaving bodily fluids.  Once at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, the suspect was additionally charged with Malicious Destruction of Property.   – CCN# 25480-17

Panholzer, Paul Daniel

05/15/17 - Assault 2^nd Degree and Assault 2^nd Degree on DOC Employee ETC – Deputy J. Smith responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center for a reported Assault.  The investigation revealed the suspect, Paul Daniel Panholzer, 33 of Lexington Park, MD, attacked another inmate by attempting to strike the victim with a closed fist leading to a fight between the suspect and victim. The suspect was arrested and charged with Assault 2^nd Degree and Assault 2^nd Degree on DOC Employee ETC.  – CCN# 25681-17

Warrant Services:

Barnes, Eugene William
(File Photo)

05/14/17 – Eugene William Barnes, 43 of Lexington Park, MD, was arrested on a Parole Retake Warrant and served a Criminal Summons for Assault 2^nd Degree.  Arrested by Deputy C. Edwards.

Cromwell, Hernondez Diangelo

05/14/17 – Hernondez Diangelo Cromwell, 36 of Clinton, MD, was arrested on a District Court Arrest Warrant for Assault 2^nd Degree.  Arrested by Deputy First Class J. Maguire

Criminal Summons:

 

05/13/17 – Molly Rebecca Raymond, 25 of Baltimore, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons with Theft less $100 and Burglary 4^th Degree.  CCN# 3314-17 - Served by Deputy B. Fennessey

05/13/17 – Bryan Wayne Duvall, 47 of Lexington Park, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons with Disorderly Conduct.  CCN# 21220-17 - Served by Corporal J. Vezzosi

05/13/17 – Antonio Javon Bowen, 27 of Lexington Park, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons with Credit Card Theft and Theft under $1000.  CCN# 14791-17 – Served by Corporal M. Worrey

 05/13/17 – Troy Allen Jones, 24 of Hollywood, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons with Unlawfully receiving a Credit Card and (two counts) Theft less $1000.  CCN# 20443-17 – Served by Corporal M. Worrey

05/13/17 – David Michael Smith, 51 of Callaway, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons with Theft less $1000. CCN# 22123-17 – Served by Deputy S. Bowie

05/15/17 – Alexa Taylor Smith, 21 of St. Inigoes, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons with Theft Scheme less $1000 and (3 counts) Theft under $1000.  CCN# 18068-17 – Served by Corporal J. Yingling

05/15/17 – Venusia Marin Ellis, 43 of Lexington Park, MD, was charged on a Criminal Summons with (2 counts) Assault 2^nd Degree//(3 counts) Malicious Destruction of Property valued under $1000 and Malicious Destruction of Property valued over $1000.  CCN# 24969-17 – Served by Deputy First Class B. Gaskill

05/11/17 – A 17-year-old male juvenile, of Lexington Park, MD, was arrested for Assault 2^nd Degree. CCN# 25004-17 – Arrested by Deputy G. Muschette

05/12-17 – A 12-year-old male juvenile, of Lexington Park, MD, was arrested for Vandalism inside of a residence.  CCN# 20380-17 – Arrested by Deputy A. Schultz

05/14/17 –  A 14-year-old male juvenile and 17-year-old male juvenile, both of California, MD, were arrested for Burglary, Vandalism, and Theft to several California, MD, businesses.  CCN# 18642-17 – Arrested by Deputy P. Robinson



Suspect Charged with Rape by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office

On May 11, 2017, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a reported rape in Lexington Park. The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect, Rainier Nazal Dizon, age 35, forcibly raped the victim. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division continued the investigation and gathered evidence that supported the victim’s account of events. 

An arrest warrant was obtained for Rainier for First Degree Rape, Second Degree Rape, Third Degree Offense, and Second Degree Assault.

He was arrested and remains at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center on a no bond status.

Rainier Nazal Dizon

Special Olympics: The light of spirit, knowledge and life

A neat connection: 

Correctional Officer Edelen has been with the #SMCSO for three years. While at Chopticon High School, she actively participated in the Best Buddies Program where she was paired with Arielle Gray.

Edelen said, "We clicked immediately and became best friends." Even though she has graduated and is now pursuing her career, she makes it a point to attend the Special Olympics to show her support for Arielle.

They bowl together, play BOCCE, and even went to Arielle's program together. 

Congratulations! 

From Sheriff Tim Cameron and the men and women of the #SMCSO, congratulations to all the winners this year! 

Thank you, from a 1st-grade teacher at Dynard Elementary

Thank you, Ms. Morris and your students, it was our pleasure to meet with you! Your kinds words and personalized cards allow us to reflect on our dedication to this profession. 

"I want to thank you all so much again for coming out to my classroom

today! My kids loved it so much and were on cloud nine for the rest of the

day. It really meant a lot to them and myself. I think it was great that

they got to see the dogs and that they used the balls we gave them. It was

a great way for them to end their kindness project. I am so proud of my

students and it was one of my proudest moments as a teacher! I can't thank

you and all of the cops enough for all you do for our community."

- Ms. Morris 

#SMCSO Investigating Robberies in Lexington Park

Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects believed to be responsible for robberies in the Lexington Park area.

On May 6, 2017, at approximately 8:00 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office patrol division responded to Niko’s Pizza, St. Mary’s Square shopping center, in Lexington Park for a reported robbery. The investigation revealed two suspects robbed an employee of the business at gunpoint in the parking lot.

At approximately, 9:30 p.m., deputies responded to another call for a robbery. During this incident, a taxi cab driver was robbed at gunpoint while picking up two suspects from a nearby gas station.

Detectives believe the two suspects are responsible for both robberies. 

The Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene and is continuing the investigations.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Detective Trevor Teague at 301-475-4200, ext. 8128 or by email, Trevor.Teague@stmarysmd.com.

                                                                                                                                  

CRIME SOLVERS at 301.475.3333 or text a tip to "TIP239" plus your message to "CRIMES" (274637).

Calls to CRIME SOLVERS are NOT RECORDED.

CALLERS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

VIDEO SURVELIIANCE: https://youtu.be/mAU-0vn-BGQ

Incident Briefs – 5/16/2017

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 45000 block of Longfields Village Drive in California. The case is being investigated by Deputy D. Potter. CASE# 25648-17

Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a residence and stole property in the 30000 block of Mt. Wolf Way in Charlotte Hall. Corporal Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE#25731-17

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.

Incident Briefs – 5/12/2017 – 5/14/2017

5-12-2017

Property Destruction –  During the overnight hours, an unknown vehicle drove through off-road areas at Nicolet Park in Lexington Park causing damage to several fields. Lt. Jones is investigating the case. CASE# 25085-17

5-14-2017

Burglary – During the overnight hours, unknown suspect(s) entered a barn and stole property in the 45000 block of Drayden Road in Valley Lee. Deputy Davis is investigating the case. CASE# 25429-17

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.

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

On May 12, 2017, at 10:42 pm, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Thomas Rowe Lane for the report of a head-on, motor vehicle collision. Officers arrived on scene and discovered both involved operators deceased. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and continued the investigation.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 1999 Honda Accord operated by Latoya Shawnta Jordan, age 33, of Lexington Park, was traveling north on Three Notch Road. For unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed the centerline into the southbound lanes striking a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu operated by Calvin Dilmera Berry, age 33, of Leonardtown. An adult passenger and three juvenile passengers in the Honda Accord were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. 

The weather appears to be the contributing factor. If you have any information in reference to this collision please contact Deputy First Class James Maguire at 301-475-4200, ext. *8002