Sgt. Grumbles Retires from Sheriff's Office After 25 Years

Sgt. Cara Grumbles

Sgt. Cara Grumbles, a veteran of more than 25 years with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, retired from duty today, Jan. 23, 2020.

Sgt. Grumbles worked across numerous divisions of the Sheriff’s Office during her career in St. Mary’s County. Starting with the Sheriff’s Office on July 5, 1994, Grumbles graduated from the Southern Maryland Justice Academy in March 1995 and was assigned to the Patrol Division.

She was a Field Training Officer and Firearms Instructor, affectionately known over the years as “Mama Bear,” for taking younger officers under her wing and providing support, tutelage and supervision.

In 1998, Grumbles was assigned as a detective with the Criminal Investigations Division, working investigations on felony cases. She was later assigned to the Special Operations Division, first as an instructor at the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy and later as the supervisor of the Lexington Park Community Oriented Police (COPs) Unit.

From there, she moved to the Sheriff’s Office Administrative Division as the Public Information Officer and then assigned to the Office of Professional Responsibilities.

Sgt. Grumbles ended her career as a supervisor for Squad 2A in the Patrol Division.

“Sgt. Cara Grumbles was a steadfast, loyal and dedicated deputy throughout her impressive career here,” Sheriff Tim Cameron said. “We applaud and sincerely appreciate her time and commitment to our community here in St. Mary’s County. I wish her the best of luck in her new endeavors,” the Sheriff said.

Sgt. Grumbles “has made a profound impact on this agency in every position ever held and always took time to mentor and help those who served with her,” Capt. David Yingling, Commander of the Patrol Division, said. “She will be missed as an active member of the agency but will always be a member of our family.”

Home Invasion Arrests

On January 16, 2020, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown for the reported assault. Preliminary investigation determined three masked individuals forced entry into the 20-year-old male victim’s residence located in the 24400 block of Morgan Road in Hollywood, between the hours of 6-7 a.m. on January 16^th. Once inside the residence two of the suspects assaulted the victim by striking him repeatedly and one of the suspects, identified as Cody Dustin Combs, age 22 of Leonardtown, brandished a knife. 

During the assault the victim advised one of the suspects later identified to be Bryon Michael Bishop, age 22 of Leonardtown, pointed a handgun at him. The victim advised Combs and Bishop searched his belongings and ultimately all three suspects left the residence with property belonging to the victim. The third suspect in the incident has been identified as a 17-year-old female from Hollywood.  The victim advised he is familiar with the 17-year-old and Combs and therefore was able to identify both individuals during the assault. Bishop was identified as a suspect during the investigation.

All three suspects were arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged with the following:  

Home Invasion

Assault First Degree

Assault Second Degree

Burglary First Degree

Theft

All three suspects remain incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center on a no bond status. The juvenile female involved has been charged as an adult. Due to a recent change in Maryland law the name and photograph of the juvenile will not be released until the court makes a finding at the waiver hearing to determine the jurisdiction of this incident.

The victim was treated for numerous injuries sustained in the assault and has been released from the hospital.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Edward Vogt at (301) 475-4200 extension *8145 or by email at Edward.Vogt@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.

Cody Dustin Combs

Bryon Michael Bishop 

Deputy Fretwell Named as Deputy of the Third Quarter 2019

Sheriff Tim Cameron and the personnel of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office presented staff with awards for excellence during the third quarter of 2019 at a ceremony Wednesday morning.

Deputy of the Quarter:

Sheriff Tim Cameron and Deputy James Fretwell 

Deputy James Fretwell was named the Deputy of the Quarter for demonstrating a high level of activity in traffic enforcement. Deputy Fretwell led his patrol squad in the highest number of traffic stops during the quarter. He immediately took special interest in window-tint infractions upon being notified of Sheriff Cameron's concerns for officer safety. Deputy Fretwell was awarded for his excellent use of time management between traffic enforcement, calls in progress, calls for service and caseload management.

Commendation:

Sheriff Tim Cameron and Station Clerk Kelly Crosby  

Station Clerk Kelly Crosby was commended by the Criminal Investigations Division for her assistance in developing information about a suspect vehicle which led to the arrest of a suspect for attempted murder.

Sheriff's Salute:

Sheriff Tim Cameron, Corrections Sgt. Brian Gillingham and Deputy Dianne Hersh

Gillingham and Hersh were saluted for their attention to detail and teamwork in helping a potentially suicidal subject, which also resulted in the arrest of a wanted person.

Sheriff Tim Cameron and Detective Edward Vogt 

Detective Vogt was saluted for his expanded role in the Criminal Investigations Division in helping with caseloads on his days off, helping to conduct surveillance and assisting with search warrants.

Sheriff Tim Cameron and CO Jonathan Rosado 

CO Rosado was saluted for his observations at the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center of two inmates who were tattooing each other. The inmates handed over the contraband and were charged within the facility.

Sheriff Tim Cameron and Corrections Cpl. Vincent Shontere 

Correctional Officers Rosado and Shontere were saluted for their observations of an inmate attempting to conceal contraband. A strip search was conducted and a plastic bag of tobacco was recovered from the inmate.

Sheriff Tim Cameron and Corrections Cpl. Sebije Boyd 

Corrections Cpl. Boyd was saluted for her attention to detail and polite professional demeanor at the detention center. On many occasions, inmates have written letters to supervisors and command staff acknowledging Cpl. Boyd as an exceptional officer. 

Sheriff Tim Cameron and Crime Analyst Margaret Beall-Windsor 

Margaret (Elaine) Beall-Windsor was saluted for her persistence and determination which led to the arrest and charging of a suspect for a bank and liquor store robbery last year.

Cpl. Kristi Nelson (not pictured) is assigned to the town of Leonardtown and was saluted for her dedication, persistence and commitment to the Sheriff's Office, working tirelessly to ensure that the town is provided with the highest level of professionalism and service.

Wanted Wednesday: Deshawn Anthony Carey (Arrested Feb. 4, 2020)

Deshawn Anthony Carey 

On Wednesdays in 2020, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will be making posts on our social media pages for those wanted on open warrants for various offenses in the hopes that community members could have information about their whereabouts.

If you know where these offenders can be found, call the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

Citizens may also 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.

Deshawn Anthony Carey, 31 of Lexington Park

Wanted for Child Support warrant, offenses against family and children

Identity Needed for Vandalism Suspect

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the person driving the vehicle pictured in a vandalism investigation. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 at 10:38 pm, the image of the suspect vehicle was captured at the same time a projectile pierced the window of the Five Below store in California. A small white marble was recovered, believed to be the projectile.

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call DFC Dustin McClure at 301-475-4200, ext. 78038 or email dustin.mcclure@stmarysmd.com. Case # 2898-20

Citizens may remain anonymous and contact 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.

Identity Needed for Theft Suspect

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in a theft investigation. On Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020 at 2:07 pm, the suspect walked out of the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Lexington Park with a Chefman Air Fryer without paying for it. The suspect was last seen getting into the passenger side of a black SUV.

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Michael Graves at 301-475-4200, ext. 78101 or email michael.graves@stmarysmd.com. Case # 2930-20

Citizens may remain anonymous and contact 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/Criminal Citation/Juvenile Referrals

On View Arrests:

Assault-  On January 14, 2020, Dep. Lawrence made contact with the victim who advised of an assault that occurred earlier in the 22300 block of Douglas Court in California.  Investigation determined David Alexander Rivera, age 29 of California, assaulted the victim during an argument by grabbing the victim's arm, and forcibly removing the victim's watch from the victim's wrist.  Visible injury was observed to the victim and Rivera was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree.  CASE# 2672-20

David Alexander Rivera 

Assault-  On January 14, 2020, DFC. Budd responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Amanda Lynn Grumbine, age 36 of Lexington Park, assaulted the victim during an argument by striking the victim in the face, at which point a mutual confrontation between Grumbine and the victim took place.  Grumbine was charged with Assault 2nd Degree.  CASE# 2720-20

Amanda Lynn Grumbine 

Assault-  On January 15, 2020, Cpl. Handy responded to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined James Thomas Lanzi, age 28 of California, threw a bottle containing a beverage at the victim. The bottle did not strike the victim, however the beverage splashed onto the victim's face and clothing. Lanzi was charged with Assault 2nd Degree.  CASE# 2807-20

James Thomas Lanzi

Criminal Citation:

01/14/20- Logan Garrett Blado, age 20 of Mechanicsville- Malicious Destruction of Property by DFC. D. Smith# 297.  CASE# 2683-20 (No Photograph Available)

Juvenile Referrals: 

The following juveniles have been referred to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services:

A 14-year-old male from Hollywood for Second-Degree Assault on Dec. 18, 2019 by Cpl. Christopher Beyer. Case # 72416-19

A 15-year-old male from California for Unauthorized Removal of a Motor Vehicle, Theft: Less than $100 and Driving Without a License on Dec. 19, 209 by Deputy Robert Chase. Case # 72769-19

An 11-year-old male from Lexington Park for Second-Degree Assault on Dec. 20, 2019 by Cpl. Beyer. Case # 67527-19

An 11-year-old female from Lexington Park for Second-Degree Assault on Dec. 20, 2019 by Cpl. Beyer. Case # 72919-19

A 15-year-old female from Lexington Park for Second-Degree Assault and Disruption of School Activities on Dec. 20, 2019 by DFC Gerard Muschette. Case # 72905-19

A 12-year-old female from Lexington Park for Second-Degree Assault on Dec. 20, 2019 by Cpl. Beyer. Case # 71179-19

A 16-year-old male from Lexington Park for two counts of Second-Degree Assault on Dec. 22, 2019 by Cpl. Sheena Tirpak. Case # 73211-19

A 15-year-old male from St. Inigoes for Malicious Destruction of Property on Dec. 26, 2019 by Deputy Benjamin Raley. Case # 74062-19

A 16-year-old from California for Second-Degree Assault on Dec. 26, 2019 by Cpl. Michael Worrey. Case # 74066-19

A 15-year-old from Mechanicsville for Second-Degree Assault on Dec. 31, 2019 by Deputy Dianne Hersh. Case # 74923-19

Hollywood Man Wanted for Escape

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of James William Blackiston III, age 27 of Hollywood.  Blackiston is currently wanted for Escape Second Degree after removing his tracking device while on pretrial release, for the charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute.  Blackiston is a black male, 5’11” and weighs 170 pounds; he has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of James William Blackiston III is asked to contact Detective Trevor Teague at (301) 475-4200 extension *8128 or by email at Trevor.Teague@stmarysmd.com. For immediate assistance contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008.

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.

James William Blackiston III

St. Mary's Sheriff's Office Welcomes 10 New Deputies

Sheriff Tim Cameron and the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office welcomed 10 new deputies to the agency this week. The deputies took the oath of office on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at the St. Mary's County Circuit Courthouse and graduated in a class of 30 peace officers on Saturday from the Police Entrance Level Training Program Session 47 of the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy.

Deputy David Katulich was first in the class for Physical Training and Deputy Michael Myers Jr. was first in the class for Firearms and Vehicle Operation.

The new deputies serving St. Mary's County are:

John Gardiner, Blake Haas, Nicholas Hill, Zachary Jerew, David Katulich, Michael Myers Jr., Christopher Palmer, Michael Walker Jr., Richard Wilhelmi and Jessica Wilson. Welcome! 

Taking the oath of office

Sheriff Tim Cameron congratulates 10 new deputies

Deputy John Gardiner and his father Lt. Michael Gardiner

Deputy Jessica Wilson has her badge pinned on by her husband

Handgun on School Property

On January 17, 2020, School Resource Officer, Corporal Angela Delozier was working a basketball game at Leonardtown High School located at 23995 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. Cpl. Delozier was alerted to suspicious activity involving a group of juveniles by staff at the game.  Cpl. Delozier and staff from the St. Mary’s County Public Schools immediately moved the juveniles to a secure location away from students and spectators and began an investigation.  During the investigation, Cpl. Delozier located a loaded handgun on a 17-year-old male juvenile, from Mechanicsville. 

The juvenile was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged as an adult with the following:

Carry and Possess a Handgun on School Property

Did Carry and Transport Loaded Handgun on Person

Wear and Carry a Dangerous Weapon-Conceal

Possession of Regulated Firearm- Individual Under 21

Disruption of School Activities

The juvenile remains incarcerated at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center awaiting an appearance before the District Court Commissioner.  Due to a recent change in Maryland law, the name and photograph of the juvenile will not be released until the court makes a finding at the waiver hearing to determine the jurisdiction of this incident.

This investigation is ongoing and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to collaborate with the St. Mary’s County Public Schools to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.  

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.