UPDATE: At Risk Missing Person Located-Bland

 UPDATE: After an extensive search Gailliard Hunt Bland III, was located at approximately 11:50 a.m. in the woods near Three Notch Trail and Whalen Road in Charlotte Hall.   Calvert K-9 Search Team handler Jen Donaldson and her K-9 partner Butters, along with Corporal Brandon Foor from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, located Bland in the woods near a retention pond. Bland had become incapacitated yesterday and was unable to walk or make his way back to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Bland was transported to an area trauma center for evaluation and treatment.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Calvert K-9 Search Team, the Mechanicville and Hughesville Fire Departments and St. Mary’s County Emergency Services for their assistance in the search and successful recovery of Gailliard Bland. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Gailliard Hunt Bland III, age 72 of Charlotte Hall. Bland checked out of his assisted-living facility on February 14, 2022, and was last seen traveling on foot in the area, near a path at the wood line. Bland was wearing a blue zip-up fleece jacket, gray sweatpants, black shoes, and a blue/black ball cap. Bland is a black male, 6’3” and weighs 150 pounds with brown eyes and gray hair.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gailliard Hunt Bland III is asked to 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

Gailliard Hunt Bland III

UPDATE- AT Risk Missing Person Located-Gailliard Bland

UPDATE: After an extensive search Gailliard Hunt Bland III, was located at approximately 11:50 a.m. in the woods near Three Notch Trail and Whalen Road in Charlotte Hall.   Calvert K-9 Search Team handler Jen Donaldson and her K-9 partner Butters, along with Corporal Brandon Foor from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, located Bland in the woods near a retention pond. Bland had become incapacitated yesterday and was unable to walk or make his way back to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Bland was transported to an area trauma center for evaluation and treatment.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Calvert K-9 Search Team, the Mechanicville and Hughesville Fire Departments and St. Mary’s County Emergency Services for their assistance in the search and successful recovery of Gailliard Bland. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Gailliard Hunt Bland III, age 72 of Charlotte Hall. Bland checked out of his assisted-living facility on February 14, 2022, and was last seen traveling on foot in the area, near a path at the wood line. Bland was wearing a blue zip-up fleece jacket, gray sweatpants, black shoes, and a blue/black ball cap. Bland is a black male, 6’3” and weighs 150 pounds with brown eyes and gray hair.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gailliard Hunt Bland III is asked to 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

Gailliard Hunt Bland III

School Resource Officers Serve as Mentors to Students

The School Resource Officers of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office 

 

Cpl. Gerard Muschette 

Today, Feb. 15, 2022, is National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, established by the National Association of School Resource Officers.

All three public high schools and four public middle schools in St. Mary’s County have School Resource Officers assigned to them, provided by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, a program that first began locally in the 1998-1999 school year.  

Corporal Gerard Muschette has been the School Resource Officer at Great Mills High School for three years. It was an assignment that the Corporal sought out voluntarily.

“I wanted to help the kids. I saw a problem in some of our youth,” in the challenges they faced, “not having a good direction,” Muschette said.

Muschette said he personally speaks to students each school day, not just about problems they may be having, but about issues in everyday life. There are about 1,700 students attending the school.  

The most rewarding part of his job as a School Resource Officer “is seeing the transformation of the kids,” Muschette said, in seeing them overcome challenges, seeing them mature, seeing them graduate and having a career or educational plan after high school – “seeing these kids grow into young men and women and knowing I’m a part of that,” he said.

“It’s going to take the community to make sure our kids, who are our future, continue to go on the right path,” he said.

Cpl. Muschette has been with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for eight years, is a School Resource Officer, a member of the Emergency Services Team and also coaches football at Great Mills High School.

Captain Steven Hall, Commander of the Special Operations Division, which oversees the School Resource Officers, said, "I am proud of all of our School Resource Officers and the important role they play in the daily lives of students. Our officers serve as mentors, problem solvers and positive role models; they truly make a difference in students' lives."   

DFC Artina Alvey is the School Resource Officer for Margaret Brent Middle School.

DFC Artina Alvey

Cpl. Shaun Carberry is the School Resource Officer for Leonardtown Middle School.

Cpl. Shaun Carberry 

Deputy Robert Chase is the School Resource Officer for Esperanza Middle School.

Deputy Robert Chase 

Cpl. Jaime Davis is the School Resource Officer for Leonardtown High School.

Cpl. Jaime Davis 

Cpl. Blaine Gaskill is the School Resource Officer for Chopticon High School.

Cpl. Blaine Gaskill 

Cpl. Dustin McClure is the School Resource Officer for Spring Ridge Middle School.

Cpl. Dustin McClure 

The National Association of School Resource Officers said that local School Resource Officers serve as important conduits between youth, law enforcement and the community and that officers “deserve unwavering respect and support from the public in the pursuit of keeping schools and students safe.”

 

Vice/Narcotics Arrests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

On February 11, 2022, detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Division were in the 46000 block of Columbus Drive in Lexington Park, and observed a drug transaction involving armed individuals. When approached by deputies, numerous individuals fled on foot, and one vehicle involved fled the area. Deputies pursued the individuals on foot through the neighborhood and two were located and subsequently taken into custody. The suspects were identified as Zahlir Daylin Gantt, age 19 of Lexington Park and Jontae Lamont Proctor, age 18 of Leonardtown.

A search of the area where Gantt and Proctor were taken into custody yielded two handguns. A jacket was also recovered which contained a handgun magazine.

Gantt and Proctor were transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, and charged with the following:

Loaded Handgun on Person

Handgun on Person

Regulated Firearm-Illegal Possession

Illegal Possession Ammunition

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

Zahlir Daylin Gantt

Jontae Lamont Proctor 

Shootings in Lexington Park Under Investigation

 

On February 10, 2022, at 8:44 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 21000 block of Spring Valley Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported shooting. Deputies arrived on scene and located two victims who advised while traveling on Spring Valley Drive, their vehicles were shot, and both vehicles sustained damage. No injuries were reported from the shootings.

While deputies were still on scene investigating the initial reported shootings, another shooting was reported at 9:15 p.m. in the area of Midway Drive and Great Mills Road. A male victim, age 23 of Lexington Park, was located suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. The victim advised deputies he was driving on Great Mills Road, near Midway Drive, when he was shot. The victim was transported via helicopter to an area trauma center for treatment.

Detectives and Crime Lab personnel from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and continued the investigations. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective James Bare at (301) 475-4200 extension 78118 or by email at James.Bare@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.

 

Missing Person-Mullins

 LOCATED: Dana Lee Mullins has been located. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Dana Lee Mullins, age 38 of Piney Point. Mullins was last seen on foot in the Hollywood area on February 7, 2022. Mullins is a white female, 5’5” and weighs 140 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dana Lee Mullins is asked to 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.

Dana Lee Mullins 

 

Driver Safety Program Webinar

 

Driver Safety Webinar and Traffic Stop Practice Training Session   EVERYONE feels anxiety when they see that police car light up behind them. You begin to wonder, “Am I in trouble?” “What did I do wrong?”. In that moment, slowing down your brain and thinking about what you need to do can be difficult. It's time to start thinking about what you should do BEFORE you get pulled over. The goal is to have a safe interaction during a traffic stop. Watch the 1-hour webinar and then attend a live practice session where you can practice being pulled over with local Police Officers. This program is for licensed drivers, drivers with a learner’s permit (with the required supervision), or drivers with a passenger with a disability that might be anxious about traffic stops. The webinar and practice session are both free to attend, but registration is required.  Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Practice session location: Ripken Stadium, 873 Long Drive, Aberdeen, MD 21001 Free to attend. Reserve your Practice Session time slot here. Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Practice session location: Oakdale High School, 5850 Eaglehead Drive, Ijamsville, MD 21754 Free to attend. Reserve your Practice Session time slot here. Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm - La Plata, MD - REGISTRATION COMING SOON.

Identity Needed for Theft Suspects

 

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the suspects pictured in a theft investigation. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 at 6 pm, the suspects picked up a white backpack, placed clothing and a pair of athletic shoes in it and left the Dick's Sporting Goods store in Lexington Park without paying for the items. The suspects were last seen leaving in a black Mercedes, possibly with a Virginia tag. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy Taylor-Lynn Kril at 301-475-4200, ext. 8006 or email taylor-lynn.kril@stmarysmd.com. Case # 55445-21 

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.

Arrest Made in Lexington Park Robberies

 

UPDATE: On February 9, 2022, detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrested David William Hower Jr., age 27 of Lexington Park for numerous robberies. Hower was charged with the following:

Armed Robbery (three counts)

Assault First Degree (three counts)

Theft (three counts)

Investigation determined on December 18, 2021, Hower entered the Papa John’s Pizza located in the 21600 block of Great Mills Road, in Lexington Park armed with a knife, and demanded money. Hower then fled the scene on foot. On January 25, 2022, Hower again entered the Papa John’s Pizza, armed with a knife, and demanded money. During the second robbery an employee of the business sustained a laceration to the arm.

On January 29, 2022, Hower entered the Dollar General located in the 21400 block of Great Mills Road, in Lexington Park armed with a knife, and demanded money.  Following the robbery, Hower fled the scene on foot. Hower concealed his face in all three robberies.

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

David William Hower Jr.

 

Original Release: On January 25, 2022, at approximately 9:40 p.m., a white male armed with a knife and wearing a mask entered the Papa John’s Pizza, located in the 21600 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, and demanded money. During the robbery, an employee of the business sustained a laceration to the arm and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the scene on foot. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit responded to the scene and searched the area with negative results.

 

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Trevor Teague at (301) 475-4200 extension 78128 or by email at Trevor.Teague@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.

 

Download and Share the St. Mary's Sheriff's Office mobile app: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a48820650

 

On View Arrests/Warrants/Criminal Citations Issued/Juvenile Referrals

On View Arrests:

Burglary- On February 4, 2022, Dep. C. Hill responded to the 21800 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, for the reported burglary. An employee of the business advised someone was utilizing a hotel room that was not rented due to a mechanical issue. Deputies located Destiny Marie Ayres, age 20 of no fixed address inside the hotel room. Ayres was arrested and charged with Burglary 4th Degree. 

Destiny Marie Ayres

Malicious Destruction of Property- On February 5, 2022, Dep. Fleenor responded to the 23000 block of Three Notch Road in California, for the reported property destruction. Investigation determined Michael Tyree Mitchell, age 39 of Great Mills, entered the bathroom at the business and began throwing toilet and urinal inserts around the bathroom. Mitchell then exited the bathroom and began spitting on the floor and threw a rock, striking furniture at the business. Mitchell was located in the area and arrested. Mitchell was charged with Malicious Destruction of Property. 

Michael Tyree Mitchell

Disorderly Conduct/Fraud to Avoid Prosecution- On February 5, 2022, Dep. Mattera responded to the Wawa located in the 23000 block of Three Notch Road California for crowd control. While on scene, a large disturbance/fight broke out inside the store. Candace Lorain Plater, age 33 of Lexington Park, was observed assaulting a female; the victim fled the scene before she was identified. During the incident OC spray was deployed and many involved in the disturbance also fled the scene. Plater went outside to the parking lot, and began arguing and causing a verbal disturbance with patrons. Plater attempted to fight numerous females in the parking lot and had to be retrained by deputies. Plater then provided a false name to deputies on scene and remained uncooperative. Plater was positively identified and arrested. Plater was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Affray and Fraud- Personal Identity to Avoid Prosecution. 

Candace Lorain Plater

 Trespassing- On February 6, 2022, Dep. Tasciotti responded to the 25500 block of Pt. Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported disturbance. Investigation determined a female individual was asked to leave by employees repeatedly and refused to do so. Deputies identified the individual to be Dana Lee Mullins, age 38 of no fixed address. Deputies advised Mullins to leave the premise and she refused. Mullins was arrested and charged with Trespass: Private Property. 

Dana Lee Mullins

Assault- On February 7, 2022, Dep. Deinert responded to the St. Mary's County Detention Center and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, for the reported assault. Investigation determined Robert Maurice Scriber, age 49 of no fixed address, was involved in a mutual assault with Leonard Charles Hall III, age 27 of Lusby.  Both Scriber and Hall were charged with Assault 2nd Degree. During the incident Deandre Marquise Robinson, age 30 of Bowie, pushed the victim against a wall when the victim attempted to break up the fight between Scriber and Hall. Robinson was charged with Assault 2nd Degree. 

Robert Maurice Scriber

Leonard Charles Hall III

Deandre Marquise Robinson

Trespassing/Resist Arrest- On February 8, 2022, Dep. Wimberly responded to the 46000 block of Lexington Village Way in California, for the reported trespassing. Investigation determined Michael Tyree Mitchell, age 39 of Great Mills, was inside the business after previously being served a notice not to trespass. Deputies attempted to take Mitchell into custody, however he refused to comply and spit repeatedly on Dep. Wimberly's patrol vehicle. Mitchell was taken into custody and charged with Trespass: Private Property, Property Destruction, and Resist/Interfere with Arrest. 

Michael Tyree Mitchell

Warrants Served:

02/04/22- Tyrell Lamar Douglas, age 24 of Lexington Park- Failure to Appear/Assault 1st Degree by Dep. Kirscht# 395. 

Tyrell Lamar Douglas

02/05/22- Austin Alexander Bronson, age 27 of Lusby- Driving While Suspended and Theft by Dep. Mattera# 375. 

Austin Alexander Bronson

02/07/22- Marshall Howard Carr, age 57 of California- Theft, Theft Scheme and Credit Card: Steal Another's by Dep. Morgan# 384. 

Marshall Howard Carr

Criminal Citations Issued: 

02/05/22- Kalvin Ronnell Blowe, age 31 of Lexington Park- CDS: Possession- Marijuana Greater than 10 Grams by Dep. Kirscht# 395. 

02/06/22- Randi Leigh Becker, age 29 of Mechanicsville- Theft by Cpl. Hartzell# 97.

02/07/22- Anthony Lydell Green, age 60 of Lexington Park- Theft by DFC. Shelko# 326.  

Juvenile Referrals:

02/02/22- Male age 13 of Lexington Park- Disruption of School Activities by Cpl. McClure# 299. 

02/02/22- Female age 14 of Chaptico- Assault 2nd Degree, Threats, Disruption of School Activities by DFC. Alvey# 275. 

02/02/22- Female age 12 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree and Disruption of School Activities by Cpl. McClure# 299. 

02/03/22- Female age 12 of Lexington Park- Assault 2nd Degree by Cpl. McClure# 299.

02/09/22- Female age 15 of Hollywood- Assault 2nd Degree by Dep. Luffey# 352. 

02/10/22- Male age 17 of Lexington Park- CDS: Possession-Marijuana Greater than 10 Grams.