Lexington Park Man Arrested With Stolen Handgun

 

On September 20, 2022, DFC. Wimberly conducted a vehicle stop in the 21900 block of Spring Valley Drive in Lexington Park. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Rondell James Thompson, age 23 of Lexington Park. During the vehicle stop, Thompson proceeded to drive away, and ultimately stopped the vehicle and fled on foot. Thompson was quickly apprehended and located in the vehicle was a loaded handgun with a 50 round drum magazine (high-capacity magazine). Investigation determined the handgun recovered was reported stolen in August of 2021. In the trunk of the vehicle was a bookbag which contained a sufficient quantity of suspected marijuana.

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

Regulated Firearm: Stolen

Assault Weapon/Magazine Use

Loaded Handgun on Person

Handgun in Vehicle

CDS: Possession of Firearms

Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person

Thompson remains incarcerated at the detention center on a no-bond status.

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.

Rondell James Thompson

Recovered Handgun and Drum Magazine

 

Identity Needed for Serial Theft Suspect

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured and the drivers of the affiliated vehicles in a serial-theft investigation. On Monday, July 4, 2022, and Saturday, July 9, 2022, the suspect loaded up carts with merchandise and fled the California Target store without paying for them. On both occasions, the suspect had others pick him up in the vehicles pictured. On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 7 pm, the suspect once again entered the Target store and loaded up a cart with items and was headed for the exit when he abandoned the cart and fled the store. 

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects or these incidents is asked to call Deputy James Morgan at 301-475-4200, ext. 78170 or email james.morgan@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case numbers 33937-22, 35482-22 and 38600-22 

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.

2009 Toyota Camry CE with Maryland tags

2005 Buick LeCrosse with Maryland tags 

  

Theft Suspect-ID Sought

 Oct. 4 update: The suspect has been identified. 

On July 31, 2022, at 2:22 a.m. the pictured suspect utilized a stolen credit card to make purchases at the Wawa located in the 22500 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park. 

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Deputy Max Schell at (301) 475-4200 extension 78175 or by email at Max.Schell@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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.

 

Theft Suspect- Identification Sought

 

On June 25, 2022, at approximately 7:45 p.m. the pictured suspect left the Lexington Park Big Lots located in the 21800 block of North Shangri-La Drive in Lexington Park, with items he did not purchase. A store employee followed the individual outside and recovered the stolen items.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Deputy Robert Chase at (301) 475-4200 extension 78079 or by email at Robert.Chase@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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.

Stolen Motorcycles in Mechanicsville Under Investigation

 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on the whereabouts of two stolen motorcycles. On September 16, 2022, at approximately 4:00 a.m. suspects stole two motorcycles from a shed in the 38000 block of Harding Way in Mechanicsville. The stolen motorcycles, a 2022 Yamaha YZ85 and a 2001 Suzuki RM250, were loaded onto the pictured white Ford Ranger and were later seen in Baltimore City.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the motorcycles or suspects involved is asked to contact Deputy Jessica Wilson at (301) 475-4200 extension 78138 or by email at Jessica.Wilson@stmaryscountymd.gov.  

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.

Suspect Vehicle

Stolen Suzuki Motorcycle

 

10 Miles of Route 5 Dedicated to Sheriff Joseph Lee Somerville Sr.

 

Sheriff Cameron and Delores Somerville 

Sheriff Tim Cameron, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, the Maryland State Highway Administration, Maryland Senator Jack Bailey, Maryland Delegate Brian Crosby, Maryland Delegate Matt Morgan, the St. Mary's County Commissioners, several active and retired judges and the family of Sheriff Joseph Lee Somerville Sr. gathered on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, to celebrate the dedication of 10 miles of Route 5 after the Sheriff. 

The section of Route 5 from its intersection with Hollywood Road in Leonardtown to its intersection with Route 235 in Mechanicsville was dedicated in honor of Sheriff Joseph Lee Somerville. 

Sheriff Somerville became the first black deputy in St. Mary’s County when he joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1966. Deputy Somerville, a native of Loveville, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1976. The following year, Lt. Somerville was appointed by Governor Marvin Mandel to continue the term of Sheriff George Sanger, who passed away unexpectedly. Sworn in on the steps of the courthouse in Leonardtown on March 1, 1977, Sheriff Somerville became the first black Sheriff in St. Mary’s County and in the state of Maryland. In 1978, Sheriff Somerville successfully ran for election to the office, becoming the county’s and state’s first elected black Sheriff. He was also the sixth black Sheriff in the United States at the time.

 Sheriff Somerville retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 1982. He continued to live in St. Mary’s County and two of his son’s followed in their father’s footsteps as St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies. He died on April 1, 2021 at the age of 81.

Two of his sons, Kevin and Joe Lee Jr., followed in his footsteps and served with the St. Mary's Sheriff's Office as well. 

Sheriff Cameron, Joseph Lee Somerville Jr., Kevin Somerville, Sgt. Brian Connelly and Cpl. Kenneth Flerlage

Joseph Lee Somerville Jr. speaks about his father

Cpl. Andrew Holton and Sheriff Cameron are the only two personnel still with the agency that were hired by Sheriff Somerville 

Sen. Jack Bailey and the Somerville family

Del. Brian Crosby addresses the audience

Del. Matt Morgan makes remarks 

Chaplain Gwen Bankins addresses the audience 

Collision in Tall Timbers Under Investigation

 

On September 15, 2022, at 3:47 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 18000 block of Piney Point Road and Tall Timbers Road in Tall Timbers, for the reported collision involving a motorcycle. Preliminary investigation determined a 2000 GMC Sierra, operated by Andrea Leach, age 38 of Piney Point, attempted to turn left onto Old Tall Timbers Road, and collided with a southbound, 2003 Suzuki GSXR-1000, operated by Marshall Ping Jr., age 62 of Piney Point. Ping was ejected from the motorcycle and transported by helicopter to an area trauma center for treatment.

At this time, failure to yield the right of way and speed appear to be contributing factors in the collision. Anyone who witnessed the collision or events leading up to the collision is asked to contact Sergeant Brian Connelly at (301) 475-4200 extension 78031 or by email at Brian.Connelly@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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.

Vice/Narcotics Division Seizes Cash, Cocaine and Gun

 

Cash, cocaine and a handgun seized during warrant execution

On Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, after a month-long investigation the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Division, with the assistance from the Emergency Services Team (EST), the Patrol Division, K-9 units and the Charles County SWAT team, executed search and seizure warrants at three residences used by Tercell Javon Blackiston, age 34 of California, to store and distribute cocaine.

Search and seizure warrants were executed at Blackiston’s residence in the 23000 block of Chestnut Oak Court in California, a residence in the 46000 block of Pegg Lane in Lexington Park and a residence in the 43000 block of Pump House Lane in Callaway. Located and seized during the search warrants were $24,929 in cash, three ounces of cocaine with a street value of $5,400, proceeds from drugs sales valued at $60,000, a half ounce of crack cocaine with a street value of $1,415, cocaine processing materials and a 9mm handgun.

Blackiston was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown and served with a circuit court indictment for three counts of CDS Distribution of Narcotics. He was also charged with CDS Possession with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm in a Drug Trafficking Crime and other drug related charges.

Tercell Javon Blackiston

Lexington Park Man Arrested for Assault and Reckless Endangerment

 

On September 14, 2022, at 10:54 a.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 46600 block of Expedition Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported shots fired into a building. Upon arrival, deputies discovered numerous shell casings and damage to the building and windows, that were caused by a firearm. Witnesses on scene advised a white male fired numerous shots at an occupied office building from a vehicle, and then fled the area.  As a precaution, nearby businesses and schools were placed on lockdown. Detectives and Crime Scene personnel from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to the scene and continued the investigation.

Within minutes deputies and detectives located the suspect vehicle unoccupied at an apartment complex in Lexington Park, and a perimeter was established. Members from the Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT) and Emergency Services Team (EST) responded to the scene, and the suspect, later identified as Sidney Joseph Spry, age 27 of Lexington Pak, was taken into custody without incident.

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

Firearm Use/Felony Violent Crime

Reckless Endangerment (20 counts)

Assault First Degree

Loaded Handgun on Person

Loaded Handgun in Vehicle

Preliminary investigation indicates this incident was an occurrence of workplace violence by a recently terminated employee.  

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Austin Schultz at (301) 475-4200 extension 71953 or by email at Austin.Schultz@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.

 

Sidney Joseph Spry 

Sheriff's Office Staff Awarded at Maryland Sheriffs' Association

 

Lt. Shawn Moses and Sheriff Tim Cameron (center)

St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office personnel were recognized and awarded this week at the Maryland Sheriffs' Association annual conference for their professional achievements. 

Lt. Shawn Moses was awarded for Crime Prevention in 2021, while Cpl. Gerard Muschette was awarded for Community Service and Cpl. Brian Gillingham was awarded in the Corrections category. We congratulate our officers for their excellent work in 2021. 

Crime Prevention Award: In May of 2021, Sheriff Tim Cameron implemented the enforcement phase of the Youth Gun Violence Task Force, a temporary unit led by Lt. Moses. "In a few short months, the [task force] intelligence-led initiative led to a significant and swift reduction of shots fired, shootings and prevented countless acts of violent crime in St. Mary's County," Capt. David Yingling said. 

"Their efforts over 90 days led to 65 arrests, 19 firearms seized and a staggering number of search and seizure warrants on residences, phones, vehicles and persons, resulting in recovered evidence, which have already led to multiple convictions," Capt. Yingling said. 

"The overwhelming success and results of the task force was the direct result of the commitment, dedication, hard work and immense sacrifices made by each of the individuals assigned to the task force, but particularly the leadership of Lt. Moses," Capt. Yingling said. 

Members of the task force were: Lt. Moses, Sgt. Joshua Krum, Sgt. Christopher Beyer, Cpl. Blaine Gaskill, Cpl. Michael Labanowski, Cpl. Gerard Muschette, Cpl. Austin Shultz, Cpl. Lacey Smith, Cpl. Dustin McClure, Cpl. Glen Knott, DFC Shawn Shelko, DFC Matthew Beyer, Deputy Michael Graves, Deputy Alexander Wynnyk and Crime Analyst Kelly Castle. 

Cpl. Gerard Muschette and Sheriff Cameron (center)

Community Service Award: Cpl. Muschette serves as the School Resource Officer for Great Mills High School. In his assignment to the school, Cpl. Muschette "is called upon often to intervene in physical altercations, mentor students, investigate various crimes and assist school staff with new and inventive ways to solve potential problems. Cpl. Muschette confronts these issues with a positive outgoing attitude and pleasant demeanor," Lt. Thomas Hedderich said. 

"Cpl. Muschette's dedication to the school extends outside of his work hours as the School Resource Officer. Cpl. Muschette has become one of the school's football coaches where he continues to mentor students," Lt. Hedderich said. 

Sheriff Cameron accepts the Corrections Award on behalf of Cpl. Gillingham

Corrections Award: Cpl. Gillingham is assigned to the Community Supervision Unit, where he oversees 45-plus inmates on the Home Detention Program. In addition, he also oversees the inmate population assigned to Work Incentive and also holds multiple collateral duties. Furthermore, Cpl. Gillingham also assists with Pre-Trial program drug screenings, transporting inmates to doctor appointments, court appearances and program placements.