We Remember Jaelynn
"Today the Sheriff's Office honors the memory of the bright and vibrant life of 16-year-old Jaelynn Willey, who was taken from us five years ago today on March 20, 2018 by a tragic act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers continue for the Willey family and all who were fortunate to have Jaelynn in their life." - Sheriff Steve Hall
More...Hollywood Man Charged in Carjacking
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| Isiah Denzel Washington |
Update: Isiah Denzel Washington, age 19 of Hollywood, has been arrested and charged with the following: Robbery; Carjacking; First-Degree Assault and several other violations. Washington is currently incarcerated at the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.
At 11:13 am on Friday, March 17, 2023, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a strong-armed robbery at the CVS Pharmacy in Hollywood. A female victim reported that a male threw her to the ground and stole her vehicle.The suspect was located driving the stolen vehicle on Rt. 5 in Mechanicsville a short time later and was identified and arrested with criminal charges pending.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. A second male at the scene was questioned and was determined to have no involvement. The investigation continues at this time.
Suspect in Custody After Carjacking in Hollywood
The suspect was located driving the stolen vehicle on Rt. 5 in Mechanicsville a short time later and was identified and arrested with criminal charges pending.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. A second male at the scene was questioned and was determined to have no involvement. The investigation continues at this time. More...
Saturation Patrols Seeking Impaired Drivers Thursday and Friday
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and Maryland State Police will conduct saturation patrols this week, on the lookout for impaired drivers ahead of and on St. Patrick's Day.
Expect increased traffic enforcement by Sheriff's Deputies and State Troopers on the evenings of Thursday, March 16, and Friday, March 17, on roadways in St. Mary's County.
"If you're going to celebrate for St. Patrick's Day, keep yourself and others safe and designate a sober driver," Sheriff Steve Hall said.
In 2020, 11,654 people in the United States died in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes, a 14 percent increase from 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Between October and December 2020, 56 percent of drivers involved in serious injury or fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug, based on studied trauma centers, according to the NHTSA.
Don't add to these statistics. Drive sober or utilize a sober driver.
Report impaired drivers to the Sheriff's Office at 301-475-8008 or call 911 in an emergency.
More...Beware of Scammers Posing as Sheriff's Office Employees Demanding Payment
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office reminds the public to beware of scammers posing as agency employees making demands for money.
Scammers will make telephone calls claiming to work for our agency, threatening citizens with arrest, claiming they have missed jury duty or that a family member has been jailed and will be moved out of state.
The St. Mary's County Sheriffs Office reminds citizens that no law enforcement agency will attempt to collect money in lieu of serving an arrest warrant and will not request payment with a gift card of any kind.
If you have been the victim of a scam and wish to file a report please contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at 301-475-8008 or online at https://www.firstsheriff.com/citizenreport/
A Spotlight on Latina Deputy Bianca Salas
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| Deputy Bianca Salas |
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office celebrates Women’s History Month in March by highlighting some of the careers and achievements of our sisters in uniform.
Today, we are proud to share the story of Deputy Bianca Salas #358, a Latina law enforcement officer with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Salas joined the St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office in July 2018 and continues to work in the Patrol Division, currently working on the night shift in the north end of the county.
Before joining our agency, Salas earned a degree in chemistry and worked in a hospital emergency room and as a substitute teacher in the state of California. Speaking fluent Spanish, “I translated a lot for officers in the ER. I found it interesting how officers interviewed people,” she said, and it was then that she first took an interest in law enforcement and began following that path.
Salas followed family in moving to St. Mary’s County and then joined the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Working in the Patrol Division, she said, “I like it. You get to see everything. You interact with the county’s people. Of course, there’s bad stuff, but there’s good stuff too.”
Between the north and south segments of patrol, Deputy Salas said, “I like the south end. There are more Hispanic people in the south and they’re happy to see me.” She’s even been invited to a wedding after such a call, she said.
On a recent weekday evening, Salas started her shift responding to a potential fraud call at a liquor store and then headed to a reported assault call at a residence. Salas met with deputies Edelen and Truss at the residence where both the victim and the suspect were gone upon arrival. The officers took what information they could from a witness and later that evening, the suspect was located and identified.
Next, Deputy Salas responded to a harassment call in the Golden Beach neighborhood. Upon arrival, she had to immediately depart for a disturbance call on the other side of the county in the 7th District. She responded running code but was careful not to overdrive the narrow and windy roads out of Golden Beach. Once at the scene in Abell, another deputy had already arrived, and the situation had been diffused.
For those who might be interested in a career in law enforcement, the path may not be easy, but Deputy Salas advised, “Stick with it. We all want to help others. It is rewarding. In the end you know that it’s what you’re meant to do. It is really rewarding. We do definitely help others.”
“If somebody tells you that you can’t do it, just stick with it. Just know that you can. That is rewarding, proving others wrong,” she said.
Earning her degree in chemistry was not easy, but ultimately rewarding, she said. “I like doing things that are challenging. If you really want to do it – do it,” she said. There will be naysayers and critics along the way, but “don’t let that stop you,” she said.
“Deputy Salas demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her law enforcement duties,” Captain Stephen Simonds, Commander of the Patrol Division, said. “Her exceptional work ethic and diligence are truly remarkable. Additionally, Deputy Salas’ fluency in Spanish allows her to effectively communicate with Spanish-speaking residents, which has proven to be an invaluable service for both the agency, and to members of the community.”
Learn more about careers with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, at https://www.firstsheriff.com/employment/default or call 301-475-4200, ext. 71936.
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| Deputy Salas looks up information in her cruiser |
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| Deputy Salas on the scene of a reported assault |
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Wanted: Karen Anne Granville
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| Karen Anne Granville |
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the whereabouts of Karen Anne Granville, age 34 of Mechanicsville, for absconding from an authorized residential treatment facility on March 10, 2023. Prior to treatment, Granville was being held in the custody of the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center on a no-bond status for Theft: $100 to under $1,500; Theft Scheme; Theft: $1,500 to under $25,000 and Robbery.
Anyone with information on Granville's whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Joseph Bowling at 301-475-4200, ext. 71959 or email joseph.bowling@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. More...Identity Needed for Theft Suspect
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The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in a theft investigation. On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 2:28 pm, the suspect arrived in the parking lot of the Ace Hardware in Leonardtown in a silver Ford sedan. The suspect walked into the store and after speaking with several employees, concealed a DeWalt lithium ion battery within his jacket. The suspect then left the business with the battery concealed in his jacket without paying.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to contact Deputy Helen Deitrich at 301-475-4200, ext. 78066 or email helen.deitrich@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 12373-23
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. More...Lexington Park Man Arrested on Cocaine, Gun Charges
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| Jadon Bernard Somerville |
On Friday, March 10, 2023, Detectives with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, with the assistance of deputies from the K-9 Unit and Patrol Division, executed a search and seizure warrant at the residence of Jadon Bernard Somerville, age 22, at Park Pines Drive in Lexington Park.
Detectives located a loaded Glock 22 .40-caliber handgun, four different packages of cocaine (both crack cocaine and powdered cocaine), a digital scale with cocaine residue, and both used and unused packaging materials. Somerville is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous conviction for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
While the search and seizure warrant was being executed, Somerville was at the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for an unrelated case for Possession with the Intent to Distribute. Somerville entered a guilty plea on Friday and will be sentenced at a later date. Upon completion of the hearing, Somerville was taken into custody at which time an additional search and seizure warrant was executed on his person where multiple cellphones and a quantity of US currency was located.
Somerville was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center where he was charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute; CDS Possession: Cocaine and Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm. Somerville was held without bond.
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| seized evidence |
Wanted: Jermaine Cornelius Dorsey
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| Jermaine Cornelius Dorsey |
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues seeking the whereabouts of Jermaine Cornelius Dorsey, age 41, who is wanted for Second-Degree Escape. Dorsey failed to maintain a charge on his GPS ankle monitor and left his residence in Waldorf where he was sentenced to home detention. Dorsey was originally charged with Driving/Attempting to Drive a Motor Vehicle without a License.
Anyone with information on Dorsey’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Joseph Bowling at 301-475-4200, ext. 71959 or email joseph.bowling@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. More...
Identities Needed for Theft Suspects
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The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identities of the two women pictured in a theft investigation. On Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, the victim reported a wallet missing from the victim's place of employment in California. Contents of the wallet included several gift cards to local businesses and other basic items.
On Friday, March 3, 2023, at 2:55 pm, the two women pictured used one of the stolen gift cards at the California Starbucks.
Anyone with information about the identities of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy Ryan Campbell at 301-475-4200, ext. 78157 or email ryan.campbell@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 11784-23
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Camp DARE Applications for 2023 Now Live!
Calling all campers and counselors! Applications for this year's Camp DARE sessions are now live! Get your child signed up before spots run out.
The first Camp DARE will be held at Real Life Church in Mechanicsville from July 24 to July 28.
The second Camp DARE will be held at Lexington Park Baptist Church from Aug. 7 to Aug. 11.
Camper application: https://www.firstsheriff.com/docs/CampDAREApplication.pdf
Camp counselor application: https://www.firstsheriff.com/docs/CampDARESeniorApplication.pdf
More...DUI Arrests for January/February 2023
January:
Jan. 2, 2023: Earl Allen Mayberry Jr., age 51 of Huntingtown, by DFC Hersh #343. Case # 256-23
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| Earl Allen Mayberry Jr. |
Jan. 3, 2023: Steve Markowich, age 65 of St. Leonard, by Deputy Reynolds #394. Case # 476-23 (no photo available)
Jan. 7, 2023: Shawn Lamont Brown, age 56 of Lexington Park, by Deputy Welch #399. Case # 1066-23
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| Shawn Lamont Brown |
Jan. 9, 2023: Jermaine Antoine Courtney, age 33 of Newburg, by Deputy Cucinotta #393. Case # 1485-23 (no photo available)
Jan. 9, 2023: Robert Dale Hammett, age 60 of Hollywood, by DFC Beyer #319. Case # 1482-23
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| Robert Dale Hammett |
Jan. 12, 2023: Wayne Robert Johnson, age 48 of Charlotte Hall, by Cpl. Shelko # 326. Case # 1997-23
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| Wayne Robert Johnson |
Jan. 18, 2023: Arianna Gabriella Galloza, age 25 of Avenue, by Deputy Wilson #370. Case # 3239-23 (no photo available)
Jan. 18, 2023: Richard Furman Hutson Jr., age 56 of Avenue, by Deputy Dixon #380. Case # 3151-23
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| Richard Furman Hutson Jr. |
Jan. 19, 2023: Liisa Rachelle Holso, age 23 of Great Mills, by Deputy Senatore #404. Case # 3250-23 (no photo available)
Jan. 20, 2023: Edilsar Roel Gramajo Castillo, age 43 of Lexington Park, by Deputy Welch #399. Case # 3628-23
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| Edilsar Roel Gramajo Castillo |
Jan. 22, 2023: James Jerome Adams, age 41 of Great Mills, by Deputy Campbell #408. Case # 3818-23
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| James Jerome Adams |
Jan. 24, 2023: Todd Patrick Gatton, age 39 of Mechanicsville, by Deputy Cucinotta #393. Case # 4147-23
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| Todd Patrick Gatton |
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| Stephanie Brooke Pulsinelli |
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| Adam Duncan Ramey |
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| Bryan Anthony Pinette |
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| Damari Jayvon Bryan |
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| Cody Allen Smith |
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| Deontre Trycell Shade |
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| Jacob William Murphy |
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| Christopher Donald Nadolski |
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| Thomas Donahue |
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| Deonta Christopher Taylor |
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| Megan Elaine Edwards |
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| John Francis Dorsey |
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| Michael Eugene Hughes |
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| Andrew James Briggs |
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| Douglas James McRae |
Identity Sought for Assault Suspect
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The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in an assault investigation. On Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at 3:42 pm, the suspect engaged in an altercation with employees at the McDonald's on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. The suspect yelled profanities at employees and customers and then made physical contact with two employees. The suspect left the business in a red Ford SUV.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Joseph Senatore at 301-475-4200, ext. 78163 or email joseph.senatore@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 10255-23
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.More...
Identity Needed for Assault Suspect
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The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in an assault investigation. On Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at 11:25 pm, the pictured subject was refused service at ABC Liquor and Lounge in California and then proceeded to assault the security staff at the business. The suspect then left in a black sedan.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Cpl. Vincent Pontorno at 301-475-4200, ext. 72337 or email vincent.pontorno@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 8353-23
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. More...Lt. Harrison Oversees Pre-Trial and Day-Reporting Services
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| Lt. Sherry Harrison |
Sherry Harrison knew she wanted to work in the medical health care field, but she had difficulty finding the right fit for her. She briefly worked in the retail industry before she joined the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division 14 years ago and she looks back with pride on her career move.
Starting out as a Corrections Officer with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Harrison is now a lieutenant, working in the Community Corrections Center, overseeing inmate day reporting and pre-trial services.
Next door to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, the Community Corrections Center (CCC) in Leonardtown provides non-violent offenders in the local criminal justice system with access to behavioral health evaluation and treatment, including mental health and substance-use disorders.
Offenders in the pre-trial release and day-reporting programs report to the CCC at least once a week for drug testing. In addition, offenders are remotely tracked each day by a GPS monitoring system on their person. Any deviation in their schedule or location requires staff approval.
For those whose offenses involved alcohol, offenders are also monitored for any levels of intoxication through a portable device that is also remotely tracked.
On a recent day in February, there were 116 inmates being monitored by Corrections staff on pre-trial services or day reporting (formerly called work release).
“Our goal is to rehabilitate,” Lt. Harrison said. “We do our best to work with offenders.”
In many cases, addiction issues lead to and perpetuate criminal behaviors, she said.
Lt. Harrison joined the Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division on March 2, 2009, and said she’s enjoyed her career ever since.
“I’m still here. I think it was a good decision,” she said. “It’s been a good journey. I look back and I say that was a good decision.”
In addition to working as a Corrections Officer, she also worked as a booking officer, a transport officer and worked in the Community Supervision Unit at the detention center. “I’ve been able to learn a lot and move around,” within the division, she said.
For those considering a career in Corrections, she advised, “Do it. It’s a good opportunity. You’ll be able to learn a lot. There’s room for growth, a lot of training opportunities. I’ve definitely learned a lot in my time here.”
“If you’re interested in law enforcement and a good career, this would be a good choice,” she said. “It just takes patience, flexibility with your schedule, but I’ve seen people leave and come back here. It’s a good career.”
“Lt. Harrison is a leader and a role model in the Corrections Division,” Warden Mary Ann Thompson said. “She is making positive life-changing differences for not only the offenders involved, but their families and ultimately to St. Mary’s County.”
Learn more about careers with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, at https://www.firstsheriff.com/employment/default or call 301-475-4200, ext. 71936.
Identities Needed for Theft Suspects
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March 2 update: Two of the three suspects have been positively identified. Thank you for your tips.
Anyone with information about the identities of the suspects or this incident is asked to call Deputy Thomas Deinert at 301-475-4200, ext. 78182 or email thomas.deinert@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 10442-23
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.Wanted: Wayne Joseph Brooks
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| Wayne Joseph Brooks |
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the whereabouts of Wayne Joseph Brooks, age 30 of Leonardtown, on a warrant for Violation of Probation for Stalking, Harassment and Violation of a Protective Order.
Anyone with information about Brooks' whereabouts is asked to call the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at 301-475-8008.
Lexington Park Man Arrested on Handgun Charges
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| Keyshon Marquez Gant |
Detectives with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division located and arrested a Lexington Park man on Wednesday resulting in several handgun charges.
Keyshon Marquez Gant, age 22 of Lexington Park, was arrested without incident and subsequently charged with Handgun on Person; Loaded Handgun on Person; Concealed Dangerous Weapon and Prohibited Detachable Magazine.
On Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, detectives received information that Gant was in possession of a black colored semiautomatic handgun that was concealed in his front waistband as he was walking in the Patuxent Homes neighborhood in Lexington Park.
Members of the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the area and located Gant walking on Midway Drive where he was detained without incident. A loaded "P80" 9mm semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine was found concealed in Gant's waistband. A "P80" or "ghost gun" does not have a serial number or any identifying information. The extended magazine had a 30-round capacity and contained a total of 30 rounds with one round in the chamber of the firearm.
Gant was arrested and transported to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown where he was held without bond, pending a hearing today, Feb. 23.
Sgt. Peacher Retires After 25 Years of Dedicated Service
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| Capt. David Yingling gives the Final Salute to Sgt. Michael Peacher, along with Sheriff Steve Hall |
Sheriff Steve Hall and the men and women of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office gave Sgt. Michael Peacher his Final Salute on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2023, upon his retirement from the agency. Sgt. Peacher joined the Sheriff's Office on July 21, 1997 and retires with more than 25 years of service to the agency and the citizens of St. Mary's County.
Sgt. Peacher is "dedicated to service," Sheriff Hall said, "dedicated to family" and is "passionate and driven in caring for other people."
We wish you the best upon your retirement, Sgt. Peacher #130.
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| Sgt. Peacher takes the final walk through headquarters |
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| Sheriff Hall congratulates Sgt. Peacher |
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| Sheriff Hall hands Sgt. Peacher his retirement credentials |
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| Deputy Christopher Palmer, Deputy Brandon Reynolds, Deputy Blake Haas, Sgt. Peacher and DFC Andrew Burgess |
Identities Needed for Theft Suspects
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Wanted: Erin Nicole Stahl
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| Erin Nicole Stahl |
Feb. 23 update: Stahl was located and arrested.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Erin Nicole Stahl, age 35 of Lusby, who is wanted for Second-Degree Escape after failing to report to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown for a 10-day sentence for Driving While Suspended and Theft: $100 to under $1,500.
Anyone with information on Stahl’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Joseph Bowling at 301-475-4200, ext. 71959 or email joseph.bowling@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. More...
Fifteen of 17 Businesses Pass Alcohol Compliance Checks
The covert compliance checks were conducted on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, starting at 3 pm, using an underage Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer. The 19-year-old corrections officer was wearing plain clothes and was directed to enter each business to order or retrieve an alcoholic beverage for purchase.
Of the 17 businesses visited, 15 were found in compliance with Maryland law and required identification from the underage corrections officer. Two businesses failed to ask for identification or failed to corroborate the corrections officer’s age and the employee was able to purchase an alcoholic beverage underage.
Businesses found in compliance were: 2000 Liquor in Lexington Park; ABC Liquors and Lounge in California; Beacon Liquors in Callaway; Canopy Liquors in Lexington Park; Cook’s Liquor & Deli in Park Hall; County Liquors in Lexington Park; Early Bird in Hollywood; H.V. Liquors in California; International Beverages in Lexington Park; Jughead Liquor Wine Beer in California; Lex Wine & Spirits in Lexington Park; Marketplace Wine & Spirits in California; St. Mary’s Fine Wine and Spirits in Great Mills; Stop ‘N Shop in Lexington Park and Wildewood Wine & Spirits in California.
The two businesses found in violation were: Corner Liquors in Lexington Park and Twist Wine & Spirits in Lexington Park.
The reports of alcohol violations were forwarded to the St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board for review. More...
Identity Needed for Burglary Suspect
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The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured in a burglary investigation. On Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, at 2:50 am, the suspect forced entry into Village Liquors in Chaptico by shattering the front door with a hammer and then removed the store's cash register and its contents. The suspect is believed to be a white male, between 5'5" and 5'10" tall and weighing between 150 and 180 lbs.
Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or this incident is asked to call Deputy Anthony Cucinotta at 301-475-4200, ext. 78174 or email anthony.cucinotta@stmaryscountymd.gov. Case # 7177-23
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..jpeg)
Chaptico Man Arrested on Gun, Ammo Charges Following Barricade
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| Austin Cameron Darling |
A Chaptico man was arrested on firearm and ammunition charges following a barricade that ended peacefully on Sunday morning.
At 6:07 am on Feb. 12, 2023, the St. Mary’s County Emergency Communications Center was contacted regarding the welfare of a relative who was in the company of a known adult male possibly threatening the relative with a handgun.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 24000 block of Hurry Road in Chaptico to investigate further, but no one at the home responded. Due to the believed first-degree assault involving a firearm and no answer at the address, a perimeter was established around the residence and a barricade was declared at 7:10 am.
Multiple attempts were made to contact the occupants of the residence with negative results. While in contact with the Maryland Gun Center, it was determined that the suspect, Austin Cameron Darling, age 28 of Chaptico, was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Just before 10 am, Darling and another occupant of the residence exited the home and were taken into custody without incident. The execution of a search warrant located a multi-colored 9-mm handgun and ammunition in Darling’s room, with additional ammunition located in the kitchen.
Darling was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown and charged with Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm and Illegal Possession of Ammunition by DFC Andrew Budd. Darling was released from the detention center on Sunday, Feb. 12, on personal bond.