Southern Maryland News Net

Public Perception of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office: A Year Later, Praise for Deputies, but Criticism for Leadership

Over a year ago, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office released the results of a community survey they initiated to gauge public perception of law enforcement in the county. Although the survey allowed residents to express their views, many now feel that little has changed since the Sheriff’s Office made this information public. While there is strong praise for the deputies serving on the frontlines, criticisms of the leadership and command staff persist, especially when it comes to transparency,...
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VIDEO: Impaired Woman Escapes Injury After Vehicle Goes Airborne and Flips Multiple Times in Lexington Park

On Monday, October 28, 2024, at approximately at 2:36 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of the Rod N Reel located at 18161 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, for the serious motor vehicle collision with rollover and possible entrapment. 911 callers reported a single vehicle rolled over multiple times with one or two subjects possibly trapped inside. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle on its roof with the operator...
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UPDATE: CSM Professor Dead After Vehicle Crossing Double-Line Causes Serious Three-Vehicle Crash in Prince Frederick

UPDATE 10/28/2024: On October 28, 2024, at approximately 7:12 a.m., Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau deputies responded to a report of a serious motor vehicle collision involving entrapment in the 6600 block of Hallowing Point Road (Rt. 231) in Prince Frederick. Upon arrival, deputies confirmed that one driver was deceased and immediately requested the response of the Crash Reconstruction Unit to investigate. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2022 Hyundai Kona, operated by Gina Taylor Johnson, 51 of...
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Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department Donates Engine to a North Carolina Department

On Saturday evening, numerous members of the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department gathered at the station to welcome Volunteers from the Woodlawn Fire Department in Marion, North Carolina. At the departments last business meeting, the membership board voted to donate their reserve engine to a department in need after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. “During the evening, we enjoyed dinner and then did a review of the apparatus before signing paperwork to turn over ownership of the Engine. Several...
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All Arrests and Criminal Summons Issued in St. Mary’s County 10/18/2024 to 10/24/2024

UPDATE 10/28/2024: We are still waiting for some booking photos from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office that they have refused to release. 10/27/2024: Each week, SMNEWSNET.COM will provide a list of all arrests and criminal summonses issued in St. Mary’s County. In the spirit of transparency, we are committed to keeping our community informed about local law enforcement activities. This list includes arrests made by both the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police, providing...
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UPDATE: Two of Four Waldorf Men Convicted After Trial for Murder, Armed Robbery, Carjacking, After Violent Crime Spree Across Maryland and Virginia

After a 9-day trial, a federal jury returned verdicts against Thaddeus Lamont Wills, age 51, and Keionta Shawn Hagens, age 44, both of Waldorf, Maryland, of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, carjacking, and of murder. The conviction was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the...
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UPDATE: Out of County News – U.S. Reaches Settlement for Over $100m In Civil Lawsuit Against Owner and Operator of Vessel That Destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge

UPDATE 10/24/2024: The Justice Department announced today that Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the Singaporean corporations that owned and operated the Motor Vessel DALI, have agreed to pay $101,980,000 to resolve a civil claim brought by the United States for costs borne in responding to the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The settlement resolves the United States’ claims for civil damages for $103,078,056 under the Rivers and Harbors Act, Oil Pollution Act, and...
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Bel Alton and Hughesville Volunteer Fire Departments Donate Equipment to North Carolina Fire Department That Lost Everything to Hurricane Helene

The Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce its coordination of a relief effort to aid the South Side Volunteer Fire Department in Albemarle, North Carolina, which was devastated by Hurricane Helene, leaving the department without essential resources. Among the donated items are rescue tools from the Bel Alton department, ready to support the South Side Volunteers as they work to rebuild from this tragic loss. The equipment, which was recently replaced and no longer in use...
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Police in Charles County Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision on Bumpy Oak Road in Pomfret

On October 23, at 1:36 p.m., patrol officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Bumpy Oak Road near Marshall Corner Road in Pomfret for the report of a motor vehicle collision. Officers arrived on the scene and found a three wheeled Harley Davidson motorcycle had left the roadway for unknown reasons. The sole rider was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced deceased on the scene. He has been identified as William Prater Carpenter, 77,...
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Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Public’s Help to Locate Individuals with Outstanding Warrants

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Unit is currently searching for several individuals wanted for various charges. The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating these individuals to ensure that justice is served. Mariah Catherine Gray – Wanted for child support Sara Michelle Hapeman is wanted for FTA- Drug Possession Lloyd Delando Chase – Wanted for child support Terrence Lamont Chew – Wanted for child support Crystal Kay Sweeney – Wanted for failure to appear (FTA)...
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UPDATE: Police Misconduct Disclosures Lead to Sentencing Delay in St. Mary’s County Murder Case

UPDATE 10/22/2024: The sentencing in the murder case of Latres Javontae Cockerham has been postponed due to the recent submission of additional evidence by the State of Maryland. According to a court filing by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Donna C. Pettersen, the State has provided supplemental disclosures concerning two police officers. Additionally, the defense has requested information about police officers who have testified in the case, specifically regarding any potential misconduct or credibility issues, known as Giglio material (see...
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Large Multi-Agency Investigation Ongoing After Shed Fire in Hollywood, Charges Pending

UPDATE 10/21/2024 – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement: On October 21st, 2024, Deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on the 42000 block of St. Johns Road in Hollywood to assist the Fire Department with a shed fire involving possible ammunition exploding inside. In the process of containing and extinguishing the fire, the Fire Department located dozens of firearms in one of the sheds. As a result of the firearms...
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Waldorf Man Faces Assault and Hate Crime Charges After Tractor Supply Confrontation

On October 20, 2024, at approximately 4:04 p.m., Charles County officers responded to a report of an armed confrontation outside a Tractor Supply store in White Plains. According to law enforcement, Harold Andrew Howard, 53, of Waldorf, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree assault and a race or religious crime after allegedly pointing a shotgun at two individuals. The incident began inside the Tractor Supply store, where an argument broke out between Howard and the two...
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Protect Yourself and Loved Ones: Scammers Impersonating Local Law Enforcement in St. Mary’s County

While the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has acknowledged receiving multiple reports of scammers impersonating deputies and demanding money, their public warning has provided limited details about how these scams are being carried out. To help shed more light on the issue, one local resident, whom we will refer to as Brian, has shared his firsthand experience. A Closer Look at How the Scam Unfolds Brian received a call that appeared to be from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s...
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UPDATE: Drunk Driver Arrested After Causing Serious Crash in Dameron That Sends One to Trauma Center

UPDATE 10/21/2024: David R. Brunk, age 63, of Dameron, is facing a series of traffic and alcohol-related charges after a late-night incident on October 20, 2024. According to court documents from the District Court for St. Mary’s County, Brunk was charged after an accident on Route 235 near Trapp Road in St. Mary’s County. David R. Brunk was charged with the following: Reckless Driving Negligent Driving Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign...
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Maryland Man Charged With Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

Michael Sam Teekaye, Jr., age 21, of Hanover, Maryland has been charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B. The defendant has been detained since his arrest on October 14, 2024, and had an initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Erin Aslan...
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No Injuries Reported After Apartment Fire in La Plata

On Friday, October 25, 2024, at approximately 10:48 p.m., firefighters from La Plata, Waldorf, and surrounding departments from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the 600 block of Zekiah Run Road in La Plata, for the reported apartment fire with subjects possibly trapped. The 911 caller reported a stove fire in their apartment...
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November 2024 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

This November, a month dedicated to gratitude, the Calvert Marine Museum (CMM) invites you to participate in a series of special events that encompass honoring our veterans, engaging education opportunities for all ages, and a fascinating fossil lecture. Additionally, don’t miss fun shopping opportunities in the Museum Store! For more information, please visit: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com...
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All Arrests and Criminal Summons Issued in Charles County 10/11/2024 to 10/24/2024

SMNEWSNET.COM will provide a list of all arrests and criminal summonses issued in Charles County. In the spirit of transparency, we are committed to keeping our community informed about local law enforcement activities. This list includes arrests made by both the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police, providing a comprehensive look...
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PGPD Investigating Incident Involving County School Bus

PGPD patrol officers and detectives are on scene in the 4100 block of Suitland Road investigating an evolving situation involving a county school bus. At approximately 2:05 pm today, a citizen called 911 after seeing a man board the bus which was carrying three elementary school students. Officers were immediately dispatched and at 2:09...
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Maryland State Police 158th Academy Class Graduation Welcomes 20 New Troopers

The Maryland Department of State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. and Major General (retired) Linda L. Singh, PhD, welcomed the graduates of the 158th Academy Class to the ranks of Maryland’s Finest during a ceremony today at LifePoint Church in Reisterstown. Major General (retired) Singh delivered the keynote address to the Department’s 20...
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NAS Pax River Gate 1 Outbound Closure Today, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024

NAS Pax River Gate 1 outbound lanes will be closed to traffic Friday, Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for scheduled maintenance. Gate 3 will open for outbound traffic at 2 p.m. Drivers must use Gates 2 or 3 for outbound traffic during Gate 1’s maintenance. Pax River Gate 1 inbound lanes...
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Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge of Traveling to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct

Nathaniel Lamar Nelson Scott, 36, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan...
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Two Suspects in Custody for Murder at Tire Shop After Dispute Over Payment

Thanks in part to a tip provided to Prince George’s County Crime Solvers, the Homicide Unit has now identified and charged two suspects in connection with a fatal shooting at a tire shop in September. The suspects are 43-year-old Ronnell Hardy of Capitol Heights and 42-year-old Avery Eccles of Upper Marlboro. They are charged...
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Founder of Thirty-One Announces Closure in December of 2024 After 21 Years of Business

October 20, 2024 — Cindy Monroe, the founder of Thirty-One Gifts, announced that her popular direct-sales business will be closing its doors in December 2024. This decision marks the end of a 21-year journey that began in Monroe’s Tennessee basement and has grown into a global community of women empowered through entrepreneurship. Monroe started...
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Next Generation Jammer Lead Test Engineer Jacob Kiehlmeier Selected as Tester of the Year for 2023

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, MD.: The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) has selected Jacob Kiehlmeier as the civilian Tester of the Year for 2023. Kiehlmeier served as the lead test engineer for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) Integrated Test Team (ITT) supporting the Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Office (PMA-234). Kiehlmeier...
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Elevated Fire Conditions Due to Dry Conditions Throughout Maryland

Amid prolonged dry conditions and gusty winds, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement for elevated fire conditions across parts of Maryland. The advisory is effective from Thursday, October 24th, through Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, highlighting an increased risk of wildfires in the region due to a combination of low...
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Prince George’s County Police Investigating Fatal Crash, Two Passengers Flee Scene from At-Fault Vehicle

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred Wednesday evening in Upper Marlboro. The deceased driver is 57-year-old Monica Wilson of Springdale, MD. On October 23, 2024, at approximately 5:10 pm, officers responded to the 500 block of Largo Center Drive for a crash...
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Student Transported to Hospital After Assault at St. Charles High School

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. during class transition at St. Charles High School, one student approached another student from behind and struck them in the head. The two students became engaged in a physical altercation. Nearby school staff intervened and broke up the altercation. The student who was struck from behind...
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Maryland State Police Arrest Mechanicville Man on Multiple Charges After Violating Protective Order and Resisting Arrest

John Edward Nichols, 34, of Mechanicsville, has been arrested and charged with several misdemeanors after an incident in which he allegedly violated a protective order, engaged in disorderly conduct, and resisted arrest. The arrest took place on October 20, 2024, following a disturbance at a residence in California, Maryland. According to the report filed...
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DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, set for Saturday, October 26, 2024

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, set for Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, provides several collection sites across Southern Maryland for safe disposal of unused or expired medications. According to the DEA’s official Take Back Day webpage, drop-off locations include Maryland State Police Barrack T in Leonardtown,...
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National School Bus Safety Week: October 21-25

As we recognize National School Bus Safety Week from October 21 to 25, it’s a perfect time for drivers and students alike to brush up on essential safety tips that keep everyone safe on the road. With millions of children relying on buses to get to and from school, it’s critical that we all...
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