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50-Year-Old Mechanicsville Man Killed in Motor Vehicle Accident

On Friday, May 25, 2018, at approximately 8:00 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 38000 block of All Faith Church Road, in the area of New Market Turner Road, in Mechanicsville, for the reported motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, units located a single vehicle on its side with an occupant trapped. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and continued the investigation. Initial investigation determined a 2011...
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UPDATE: 90-Year-Old Man Severely Injured in Car Fire at Wildewood Shopping Center

UPDATE: The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports, the driver of the 2016 Hyundai SUV, Robert Oliver, 90, had recently purchased gasoline from WaWa to mow his yard, placing the gas container in the trunk of his vehicle. He then stopped at the Bed, Bath & Beyond in California to shop. When he re-entered his vehicle the fumes from the gasoline ignited. Three citizens reacted quickly to extract Mr. Oliver from the burning vehicle and administered first aid. Mr....
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UPDATE: Allegations of Sexual Abuse by North Point High School Teacher Date Back to 2008

UPDATE: Ralph Marvin Van Dyke Jr., 59 of La Plata has been indicted on six counts of sex abuse of a minor in custody, two counts of fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault. The indictment summary was filed in Charles County Circuit Court on May 18, 2018. Van Dyke is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. According to the indictment, the offences occurred between the following dates: Jan. 1, 2016 to Nov. 14, 2017 Aug. 1,...
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UPDATE: Shooting Victim at Motel 6 Identified

UPDATE 5/24/2018 @ 2:00 p.m.: Maryland State Police are searching for the suspect(s) wanted in connection with a St. Mary’s County shooting last night that wounded a 20 year old man. The suspects were driving in a white Ford Explorer or Expedition at the time of the incident. Three suspects, described only as African American men, were seen in the area of the Motel 6 in the 21,000 block of Three Notch Road in Lexington Park last night (5/23/2018) shortly...
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Traffic Stop in Prince Frederick Results in Arrest for Possession of Cocaine & Marijuana

On Saturday, May 19, 2018 at approximately 11:20 pm, Corporal Esnes from the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack initiated a traffic stop on Shore Acres Way in Prince Frederick for traffic violations. Several criminal indicators were observed while speaking with the driver and a K-9 scan was requested. A positive alert was given by the K-9 dog and a search revealed trace amounts of marijuana and cocaine. Melissa A. Messinese, 37 of no fixed address was arrested for...
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Memorial Day: A Day to Remember the Fallen

May 28, 2018, is Memorial Day. This day is a national holiday, for remembering and honoring men and women, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Waterloo, New York, was declared the official birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966. The holiday had many origins, and most likely came about because many towns planned celebrations and honorariums for their war dead during the Civil War conflict. The first official proclamation is...
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Police in Charles County Conduct Countywide Warrant Sweep

On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, Troopers from Maryland State La Plata Barrack, partnered with members of the Southern Maryland Information Center and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a countywide warrant sweep. A total of 67 warrant attempts were made in Charles County, which resulted in 9 subjects who were arrested on traffic related warrants, 2 arrested for violation of probation, 1 for domestic violence and 1 for destruction of property. There were also 3 warrants recalled shortly...
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Lexington Park Man Wanted for Escape by St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of Adam Christopher Kelson, 32, of Lexington Park. Kelson is currently wanted for Escape 2nd Degree, due to violating the terms of his pre-trial release; his original charge was Burglary 2nd Degree. Kelson is a black male, 6’3” in height, and weighs 250 pounds. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Adam Christopher Kelson, is asked to contact Detective Melissa Hulse at (301) 475-4200 extension *1996, or by email at Melissa.Hulse@stmarysmd.com. Citizens may remain...
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Detectives Charge Three Suspects for Sexual Abuse of Four Victims in Church Program for At-Risk Youth

Prince George’s County Police detectives charged three men in connection with the sexual abuse of four female victims. The crimes occurred between 2001 and 2008 when the victims were between the ages of 15 and 18 and were enrolled in a program run by the Oxon Hill Assembly of Jesus Christ in Fort Washington. The program was called CHOP – Children Having Overcoming Power – and was designed to provide living accommodations in the homes of church members and...
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Teacher Charged With Sexually Abusing Student

Detectives from the Prince George’s County Police Department charged a Waldorf man with sexually abusing a student at a school in Morningside. The suspect is 31-year-old Simeon Smith of the 3000 block of Midlothian Place in Waldorf. Smith is a teacher at Imagine Foundations at Morningside Public Charter School. The preliminary investigation reveals Smith inappropriately touched and sexually assaulted the 14-year-old girl several times between February and April of 2018. This occurred on school grounds. Smith has admitted to...
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St. Leonard Man Arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Intoxicated Public Disturbance

On May 17, 2018 Deputy S. Naughton of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Main Street and Duke Street, in Prince Frederick for the report of an intoxicated person. Deputy Naughton made contact with the subject later identified as Richard Huntzberry, 31, of St. Leonard, who was refusing to answer questions from the deputies, and had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. Huntzberry continued to refuse directions from Deputy Naughton...
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Police in Calvert County Investigating Robbery at Dunkirk Pharmacy

On Monday, May 21, 2018 at approximately 11:20 a.m., deputies with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to the CVS Pharmacy located at 10095 Ward Rd. in Dunkirk, for a commercial robbery. Three suspects entered the store and went to the pharmacy. The suspects jumped the counter and demanded drugs. During the robbery, one pharmacist was assaulted. A weapon was implied during the incident, but was not displayed. The suspects fled the scene in a white four door passenger...
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Intoxicated Callaway Man Arrested for Property Destruction

On May 12, 2018, Deputy Andrew Budd of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 13000 block of Point Lookout Road in Ridge for a reported disturbance. Budd made contact with Trey Dominic Barnes, 31, of Callaway who was extremely intoxicated. Barnes was told numerous times to leave the property, which he refused and then kicked multiple pathway lights, causing damage. Barnes was placed under arrest, transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and...
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Lexington Park Man Charged with Burglary and Escape

Shawn Michael Clark, 26, of Lexington Park, violated a protective order on May 2, 2018 at a residence at the 16000 block of Three Notch Road in Ridge and returned the morning of May 3, 2018. The victim advised that Clark unlawfully forced entry into the residence, causing damage to the door frame and locking mechanism on the door. The victim stated a brief struggle ensued and Clark pushed the victim to the ground. Clark was charged with two...
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Three Fugitives Arrested at Raid on Drug House in Waldorf

On Friday, May 4, 2018, at approximately 7:25 p.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a house in the 10600 block of Quillback Street in Waldorf. Pursuant to the search, a quantity of crack cocaine, cocaine HCL, a digital scale, US currency and other drug distribution paraphernalia were located. In addition, three people inside the house had open warrants. Walter Leon Skinner, III, 28, of Waldorf, had open warrants for drug distribution Crystal...
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Crime Solvers Offering up to $2,500 Reward in Murder Case of 20-Year-Old Waldorf Man

Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect(s) involved in the murder of Antonio Lamount Harper, Jr. 20, who was shot and killed on May 1 at 10 p.m. outside of his residence in the 2200 block of...
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Troopers Urge Safety And Sobriety As Enforcement Increases During Memorial Day Weekend

With extra traffic expected this Memorial Day weekend, additional Maryland State Police troopers will be on patrol and using a variety of initiatives to keep traffic moving, respond quickly to highway incidents and take appropriate enforcement action when violations are observed that threaten the safety of travelers. Beginning Friday, troopers from each of the...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Announced 2017 Rookies of the Year

Deputy Shawn Shelko and Correctional Officer Alexander Tasciotti were named Rookies of the Year for 2017 for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at the Annual Awards Banquet held at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department on Friday, May 18, 2018. Deputy Shelko started with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Nov. 2,...
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Stuff the Bus Food Drive Campaign Yields Hundreds of Pounds of Food

St. Mary’s County residents stepped up to the challenge during the recent Stuff the Bus food drive. The event was held Saturday, May 19 despite stormy weather conditions. This, however, did not deter those who dropped off food donations. Stuff the Bus is an annual event held to ensure local food pantries are well...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Participate in Border-to-Border Seat Belt Usage Initiative

On May 21, 2018, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies participated in a Border-to-Border initiative sponsored by the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Officers conducted enforcement for various violations, specifically focusing on seat belt usage in the area of the county borders with Charles and Calvert counties. That day, St. Mary’s officers issued 24 citations...
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Governor Larry Hogan Saves Marylanders $46 Million by Permanently Eliminating E-ZPass Transponder Fee

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will permanently eliminate the $7.50 E-ZPass Maryland transponder fee for all new customers, putting $46 million back into Marylanders’ wallets over the next five years. In 2015, the governor announced major toll rollbacks across the state, resulting in $270 million in savings for our citizens....
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Wednesday’s Pet is WILSON

Wednesday’s Pet for 5/16/2018 WILSON Featured Pet: Wilson Rescue Group: Doodle Dawgs and Fabulous Felines Breed: Terrier/Poodle Mix Sex: Male Size: Small (10 lbs) Vetted: Neutered and Up-to-date with routine shots Adoption Fee: $325.00 (See Procedures on Rescue’s site) http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/doodledawgs.html Wilson is a handsome 1-2-year-old mix. He is friendly, playful, and smart. He gets...
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St. Mary’s County Woman Wins $50,000 From Scratch Off Purchased at Captain Sam’s

A St. Mary’s County woman enjoyed a dose of high drama after playing her Maryland Lottery Ultimate Riches scratch-off. Sharon Carter, a federal student loan employee, found a $50,000 prize on her lucky $20 instant ticket. Her journey to a big win began at Capt. Sam’s in Bushwood. Riding a recent lucky streak and...
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Awards Bestowed to St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Officers and Civilians

Several St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement officers and civilians were recognized and commended for their service at the 18th Annual St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Awards Banquet. Included for the first time at the ceremony were Great Mills High School Unit Citations for the response to a student shooting at Great Mills...
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Two Occupants Avoid Injury When SUV Crashes into Pond

On Friday, May 18, 2018, at approximately 9:55 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to Pegg Road, in the area of Stoney Brook Road for the reported serious motor vehicle accident with one vehicle overturned with entrapment, into a pond. Crews arrived on scene to find a SUV off the roadway, on its...
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Jack Bailey Endorsed by County Commissioner O’Connor and Jarboe

SMNEWSNET received the following press releases from County Commissioner John O’Connor and Tom Jarboe. ________ John O’Connor: As one of your County Commissioners I am pleased to offer my strongest endorsement of Jack Bailey for State Senate in District 29. St. Mary’s County needs a Senator who will understand the County Commissioners and the community. I...
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Letter to the Editor: I do not Know who Exactly Jack Bailey is…

Dear Editor, I’m writing to express my concern that Governor Larry Hogan is promoting a no name politician out of the Governor’s Mansion of Maryland. I do not know who exactly Jack Bailey is but it alarmed me to see his political advertising signs posted about Saint Mary’s County with an added sign saying...
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Speed Camera Locations for Charles County 5/21/2018 to 5/25/2018

During the week of May 21, to May 25, 2018, automated speed enforcement cameras will be activated in the following school zones: Eastbound Berry Road at Jenifer Elementary School Northbound Smallwood Drive at Wade Elementary School Northbound Leonardtown Road at Thomas Stone High School Northbound Marshall Corner Road at McDonough High School Cameras are...
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Governor Larry Hogan Reminds Marylanders to Prepare for Continued Rain, Storms throughout this Week

Rain is in the forecast for the remainder of this week and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is reminding residents to be prepared for additional storms and flooding. “Much of the state has already experienced heavy rain and flooding and these conditions are predicted to continue for the next several days,” said Governor Larry Hogan....
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ID Needed of Theft Suspect in St. Mary’s County

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the person pictured. On May 1st, 7th, and 9th, of 2018, the individual pictured placed various items inside his backpack, at the McKays Store located on Merchants Lane, in Leonardtown, and proceeded to leave the business without purchasing the items. Anyone with information...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Remind Public There’s no Time Limit to Report a Missing Person

There is a misconception among the general public that a certain amount of time has to elapse before reporting a missing person The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens that it has no waiting period to report a person missing. If you fear that someone is missing, do not hesitate to report it...
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$5,000 Becomes $50,000 Win for Prince George’s County Scratch-off Fan

Sometimes, more is better and that’s true in the case of the prize tied to a winning Maryland Lottery scratch-off. Solomon Zewudie of Oxon Hill thought his Cash Craze Doubler instant ticket was a $5,000 winner until the lucky scratch-off slowly revealed its $50,000 top prize. Talk about lucky! “I still can’t believe it,”...
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