Charles News

State Fire Marshal Issues Warning About New Social Media “Challenge”

State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci would like to warn parents of a new viral teen video, which may result in fire incidents and cause serious injury. While the Office of the State Fire Marshal has received no reported incidents within Maryland thus far, the agency has been notified by authorities of two incidents...
Read More »

Firefighters Respond to Chimney Fire and Find Fire Showing from Roof and Room of Residence in Pomfret

On Friday, January 24, 2020, at approximately 2:45 p.m., a 911 caller and passerby reported a “chimney fire” on Clearview Place in Pomfret. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find fire showing from the roof and requested an upgraded structure fire assignment, which brought nearly 50 volunteers from La Plata, Bryans Road, Potomac Heights,...
Read More »

Charles County Public Schools Currently Looking for Outstanding Volunteer Award Nominees

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is looking for outstanding volunteers who support children by contributing time and resources to schools and the school system. The 2020 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year “Be the Difference” awards program recognizes outstanding school volunteers for their valuable contributions to schools, students, staff and CCPS. There are five award...
Read More »

Police Investigating Armed Robbery at My Express Pharmacy in White Plains

On Thursday, January 23, 2020, at approximately 5:00 p.m., police received 911 calls reporting three armed black males fleeing the My Express Care Pharmacy ar 4453 Crain Highway in White Plains. Dispatchers continued to relay information to officers as they received multiple 911 callers reporting the three males that were armed with handguns and...
Read More »

Local Businesses Providing Discounts to Support Student Identification Badge Use

Local businesses are giving Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students incentives to wear their identification badges in school and keep track of the badges out of school by providing discounts for services and products. CCPS began issuing student identification badges during the 2018-19 school year as part of a safety and security pilot program...
Read More »

Charles County Woman Scratches for $50,000 Super Cash Prize

It wasn’t her first time winning a big Maryland Lottery prize, so “Purple Magic” knew what to expect when she arrived at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. And, while the Indian Head resident isn’t sure what she’ll do with the $50,000 top prize she won on a $5 Super Ca$h scratch-off, she is planning to...
Read More »

State Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Mechanicsville

On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., firefighters from Charles County, Mechanicsville, Hollywood, Leonardtown and Seventh District responded to 27200 Thompson Corner Road and Hard Bargain Lane in Mechanicsville, for the reported house on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single story residence with fire showing from the roof and...
Read More »

UPDATE: Critical Missing Person Has Been Located Safe and Unharmed

UPDATE: LOCATED SAFE AND UNHARMED: John Stacey,81, was just located by officers in a wooded area about a quarter mile from his home in Nanjemoy. Thanks to everyone who helped and offered to help. 1/21/20: The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their search for John Stacey, 81, who was reported missing last night....
Read More »

Governor Hogan’s Violent Crime Bills Officially Introduced In General Assembly

Governor Larry Hogan’s legislative initiatives to address violent crime were introduced in the General Assembly this evening. His crime package, which he first announced last month at a press conference in Baltimore City, includes tougher sentences for violent offenders who commit crimes with guns, stronger penalties for those who intimidate witnesses, and more transparency...
Read More »

No Injuries Reported After Working Smoke Detectors Alert Homeowner in Early Morning House Fire in Waldorf, Investigation Deems Fire Accidental

UPDATE 1/21/2020: On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at approximately 4:43 a.m., firefighters responded to 10856 Maplewood Court in Waldorf, for the reported structure fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find fire showing from the second floor. The owner is identified as Terri Daniels. No injuries were reported, and the estimated loss of structure...
Read More »

Five Injured, One Transported to Trauma Center After Motor Vehicle Accident in Bryantown

On Friday, January 17, 2020, at 3:43 p.m., police fire, and rescue personnel responded to La Plata Road and Leonardtown Road in Bryantown, for the reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Crews arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch and confirmed a two vehicle accident, with one subject pinned inside. Firefighters from Waldorf,...
Read More »

2020 Winter Commencement Pinning Ceremony Celebrates CSM’s 41 Nursing Graduates

During the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) nursing recognition ceremony Jan. 16, as part of the college’s 21st Winter Commencement, 41 associate degree nursing candidates received their nursing pin. The nursing pin is a treasured symbol CSM Nursing Professor Jeanne Hill told the graduates and their families during the ceremony. She explained how the...
Read More »

Governor Hogan Announces More Than $1 Billion in Tax Relief for Maryland Retirees

Governor Hogan Announces More Than $1 Billion in Tax Relief for Maryland Retirees

Governor Larry Hogan today announced a more than $1 billion tax relief proposal to make it more affordable for retirees to stay in Maryland. This legislation, which would lower taxes for more than 230,000 Marylanders, is the biggest tax reduction in Maryland in more than two decades. “People who have been lifelong Marylanders and...
Read More »

Waldorf Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Christopher Crawford, age 40, of Waldorf, Maryland to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography. The sentence was imposed on January 15, 2020. Judge Grimm also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Crawford must continue to...
Read More »

Board of Education Honors Charles County Public School Employees for Commitment to Students and School System

The Board of Education at its Jan. 14 meeting honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members for their commitment to student success and support of the school system. Honored by the Board were Barbara Brandau, Keri Mona, Shanelle Savoy, Kimberley Sheckells and Leslie Schroeck. Brandau is a special education teacher at Dr....
Read More »

Officers Identify and Arrest Suspect in Theft from Auto in Waldorf

On Monday, January 6, officers responded to the 3100 block of John Hanson Drive in Waldorf for the report of a theft from auto. The victim reported his wallet, a book, and other items were stolen from his unlocked car, with one of his credit cards then being used to make purchases totaling more...
Read More »

Man Charged with Theft and Theft Scheme after Detectives Uncover Large Scale Fencing Operation in Charles County

Man Charged with Theft and Theft Scheme after Detectives Uncover Large Scale Fencing Operation in Charles County

In the fall of 2019, Charles County Detective C. Gilroy, who is assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, initiated an investigation into a large-scale organized retail theft ring occurring at several businesses after noticing a marked increase in theft reports, especially involving printer ink cartridges, and repeated arrests of shoplifters. After three months of...
Read More »

UPDATE: Drunk Driver that Killed 3-Month-Old in Waldorf Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail

UPDATE: Drunk Driver that Killed 3-Month-Old in Waldorf Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail

UPDATE: Michael Maurice Ford, 50, of Columbia, was sentenced to 10 years in jail for the Grossly Negligent Manslaughter of infant Ethan Ruefly, Negligent Homicide by Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, and related charges. 10/7/2019: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on October 7, 2019, a Charles County jury,...
Read More »

Governor Hogan Announces 2019 Award of $9 Million in Tax Credits for Student Loan Debt

Governor Hogan Announces 2019 Award of $9 Million in Tax Credits for Student Loan Debt

Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Secretary Dr. James D. Fielder announced the awarding of nearly $9 million in tax credits for 9,600 Maryland residents with student loan debt. “It is critical that we look for ways to help those in our state crippled by student loan debt,” Governor Hogan said....
Read More »

Charles County Detectives Arrest Two Juveniles After Armed Robbery in White Plains

Officers Identify and Arrest Two Suspects in Armed Robbery Case: On January 10, detectives arrested a 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, both of Charles County, in connection with a robbery of an acquaintance that occurred on January 8 in the area of Continental Drive and Sierra Lane in White Plains. During the robbery,...
Read More »

Vehicle Arson in Nanjemoy Currently Under Investigation

On Friday, January 11, 2020, at approximately 12:00 p.m., firefighters from Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department responded to the area of Riverside Road and Maryland Point Road in Nanjemoy, for the reported vehicle on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 2016 Toyota Corolla fully engulfed in flames. The owner(s) have been identified...
Read More »

Financial Literacy Course Available at Stethem Educational Center in Pomfret, Starts February 11, 2020

Eligible Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) sophomores, juniors and seniors can take financial literacy for original credit this spring at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. The course is a mix of online material and in-person requirements for completion. The course begins Feb. 11 and ends May 26. Cost is $300 and payment is...
Read More »

Waldorf Woman Charged After Attempted Theft, Assaulting Two Police Officers

Woman Charged with Theft and Assaulting Two Police Officers: On January 10, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., officers responded to a drug store in the area of High Street in Waldorf, for the report of a theft in progress. When officers arrived, they observed the suspect on a nearby street. As officers attempted to take...
Read More »

Metropolitan Commision Employees Support A Community That Shares

On December 19, 2019, employees of the Metropolitan Commission presented Bruce Maynard, A Community That Shares (“ACTS”) representative, with a donation in the amount of $2,514.25. This donation was made possible through fundraising efforts of MetCom employees throughout the fall into the holiday season. Supporting local charities has been an annual initiative by Metropolitan...
Read More »

Girl Powered Connects Students with STEM Activities

Mary Anne Onianwah has always been interested in how people connect, it could be why she enrolled in North Point High School’s Cisco Networking Academy Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. “My parents come from a third world country and I see how technology connects people around the world,” said Onianwah, a senior who...
Read More »