Charles News

Waldorf Man Faces Serious Criminal Charges After Shootout in Alabama

Waldorf Man Faces Serious Criminal Charges After Shootout in Alabama

Police in Alabama said they have identified the two men involved in a mall parking lot shooting. The Auburn Police Division has identified the two individuals involved in the shooting that occurred in the Auburn Mall parking lot on Friday, March 9, 2018, as Deion S. Brooks, age 23 from Waldorf, and Michael R....
Read More »

Department of Agriculture Discourages Residents from Buying Chicks this Spring

Department of Agriculture Discourages Residents from Buying Chicks this Spring

The Maryland Department of Agriculture warns citizens that incorrectly handling live poultry, including chicks and ducklings, can cause serious illnesses, and the department strongly discourages citizens from buying chicks as presents for children this spring. This warning comes after a recent outbreak of H7N1 low-pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a commercial poultry flock...
Read More »

Southern Maryland Beats Oprah to the Punch

Southern Maryland Beats Oprah to the Punch

It’s rare to be ahead of Oprah when it comes to the next big thing. But this time Southern Maryland is way out in front. Last night she reported on 60 Minutes about childhood trauma and its effect on brain development which can increase the likelihood of a child suffering physical, social, and mental...
Read More »

Speed Camera Locations for Charles County 3/12/2018 to 3/16/2018

Speed Camera Locations for Charles County 3/12/2018 to 3/16/2018

During the week of March 12, to March 16, 2018, automated speed enforcement cameras will be activated in the following school zones: Berry Road at Jenifer Elementary School Middletown Road at Westlake High School Leonardtown Road at Thomas Stone High School Marshall Corner Road at McDonough High School Cameras are activated Monday through Friday,...
Read More »

Data From Emergency Departments Show Rapid Increases in Opioid Overdoses

Data From Emergency Departments Show Rapid Increases in Opioid Overdoses

Data from emergency departments (EDs) show that the U.S. opioid overdose epidemic continues to worsen, according to the latest Vital Signs report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report examines the timeliest data available to CDC on ED visits for opioid overdoses across multiple states. Overall, ED visits (reported by 52 jurisdictions...
Read More »

Search of Drug House Turns up Stolen Gun, $19,000 in Cash and Over a Pound and a Half of Marijuana

Search of Drug House Turns up Stolen Gun, $19,000 in Cash and Over a Pound and a Half of Marijuana

On Friday February 23, 2018, Judge Chappelle of the Circuit Court for Charles County, Maryland, issued a search and seizure warrant authorizing the search of a residence on Irish Lord Place, in Waldorf. This search and seizure warrant was issued based on probable cause to believe the occupants at the residence were violating certain...
Read More »

Baltimore Woman Arrested in Charles County for Assault, DUI, Destruction of Property and Resisting Arrest After Crashing into Vehicles

Baltimore Woman Arrested in Charles County for Assault, DUI, Destruction of Property and Resisting Arrest After Crashing into Vehicles

On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Troopers from the Maryland State Police responded to a reported motor vehicle collision in the area of southbound Rt. 301 (Crain Highway) in the area of Mt. Air Road, in Faulkner. Upon arrival, Troopers and deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office observed the driver,...
Read More »

Pomfret Man Arrested After Forcing His Way Onto a School Bus in Charles County

Pomfret Man Arrested After Forcing His Way Onto a School Bus in Charles County

On Thursday, March 1, 2018, Deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Raphael Drive off of Marshalls Corner Road, in Pomfret for the report of a man who forced his way onto a school bus and was preventing the bus from leaving. Officers responded to the scene and observed...
Read More »

Upper Marlboro Woman Caught Bringing Crack Into Calvert County Jail

Upper Marlboro Woman Caught Bringing Crack Into Calvert County Jail

On February 27, 2018 Deputy Ridgely, of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Calvert County Detention Center for a CDS violation. Deputy Ridgley made contact with the suspect identified as Chelsea Garrison, 27, of Upper Marlboro. It was discovered Garrison had concealed narcotics on her persons to try to bring into the...
Read More »

Judge Amy J. Bragunier Sentenced Drug Store ATM Burglar to 18 Months

Judge Amy J. Bragunier Sentenced Drug Store ATM Burglar to 18 Months

On Wednesday, March 7, 2018, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Amy J. Bragunier sentenced Kevontae DeAngelo Stewart to 10 years all suspended but 18 months for Second Degree Burglary. Stewart also faces 10 years back up time and 5 years supervised probation for Conspiracy Theft $10,000-$100,000. On August 8, 2017, officers responded to an...
Read More »

Homeowners Should Check Tree Contractors’ Credentials

Homeowners Should Check Tree Contractors’ Credentials

After the recent late winter storms and high winds, property owners across Maryland are learning the extent of damage to their property. In cases where the cleanup requires a professional to handle the work, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a few important suggestions homeowners should follow before bringing in a contractor to clear tree...
Read More »

Charles County Crime Solvers Offering Cash Reward Leading to Arrest of Theft Suspect

Charles County Crime Solvers Offering Cash Reward Leading to Arrest of Theft Suspect

Charles County Sheriff’s detectives are seeking the public’s help identifying a man suspected of using stolen credit cards and debit cards at various locations throughout Virginia. The cards had been stolen from unlocked vehicles in the Swan Point community between March 3 – March 4. The suspect used the cards at gas stations, convenience...
Read More »

Wednesday’s Pet is HUCKLEBERRY    

Wednesday’s Pet is HUCKLEBERRY    

Wednesday’s Pet for 3/7/2018 HUCKLEBERRY     Featured Pet: Huckleberry Rescue Group: Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland Breed: Beagle Sex: Male Size: Medium (55 lbs) Vetted: Neutered and Up-to-date with routine shots Adoption Fee: $300.00 Donation Huckleberry is an easy-going, happy, sweet fella.  He loves to go on walks and is good on a leash.  Huckleberry...
Read More »

SMECO Restores Power following Wind Storm

SMECO Restores Power following Wind Storm

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has completed restoring service to customers directly affected by Winter Storm Riley, a nor’easter that brought damaging winds to the mid-Atlantic states and New England. “The wind storm that hit our area beginning Friday morning caused more damage to SMECO’s electric system than any hurricane or winter storm we’ve...
Read More »

Video Release: Dragons, and Cows, and Dogs… Oh My! A Case for Redistricting Reform

Video Release: Dragons, and Cows, and Dogs… Oh My! A Case for Redistricting Reform

Our team took to the streets to see what people thought of Maryland’s 3rd Congressional voting district. I don’t know about you, but I see rampant gerrymandering. Free and fair elections are the very foundation of American democracy and the most basic promise that those in power can pledge to citizens. Unfortunately in Maryland,...
Read More »

New Medicare Cards will be Issued Beginning in April

New Medicare Cards will be Issued Beginning in April

Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced it will be issuing new Medicare cards to help protect against fraud. The new cards will feature a unique, randomly-assigned number that replaces the current Social Security-based number. “We want our patients to know that we are aware of the upcoming change,” said Ann Hawkins, interim director of Patient...
Read More »

Letter to the Editor: Please Skip the Circus!

Letter to the Editor: Please Skip the Circus!

The Garden Brothers Circus is coming to the Charles County Fairgrounds. And of course we want kids of all ages to have a fun day of entertainment. However, none of this should come at the expense of suffering of animals in the circus. Harsh training methods such as gouging elephants with bullhooks and whipping...
Read More »

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Warns ATM Users to be Aware of Skimming Devices

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Warns ATM Users to be Aware of Skimming Devices

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people to take precautions when using their credit or debit card at an ATM and to be aware of skimmers, which are devices placed directly over the ATM’s card reader slot to illegally record personal data and PIN information as it is entered. Skimming devices can be...
Read More »

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes Lateral Police Officers and Recruit Officer

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes Lateral Police Officers and Recruit Officer

Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry and the men and women of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office are pleased to welcome Sterlin Douglas, Brianne Gray, Anthony Stephens, and Richard Swann to the CCSO. On March 5, 2018, Charles County Clerk of Circuit Court Sharon L. “Sherri” Hancock presented the Oath of Office to Officers...
Read More »

Maryland Casinos Generate $136.6 Million in Revenue During February

Maryland Casinos Generate $136.6 Million in Revenue During February

Maryland Lottery and Gaming today announced February 2018 revenue numbers for the state’s six casinos: MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County; Live! Casino in Anne Arundel County; Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City; Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County; Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County; and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County....
Read More »

House Rejects Lower Pay Raise for Judges

House Rejects Lower Pay Raise for Judges

The House of Delegates Thursday rejected Republican attempts to lower a proposed pay raise for judges and tentatively approved a plan to give the 313 judges $20,000 more over the next four years. House Appropriations Committee Chair Maggie McIntosh said the raises were necessary to keep attracting the best talent to serve on the...
Read More »

CSM Encourages ‘See Something, Say Something’

CSM Encourages ‘See Something, Say Something’

The College of Southern Maryland’s Public Safety Department worked with law enforcement officials to investigate a vague social media post which a CSM student had shared with public safety officers and indicated concern about potential school violence in March. The message did not make a specific threat and was vague in that it did...
Read More »

Speed Camera Locations for Charles County 3/5/2018 to 3/9/2018

Speed Camera Locations for Charles County 3/5/2018 to 3/9/2018

During the week of March 5, to March 9, 2018, automated speed enforcement cameras will be activated in the following school zones: Berry Road at Jenifer Elementary School Middletown Road at Westlake High School Leonardtown Road at Thomas Stone High School Marshall Corner Road at McDonough High School Cameras are activated Monday through Friday,...
Read More »

Traffic Stop in La Plata Leads to Multiple Firearms Charges for Indian Head Man

Traffic Stop in La Plata Leads to Multiple Firearms Charges for Indian Head Man

On Monday, February 26, 2018 at approximately 6:15 p.m., Trooper M. Zentkovich and Trooper C. Hussey from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet Impala for an expired registration on westbound Route 225 east of Mitchell Road, in La Plata. Upon making contact with the operator...
Read More »

Committee Cuts Judicial Pay Raise to $20K; Strong Support for Term Limits for Legislators, More Education Funding, $15 Minimum Wage

Committee Cuts Judicial Pay Raise to $20K; Strong Support for Term Limits for Legislators, More Education Funding, $15 Minimum Wage

All 313 Maryland judges would get a $20,000 pay raise — $5,000 for each of the next four years, the House Appropriations Committee is recommending. The committee cut $15,000 from the raises proposed by the Judicial Compensation Commission. The committee action would bring the salaries of 173 circuit court judges up to $174,433 and the...
Read More »