LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, April 15, 2024, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Malcolm Fluellyn, 27, of Bryans Road, to 46 years in prison with all but 15 years suspended for two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and six counts of Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense. Fluellyn will be on supervised probation for five years upon release.

On February 26, 2024, Fluellyn entered a guilty plea to the aforementioned charges.

On February 10, 2023, a Charles County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer at General Smallwood Middle School reported that multiple students accused Fluellyn of inappropriately touching them.

An investigation of the allegations revealed that Fluellyn was working as a permanent substitute teacher at General Smallwood Middle School from December 2022 through February 2023. Fluellyn inappropriately touched the victims, some on numerous occasions, at the school while he worked there. Additionally, Fluellyn reached out to some of the victims on Instagram and made inappropriate sexual comments about their bodies.  

The eight victims ranged in age between 12 and 13 years old. Fluellyn was immediately fired from the school when school officials learned of the assaults.

The Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to the case told the judge at sentencing, “Members of this community, and any community, should be able to send their children to school without having to worry that an adult will sexually prey on them in any way. It’s just not acceptable.”

Sentencing

• County 16 – Sexual Abuse of a Minor
  • 25 years with all but 7 years suspended
• Count 21 – Sexual Abuse of a Minor
  • 21 years with all but 8 years suspended
  • Consecutive to Count 16
• Count 4, 29, 31, 33, 37, 39 – Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense
  • 1 year
  • Concurrent with each other and Count 16

(SYKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland State Police announces that applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual Leadership and Career Development Seminar, which will take place from July 12-14, 2024. The goal of the free event is to develop interest and introduce high school rising juniors and seniors and incoming college freshmen to career opportunities with the Department.

The three-day, action-packed seminar will be held at the Maryland State Police Training Academy in Sykesville.  Those interested in starting a career in law enforcement – either sworn or civilian – are invited to learn about the Maryland State Police from troopers and civilian employees who specialize in a wide range of expertise. The seminar is a way to identify young talent and foster a relationship with the community. The goal is to provide participants with hands-on experiences and an introduction to the Department’s mission critical career opportunities. 

Attendees will learn about emergency communications, fitness and defensive tactics, facets of a law enforcement career, aviation/flight paramedics. leadership, digital forensics/cybersecurity and details into our diverse civilian occupations. Troopers and civilian employees from various specialized units will be on hand to share their experiences about life as a state trooper or as a civilian employee in a law enforcement career. This will include representatives from Criminal Investigations, Forensic Sciences, Police Communications, Information Technology and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Along with this exciting opportunity, food and lodging will be provided on the campus of the Maryland State Police Academy. Each barrack commander will select one applicant to represent their respective county, including Baltimore City.

To qualify for enrollment, applicants must submit either a two-minute self-taped video or a written essay to explain why they are interested in a career in law enforcement.  The deadline for applications remains open. For more application guidelines, please visit https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Careers/Pages/Youth-Leadership-Seminar.aspx.

Questions about the seminar and the application process can be emailed to msp.youthprograms@maryland.gov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 16, 2024) – On April 15, 2024, at 5:25 p.m., St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Newtowne Neck Road and Wathen Road in Leonardtown, MD, for the report of an automobile collision involving three vehicles: a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2014 Toyota Highlander, and a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 

The initial investigation determined that the Silverado, driven by Salvador Martinez Gonzalez, 34, was traveling north on Newtowne Neck Road. The driver of the truck failed to negotiate the curve in the roadway, crossed the center line, and struck the southbound Toyota Highlander, operated by Ann Hardman, 60. The Monte Carlo, also traveling south on Newtown Neck Road and operated by Joseph Green, 60, was struck by the Toyota Highlander. 

Ann Hardman and Salvador Martinez Gonzalez were taken to area trauma centers and are currently listed in stable condition. Joseph Green and a passenger were uninjured in the crash. 

Due to the collision's severity, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Weather and speed are believed to be contributing factors in this crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or any events leading up to it and who has not already provided a statement is asked to contact Corporal Vincent Pontorno at 301-475-2400, ext. 2337, or by email at Vincent.Pontorno@stmaryscountymd.gov.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today a St. Mary’s County jury found Thomas Moreland, 21, of Lexington Park, Maryland, guilty of first-degree murder for his participation in the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s carnival shooting that took the life of one 16-year-old and left another teenage victim suffering from two gunshot wounds.

“The annual Hollywood Carnival is a treasured family tradition, but on July 15, 2022, the Defendant, along with others, orchestrated and executed a nightmarish event for those in attendance and inflicted widespread fear that rippled throughout the County and beyond,” said Sterling.

After a five-day jury trial, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted this Defendant of the following: 

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Attempted first-degree murder
• Attempted second-degree murder
• First-degree assault
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.

The Defendant will be held without bond pending a sentencing hearing. He faces a maximum penalty of Life in prison.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Sarah Proctor and Alena Mosier prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Detective Tyler Payne and Corporal Daniel Sidorowicz of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators and received support from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.

The Department of Public Works, Water and Sewer Division advises citizens that a ruptured pipe at Solomons Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 500 Sweetwater Road in Lusby, led to an accidental spill of sludge. There is no impact to drinking water.

Upon discovering the leak, staff followed protocol, turned the pumps off and closed the valves, initiating immediate cleanup procedures. To mitigate environmental impact, lime was applied over the affected area.

It was determined that approximately 17,500 gallons of return-activated sludge reached a nearby stream that feeds into Hellen’s Creek. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management was contacted immediately, and bilingual signage was posted around the spill site.

For questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at public.works@calvertcountymd.gov or 410-535-2204.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

 On April 14 at 7:56 a.m., patrol officers received a call from a concerned citizen about a man posting numerous posts on social media threatening to take a gun to a church on St. Peter’s Church Road. The caller advised the back-to-back posts appeared to be threatening. As officers were responding to the church, the suspect went live on the social media site and continued to make statements and indicated he was not afraid to break the law. From the live video, officers were able to determine the suspect was in the area of Old Washington Road in Waldorf. Officers responded and located the suspect. A gun was not located; however, through further investigation, officers learned the suspect, Steven Michael Heizmann, age 39, of no fixed address, had approached several people inquiring about purchasing a firearm. Heizmann was charged with making threats of mass violence. He is currently being detained at the Charles County Detention Center. 

On April 15 at 9 a.m., two students were engaged in an alteration inside Henry Lackey High School. The fight caused a large crowd to gather and resulted in a school staff member being injured while trying to separate the students. The staff member was transported to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries. A juvenile was charged with two counts of assault and one count of affray and released to their mother. Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. Plunkett at 301-609-3282 ext. 0469.

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is preparing for summer with academic programs such as Summer Boost for elementary school students and Summer School for middle and high school students. For the youngest learners, story hours will be offered in July and held at five locations around the county.

Summer Boost

Summer Boost returns for students who will be in kindergarten through fifth grade in the 2024-2025 school year. Summer Boost, an enrichment program for elementary school students designed to prepare them for the upcoming school year, will be held at 11 elementary school sites from July 8 to 25. With a goal to reduce educational gaps, the program includes instruction in language arts and math coupled with social-emotional components and special area rotations. The program will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday with transportation, breakfast and lunch provided. Summer Boost sites include C. Paul Barnhart, Dr. Gustavus Brown, Dr. Thomas L. Higdon, Indian Head, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, J.C. Parks and J.P. Ryon elementary schools. Students are selected to attend Summer Boost by their teachers and administrators. Families will be contacted with an invitation to Summer Boost through mid-May.

Summer School, high school original credit

Students in Grade 6 through 12 will be able to make up courses during Summer School that will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, July 2 to Aug. 1. Free make-up classes are offered to students who did not pass during the school year or want to take a virtual original credit high school course. During summer school, students are expected to adhere to the CCPS Code of Student Conduct as they would during the school year and bus transportation will be provided to and from school. Students can bring snacks and their lunch to Summer School, and free bag lunches will be available. Grades will be available in ParentVue and StudentVue.

Students should contact their school counselor with questions and to get course recommendations. Registration is open from June 10 to 19 and will be started by the student’s school counselor.

Make-up courses for middle school students will be held at Theodore G. Davis Middle School and students must take two classes among language arts, math, science and/or social studies. Middle school students who need to retake one class will be assigned tutoring or Student Service Learning (SSL) if they have not completed their SSL requirements.

High school summer school courses will be held at La Plata High School for students who live in the school zone for La Plata, St. Charles and Westlake high schools, and Henry E. Lackey High School for students who live in the school zone for Lackey, Maurice J. McDonough, North Point and Thomas Stone high schools.

Students can take one full credit class in Summer School. Classes offered include Algebra I and II, Algebra with trigonometry and statistics, Art I, biology, chemistry, Earth systems, English I, II, III and IV, Exploring Computer Science for a technology education credit, Fitness for Life/Health I for ½ credit each, Foundations of Technology for a technology education credit, geometry, Heritage and Native Spanish I, II and III, Introduction to Advanced Math, Local, State and National Government, Personal Financial Literacy for one credit, Spanish I and II, U.S. History and World History.

The conferring of diplomas for Summer School will be Aug. 2. The ceremony is held for CCPS students who complete a Summer School course meeting the requirements for the Maryland High School Diploma.

High school original credit classes are virtual for students who have completed at least a year of high school. Classes available to complete over summer are English III for graduating juniors only, English IV for preapproved students, Exploring Computer Science for a technology education credit, Fit for Life/health for ½ credit each, geometry, personal financial literacy/health II for ½ credit each and personal financial literacy for one credit.

Early Childhood Story Hours

The CCPS Office of Early Childhood is holding story hours in July for some of the youngest learners in the county. Five sites around Charles County will host story hours for children who are 2 to 5 years of age. Children and caregivers will participate in school readiness activities and take home a copy of the book read during the story hour. For more information and links to story hours, click here. The story hour schedule is below.

· Monday, 10-11 a.m. — Early Learning Center, La Plata, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. To register for the Early Learning Center, La Plata, story hour, click here.

· Tuesday, 9-10 a.m. — Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School, 400 Willow Lane, La Plata. To register for the Mitchell story hour, click here.

· Wednesday, 9-10 a.m. — Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School, 12872 Rock Point Road, Newburg. To register for the Higdon story hour, click here.

· Friday, 9-10 a.m. — Mary B. Neal Elementary School, 12105 St. Georges Drive, Waldorf. To register for the Neal story hour, click here. (Currently this location is full.)

· Friday, 10-11 a.m. — Indian Head Elementary School, 4200 Indian Head Highway, Indian Head. To register for the Indian Head story hour, click here.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,765 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy

Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 15, 2024) - On April 12, 2024, following an investigation, Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Intelligence Unit served a search and seizure warrant at a residence in the 21000 block of Stoney Brook Court in Lexington Park, MD, and recovered a Polymer 80 handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine.

Subsequently, a juvenile suspect was apprehended, taken into custody, and transferred to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center. The individual has been charged as an adult with weapons-related offenses.

The Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) was created in 2022 and is comprised of detectives and a crime analyst whose primary focus is reducing gun violence in St. Mary's County and safeguarding those we serve through innovative investigative strategies, proactive policing, and thorough investigations, ultimately leading to successful prosecution.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 15, 2024) – On Sunday, April 14, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at Paradise Bar and Lounge located at 21367 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, MD, where they found an individual suffering from multiple stab wounds.

A preliminary investigation revealed an argument between the victim and the suspect escalated into a physical altercation and resulted in the victim, a 64-year-old male, receiving multiple stab wounds. The victim was flown by Trooper 7 of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to an area hospital for medical treatment, where he is currently listed in stable condition.

The suspect, identified by witnesses as being involved in the stabbing, fled the scene but was later apprehended during a traffic stop on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. Winston Warren Smith, 38, of Lexington Park, was arrested and charged with Attempted First- and Second-Degree Murder and First- and Second-Degree Assault and transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, MD.

(Hughesville, Maryland) – On Saturday, April 13, 2024, at approximately 0001 hours, Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to Maryland Route 5 in the area of Wolfe Drive for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, a Collision Reconstruction Specialist (CRS) was requested and TFC. J. Engleman, of the MSP Leonardtown Barrack responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the Collision Reconstruction Specialist indicates a Toyota Camry operated by Renee Hull (45 yoa) of Lexington Park, MD was traveling on southbound Maryland Route 5 in the area of the Wolfe Drive. At the same time, a pedestrian identified as Enoch F. Rogers (28 yoa) of Clinton, MD was walking northbound in the southbound lanes. Mr. Rogers was in the travel path of the Toyota and was ultimately struck. Mr. Rogers sustained injuries not compatible with life and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Pedestrian error appears to be the factor in the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact the Duty Officer at the MSP La Plata Barrack (301) 392-1200. The investigation is continuing. (24-MSP-011711)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, introduced legislation to reauthorize the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act which enables to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support conservation partners along migratory flyways throughout the Western Hemisphere. This is the only federal grant program that ensures that the links in the full migratory chain have the conservation support they need. It promotes the long-term conservation, education, research, monitoring, and habitat protection for more than 380 species of migratory birds along their full migratory pathway.

The legislation makes key improvements to the program, most notably lowering the required cost-sharing requirement for grant recipients from 3:1 to 2:1, which will make it more accessible to smaller organizations. The new legislation provides $6.5 million over five years. These and other strategic improvements will allow the program to better respond to the demonstrated need for program funding and grow the local partner base.

“Neotropical migratory birds, like our beloved Baltimore Oriole, take tremendous journeys,” said Senator Cardin, who has championed the reauthorization of the program since he was first elected to the Senate in 2007. “Their migratory paths require ‘habitat anchors’ that the species have relied on for tens of thousands of years. The wetlands of the Chesapeake Bay watershed provide one such critical stopover for hundreds of species traveling along the Atlantic Flyway each year. However, it is just one of many habitats that link together the full migratory chain. The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act program supports habitat conservation along their entire flight path. It is a proven success story, and I am proud of the improvements this bill makes.”

“As a Migratory Bird Conservation Co-Chair, protecting and improving migratory bird habitat is a priority for me. The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act will continue to build on the success we’ve seen from this program and provide certainty for vulnerable bird populations for generations to come,” said Senator Boozman.

“At a time when we are losing billions of birds, the legislation led by Senators Cardin and Boozman is critical to ensuring the survival of migratory birds all along their hemispheric routes, and to help communities conserve their own natural landscapes," said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs, National Audubon Society. “We thank Senators Cardin and Boozman for their leadership in conserving migratory species, who delight 96 million birdwatching Americans every year.”

“Public-private partnerships are essential to effective conservation efforts in the U.S. and globally. I applaud Senator Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Cardin and International Conservation Caucus Co-Chair Senator Boozman on their leadership promoting sound policy solutions regarding migratory birds as well as resource management issues around the world,” said David Barron, Chairman, International Conservation Caucus Foundation.

“Projects funded through the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act help conserve vulnerable bird populations while strengthening our ecosystems across the Americas,” said Karen Waldrop, Ducks Unlimited Chief Conservation Officer. “From Canada to the Bahamas – and everywhere in between – migratory birds know no boundaries, and the habitat investments of this bipartisan program reflect that. We applaud Sens. Cardin and Boozman for their leadership.”

Since 2002, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act program has provided more than $89 million in grants to support 717 projects across 5 million acres of bird habitat a in 43 countries. The federal dollars invested in this program are leveraged to spur significant private partner funding. 

###

On April 9 at 9:35 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Berry Road and Bonnie Lane where a carjacking suspect was fleeing from Prince George’s County police in the stolen vehicle. Officers observed the suspect northbound on Indian Head Highway, but the suspect made a U-turn and got back on Berry Road heading eastbound where several officers had stop sticks deployed. The suspect vehicle struck a set of stop sticks, damaging a tire but the suspect continued fleeing to the area of White Plains where he pulled into a gas station, rammed a police cruiser, backed up and hit another one, and then pulled up and rammed the first cruiser again in an attempt to escape. Officers were able to contain the vehicle and apprehend the suspect without further incident. The suspect, Francis Jerome Hicks, 62, of Lexington Park, MD. was arrested by Prince George’s County police. A warrant was obtained by officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office charging Hicks with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and numerous traffic violations. Officer Hunsinger is continuing the investigation. 

On April 11, detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit, along with members of the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Emergency Services Team, and detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., served search warrants at two locations in Prince George’s County relating to an investigation of a burglary that occurred in February at a Waldorf Fire station in addition to other crimes committed in the metropolitan area. Through the investigation, detectives developed Kairon Andre Fuell, age 20, of Capitol Heights, as a suspect. Detectives also linked Fuell to several robberies that occurred in Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Charles County Sheriff’s detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Fuell, who was located and arrested at one of the residences and charged with burglary, theft, and other related crimes. Evidence linking Fuell to the fire station burglary and other crimes in the region was recovered in addition to a firearm. Fuell is facing criminal charges with other law enforcement agencies throughout the area. On April 12, a judge ordered Fuell could be released from the Charles County Detention Center on a $2,000 bond relating to the burglary case; however, he does have an active warrant from another police department and remains in custody awaiting extradition proceedings. Detective Logsdon is continuing the investigation. 

On April 11 at 7 a.m., patrol officers responded to a call for two stolen vehicles on Bancroft Drive. A Nissan Maxima and a Dodge Charger were stolen from one residence during the overnight hours. Further, patrol officers took reports of thefts from vehicles on Windon Court that may be related. The Dodge Charger was subsequently located in Washington, D.C. As officers pursue leads, anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Knight at 301-609-3282 ext. 0693. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest of the suspect(s).

Burglary: 24-27496
On April 5, 2024, Cpl. Bortchevsky responded to Granados Tires located at 7605 Meadow Run Lane in Owings, for report of theft. Investigation revealed an unknown suspect burglarized 3 Conex boxes containing new tires. The estimated value of stolen property is $6,463.96. The estimated value of damaged property is $100.00.

CDS Violation: 24-26421
On April 1, 2024, Deputy Tunnell initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Dares Beach Road in the area of Terrace Drive in Prince Frederick, for an equipment violation. Investigation revealed, the passenger, Susan Michelle Furr, 37 of Dunkirk, was possessing a glass pipe and a pill container containing 2 controlled dangerous substances. Furr was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where she was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis and CDS:
Possession of Paraphernalia.

CDS Violation: 24-27145
On April 3, 2024, DFC Tavares responded to the area of Southbound Rt. 4 and Coster Rd. in Lusby, to assist a motorist who had run out of gas. Contact was made with the driver who initially provided a false name, but was later identified as Linda Marie Bond, 29 of no fixed address. Investigation revealed Bond has open warrants for her arrest thru MSP and St. Mary’s County. Further investigation revealed a clear smoking device with burnt residue (suspected crack cocaine) and a metal rod with white powder residue (suspected crack cocaine) were located in the vehicle. Bond was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where
she was charged with Fraud- Per Identification Avoid Prosecution and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

CDS Violation: 24-27357
On April 4, 2024, DFC Lewis initiated a traffic stop in the area of the Wawa located at 305 Market Square Drive in Prince Frederick, for an equipment violation. Upon making contact with the occupants, the rear passenger refused to provide identification and continued to be irate. Further investigation revealed drug paraphernalia to include two burnt glass pipes were located inside the vehicle. Patrick Lee Brown, 59 of Huntingtown, was arrested and charged with CDS:
Possession of Paraphernalia.

CDS Violation: 24-27229
On April 4, 2024, Deputy Newton responded to Solomons Island Road in the area of Wayside Drive in Sunderland, for a traffic complaint. Investigation revealed citizens called 911 to report a vehicle all over the roadway and the driver hanging his leg out of the window. A traffic stop was initiated after an equipment violation was observed. The driver, Bobby Lewis King Jr., 39 of Sunderland, initially failed to stop. Further investigation revealed, King was operating the vehicle while under the influence. A vehicle search revealed, a metal rod, a brown cigarette
(suspected PCP), and a container with a white rock inside (suspected crack). King was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Negligent and Reckless Driving, DWI, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia and CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis. The passenger, Shannon O’Neal Wills, 46 of Sunderland, was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

Disorderly: 24-27882
On April 6, 2024, DFC. A. Dymond responded to Abner’s Crabhouse/A&A Gaming located at 3748 Harbor Road in Chesapeake Beach, for disorderly subjects. DFC Dymond was advised two disorderly patrons were causing a disturbance and needed to be removed from the bar and escorted off the property. The two males, Raymond Eugene Sompayrac, 55 of Chesapeake Beach, and Jesse Ray Sompayrac, 35 of St. Leonard, were shouting derogatory racial remarks. Both males were asked to leave the property and refused to do so. Jesse began to make lewd threats toward deputies in the presence of customers walking across the parking lot. Both Raymond and Jesse were placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing: Private Property, Disorderly Conduct, and Intoxicated Public Disturbance.

Theft: 24-27296
On April 4, 2024, Deputy Daily responded to the Walmart located at 10600 Town Center Blvd. in Dunkirk, MD for the report of a shoplifting incident. Investigation revealed Ted William Taylor Jr., 34 of Prince Frederick, had entered the electronics section of the store. He proceeded to unlock a secured case and unlawfully took 9 boxes of AirPods, placing them into a shopping cart before exiting the store without making any payment. Taylor was observed transferring the stolen items into his vehicle. A subsequent search of Taylor's person yielded a barrel key, which
was identified as the tool used to open the locked case. Taylor was placed under arrest for the theft and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he shouted obscenities, racial slurs, and threats. Taylor’s behavior escalated by resisting arrest and exhibiting violent behavior, including spitting on Correctional Deputies. A search of Taylor’s person at the jail revealed copper mesh, a metal push rod, and a bag of suspected crack cocaine residue. Taylor was charged with Theft: $100 to Under $1500, 4th-Degree Theft/Burglary, Burglary-4th Degree/Tools, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.
Ted William Taylor Jr.

Theft: 24-27556
On April 5, 2024, Deputy Morrison responded to the Sheriff’s Office located at 30 Church Street in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised a small safe containing a driver’s license, social security card, and several medications was stolen from the trunk of a vehicle on April 1 while parked outside the Cliff’s Motel located at 4785 St. Leonard Road in St. Leonard. The estimated value of stolen property is $11.00.

Theft: 24-27827
On April 6, 2024, Deputy Claggett responded to the Wawa located at 10205 Kirksville Lane in Dunkirk, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised two males entered the store an grabbed an armful of unpaid merchandise and walked past all points of sale without making payment. The suspects were identified as Paul A. Aragona, 19 of Dunkirk, and Charles D. Demarest, 19 of Dunkirk. The estimated value of stolen property is $17.92. Both suspects were trespassed indefinitely from the property and cited for Theft: less than $100.

Theft: 24-27765
On April 6, 2024, Deputy T. Bowen responded to the 3700 block of Harbor Road in Chesapeake Beach, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised an unknown suspect stole a DeWalt power drill and impact wrench from the complainant’s unlocked vehicle. The estimated value of stolen property is $600.00.

Theft: 24-27943
On April 7, 2024, Deputy Deinert responded to the 1900 block of Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised a Razor Dirt Bike, described as a Razor Dirt Rocket SX500 was stolen from a shed on the property. The dirt bike is yellow and red in color with an aftermarket white reflector on the handlebars. The estimated value of stolen property is $600.00.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, joined with Congressmen Kweisi Mfume, Andy Harris, Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey on Thursday to introduce bicameral, bipartisan legislation that would allow the federal government to fully fund the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and its approaches. Governor Wes Moore, who joined the full Maryland delegation at the Capitol earlier this week for a meeting with Biden-Harris administration officials, praised the bill for fulfilling President Joe Biden’s commitment to have the federal government fully support rebuilding the bridge after the March 26 fatal collapse.

Introduced Thursday in both the Senate and the House, S. 4114, the “Baltimore Bridge Response Invests and Delivers Global Economic Relief Act,” or “Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act,” would amend the federal cost-share requirement for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program for Disaster-Damaged Highways and Bridges. Funds are available for responding to damage caused by the cargo ship Dali to the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act would ensure the federal government supports 100 percent of the replacement of this critical bridge and its approaches in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County. Emergency Relief funding automatically has a 100 percent federal cost share for the first 270 days after the disaster. Maryland already has received $60 million in Emergency Relief funds.

“The sudden collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a human tragedy and an economic tragedy – for Maryland and the nation. As we continue to mourn the loss of life and this icon of our skyline, we can simultaneously begin work to heal the wounds created by this disaster. A new bridge can be a symbol of hope and resilience,” said Senator Cardin. “The federal government is an essential partner in this gargantuan task of reopening the Port of Baltimore shipping channel and replacing the bridge with one built for modern-day commerce and travel needs.”   

“The impact of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has been felt deeply – across Baltimore, our state, and our nation. But during times of tragedy, we come together. As we continue to mourn the lives lost in Baltimore, we are committed to doing everything we can to support our City, our state, and our workers. That’s why federal Team Maryland is putting forward this bipartisan legislation to ensure the federal government covers the full cost of rebuilding the bridge as safely and quickly as possible – and that federal taxpayers benefit from any monies recovered from those found responsible. As we have in the wake of disaster many times before, it’s time to put politics aside and get this done,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“When the Key Bridge collapsed, it didn't just affect Maryland – it affected the entire country. We must continue to come together, across party lines and all levels of government, to reopen the Port of Baltimore and rebuild the bridge as fast as possible,” said Governor Moore. “I’m grateful for the leadership of our congressional delegation and our federal allies in this hour of national importance. We can – and we will – win this moment, together.”

?“Since the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Maryland Congressional Delegation has acted with unity, collectedness, precision, and promise. Today, we have made good on our commitment to America and our State by introducing companion legislation in both the House and Senate to build back the Bridge and build it better. A disaster of this scale requires nothing less than the full and total cooperation of all parties involved,” said Congressman Mfume.

“Following the sudden collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge, my message has been clear—we must focus our efforts on recovering the victims, bringing closure to those who lost loved ones, and ensuring that the American taxpayer is not held responsible for costs that any negligent, foreign owned shipping company should pay,” said Congressman Harris. “This legislation is a step in the right direction and will provide Maryland with the resources necessary to reopen the channel, rebuild the bridge, and hold any party responsible for reimbursing the federal government if found negligent.”

"Reopening the Port of Baltimore and rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge as fast as possible is in the interest of every American." Congressman Hoyer said. "That's why it is crucial that we pass this legislation to authorize the federal government to cover the full cost of this project, in accordance with the commitment that the Biden-Harris Administration made immediately after the collapse. This bill is an essential first step in the rebuilding process. To vote against this legislation is to vote against the success of the American economy and the American people."

“Rebuilding the Key Bridge - quickly, safely and stronger - is essential to restoring jobs, protecting the supply chain and keeping inflation down. It’s also necessary to ensure no other families will ever have to endure the heartache of those of the six workers who died performing a community service and who deserve our respect and gratitude,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “We call on all of our colleagues to come together to support this legislation to help bring the Port of Baltimore back online and working for the American economy.”

“Since the sudden and tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Team Maryland has been united in our commitment to supporting the families of victims, rebuilding the bridge and resuming full Port of Baltimore operations,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “The introduction of this bipartisan legislation is proof of our determination to ensure every federal resource at our disposal is deployed to recover from this tragedy. We will keep working in lockstep with President Biden, Governor Moore and other key partners until this vital thoroughfare and iconic symbol of the Baltimore skyline is rebuilt.”

“While we continue to mourn and recover from this tragedy, I strongly urge my Congressional colleagues to rise to the challenges ahead and help fund this effort because this isn’t a Maryland problem, it’s an American one. This legislation delivers the message that this critical infrastructure deserves our full support," said Congressman Trone. "As a Member of Congress, but most importantly, as a Marylander, I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to provide Baltimore and our state the resources we need to recover, rebuild, and move forward – together."

“Tragic disasters like the destruction of the Key Bridge in Baltimore should not be a blue concern or a red concern but an American concern. Compassion and forethought must be the watchwords of the current situation. We mourn the loss of life and abhor the loss of economic liberty which the bridge collapse has wrought on Marylanders and our fellow Americans. As a federal partner, the Congress must come together to fund the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, and ultimately the rebuilding of a new bridge to help not only Maryland’s economy but also the entire country’s supply chain,” said Congressman Ivey.

The Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act reiterates current law that requires any funds recovered from applicable insurance or liable parties will reimburse the taxpayers for the cost of replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge. There has been ample precedent for the federal government taking on 100 percent of the recovery costs after a major disaster, ranging from the Northridge earthquake in Southern California, the I-35W bridge collapse in Minnesota, and numerous major hurricanes nationwide.

The full text of S. 4114, the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act follows and can be found at this link.

Title: To authorize a higher federal share for emergency relief funds for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge located in Baltimore and Baltimore County, Maryland, that collapsed on March 26, 2024, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act may be cited as the “Baltimore Bridge Response Invests and Delivers Global Economic Relief Act” or “Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act.”

SECTION 2. FINDING.

Congress finds that, in accordance with section 668.105(e) of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), any compensation for damages or insurance proceeds, including interest, recovered by a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a toll authority for repair, including reconstruction, of the bridge described in section 2 in response to the damage described in that section shall be used on receipt to reduce liability on the repair, including reconstruction, of that bridge from the emergency fund authorized under section 125 of title 23, United States Code.

SEC. 3. FEDERAL SHARE FOR CERTAIN EMERGENCY RELIEF PROJECTS.

Notwithstanding subsection (e) of section 120 of title 23, United States Code, the Federal share for emergency relief funds made available under section 125 of that title to respond to damage caused by the cargo ship Dali to the Francis Scott Key Bridge located in Baltimore City and Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties, Maryland, including reconstruction of that bridge and its approaches, shall be 100 percent.

SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Act shall take effect as if enacted on March 26, 2024.

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In the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 26, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by a container ship that had lost power. Within seconds, the bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River and onto the ship. The bipartisan congressional delegation met Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol with officials from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and additional representatives of the Biden-Harris administration to emphasize the need for continued, coordinated local, state and federal response, and to examine options for the best path forward to fully reopen the Port of Baltimore and rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge as quickly and safely as possible.

Detectives investigating shooting at an apartment complex in Waldorf: On April 10 at 7:15 p.m., officers responded to the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 2100 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. A preliminary investigation revealed an adult male shot another adult male, both of whom are known to each other. The shooter was detained, and the injured male was transported to a hospital with injuries that were later determined to be non-life-threatening. Through further investigation and in consultation with the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Worley at 301-609-6518.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation announces that the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will be closed for an extended annual maintenance period due to the nature of work being conducted.

The Hall Aquatic Center will be closed from Saturday, July 27, through Sunday, Sept 8, 2024. The public closure will begin on Saturday, July 27, to host the Southern Maryland Swim League Championship swim meet. The maintenance period will immediately follow.

During this time, all pools, including the competition pool, leisure pool and therapy pool, will be drained, repaired and refilled.

Staff will still be present at the front desk during the closure to answer questions and assist with registrations, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All indoor aquatic center annual passes and punch passes will be valid at Cove Point Pool and Kings Landing Pool during this period. Cove Point Pool and Kings Landing Pool will remain open past Labor Day to accommodate recreational swim activities and practices. Hours of operation for outdoor pools will be released at a later date.

For more information on aquatic facilities, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Aquatics.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation strives to enhance the health, economy and well-being of the Calvert County community through sustainable practices, leisure opportunities and environmental stewardship. For more information about Parks & Recreation facilities and programs, visit online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/ParksandRecreation.

For updates on Parks & Recreation services, park availability, field closures and more visit Parks & Recreation at www.Facebook.com/CalvertCountyParks and follow @calvertcountyparksandrec on Instagram.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) will begin to accept Pre-Kindergarten 4 Applications on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future allows for families with children who are 4 years old on or before September 1, 2024, to apply for full-day Pre-Kindergarten. All families are welcome to apply; however, income is the primary qualifier for eligibility. Families with an annual income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or families that are experiencing homelessness are deemed income eligible and will be accepted first. All applications will be screened and identified on a System of Tiers.

2024-2025 Blueprint Tier I Tier II Tier III

Federal Poverty Level (FPL) < 300% 301 – 600% > 601%

Income eligible Over income/Waitlisted

New for 2024-2025 only: Children who are identified as a multilingual learner, where English is not the home language, and/or children with a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP)/ Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and the annual family income is between 301-600% of the Federal Poverty Level may be admitted.

Families with an annual income that exceeds 301% FPL, are placed on the over income/waitlist. Families are advised to seek alternate options to meet their childcare needs should seat capacity be filled. After October 1, 2024, depending on available seats and school location, waitlisted families may be contacted in rank order and offered a seat where available.

Families must submit the required documents with the application. Required documents are:

Proof of Birth (Birth Certificate, Valid and un-expired Passport/Visa, Physician’s

Certificate, Baptismal/Church Certificate, or Birth Registration)

Proof of Residency (Deed, Mortgage, Rental Agreement/Lease,

Current Property Tax Bill, or Current Utility Bill) (PO Box is not acceptable)

Income Verification (2023 W-2, or three (3) recent consecutive pay stubs. Additional

income sources include Child Support, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Social Security Benefits (SSA), Social Security Insurance (SSI) or Medicaid)

The SMCPS website, www.smcps.org, has information and guidance for completing the 2024-2025 Pre-Kindergarten Application. You may also contact us using the helpdesk form, call 301-475-5511 ext. 32285, or email Mrs. Charlottis Woodley, Director of Parent & Family Engagement, at cmwoodley@smcps.org. Spanish language assistance is available.

There are also resources available to facilitate connections to high-quality childcare: The Promise Resource Center at 240-258-2288, the MSDE Childcare Finder, and the SMCPS’ Judy Center Early Learning Hubs at 301-863-4

Knife recovered from a student at Davis Middle School: On April 11, a school resource officer at Davis Middle School was notified that school administrators recovered a knife from a student on April 10. The student will be charged on a Juvenile Offense Report with possession of a weapon on school grounds and will also face consequences from the CCPS. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Miedzinski at 301-609-3282 ext. 0668.

Charles County Drug Task Force recovers firearms and large quantities of drugs: On April 9, detectives assigned to the Charles County Drug Task Force (CCDTF), with assistance from the CCSO Neighborhood Enforcement Team, K9, and Animal Control, served a search warrant relating to a drug investigation at an address in the 2600 block of Academic Court in Waldorf, and at a business in the 8000 block of Matthews Road in Bryans Road, MD. During the search, investigators recovered two handguns, an assault rifle in pistol form, an AK-style assault rifle in pistol form, high-capacity drum magazines, extended handgun magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, body armor, cocaine fentanyl, and approximately 497 grams (half a kilogram) of heroin. The suspect, Nathan Robert Templeton, age 58, of Waldorf, was arrested on the scene. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs, illegal possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and numerous other related charges. He is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. CCDTF Officer Clements of the La Plata Police Department is investigating.    

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is changing start and end times for four schools that will take effect at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. CCPS has also established operating times for the Early Learning Center, Waldorf, which is expected to open in August.

Times for William A. Diggs, T.C. Martin and J.P. Ryon elementary schools, and Theodore G. Davis Middle School are being adjusted for the 2024-2025 school year. All time changes take effect August 2024.

CCPS is making the changes to accommodate and maximize transportation route efficiency, address traffic overlap in the area of the J.P. Ryon campus, and the movement of T.C. Martin students from the Transition School in Waldorf back to the newly renovated school campus.

The following are the time changes for next school year.

• William A. Diggs Elementary School: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • This is a 10-minute shift from the current Diggs operating schedule.
  • The time change will accommodate transportation needs. 
• T.C. Martin Elementary School: 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  • This is a 15-minute shift from the current school year.
  • The new times are a return to the original times for the school prior to the renovation. 
• J.P. Ryon Elementary School: 9:20 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
  • This is a 20-minute change from the current Ryon operating schedule.
  • The new times will extend the arrival and dismissal of students from Ryon and John Hanson Middle School, located next to Ryon, and eliminate the overlap of traffic. 
• Theodore G. Davis Middle School: 8:55 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • This is a five-minute change from the current school operating schedule in the morning for Davis, with a 10-minute change in the dismissal time.
  • Most buses that provide transportation to Davis also service either North Point High School or Mattawoman Middle School. The time changes increase the window of time for buses to provide service to all three schools.

Hours for the Early Learning Center, Waldorf, will be 9:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. This schedule mirrors that of the Early Learning Center, La Plata. The Early Learning Center, Waldorf, location will be at 3155 John Hanson Drive in Waldorf. This space is the facility that currently serves as the CCPS Transition School with Martin students finishing the school year there. The Early Learning Center, Waldorf, will house additional CCPS prekindergarten students.

Schools are in the process of notifying staff, students and parents of the time changes for next school year.

The Board of Education of Charles County is hosting a Town Hall on Tuesday, April 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the boardroom at the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building. The Starkey Building is located at 5980 Radio Station Road in La Plata.

Parents, staff, students and community members are encouraged to attend to ask questions or provide comments about the Town Hall topic – the Fiscal Year 2025 proposed operating budget, or any other education-related topic. A summary of the 2025 proposed operating budget request is posted on the CCPS website here.

The event is open to the public and will livestream on the CCPS website at www.ccboe.com. There will also be a virtual option for questions and comments. Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., and CCPS staff will provide an overview of the budget request for next school year. The remaining time is reserved for questions, answers and comments from Board members, staff and attendees.

Questions, comments and/or other ideas shared should reference education-related topics. Attendees will be asked to limit their time to three minutes to provide adequate time for other attendees to participate.

Attendees interested in speaking in person must register on site at the Town Hall. A sign-up sheet will be posted outside of the boardroom. Virtual speakers must sign up by 5 p.m., April 23 and have an active Zoom account. Click here to register for virtual participation.  

Depending on how many registrations the Board receives on site, in-person sign-ups may close after 7:30 p.m. to allow as many speakers as possible an opportunity to speak. Anyone who signs up to speak will receive an assigned number and be called to speak by that number. Virtual speakers will be rotated with in-person speakers.

The Board encourages community members to submit questions or comments in advance. An electronic form is linked below. The form will close for submissions at 11:59 p.m., April 21.

Submit a question or comment/topic in advance using the form here.

The Town Hall format will follow the Board of Education’s guidelines for public forum. Questions, comments and/or other ideas shared should reference education-related topics. All speakers should identify themselves, and personnel matters, pending or potential appeals, or comments regarding the actions or statements of individual CCPS staff members or the private lives of any individual are not appropriate topics for the Town Hall. Proper language and decorum is required by all participants and attendees.

At approximately 11:05 p.m., on Monday, April 8, 2024, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 21000 block of Wilcutt Street in Lexington Park, MD, for a report of shots fired into a residence. 

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) responded, and the subsequent investigation revealed an unknown individual or individuals discharged a firearm multiple times from the roadway, striking the occupied dwelling; no one within the home was injured.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Sergeant Austin Schultz at 301-475-4200, ext. 1953, or by email at Austin.Schultz@stmaryscountymd.gov. 

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or send a text to Crime Solvers at 274637. Type "Tip239" in the message block and select SEND. After you get a response, continue your conversation.

Note: Tip239 is case-sensitive and must be typed in the message block as shown. With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.