Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations began investigating a string of burglaries throughout St. Mary’s County. The Suspects were utilizing power tools and torches to gain access to the money machines from several local car washes. As the investigation continued, it was discovered that similar burglaries had taken place in both Charles and Calvert Counties.
Detectives developed several suspects and search and seizure warrants were obtained. The search warrants were executed on both vehicles and residences in the southern end of the county. Tools, currency, car wash tokens and masks were some of the items recovered.
Detectives located Suspect Trista Renee Keller (Age 19 of Callaway) and she was arrested and charged with two (2) counts of burglary second degree. Suspect Keller was a driver for two (2) males committing the burglaries and profited from the thefts that occurred. Suspect Emily Mae Semones (Age 19 of Great Mills) was also arrested and charged with three (3) counts of second degree burglary. She too was found to have assisted in the suspects get away and profited from the burglaries. Additional charges on all suspects are expected after a State’s Attorney and Grand Jury review. A third female, a juvenile, was released as her role in the burglaries took place in Charles and Calvert Counties. A juvenile suspect (age 17 of Lexington Park, Md) was arrested and charged for his role in the crimes and was detained in Cheltenham Juvenile Detention Facility pending a hearing.
The total loss related to these crimes is believed to be nearly $30,000.00.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigations is currently seeking the whereabouts of the fourth suspect. Dustin Anton Pernell, (23 years of age from Lexington Park). Suspect Pernell is currently a registered sexual offender. He is 6’ 0” and weighs 160 lbs., light complexion and brown eyes. Suspect Pernell has Chinese symbol tattoos on both shoulders and sometimes goes by the alias "Sean Pernell." Any one with information on Suspect Pernell's current whereabouts is urged to call Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333. A reward is possible if information leads to his apprehension.
The St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations is an investigative team comprised of Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police, Leonardtown Barrack. The unit was established on July 1, 2003 and is based in Leonardtown, Maryland.