LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Jan. 8, 2008) - The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Department released the following incident and arrest reports.
INMATE STARTS FIRE IN CELL BLOCK: On January 7, 2007 at approximately 8:25 PM Corrections Officers responded to a cell block inside the Detention Center after observing smoke coming from under a locked cell door. Three inmates were inside the cell at the time. The officers responded secured the cell block, unlocked the doors, and initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the smoke. The investigation revealed, suspect Nathan Amin Shelley, 21, of Lexington Park, Maryland, used common jail products such as, batteries, toilet paper and an empty juice carton of to start a small fire in the cell, while two other inmates were locked inside the cell, unable to get out. The fire was contained and caused minor property damage and resulted in no injuries, however the risk for both damage and injury were substantial. Shelley was charged with 2nd Degree Arson, Malicious Burning and two counts of Reckless Endangerment. He was taken before the District Court Commissioner on these charges and remains incarcerated.
ARREST FOR BURGLARY: On January 4, St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations detectives arrested and charged Christopher Allen Williams, 18, from Mechanicsville with one count of Burglary First Degree, one count of Theft over $500.00, one count of Theft under $500.00 and one count of Possession of an Altered Shotgun for a November 18th residential burglary on South Sandgates Road in Mechanicsville. Suspect Williams is currently being held in the St. Mary's County Detention Center on $75.000 bond.
ILLEGAL DRUGS: Detectives began to investigate a complaint of drug activity at a California, Maryland Hotel. The investigation revealed John Columbus Courtney (Age 37 of Steven Young Ct, Leonardtown) was dealing cocaine from a rented hotel room and in the outside parking lot. A Search and Seizure Warrant was executed on the hotel room and suspect's person. More than $1,500.00 worth of "Crack" cocaine, nearly $300.00 in cash and a Police Scanner were recovered. Suspect Courtney is being held without bond in the St. Mary's County Detention Center.
THEFT UNDER $500: On 01/05/07 Dfc. Corcoran responded to the WalMart in California, Md. for the reported Theft. Investigation revealed store security officials observed Sherri L. Newby, age 30, of Avenue removing various items from the store display, concealing them on her person, and exiting the store. Further investigation revealed Shirley A. Morris, age 62, of Avenue was identified as a "lookout" for Suspect Newby. Both were charged with Theft under $500 by way of a Criminal Citation and released pending a hearing in District Court.
DWI ARREST: Francisco Jesus Ayala Monterros, age 22, of Leonardtown. Arrested by Dep. Chemko-Faye.
WARRANT ARRESTS:
Jameh Achan K. Freeman, 28, Lusby for Assault 1st Degree by Sdfc. K. Somerville. Warrant issued by Calvert County District Court.
Orlando W. Demby, Jr., 20, Lexington Park for Failing to Appear in Court by Dep. Watters. Warrant issued in Dorchester County District Court.
John Francis Briscoe Jr., 33, of Valley Lee for Failing to Appear in District Court, St. Mary's County by Dep. LaBrack.
Valerie A. Barnes, 41, of Great Mill's for Fail to Pay Child Support, by Dfc. Pesante.
Denise M. Small, 31, Mechanicsville for Bad Check/Utter less than $100, by Dep. Green