LEONARDTOWN, Md. (August 17, 2012)—The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.
ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE BY BABYSITTER: On August 12, police units responded to a residence in Lexington Park for the report of suspected child abuse. Upon arrival at the residence, officers learned several children, all under the age of 10, made disclosures to a family member that a babysitter had been touching them inappropriately. Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) were contacted and assumed the investigation which resulted in the arrest of Ronald Christopher Sparks, 53, of Great Mills on August 15. Sparks was charged with Child Sexual Abuse and Third Degree Sex Offense and incarcerated in the St. Mary's County Detention Center. Sparks was later released by a District Court Commissioner after posting a $5,000 bond. Additional charges are pending a review with the State's Attorney's Office.
SEEKING INFO ON SHOOTING: BCI is actively investigating a shooting incident that occurred at the Lexington located in Lexington Park. On July 29, officers responded to the Lexington and located a male subject suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was flown to Prince George's Shock Trauma with non-life threatening injuries. Detectives are asking for the publics assistance by providing any information they may have regarding the incident which will aid in the identification and apprehension of the suspect responsible for the shooting. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Detective Tom Hedderich at 301-475-4200 ext 1961 or Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333. Tipsters can also text their tips in to "TIP239" plus your message to "CRIMES" (274637). Callers and tipsters do not have to leave a name, just the information. If the information leads to an arrest and conviction, the caller/tipster may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
PIZZA SHOP ROBBED: On July 27 between the hours of 10:30 and 11:00 p.m., a male suspect robbed the Papa John's Pizza store, located at 25741 Three Notch Road in Hollywood. The suspect displayed a weapon during the robbery and fled the store after obtaining an undisclosed amount of money. BCI is asking for the publics assistance by providing any information they may have regarding the person or persons responsible for this robbery to Det./Cpl. Robert C. Merritt at (301) 475-4200 x 9042. You may also provide information by contacting Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333 or Text your information to CRIMES (274637). Simply enter "TIP239" (847239) before your tip. Persons can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.
FAILURE TO REGISTER FOR OFFENDER REGISTRY: On August 10, detectives from the BCI Sex Offender Unit apprehended Rodney W. Wright, 42, of Lexington Park, after he failed to register as a sex offender as required by law. Wright is a Tier III offender and was released from incarceration on July 30. Wright failed to register within three days of being released from custody. Wright is currently being held in the St. Mary's County Detention Center under no bond.
FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT: On August 8, deputies responded to a residence in St. Inigoes for a report of an assault. Investigation revealed Carol Cecelia Clinton, 59, of St. Inigoes, had been engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim which escalated into a physical assault when Clinton cut the victim's hand with a knife. Clinton also struck the victim in the face with a bottle. Clinton was arrested and charged with first and second degree assault.
THEFT UNDER $1000: On August 8, Cpl. Kirkner responded to Best Buy Store in California for a report of a theft. Store employees reported observing William Joseph McCurry, 20, of St. Leonard, removing merchandise from the store shelf, concealing the items on his person and walking past all points of purchase attempting to exit the store without paying for the items. McCurry was detained by the employees. McCurry was arrested and charged with theft less than $1,000.
DRUG ARREST: On August 9 at approximately 1:30 a.m., Deputy Foor was in the area of Beachville Road in St. Inigoes when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked and occupied in the back parking lot. Deputy Foor investigated and found Ronnie Aaron Gatton, 24, of Mechanicsville, in the vehicle. As Deputy Foor was speaking with Gatton he smelled an odor of burnt marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Further investigation revealed suspected marijuana in the center console. Gatton was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.