PSA - NOISE COMPLAINTS: Spring is settling in and many drivers are operating vehicles with the sunroofs and windows open, tops down and music playing as they enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. Recently the Sheriff's Office has received numerous complaints of vehicles traveling along roadways playing extremely loud music. The excessively loud music is particularly disturbing in residential neighborhoods and other public areas such as parking lots and community parks.
Maryland Transportation Article 21, Sec. 1122, Paragraph (c) reads: "When a motor vehicle is being operated on a highway, the driver of the vehicle may not operate or permit the operation of a sound amplification system from the vehicle that can be heard outside the vehicle from 50 or more feet." A person who violates this section is subject of a fine of $70.00.
As you journey down the road, listening to your favorite song please be considerate of others by playing the music at a reasonable volume and within the law. "Rock On Respectfully".
CRIME SOLVERS-GRAFFITI: On April 2, deputies responded to a destruction of property call on Green's Crossing Court in Great Mills, Maryland. Construction equipment was spray painted with what appears to be the number "8" followed, by a star, and then an upside down triangle.
The St. Mary's Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance. Anyone who is familiar with the meaning of the "graffiti" (markings) or has information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333. Tipsters can text their tips 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 the arrest and conviction, the caller/tipster may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE SATURATION PATROLS: On April 20, the Sheriff's Office Special Operation Division and members of the Patrol Division conducted saturation patrols in the vicinity of California Maryland. The saturation patrols resulted in seven traffic citations and fourteen written warnings.
During the patrols, deputies noticed many cabs services, buses, and designated drivers were being used to provide sober rides home. Law enforcement officials and community prevention organizations believe public service announcements and print advertisement citing the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and the public's pre-planning contributed to increased traffic safety.
We hope this cooperative community partnership will continue to reduce drunk and drugged driving and increase highway safety.
MOTOR DEPUTIES COMPLETE ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION TRAINING: During the week of April 15, the Sheriff's Office Motor Unit completed its annual recertification training at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. The Sheriff's Office currently has four certified motorcycle officers assigned part-time to the Traffic Safety Unit. A fifth motor officer will participate in a law enforcement basic motorcycle training program beginning May 6.
Motor Officers must satisfactorily complete an approved eighty hour basic training program in motorcycle operations. Thereafter, forty hours of motorcycle operation in-service must be satisfactorily completed annually to maintain certification.
Motor Officers must master and maintain extensive knowledge and expertise in motorcycle machine nomenclature, slow speed maneuvering, control, braking, curve negotiation, motorcycle maintenance, defensive driving and other law enforcement operating techniques.
The Sheriff's Office motorcycles are primarily used for traffic control, speed enforcement, and community watch initiatives; however, the motorcycles may be used for other assignments, as needed and approved by the Sheriff.
CHILD ABUSE, SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT: On April 12 at 9:15 p.m., Deputy Potter responded to a residence on Lawrence Avenue in Leonardtown for the reported child abuse. Investigation revealed that a third party observed Mark Anselm Stokel, 46 of Leonardtown, strike a 7-year-old male, who was in Stokel's care and custody, several times in the head. The child was wearing a bicycle helmet during the assault. The witness then saw Stokel place the child on the back of an ATV and leave the area. The witness reported Stokel was hardly able to walk. Fearing for the child's safety, the witness contacted the police. Deputy Potter located Stokel at his residence. Upon contact, Deputy Potter noticed Stokel was extremely intoxicated. Further investigation revealed Stokel took the child on several ATV rides during the day. During one ATV ride, Stokel's erratic driving cause the ATV to flip while the child was a passenger on board. The Department of Social Services was notified and Stokel was placed under arrest. Stokel was charged with 2nd Degree Child Abuse, Second Degree Assault, and Reckless Endangerment.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE/POSSESSION OF A HANDGUN: On April 12, the St. Mary's County Emergency Communications Center dispatched a lookout for Gray Hyundai with Maryland registration being operated in a reckless manner. Corporal Carberry spotted the vehicle on Three Notch Road in the area of New Market Turner Road in Mechanicsville. Cpl. Carberry observed the driver, later identified as Paul Garlin Thompson, 23 of Port Tobacco, commit a traffic law violation prior to turning into a gas station. Cpl. Carberry contacted Thompson. As Cpl. Carberry was speaking with Thompson he noticed Thompson displayed signs of intoxication. Thompson was administered a standardized field sobriety test. As a result of the test Thompson was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation revealed Thompson was transporting a .380 caliber handgun in the glove box of his vehicle. The handgun was unloaded but a fully loaded magazine clip was located in the center console of the vehicle in close proximity to the handgun. Thompson did not have a permit to carry or transport a concealed handgun. He was charged additionally with illegally transporting a handgun in a vehicle traveling on public roads.
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY AND THEFT: On April 17, deputies responded to South Snowhill Manor in St. Mary's City for a report of a burglary. The victim reported her house was burglarized and medication was stolen. The culprit broke a lock and entered the residence. Further investigation lead to Daniel Spencer Newbold, 20 of no fixed address, as a suspect. On April 18, Newbold was located and interviewed. Newbold was subsequently charged with destruction of property and theft. (Arresting Officer - Deputy Wood)
SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT AND RESISTING ARREST: On April 18, Deputy Teague observed Allan Michael Joy, 22 of no fixed address, in Lexington Park. A wanted check of Joy revealed an open warrant. Deputy Teague notified Joy of the warrant for his arrest. Joy became belligerent. A local reporter was in the area and began photographing the encounter between Deputy Teague and Allan Joy. When Joy noticed the reporter photographing the arrest, Joy began to resist arrest and assaulted Deputy Teague. Joy then attempted to assault the reporter. After a brief struggle Joy was subdued and handcuffed. Joy was charged with second degree assault and resisting arrest. (Arresting Officer - Deputy Teague)
SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT: On April 18, Deputy Potter responded to a residence on Park Pines Drive in Lexington Park for a report of an assault. Investigation revealed Blair Kelly Phillips, 19 of Lexington Park, was engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim. The verbal dispute escalated into a physical assault when Phillips grabbed and kicked the victim. Phillips was arrested and charged with second degree assault. (Arresting Officer - Deputy Potter)
DISORDERLY CONDUCT, POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE: On April 19, deputies responded to a disturbance on Fox Chase Drive in Lexington Park. Upon arrival deputies made contact with several individuals arguing in the roadway. Deputies instructed the individuals to stop arguing and leave the area. Everyone except Larry Matthew Thomas, 29 of Lexington Park, complied with the officer's direction. Thomas continued to yell and curse causing a disturbance. Thomas was arrested for disorderly conduct. A search incident to Thomas's arrest revealed suspected marijuana on his person. Thomas was also charged with possession of marijuana. (Arresting Officer - Cpl. Connelly)
SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT: On April 18, Deputy Potter responded to a residence on White Elm Court in California for a report of an assault. Investigation revealed Brian Stephen Erdolino, 37 of California, was engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim. The verbal dispute escalated into a physical assault when Erdolino pushed and scratched the victim. Erdolino was arrested and charged with second degree assault. (Arresting Officer - Deputy Shomper)
ALCOHOL INTOXICATION, ENDANGERMENT, DISORDERLY CONDUCT: On April 19, deputies responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Great Mills Road and Tri-Community Way in Lexington Park. Investigation revealed Ashley Marie Moore, 28 of Lexington Park, the pedestrian involved in the collision, was extremely intoxicated. Moore walked into the roadway in front of a vehicle causing a collision. Moore refused medical treatment. Moore was so intoxicated she did not remember being involved in a collision. Due to her extreme level of intoxication she was deemed a danger. She was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and alcohol intoxication causing a danger to herself and/or others. (Arresting Officer - Dfc. Ruest)
DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY: On April 19, deputies responded to a beauty salon in Lexington Park for a report of a destruction of property. Investigation revealed Robert Lorenzo Lemuel W. Brooks, 20 of Lexington Park, entered the salon and became involved in a verbal dispute with the employees. Brooks was asked to leave the business. As he exited the business he punched the window causing the glass to break. Brooks injured his arm and was transported to the hospital by a friend. Deputies responded to the hospital and contacted Brooks. After receiving treatment Brooks was arrested and charged with destruction of property. (Arresting Officer - Deputy Beasley)
POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE: On April 20, deputies conducted a premise check Medley's Neck Lane in Leonardtown. Deputies located an active bon fire. As deputies approached people and vehicles scattered. Three occupied vehicle relocated in the parking lot of nearby Catholic Church, which was closed. As deputies approached the group of vehicles they could smell a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicles. A canine scan was conducted and the canine alerted on vehicles. A probable cause search on vehicles located suspected marijuana and a clear capsule containing a white powdery substance and a smoking device. Kevin Michael Evans, 19 of Piney Point, and Charles Edwin Cunningham, 19 of Tall Timbers, were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia. (Arresting Officer - Deputy Snyder)
DISORDERLY CONDUCT & TRESPASSING: On April 21, deputies responded to the Donut Connection in Lexington Park for a report of a trespasser. Investigation revealed Timothy Lee Barnes, 50 of no fixed address, was extremely intoxicated and causing a disturbance. Barnes was asked to leave the business several times but refused. Deputies ordered Barnes to leave. He refused, was arrested and charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct. (Arresting Officer - Deputy Shomper)
John Eugene Otto, 18 of Lexington Park, Md.
SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT ON MENTALLY-DISABLED TEEN: On April 21, deputies responded to a Lexwood Court in Lexington Park for a report of a missing person. The victim, a mentally disabled 17-year-old male, had been missing for several hours. The victim was located and observed walking down the road. As deputies approached the victim, they observed John Eugene Otto, 18 of Lexington Park, punch the victim several times. Otto was arrested and charged with second degree assault. (Arresting Officer - Deputy Tirpak)
Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: http://somd.me/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at http://somd.me/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at http://somd.me/expungeme .