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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 27, 2023

 

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO TWENTY YEARS FOR TWO COUNTS OF SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR.

Frederick, MD – On Monday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, Jose Rosa Romero, age 45, was sentenced by Judge Scott Rolle to two consecutive 10-year terms for two counts of sex abuse of two female minors.  Upon release from incarceration, Romero must serve five years of supervised probation.  He must also register as a sex offender for life and is subject to lifetime sex offender supervision.

On 4/8/2022, two female minors revealed to a family member that they were sexually abused by Romero approximately ten years ago.  The victims were between 4 and 6 years old at the time of the abuse.  Romero was found guilty of both counts of child sexual abuse by a jury on May 25, 2023.

The investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of Romero was a collaborative effort led by the Frederick Police Department and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.  The State was represented by Special Victims’ Unit Prosecutor Lindsey Carpenter.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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Charlie Smith Attends Global IAP Conference to Combat Cyber-Crime

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

 

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith Attends International Conference in London to Help Innovate Methods of Prosecuting Global Crimes Crossing Multiple Jurisdictional Boundaries.

   

 

Frederick, MD – This week, Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, President of the National District Attorney’s Association, attends the 28th International Association of Prosecutors Annual Conference in London, England to explore the changing nature of crime in the 21st century and to help develop ways to stay ahead of resilient and rapidly adapting criminal networks.

Discussions at the gathering will explore how prosecutors can best organize and operate their agencies to maximize their resources in the context of growing digital evidence and how technological developments can be used in large-scale investigations.  With evidence, witnesses, victims, suspects and assets often located in more than one country, the importance of effective international cooperation is vital to prosecutors’ success.

“International cooperation is increasingly important to the local prosecutor,” said Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, “especially with the significant increase in cyber-crime and human trafficking.”

 

The mission of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office is to promote public safety and foster a sense of security in our community by holding people accountable for violating the law and by pursuing justice in a fair, honest, efficient and ethical manner.

 

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communication Specialist

jrottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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FREDERICK MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE RESULTING IN DEATH OF INFANT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2023

Frederick, MD – Last night in Frederick County Circuit Court, Jesse Cook, age 45, of Frederick was convicted by a jury of one count of first-degree child abuse resulting in the death of a child under 13 years old and two counts of second-degree child abuse.

On June 17, 2020, deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to an infant in cardiac arrest at 5305 Kingsbrook Drive in Frederick, MD.   The infant was transported to Frederick Health Hospital where the infant was pronounced deceased by medical staff approximately one hour later.  Child Protective Services was immediately notified.  An autopsy revealed multiple injuries on the infant’s body consistent with non-accidental trauma, including approximately 20 healing broken ribs, a prior abdominal injury, and a new abdominal injury that ultimately led to the infant’s death at just one month and twenty-six days old.  The Medical Examiner determined that the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma and ruled the infant’s death a homicide.  Through investigation by detectives with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, it was learned that the child’s father had sent numerous concerning text messages and searched numerous concerning subjects related to the infant child.  Witnesses also reported that the defendant had been “rough” with the child during the child’s short life.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated, “These are the cases that keep you up at night realizing what some people are capable of. This poor baby knew nothing but hate and abuse in this world.  Jesse Cook is the reason we have prisons, and we will do everything within our power to make sure he is in one for many, many years.”

The sentencing date is yet to be determined.

The investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of Cook was a collaborative effort led by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and State’s Attorney’s Office.  The State was represented by Chief Prosecutor of the Special Victims’ Unit, Tammy Leache and SVU Prosecutor Lindsey Carpenter.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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