PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

 

VIRGINIA MAN SENTENCED TO 93 YEARS TO SERVE FOR TWO COUNTS OF FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT, 2 COUNTS OF USE OF FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME OF VIOLENCE, ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF REGULATED FIREARM

 

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Julie Solt sentenced 35-year-old, David Clayton Hanson to serve 93 years in the Division of Corrections for two counts of First Degree Assault, two counts of Use of Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm and Illegal Possession of Ammunition after a jury found the Defendant guilty of those crimes on December 6, 2024.  The sentences for the most significant charges will run consecutively.

On November 18, 2021, at approximately 8:30 a.m., police responded to a call for an armed robbery in the 400 Block of E. Patrick Street.  Investigators quickly determined the incident was not a robbery. A witness told police that the Defendant held a handgun to the back of the victim’s head and pulled the trigger, but the gun did not successfully discharge. There was a second victim who intervened and gave chase to the Defendant. The original victim had an active final protective order against the Defendant issued from the State of Virginia.  The protective order was issued due to the Defendant’s prior threats to kill the victim. The Defendant ran from the scene upon being chased by the second victim and discarded the weapon in Carroll Creek. Police located and arrested the Defendant near Hope Circle shortly after the incident.  It was clear that the Defendant had worn a disguise, including a beanie with a black wig in an attempt to hide his identity. The Defendant’s active protective order was found inside the Defendant’s car, and he had driven from Virginia to commit the crime.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “Mr. Hanson presented a great danger to the community and this domestic violence victim, who already held an active Virginia protective order meant to protect her. I am pleased that the Court sentenced the Defendant in a way that incapacitates him and ensures her safety.”

During a Victim Impact Statement, the bystander victim expressed to the Court, “Today, my friend has the power; she won.  For the last three years, the State gave us our power back.”

In addition, the original victim told the Court, “My family and I have been profoundly impacted.   My children will now grow up without being in a constant state of fear and threat of violence.”

Judge Julie Solt addressed the Defendant, saying, “You caused significant emotional harm to the two victims, while putting them in physical danger.  I don’t know how someone could make a choice to kill the parent of his own children.  This court has no confidence that you could be out in society as a law-abiding citizen.”

Chief Domestic Violence Unit, Brett Engler represented the State of Maryland, assisted by Chief Violent Crimes Unit, Ricky Lewis.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 18, 2025

 

FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 17 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR ARMED ROBBERY

 

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, Judge Julia Minner sentenced 42-year old Nicholas Albanes, of Frederick, MD to 20 years, suspend all but 17 years of active incarceration, to the Division of Corrections for Armed Robbery.  The Defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on January 7, 2025 and sentencing was postponed until today.

On 5/10/2023, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Frederick Police responded to Hillcrest Drive and Lancaster Place for a robbery and possible attempted abduction of a child.  Officers contacted the victim and her 8-year old daughter.  The victim told police they were walking along Hillcrest Drive when she noticed a vehicle parking along the shoulder of the road.  Shortly after, she felt the Defendant brush up against her and then attempted to grab her daughter.  The victim held on to her daughter while the Defendant forcibly grabbed the victim’s purse from her.  The victim told police that the Defendant attempted to grab for the child a second time, unsuccessfully, and the victim began screaming for help.  The Defendant then pepper-sprayed both victims and fled the scene in his vehicle.

Police reviewed available surveillance footage that captured the incident and identified the Defendant through matching motor vehicle registration, automobile records and forensically collected DNA off of the pepper-spray canister located at the scene.  Multiple witnesses, who heard the screaming nearby, also provided details to police.

Judge Minner addressed the Defendant, stating, “I am sympathetic to your addictions, however, you maced a little girl and her mother.  I must assure the community’s safety.”

Upon release from the Division of Corrections, the Defendant will serve three years of supervised probation with conditions as outlined by the Court.

Assistant State’s Attorney, Samantha Slattery, and Chief Assistant State’s Attorney for the Violent Crimes Division, Ricky Lewis, represented the State of Maryland.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

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