PENNSYLVANIA MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 20 YEARS IN THE MARYLAND DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR IN FREDERICK

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

 

PENNSYLVANIA MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 20 YEARS IN THE MARYLAND DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR IN FREDERICK

 

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, the Honorable Judge Scott Rolle sentenced 44-year old Rory Littleton Sanders, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, to 25 years in the Maryland Division of Corrections, suspending all but 20 years, which must be served in the Division of Corrections, for one count of Sex Abuse of a Minor for conduct that took place in Frederick County, Maryland between 2010-2014.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office investigation into this matter began in July 2021, following a report that was made to authorities in Pennsylvania regarding offenses that occurred in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  The Defendant admitted the offenses in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  He pled guilty in Pennsylvania to forcible rape and three counts of corruption of a minor and began serving his sentence of 13-26 years before being brought to Maryland to face the charges here.

Sanders entered a plea to one count of Child Sex Abuse of a Minor on July 31, 2024, before Judge Rolle, and sentencing was postponed until today’s date.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “These cases are really heartbreaking because they have a very long lasting effect on the victim. Prosecuting these people and sending them to jail is only the beginning of the recovery process for these victims.  At least we know that he will not hurt them again.”

Judge Rolle ordered that the sentence in Maryland must be served consecutive to (after) the Pennsylvania sentence.  In sentencing the Defendant, Judge Rolle stated, “No reasonable person could justify this behavior.”

Upon completion of his two, consecutive sentences, the Defendant will serve five years of supervised probation in Maryland and will have to register as a sex offender for life and be subject to lifetime sex offender supervision.

The State was represented by Erin Pearl, an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Special Victims Unit as well as Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

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Frederick Man Sentenced To 10 Years In The Division of Corrections for Fifth Offense DUI Charges Involving a Fatality, Violation of Probation for Second-Degree Assault and Illegal Firearm Offenses

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 16, 2024

 

Frederick Man Sentenced To 10 Years In The Division of Corrections for Fifth Offense DUI Charges Involving a Fatality, Violation of Probation for Second-Degree Assault and Illegal Firearm Offenses

 

 

Frederick, MD – Yesterday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Minner sentenced 43-year-old John Michael Hartman Jr. to 10 years in the Division of Corrections for a 5th Offense DUI violation which involved a fatality. Mr. Hartman was also sentenced for violating the conditions of his probation from a 2020 second degree assault charge. Hartman was found guilty of 10 DUI-related charges during a September 17th 2024 bench trial. At the time of the trial, Hartman was on probation for assault and firearms offenses from 2020. Per the conditions of his probation, he was to totally abstain from alcohol. Judge Minner reinstated eight and a half years which remained from his 2020 conviction to run concurrently to the 10-year sentence on the new DUI conviction.

On October 14, 2022, Maryland State Police responded to Baltimore National Pike and Harmony Road for a report of a vehicle collision. Upon the arrival of State Troopers, they found that a vehicle, being driven by Hartman, had collided with a car being driven by Mr. Donald Reineke (aged 89). Mr. Reineke died from injuries sustained in the collision. Troopers detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage on Hartman’s breath. Hartman admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages and using marijuana prior to driving. Hartman was flown to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center to be treated for injuries. At the hospital, Hartman submitted to a blood test which indicated a result of .08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, which is above the legal limit. Hartman had been previously found guilty of four prior DUI offenses before the collision on October 14, 2022. Hartman was charged and ultimately convicted of 10 DUI-related offenses after a bench trial before the Honorable Julia A. Minner.

On September 23, 2020, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for a shooting at 4317 Buckeystown Pike in Frederick, MD.  The victim told police that the Defendant pulled a .45 caliber handgun from his waist and shot five rounds into the engine blocks of two of the victim’s vehicles, and in the direction of where the victim was standing.  Police recovered .45 caliber shell casings at the scene.  The victim heard the Defendant tell him, “Have a nice night” before the Defendant left the scene.  In that incident, Hartman was charged with First-Degree Assault, Second-Degree Assault, Illegal Possession of a Firearm Reckless Endangerment and Illegal Possession of Ammunition.  Hartman ultimately pleaded guilty to one count Second Degree Assault and Registered Firearm: Illegal Possession. One of the conditions of Hartman’s probation was to totally abstain from alcohol.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “This defendant is not only a threat to public safety but a threat to the lives of others. He deserves this lengthy sentence.  Drunk driving can quickly turn into a situation that has a profound impact on the lives of others. Most do not realize this at the time that they get behind the wheel.”

Assistant State’s Attorney, Patrick W. Flynn 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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JURY FINDS MONROVIA MAN GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT, SECOND DEGREE CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT AND TWO COUNTS OF SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

JURY FINDS MONROVIA MAN GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT, SECOND DEGREE CHILD ABUSE,

NEGLECT AND TWO COUNTS OF SECOND DEGREE ASSAULT

 

Frederick, MD – On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, a jury in Frederick County Circuit Court found 46-year old Christopher Kraft, of Monrovia, MD, guilty of First Degree Assault, Second Degree Child Abuse, Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Second Degree Assault.  The Honorable Judge Scott Rolle presided over the three-day jury trial.

On Sunday, March 3, 2024, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a request for a welfare check on a child.  Deputies made contact with the witness, the child, and the Defendant.  Deputies learned that just prior to their arrival, Kraft struck the child in the face, pulled the child to the ground and stood on the child’s stomach, threatening to crush the child.  Kraft also placed a lock on the outside of a door in order to lock the child in a room and failed to provide for the needs of the child.  Further investigation revealed that in a prior incident, the Defendant threw water on the child and then pointed a firearm at the child, threatening to shoot.

Kraft will be held without bond at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center until his November 26, 2024, sentencing date.

The State was represented by Erin Pearl, an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Special Victims Unit.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

 

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FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE ARSON; SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER REIMPOSED

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE ARSON; SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER REIMPOSED

 

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Julia Martz-Fisher sentenced 49-year old Byron Alton Bowie, Jr. to serve 30 years in the Department of Corrections for First-Degree Arson.  The Arson, committed in 2023, constituted a violation of the terms of the Defendant’s probation relating to a First-Degree Murder conviction from 1992.  The Court imposed a concurrent life sentence for the Violation of Probation.

On November 24, 2023 at approximately 9:00 pm, Frederick Police responded to 2203 Waller House Court for a possible domestic in progress.  A neighbor and witness told police that a male was in a verbal dispute on the rear deck and was threatening a female saying he was going to burn everything down and kill everyone inside.  Police did not find anyone inside the townhouse.  Frederick County Fire and Rescue arrived on scene shortly thereafter and observed flames on the roof and in the windows of the structure.  The Defendant was observed on home surveillance footage forcibly making entry by breaking glass on a rear door that allowed entry to the house from the deck.  Police arrested the Defendant around 10pm near Whittier Drive and identified him as the male who broke in prior to the fire starting.  The victim arrived on scene to find her home extensively damaged by fire and smoke.

On August 1, 2024, the Defendant pleaded guilty to 1st Degree Arson pursuant to a binding plea agreement for the November 24, 2023 incident and also stipulated to being in violation of his probation.

At the time of the arson, the Defendant was being supervised by the Division of Parole of Probation after having been released following a sentence modification hearing in May 2022 pursuant to a recently-enacted provision of law allowing for modification of sentences for crimes committed as a juvenile and charged as an adult.

Chief, Assistant State’s Attorney, Economic Crimes Unit, Jason Shoemaker and Assistant State’s Attorney, Tim Gilbert 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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FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 40 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 40 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

 

 

Frederick, Maryland – Yesterday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Scott Rolle sentenced Jeffrey Whitney Bryan, Jr. to Life, suspend all but 40 years in the Department of Corrections for First-Degree Murder.

On July 1, 2023, at approximately 12:20 a.m., officers with the Frederick City Police Department (FPD) responded to a call for a male “shot in the face” at 170 All Saints Street in Frederick, MD.   Upon arrival, officers observed an unconscious male, bleeding heavily from the side of his face.  Officers immediately requested EMS and began CPR on the victim.  The victim, identified as Tayquan Palmer, died at the scene from his injuries.  Detectives with FPD were assigned to the case and gathered evidence establishing the following:

An outdoor “get together” of approximately 20 – 30 people occurred on the evening of June 30, 2023 into the early morning hours of July 1, 2023 in and around the parking lot located between Gaithers Alley and 170 W All Saints Street, Frederick, MD.  Both the Victim and the Defendant were present at this event.  At some point during the event a disagreement occurred between the two.  The Defendant left the event at approximately 10:40pm and returned at 12:10am on July 1, 2023 wearing a hoody and full face mask.  The Defendant waited in Gaithers Alley until the Victim was away from the crowd at which point the Defendant walked up to the victim and shot him in the head.

Upon release from prison, Bryan will serve five years of supervised probation including mental health treatment/evaluations, abstinence from alcohol/drugs and all standard conditions.

Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Violent Crimes Unit, Ricky Lewis and Assistant State’s Attorney William Grove 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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DVCC Event October 5, 2024 at Wayman AME Church

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Sacred Spaces: Engaging the Faith Community to End Domestic Violence

Join us Saturday, October 5, 2024, 10 am – 1 pm, at the Wayman AME Church on Liberty Road in Frederick, MD for an inspiring event focused on ending domestic violence. We believe that the faith community plays a crucial role in creating safe and supportive environments for survivors, but often these communities may not fully understand the dynamics of IPV and the needs of survivors when they disclose to trusted faith leaders.

This year, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we on the community advisory board wish to engage the faith community, leaders, community partners, and local government to create a platform for change and healing regarding IPV.

Sacred Spaces will be a casual meet-and-greet fellowship that includes presentations from local agencies who serve victims of interpersonal violence, follwed by a roundtable discussion with faith leaders.

Sacred Spaces: Engaging the Faith Community to End Domestic Violence Tickets, Sat, Oct 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

 

FREDERICK MAN DENIED BOND, REMAINS IN FREDERICK COUNTY ADULT DETENTION CENTER FOR 1ST AND 2ND DEGREE MURDER CHARGES

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 19, 2024

FREDERICK MAN DENIED BOND, REMAINS IN FREDERICK COUNTY ADULT DETENTION CENTER FOR 1ST AND 2ND DEGREE MURDER CHARGES

 

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County District Court, The Honorable Earl W. Bartgis, Jr. denied bond for 22-year-old Elijah Stephen Mboss of Frederick, Maryland and ordered that he remain in custody at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center pending  trial on charges of First and Second Degree Murder.

On August 16, 2024, Frederick Police responded to 1000 Heather Ridge Drive for a report of a possible shooting.  While en route to the scene police stopped a fleeing white Acura, and observed the driver, identified as Elijah Stephen Mboss, covered in blood.  Mboss was also in possession of a semi-automatic handgun and knife.  Police found the victim, Tristen Mahorney, at the scene suffering from multiple penetrating wounds.  The victim was later pronounced deceased at Frederick Health Hospital.  Through investigation it was determined that an altercation took place between the Defendant and the victim in the area of Country Hill Apartments resulting in the victim’s death.  The investigation remains ongoing.

A preliminary hearing for the Defendant is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Violent Crimes Unit, 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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Baltimore, Maryland – Today U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced defendant Paul Francis Blaisse, 65, of Walkersville, Maryland, to seventeen years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release for one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. Judge Maddox also ordered Blaisse to pay $83,694 in restitution to his victims and, after his release from prison, to register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student.

 

The sentence was announced by Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Nicole M. Argentieri; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and J. Charles Smith III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County, Maryland.

 

According to court documents, beginning as early as 2011, Blaisse engaged in live video chats with minor children who were engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Mr. Blaisse exchanged messages with hundreds of individuals on video chat sites who offered access to minor children via webcam.  During these chats, Blaisse discussed his sexual interest in children and distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM).  The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office identified Blaisse after receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual using an IP address associated with Blaisse’s residence uploaded CSAM to a video chat account.

 

In October 2018, Blaisse used an online video chat application, to entice a minor child in the Philippines to engage in sexually explicit conduct.  Records of Blaisse’s activity show that he communicated with an adult in the Philippines who arranged for the minor child to participate in a video chat with Blaisse.  In addition to these chats, Blaisse’s electronic devices contained hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent minors.

 

U.S. Attorney Barron commended the FBI Baltimore Field Office, the Justice Department’s High Technology Investigative Unit, and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Leading the prosecution of this case are Department of Justice Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Aubin, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce King.  For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

 

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FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE PLUS 30 YEARS FOR FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE, RESULTING IN DEATH OF INFANT, TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 31, 2024

 

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE PLUS 30 YEARS FOR FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE, RESULTING IN DEATH OF INFANT, TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE

 

 

Frederick, MD – Today in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable J. Barry Hughes sentenced Jesse Cook, age 45, of Frederick to Life plus 30 years in the Division of Corrections for first-degree child abuse, resulting in the death of an infant and two counts of second-degree child abuse.  The State asked for and received the top of the sentencing guidelines, and the maximum possible penalty.  Cook 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 September 14, 2023.

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.  It is truly heartbreaking to think of an infant enduring this kind of repeated abuse and trauma.  Now Jesse Cook will have to endure prison for the rest of his life, where he will no longer be a threat to any child.”

The victim’s mother addressed the Court in her Victim Impact Statement saying, “Jesse Cook took away my sunshine and my life; my will to live.  I ask for full justice for my son.”

Judge J. Barry Hughes addressed the Court stating, “Public safety requires this sentencing to protect the public from the Defendant’s depravity and future felonious conduct.”

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 of Maryland was represented by Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Special Victims’ Unit, Lindsey Carpenter.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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State’s Attorney, Charlie Smith Completes His NDAA Presidential Term Today, Passing The Gavel To San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan

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BOISE, IDAHO

JULY 15, 2024- 

State’s Attorney, Charlie Smith Completes his NDAA Presidential Term Today, Passing The Gavel to San Diego District Attorney, Summer Stephan

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith attends the National District Attorney Association Board Meeting and Summer Summit in Boise, Idaho.

  As NDAA President, SA Smith championed innovative and collaborative initiatives that promote public safety and the prosecutorial profession throughout the country.  SA Smith championed legislation on Capitol Hill to protect victims and victim services funding.  He led NDAA participation with the American Bar Association to ensure that the prosecutor perspective was included in national policies and best practices.  SA Smith also created the Wellbeing Committee and Recruitment & Retention Committee to focus on hiring and keeping the best and most effective prosecutors that will seek justice. Lastly, he created the Military Justice Committee to partner with military installations around the country on the prosecutions of homicides, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and child abuse.  SA Smith will continue to serve as Chairman of the NDAA Board and continue this important work in the year to come.