PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 31, 2026

INTERCEPT TASK FORCE WELCOMES VISIT FROM ICAC PIONEERS

 AS FREDERICK INCREASES ITS RESOURCES TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN CYBERSPACE AND COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Frederick, MD – Members of the original ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force (est. 1998, Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack) visited Frederick County’s INTERCEPT Task Force (Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking), est. 2023.  The Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice and Office for Victims of Crime, is a multi-disciplinary initiative designed to combat human trafficking through coordinated prevention, victim support, and prosecutorial strategies. The Frederick County ECM Task Force joins law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, and community partners in a united effort to eliminate human trafficking from the region.

The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is a federally funded project designed to respond to and investigate complaints of online sexual child exploitation. The ICAC Task Force consists of law enforcement agencies from around the State and receives over 2,600 cyber tips annually.

Maryland State Police launched the initiative in 1998 and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office established its ICAC Task Force in 1999, trying their first case in the same year.  The first two counties in Maryland to establish ICAC were Frederick and Carroll and Frederick’s ICAC was one of the first 20 ICACs in the nation.  MSP asked Charlie Smith to pioneer and lead the ICAC Task Force in Frederick to include:  MSP Lt Barry Lease, MSP Sgt Rob Smolick, MSP CPl Dave Brauning,  FCSO DFC Mike Sabol, CCSO DFC Brad Brown, U.S. Customs Gus Aquino, and U.S. Postal Inspector Keith Hayden.  Lt. Barry Lease, a computer crimes investigator, acquired the OJJDP Grant in 1999 to establish the ICAC Task Force.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “In the early days, we recognized that successful investigations would rise or fall on prosecutorial understanding of digital evidence.  Frederick County took the lead on developing search warrant templates for computers, establishing protocols for handling electronic evidence, and educating other prosecutors on emerging issues like IP tracing and file recovery.

People were using AOL chat rooms and peer-to-peer file sharing to commit crimes against children. Investigators—many without prior cyber experience—had to quickly learn digital forensics, undercover online operations, and the mechanics of internet communication. Limited technology and slow forensic tools created significant backlogs, while legal standards for digital searches were still unsettled.

Despite these obstacles, ICAC task force members adapted and we actually successfully tried Maryland’s first Internet Child Exploitation case here in Frederick, convicting two men of abusing 5 and 7 year old girls through the early internet.  We had successful partnerships with National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Customs (ICE) and FBI Innocent Images. These early challenges and partnerships ultimately shaped a more sophisticated, proactive investigative model that remains in place today.”

ICAC’s MISSION:  In order for children to thrive in today’s world and to compete in tomorrow’s workplace, they must be able to safely play, learn and grow in cyberspace.  Challenges exist, however, the work of ICAC is a vital step in protecting children in the information age.   The internet places ongoing demands on forensic resources as a result of daily software and device updates.  Predators attempt to stay ahead of law enforcement, however, through the collaboration of federal, state and local task forces such as ICAC,  detectives stay current on investigative techniques, evidence collection, prevention efforts and public awareness.  In addition to focusing on the removal of offenders, the participating agencies engaged in community outreach efforts to educate parents and guardians about the signs of solicitation and the importance of open communication with children regarding online safety.  Law enforcement encourages anyone with information related to the solicitation or exploitation of minors to contact their local authorities.  This collaborative model creates a safer environment for our children and hold offenders accountable for their actions.

Frederick County’s INTERCEPT Task Force consists of The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office who partner with Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit that has provided private grant funding for proactive investigations, technology, and forensic software to help protect and rescue children and trafficking victims.

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

MARCH 26, 2026

BALTIMORE MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE WITH 20 YEARS TO SERVE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

Frederick, MD – Tuesday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, Alonzo Michael Epps Jr. entered a plea of guilty to Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder.  Pursuant to the agreement, the Honorable Judge Scott Rolle sentenced Mr. Epps. to Life Imprisonment with all but 20 years of active time suspended with 5 years of supervised probation upon release.

At approximately 1:32 p.m., on Jan. 10, 2024, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies responded to the 8200 block of Crum Road, Walkersville, Maryland, for the report of a suspicious vehicle in a field. The caller reported that the vehicle had its flashers on and had been there since 7 a.m.

Upon responding, deputies located a 2003 Toyota Sequoia in a field approximately 650 feet off the roadway with mud and blood on the exterior.  Deputies determined the vehicle was registered to Brice Wendell Boots, age 66, of Pikesville, Maryland.  Deputies found Mr. Boots deceased inside the vehicle with multiple blunt and sharp force injuries and immediately established a crime scene at the location.

Detectives responded to Boots’ residence in Pikesville on the evening of Jan. 10, to locate next of kin.  While in the area, they learned from neighbors that Boots’ estranged wife, Frances Virginia Hamilton, was observed at Boots’ residence the evening prior. One of the neighbors observed two males there with Ms. Hamilton believed to be her nephews.  One of these individuals was later determined to be Alonzo Michael Epps, Jr. and the other Keon Wilson-Hawkins.  Detectives further learned that Mr. Boots and Ms. Hamilton were going through a contentious divorce and that Boots had expressed fear for his safety from Hamilton on prior occasions.

A search of Boots’ residence was conducted during the early morning hours of January 11^th.  During the search, deputies observed evidence consistent with a physical altercation occurring within the home and Mr. Boots being forcibly abducted.

A post-mortem examination of Mr. Boots was conducted by the Officer of the Chief Medical Examiner.  Mr. Boots’ death was ruled a homicide.

Historical cellular phone records for Boots, Hamilton, and Wilson-Hawkins were obtained and analyzed with the assistance of the FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST).  The records show that Boots, Hamilton, and Wilson-Hawkins were at Boots’ residence on the evening of Jan. 9, through the early morning hours of Jan. 10.  Boots and Wilson-Hawkins’ cellular devices departed the residence at approximately 4:37 a.m. on Jan. 10^th and traveled via interstate 70 toward Frederick.  Their devices arrived in the 8200 block of Crum Road around 6:20 a.m.  Wilson-Hawkins’ device departed the 8200 block of Crum Road at approximately 6:30 a.m. and traveled back to his home in west Baltimore.

Wilson-Hawkins’ DNA was found on a bloody glove recovered from the crime scene on Crum Road.

Wilson-Hawkins stood trial in Frederick County Circuit Court in July of 2025 before the Honorable Judge Scott Rolle and was found guilty by a jury of First-Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, and Carjacking.  Mr. Wilson-Hawkins was subsequently sentenced to Life Imprisonment with 85 years to serve.

Hamilton committed suicide on February 24^th, 2024, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland prior to being arrested.

The evidence against Mr. Epps indicated that he was a knowing and willing participant in the initial assault of Mr. Boots within the home and that he agreed to provide further assistance to Ms. Hamilton and Mr. Wilson-Hawkins in their efforts in carrying out the murder.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “Alonzo Epps made a deliberate choice to participate in a violent and calculated conspiracy that began with an assault in the victim’s home and ended in his death. This plea both spares the family from the hardship of a trial and ensures that Epps is held accountable for his role in this brutal crime.”

Mr. Boots’ friends and family, who were in agreement with the plea, expressed during sentencing that “Brice was a kind man and a loyal friend.  He was a gentle soul and always helped his neighbors.  These actions were an attack on all who loved Brice.”

Chief Counsel Ricky Lewis and Deputy State’s Attorney Joyce King represented the State of Maryland.  The investigation was led by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office with assistance provided by the Frederick City Police Department and FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team.

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

MARCH 20, 2026

THURMONT MAN TO SERVE 19 YEARS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION TO ENCOURAGE ANOTHER TO COMMIT A SEXUAL CRIME; VIOLATION OF PROBATION

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Julia Martz-Fisher sentenced 44-year-old John P. Davis to 20 years in the Department of Corrections, with all but 10 years suspended following a guilty plea for Use of Personal Identifying Information to Encourage Another to Commit a Sexual Crime. The Defendant will receive credit for 221 days already served. The Defendant was also sentenced to 10 years to be served consecutively for violating his probation. The Defendant was on probation for assaulting the same victim and received credit for 461 days already served.

In January 2024, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Deputies investigated fraudulent Craigslist posts that had been made advertising the victim for sexual services.  The victim reported to police that the Defendant created two Craigslist posts which impersonated her and encouraged anyone interested to come to her home “anytime” and have sex with her for money. These posts included photos of her face, her full name, her age, her home address, and her phone number.  The posts were paid for with the Defendant’s credit card.  The victim received numerous harassing text messages and phone calls from individuals who expressed interest in her advertised “services.” A witness provided Ring video to the police which showed the Defendant confessing that he had made the posts.

The Victim Impact Statement was read by Assistant State’s Attorney, Carly Gibson.  The Victim expressed concern that though the posts had been removed from Craigslist, her information and images may still be on the internet somewhere. She also detailed her concern for the safety of her child, saying “The postings could have resulted in any type of criminal coming to my home.”

During sentencing, Judge Martz-Fisher stated: “This is hideous. You need a significant change in whatever it is your mindset is…. The public is not safe with you walking the streets.”

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “No one should have to live in fear because someone chose to misuse technology to target them. The defendant’s actions invaded the victim’s privacy, dignity, and sense of safety. The sentence imposed today reflects the gravity of that behavior and our commitment to protecting members of this community from exploitation and intimidation.”

Upon release, the Defendant will serve five years of supervised probation with all standard conditions.  Special conditions include no contact with the victim, psychological counseling, mental health treatment and a psycho-sexual evaluation.

Assistant State’s Attorney Carly Gibson represented the State of Maryland. The case was investigated by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

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Today is National Prosecutor’s Day, and we are proud to recognize the important work prosecutors do every day to protect public safety and support victims.

This week, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith and Deputy State’s Attorney Joyce King joined State’s Attorneys Ivan Bates, John McCarthy and Rich Gibson at the National District Attorneys Association Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. Together, they met with Maryland’s Senators Amy Klobuchar, Angela Alsobrooks, Chris Van Hollen and Representatives to discuss legislative priorities impacting communities across our state.

These priorities include:
• Strengthening recruitment and retention of prosecutors
• Ensuring stable funding for victim services (VOCA)
• Combating fentanyl and illicit drug trafficking
• Addressing organized retail crime
• Enhancing protections for children online, including emerging threats involving AI

We appreciate the collaboration across jurisdictions and the opportunity to advocate for policies that strengthen the justice system and keep our communities safe.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 2, 2026

BALTIMORE MAN TO SERVE 85 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, KIDNAPPING AND CARJACKING

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, the State requested Life without Parole.  After conducting a full sentencing hearing, the Honorable Judge Scott Rolle ordered 20-year-old Keon Naki Wilson-Hawkins to serve Life, suspend all but 65 Years for First-Degree Murder and 20 years consecutive for Kidnapping.  In addition, the Defendant is ordered to serve 10 years, concurrently for Carjacking.  The Defendant was found guilty by a jury on all counts on July 9, 2025 in the Frederick County Circuit Court under the supervision of Judge Rolle.

At approximately 1:32 p.m., on Jan. 10, 2024, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies responded to the 8200 block of Crum Road, Walkersville, Maryland, for the report of a suspicious vehicle in a field. The caller reported that the vehicle had its flashers on and had been there since 7 a.m.

Upon responding, deputies located a 2003 Toyota Sequoia in a field approximately 650 feet off the roadway with mud and blood on the exterior.  Deputies determined the vehicle was registered to Brice Wendell Boots, age 66, of Pikesville, Maryland.  Deputies found Boots deceased inside the vehicle and immediately established a crime scene at the location.

Detectives responded to Boots’ residence in Pikesville on the evening of Jan. 10, to locate next of kin.  While in the area, they learned from neighbors that Boots’ estranged wife, Frances Virginia Hamilton, was observed at Boots’ residence the evening prior. One of the neighbors observed two male there and believed him to be her nephews.  One of the nephews was later identified as Keon Wilson-Hawkins.  Detectives further learned that Boots and Hamilton were going through contentious divorce and that Boots had expressed fear for his safety from Hamilton on prior occasions.

A search of Boots’ residence was conducted on Jan. 11, and deputies observed evidence consistent with a physical altercation occurring within the home and Boots being forcibly abducted.

Detectives obtained surveillance video from a business near Boots’ residence which captured Hamilton and Keon Wilson-Hawkins travelling in the same vehicle to Boots’ residence on the evening of January 9.

Historical cellular phone records for Boots, Hamilton, and Wilson-Hawkins were obtained and analyzed with the assistance of the FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST).  The records show that Boots, Hamilton, and Wilson-Hawkins were at Boots’ residence on the evening of Jan. 9, through the early morning hours of Jan. 10.  Boots and Wilson-Hawkins then depart the residence at approximately 4:37 a.m. on Jan. 10, and travel via interstate 70 toward Frederick.  Boots and Wilson-Hawkins arrive in the 8200 block of Crum Road around 6:20 a.m.  Wilson-Hawkins departs the 8200 block of Crum Road at approximately 6:30 a.m. and travels back to his home in west Baltimore.

Hamilton was found deceased on Feb. 24, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Her cause of death was ruled a suicide.

The grand jury for Frederick County returned an indictment on March 8, charging Keon Wilson-Hawkins with First Degree Murder, Conspiracy First Degree Murder, Kidnapping, and Carjacking.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “A lot of effort by the prosecution went into this conviction and sentencing. It was a great deal of evidence. While 85 years is a lengthy sentence, the family and prosecutors were hoping for a LWOP sentence.  Now, the family will have to endure this Defendant getting a ‘Second Look’ to seek a sentence reduction after serving only 20 years.”

The victim’s cousin described how this crime affected her family telling the court, “My cousin Brice cared deeply for his family and friends.  He was brutally taken away from us and we are left with a deep emptiness.  The brutal way he was taken will forever be burned into our memories.”

Chief Counsel Ricky Lewis and Deputy State’s Attorney Joyce King 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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