Howard County Man to Serve 2 Years in the Department of Corrections After Pleading Guilty to 1 Count of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

April 12, 2024

Howard County Man to Serve 2 Years in the Department of Corrections After Pleading Guilty to

 1 Count of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor

 

 

Frederick, Maryland – Today in Frederick County Circuit Court, Judge Scott Rolle accepted the guilty plea of Scott Paul Locastro, 51 years old, for one count of sexual solicitation of a minor.  Locastro currently resides in the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

On January 3, 2024, a Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputy, with the INTERCEPT Task Force, performing an online investigation and posing as a 13-year-old female, received text messages from Scott Locastro containing sexualized conversation, including soliciting the “minor” for sexual acts multiple times.  The defendant also asked the “minor” if he could go to her house and hide in her closet.  Furthermore, the defendant, asked the “minor” to meet at various locations including the park, a hotel room and his truck.

A subpoena was served to Verizon Wireless for the phone number used to communicate with the Sheriff’s Office deputy.  Scott Locastro was determined to be the account subscriber of the phone number.  In addition, GPS and physical surveillance revealed the defendant to be traveling in a black Chevy Cruz from the area of Livestock Road, West Friendship, MD to Frederick County, MD.  When the defendant arrived at the prearranged meeting point, he was arrested.  The defendant admitted to communicating with multiple minors and exchanging explicit, nude images with them.

The Frederick County Circuit Court sentenced Locastro to 10 years, suspend all but 2 years, in the Department of Corrections.  The Maryland sentencing guidelines for this case was probation to 2 years.  Probation will include five years of COMET-supervised probation, a psycho-sexual evaluation and sex-offender treatment.  The defendant must comply with specialized sexual offender supervision – offense specific treatment, medication, polygraph testing, computer monitoring, electronic tracking and curfew/geographic restriction.

The defendant will register as a Tier-2 Sex Offender Registrant and cannot have under unsupervised contact with any minor children. All other standard conditions of supervised probation apply.

Chief Counsel Joyce King represented the State of Maryland.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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Thurmont Man to Serve 18 Months in Jail for 10 Counts, Including 3 Hate Crimes, 2 Counts of Harassment, 3 Counts of Trespassing and 2 Counts of Disorderly Conduct

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

April 4, 2024

 

Thurmont Man to Serve 18 Months in Jail for 10 Counts, Including 3 Hate Crimes, 2 Counts of Harassment, 3 Counts of Trespassing and 2 Counts of Disorderly Conduct

 

Frederick, Maryland – Today, Judge Julie Solt sentenced Michael David Burns to 9 years, suspend all but 18 months to be served in the Frederick County Adult Detention Center for 10 counts, including three hate crimes, two counts of harassment, three counts of trespassing and two counts of disorderly conduct on his neighbors’ property.  In January, a jury found the defendant guilty of those 10 counts.  The FCADC will arrange for the defendant to be on work release during the 18-month sentence.  The defendant has been on home detention, monitored by A1 Trusted Monitoring, since January 26, 2024, pending his sentencing date.

The victims, a same-sex couple who are neighbors of the defendant, reported the trespassing and harassment last year directly to the State’s Attorney’s Office.  Assistant State’s Attorney, Carly Gibson filed charges against the defendant based in part on the defendant’s continually trespassing onto the victims’ property while in possession of a rifle, verbally harassing the victims with hate-based threats, throwing large rocks on the victims’ driveway to prevent them from accessing their property, and physically blocking the entrance to the property.

In addition to the 18-month jail sentence, which begins today, the defendant will serve 5 years of supervised probation upon his release to include: alcohol and drug treatment, mental health treatment and no contact with the victims or their property.

Assistant State’s Attorney, Carly Gibson led the investigation leading to the charging, prosecution and conviction of Michael David Burns.  Several civil actions against the defendant are pending.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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Walkersville Man to Serve 30 Days in Jail for Two Felony Counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

April 3, 2024

 

Walkersville Man to Serve 30 Days in Jail for Two Felony Counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty

 

 

Frederick, Maryland – Anthony Houston Smith, II was sentenced to six years, suspending all but 30 days in jail (to be served by spending ten consecutive weekends in jail), this morning in the Frederick County Circuit Court by Judge Julie Solt for two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

On February 11, 2023, a Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to a call at 8313 Water Street Road in Walkersville,  describing “dogs being starved and possibly dead on the property.”  Animal Control was then called to the scene and subsequently searched the property after receiving permission from the owner, Anthony Houston Smith, II.  Upon searching the property, authorities found five dogs which appeared to be starved and struggling for water.  An additional three dogs were found deceased on the property. Two of the three deceased dogs were found discarded in trash bags.  Of the five surviving dogs, four dogs were taken to a shelter and one dog was immediately taken to a veterinarian for treatment.

In May, 2023, the defendant was charged with 23 counts of animal cruelty.  In August, 2023, the case was moved up to the Circuit Court by way of a Criminal Information filed by the State.  The defendant entered an Alford plea to two counts of Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty on January 29, 2024 and was subsequently found guilty on both counts. The defendant also received three years of supervised probation, with the following special conditions:  1) do not acquire any additional pets, 2) compliance checks to be done by animal control, and 3) enroll into any other programs recommended by supervising agent.

Assistant State’s Attorney, Robert McCall represented the State.

 

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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Public Information Briefing Addresses Fight Against Human Trafficking

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County Executive Jessica Fitzwater Held Briefing to Address Frederick County’s Fight Against Human Trafficking

March 28, 2024

Frederick, MD – County Executive Jessica Fitzwater held a public information briefing this morning to address Frederick County’s fight against human trafficking.  Chief Counsel, Joyce King and Chief Assistant State’s Attorney of the Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter expressed gratitude to Fitzwater’s support and commitment to the county’s multi-disciplinary teams who investigate, apprehend and prosecute internet sexual predators who exploit children through the use of technology.

“We thank Jessica Fitzwater for providing the new INTERCEPT Task Force with a space to improve efficiency, coordination and collaboration between local, state and federal agencies,” said King.  “We will continue to train and educate local and statewide partners as well as make policy recommendations.”

“Jessica Fitzwater’s leadership in promoting legislation to dismantle the criminal organizations we are investigating is greatly appreciated.  We continue to identify regulatory loopholes exploited by the trafficking organizations, which allow them to traffic victims and launder money,” stated Carpenter.

Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Chad Atkins and Frederick Police Department’s Sergeant Scott Grigsby, also investigators with the INTERCEPT Task Force, expressed their commitment to dismantling criminal organizations in Frederick County’s communities.

NDAA President Charlie Smith Meets with Senators Durbin and Graham in Support of VOCA Funding

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March 12, 2024

NDAA President Charlie Smith Meets with Senators Durbin and Graham in Support of VOCA Funding

National District Attorneys Association President Charlie Smith met with Senators Durbin and Graham yesterday in an effort to secure VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding, which fuels the Crime Victim’s Fund (CVF).  A lack of funding would result in millions of crime victims losing critical resources which provide them with support, safety, justice and healing.   With impending budget cuts and the decline of deposits into the CVF, Smith stressed the importance of sufficiently funding the VOCA grants as millions of crime victims benefit from programs in prosecutors’ offices supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking and drunk driving.  In addition, the grants assist survivors with medical bills, lost wages and funeral costs.

Charlie Smith with Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois

 

Charlie Smith with Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina

Baltimore Man Waives Bond Hearing, Continues to be Held Without Bond Today for 1st-Degree Murder, Conspiracy 1st-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, and Carjacking.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FREDERICK, Md. (March 12, 2024)

The National District Attorneys Association’s Spring Board Conference In Dallas Addressed Community Safety As Well As Education and Support Initiatives for Prosecutors Nationwide

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

March 8, 2024

The National District Attorneys Association’s Spring Board Conference In Dallas Addressed Community Safety As Well As Education and Support Initiatives for Prosecutors Nationwide

Dallas, Texas – Saturday, March 2, 2024 – Led by NDAA President J. Charles Smith, The National District Attorneys Association, the premier professional organization representing prosecutors across the United States, successfully held its quarterly board meeting in Dallas, Texas.  This gathering brought together NDAA members to deliberate on key issues facing the prosecutorial profession, share insights, and chart the course for the association’s future initiatives.

 

The NDAA board discussed comprehensive strategies to enhance the support system for prosecutors nationwide, focusing on education, training, and advocacy efforts.  The meeting also highlighted NDAA’s commitment to fostering community safety and judicial fairness, underscoring recent collaborative efforts with retailers and other stakeholders to address organized retail crime.  The NDAA also continues to prioritize educational initiatives for prosecutors as well as professional development, with plans to expand its offering of webinars, in-person training sessions, and on-demand learning resources.

 

Press Contact:

Natalie Harrell

Director of Communications

nharrell@ndaajustice.org

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Frederick Man To Serve 12 Years in Prison Upon Pleading Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, 2 Counts of Illegal Possession of a Firearm, Conspiracy to Participate in a Firearm Straw Purchase, and After Entering an Alford Plea to Another Count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

March 1, 2024

 

Frederick Man To Serve 12 Years in Prison Upon Pleading Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, 2 Counts of Illegal Possession of a Firearm, Conspiracy to Participate in a Firearm Straw Purchase, and After Entering an Alford Plea to Another Count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm

 

Frederick, Maryland – This morning, the defendant Israel Herman Logan pled guilty in one case to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, two counts of Illegal Possession of a Firearm with a Prior Conviction for a Crime of Violence, and Conspiracy to Participate in a Firearm Straw Purchase. In another case, Logan entered an Alford plea to another count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm with a Conviction for a Prior Crime of Violence.

Judge Julie Solt of the Frederick County Circuit Court sentenced Israel Logan, across the two cases, to 50 years, with all but 12 years suspended, to be served in the Division of Corrections.  The first 10 years of the Defendant’s sentence are mandatory minimums, which will be served without the possibility of parole, pursuant to Public Safety Article § 5-133(c). The State and the defense agreed upon the sentence to be imposed, except as to the charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. The Court heard argument regarding the sentence for that charge.

On May 3, 2023, members of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigation Section and the Frederick City Police Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search and seizure warrant at 5203 Black Locust Drive, Apartment 410, in Frederick, Maryland, where Logan was residing with co-defendant Melany Marchun. Detectives obtained the search warrant as part of an investigation into the Logan’s drug dealing.  Investigators seized from the apartment, among other contraband, 195 tablets, which were shown by laboratory testing to be fentanyl. A Glock Model 20 handgun, a Glock Model 30 handgun, and a Bersa .380 handgun were also seized from the apartment.

Detectives also obtained a search warrant to review Logan’s cellphone, which had been seized. A video was located that showed the defendant in front of a mirror counting a large amount of money with two handguns in front of him. Later in the video the defendant pulled out a third handgun from his pocket. The defendant is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior conviction for Second Degree Assault.

A total of $7,448.95 was seized from Logan.

Through the investigation it was also discovered that while Logan was incarcerated at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center, he had a video call with co-defendant Melany Marchun, with whom Logan was in a relationship. On the video call Logan instructed Marchun to purchase Glock handguns for him. Logan also conveyed that he was asking Marchun to do this because he was aware that due his prior felony conviction, he could not purchase firearms. Records obtained showed that Marchun then purchased two Glock handguns in West Virginia. These were the two Glock handguns recovered during the search warrant at 5203 Black Locust Drive.

In the narcotics case, Logan received a sentence for the Illegal Possession of a Firearm of 15 years, suspend all but 5 years, those being a mandatory minimum without the possibility of parole. For the other Illegal Possession of Firearm charge, Logan was sentenced to 15 years, suspend all but 5 years, another mandatory minimum, to be served consecutive to the previous count. For the Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, the defendant was sentenced to 20 years, suspend all but 2 years, consecutive to the other counts. The State recommended 5 years, to be served consecutively. The defense argued for concurrent time for this count. For the Conspiracy Straw Purchase, Logan was sentenced to 10 years, concurrent to the other counts.

In the other case, Logan entered an Alford plea to another count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm with a Conviction for a Prior Crime of Violence.

On October 15, 2022, officers of the Frederick Police Department were dispatched for a reported firearm discharge in the area of 187 Pennsylvania Avenue, in Frederick, Maryland. Bullet holes were observed in the side of a building. It was later determined through video surveillance that three individuals fired numerous rounds at several unidentified people that were standing outside of vehicles in Hope Circle.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office detective leading the narcotics investigation into Israel Logan later discovered that Logan and the other two suspects involved in the shooting went to the 5203 Black Locust Drive address afterwards. The detective reviewed security footage of the suspects entering the Black Locust Drive building, as well as the footage from the shooting incident, and was able to identify Logan as one of the individuals involved.

In this case, Logan received a sentence of 15 years, suspend all but 5 years, a mandatory minimum, to be served concurrent to the sentences in the narcotics case.

The investigation into Logan’s drug dealing and illegal possession of firearms involved the collaboration of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigation Section, the Frederick Police Department Tactical Investigations Unit, and Frederick’s HITDA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) team. The shooting incident was investigated by members of the Frederick Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigation Section. The State of Maryland was represented by Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Tumulty in the narcotics and firearms case, and Assistant State’s Attorney Samantha Slattery in the case concerning the shooting on October 15, 2022.

 

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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Frederick Man To Serve Seven Years In Department of Corrections For 2nd Degree Rape of Minor

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Press Release

For Immediate Release

February 13, 2024

 

Frederick Man To Serve Seven Years In Department of Corrections For 2nd Degree Rape of Minor

Frederick, Maryland – Yesterday, Administrative Judge, Richard Sandy, sentenced Jonatan Daniel Corado-Moscoso for the 2nd Degree Rape of a minor.  The Defendant was sentenced to 20 years, suspending all but 7 years to serve in the Department of Corrections with credit for time served beginning 5.17.2022.

In January, 2022, the 12-year old victim ran away from home.  When located by Frederick Police, the victim disclosed that the Defendant was sexually abusing her.  A forensic investigation was conducted by Child Protective Services.

Upon release from incarceration, the defendant will be place on five years of supervised probation through COMET supervision with all standard conditions, plus special conditions to include submitting to drug and alcohol treatment, receiving a mental health evaluation and a psycho-sexual evaluation and complying with all treatment recommended, polygraph testing, and internet and GPS monitoring. He is ordered to have no contact with the victim or the victim’s immediate family and to have no unsupervised contact with any children under the age of 18. He is required to register as a Lifetime Tier III Sex Offender.

The arrest, investigation and conviction of the Defendant was a joint effort by the Frederick Police Department, Child Protective Services and the State’s Attorney’s Office.  The state was represented by Assistant State’s Attorney, Erin Pearl.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Communications Specialist

JRottmann@statesattorney.us

301-600-2972

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Victims of Nonfatal Strangulation – SB 398/HB 482

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February 6, 2024
Brett Engler, Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, testified in favor of SB 398/HB 482: Criminal Injuries Compensation Board – Victims of Nonfatal Strangulation. The legislation would provide funding for life-saving emergency room care for victims of strangulation.
Strangulation is a deadly form of assault, and a victim of domestic violence who has been strangled, even once, is 750 times more likely to be killed by their abuser in the future. Many victims of non-fatal strangulation will avoid seeking critical care because of the expense, and/or out of fear that their abuser will learn that they reported the abuse to medical professionals through shared billing. This legislation would remove direct billing of patients for strangulation care, and instead fund the examinations through direct state reimbursement to medical providers.
Thank you to Senator William Folden, Delegate Karen Simpson for sponsoring the bill, and to the survivors, medical professionals, and advocacy organizations such as the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, who testified alongside us.