State’s Attorney Charlie Smith Statement on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

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April 26, 2023

 

Each year during the month of April, we recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Since 1981, it has been a time of reflection to honor survivors and promote victims’ rights and services. The week comes and passes, but the important work remains a constant. The work we do is 24/7, 365 days a year. It doesn’t sleep, it doesn’t care if it is a holiday or a weekend. If there is a new crime victim in our community, we need to do our best to make them feel secure, heard, and supported in what will likely be a long and difficult journey through the legal system. We need to work with our law enforcement partners to identify who committed the crime, make an arrest, and if they are a threat to public safety, keep them behind bars until the case can be resolved.

 

Lost in the discourse of justice reform are the victims. The victims who need a voice, victims who may never speak again because someone took their life. I think about the victims of domestic violence who are caught in a seemingly endless cycle of abuse, facing a real possibility of a deadly encounter with their abuser. I think about the victims and families who must cope with a life-altering injury caused by someone who was reckless or violent. I reflect on the children who face horrible memories of being abused, perhaps by a relative, and the impact that will have on them for the rest of their lives. The victim that loses their life savings because of a scammer. The list is endless but the meaning is clear: we must lift up victims’ voices and hold the offenders accountable.

 

Among a number of victim-focused crime bills this legislative session in Annapolis, I strongly supported HB 226/SB 21 which will strengthen the prosecution of child sex abuse by expanding the definition of “Person in Position of Authority” to coaches, counselors, and teachers outside the school system that utilize their position to victimize children. For far too long, adults have used this loophole to groom and abuse kids.

HB 297/SB 292 will ensure that child trafficking victims are not prosecuted for their own victimization and instead refer them to proper services through the Regional Navigator Program. This is common sense legislation that will protect children who are in a situation that is out of their control.

 

The work of a prosecutor at this time in history is more challenging than ever. Many communities are facing a surge in crime. Trust in law enforcement is declining. Agencies are overloaded, underfunded, and struggling to keep up with the emergence of new technologies.   So it is vital that we recognize that each and every day, good women and men are working hard on behalf of our Frederick community. From the first responders to the social workers, to the victim/advocates and prosecutors, these public servants are there to see that the voice of the victim is still heard.

 

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith

Winchester, VA Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole For Murder of Ex-wife

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For Immediate Release

April 21, 2023

 

 

FREDERICK, MD This morning in Frederick County Circuit Court,  Judge Julie Stevenson Solt sentenced Lemuel Lee Roberts, age 35, of Winchester, VA to life without the possibility of parole, which was what the State had sought. Roberts was found guilty of 1st degree murder by a Frederick jury February 16, 2023.

 

Following the sentencing, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “Today we have justice for Kaitlin, her family, and her many friends and supporters.  Life without Parole was undoubtedly the right sentence for this heinous murderer.  One who showed zero remorse and took substantial steps to cover up his killing.”

 

Shortly after 2:00 am on January 11, 2020, a 911 caller reported finding a body in the roadway at English Muffin Court and English Muffin Way in Frederick, MD, deceased. The victim was identified as Kaitlin Nichole Roberts of Winchester, VA.

 

Investigators determined that Lemuel Roberts traveled to Frederick, Maryland with his ex-wife and mother of his children, Kaitlin Roberts, and stabbed her 32 times and ran over her body while driving a Buick Enclave. At trial, prosecutors presented video footage from a nearby business showing the defendant’s car approach the area of English Muffin Way and English Muffin Court around 11:49 pm on January 10, 2020. The victim exited the vehicle and was subsequently run over by the defendant.

 

Afterwards, Roberts went back to Winchester where he was shown on surveillance camera footage at a Sheetz Gas Station driving the Buick Enclave through a car wash. The defendant proceeded to dispose of evidence including the victim’s work nameplate and purse at a Sunoco gas station dumpster in Winchester. Roberts then returned to his home on Oakmont Circle in Winchester.

 

Through cellular phone tracking analysis by FBI Special Agent Michael Fowler, investigators determined Roberts then returned to the area of the victim’s body in Frederick around 2:00 am. SA Fowler also presented tracking data through cellular phone records and trackers the defendant had on vehicles that confirmed his movements in the late hours of January 10th into the early morning of January 11, 2020.

 

The defendant then went back to Winchester where he set the Buick Enclave on fire at Woods Mill Rd. and Red Bud Rd. Former Frederick County, VA Fire Marshall’s office investigator Kenneth Scott testified that it was the result of an intentional “incendiary” fire originating in the front passenger area of the vehicle.

 

The State was represented by Deputy State’s Attorney Kirsten Brown and Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Clinton.

 

The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to recognize the hard work of investigators with the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County, VA Fire Marshall’s Office, Frederick County, MD Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, FBI Baltimore, and the Montgomery County, MD Police Department.

 

 

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FREDERICK MAN ENTERS GUILTY PLEA, SENTENCED FOR 2020 ATTEMPTED MURDER

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For Immediate Release

March 28, 2023

 

FREDERICK, MD – Monday afternoon in Frederick County Circuit Court, Edy Daniel Marroquin-Soma, age 23, of Frederick entered a guilty plea to one count of attempted 1st degree murder. The State asked the court for an above the guidelines sentence of life suspend all but at least 40 years in prison. The Defense asked the Court to impose active time of 12 years. The Honorable Theresa M. Adams sentenced the Defendant to life with all but 25 years to serve in the Division of Corrections followed by 5 years of supervised probation upon release, which is a sentence above the guidelines.

 

On August 26, 2020 at approximately 5:14 AM, officers with the Frederick Police Department were dispatched to the 500 block of Logan Street in Frederick for what was reported to dispatchers as a fight. Responding patrol officers found a 78-year-old male victim in the grass next to the street unconscious. Emergency Medical Services informed police that the victim was suffering from head trauma and he was subsequently transported to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore in critical condition. The victim suffered life-altering injuries as a result of traumatic brain injury and other injuries that he will never be able to fully recover from.

 

Upon further investigation, detectives learned that the defendant had been sitting in his truck that night drinking alcohol and listening to music. Multiple empty beer bottles were observed on the street and grass near the truck as investigators canvassed the scene. Surveillance camera footage obtained from a nearby home recorded the attack. In the video, the defendant can be seen on top of the victim rapidly punching down and then stomping. Investigators also seized a shirt from the defendant that had blood on it. The defendant had cuts and trauma to the fingers and thumbs, as well as a bandage covering an injury to his right knee. Additionally, the DNA of the victim was found on the defendant.

 

Following the sentencing, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “This attack on an elderly man out for a walk in his neighborhood is both shocking and disturbing. We have always worked tirelessly to protect those victims who cannot protect themselves. I hope that today’s sentence gives the victim, his family, and the community a sense of comfort in knowing that the Defendant, and others who harm the vulnerable, will be punished harshly.”

 

Frederick Police Detective Sean McKinney led the investigation. The State was represented by Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Clinton.

 

Edy Daniel Marroquin-Soma

 

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MARYLAND STATE’S ATTORNEYS JOIN FORCES TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF CHILD SEX ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING

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MEDIA ADVISORY

 

March 14, 2023

 

 

Howard, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties stand together to urge Maryland Legislature to pass Senate Bill 21 and Senate Bill 292

 

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Today, Maryland State’s Attorneys for Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties held a joint press conference today to urge passage of multiple bills currently before the Maryland General Assembly.

 

Principal speakers at the press conference included Howard County State’s Attorney Richard Gibson Jr. (president of the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association); Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith (president-elect of the National District Attorney’s Association); Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. The State’s Attorneys were also joined by Turn Around Inc. and several advocacy groups and victims of related crimes.

 

The press conference specifically discussed the following two pieces of legislation:

 

  1. House Bill 226/Senate Bill 21: Criminal Law – Person in a Position of Authority – Sexual Offenses With a Minor. This bill would strengthen the prosecution of child sex abuse by expanding the definition of “Person in Position of Authority” to coaches, counselors, and teachers outside the school system that utilize their position to victimize children.
  2. House Bill 297/Senate Bill 292: Criminal Law – Victims of Child Sex Trafficking and Human Trafficking – Safe Harbor and Service Response. This bill would ensure that child trafficking victims are not prosecuted for their own victimization and instead are referred to proper services through the Regional Navigator Program.

 

On February 24, 2023, the Safe Harbor bill was voted favorably out of the House of Delegates.  Currently, it remains in Judicial Proceedings on the Senate side where no action has been taken.

 

The Person in a Position of Authority bill passed out of the House of Delegates on March 9, 2023.  Currently, a hearing has not been scheduled by Judicial Proceedings.

“I think it’s very important to highlight the bills that prosecutors of this state are supporting. There’s been a lot of talk publicly about the legislation we are against and what is often ignored is the legislation we fully endorse,” said Howard County State’s Attorney Rich Gibson, Jr. “We stand firmly against any bills that we feel would jeopardize public safety. And likewise, we’re here today talking about bills that would enhance public safety. It is for these reasons that we stand in solidarity; not only for these two specific bills, but for the 50-plus bills put forth on our MSAA support list.”

 

“Many persons in positions of authority over minors are excluded from the current law. SB21 expands the definition of person in position of authority to include teachers, coaches, counselors, and others who work with children outside of the traditional school setting. Individuals who are in any of the roles included in this bill hold positions of trust, and any person who grooms or manipulates a child for the purposes of sexual exploitation should be held accountable,” said Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

 

“The Legislature is being urged to pass Senate Bill 292, the Safe Harbor Bill. This bill is a step in the right direction to enhance protections for child victims of human trafficking and sex trafficking. The passage of this bill will provide immunity from prosecution or juvenile proceedings for child victims who are suspected of being survivors of these heinous crimes.  Under current law, many child victims are charged with crimes or are subject to juvenile proceedings—even when they are suspected to be survivors of human or sex trafficking. The Safe Harbor Bill would provide protection from such charges and proceedings to shield these children from further trauma,” said Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “It is time for us to come together and act on behalf of those who cannot advocate for themselves. Let us make sure that we keep our focus on safety and healing, not punishment and prosecution. Now more than ever we must ensure that our most vulnerable population—children—are protected from traffickers who seek to exploit them for profit.”

 

Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “It is critical that we do everything in our power to stand as advocates for victims of crime, both on the State and National level. The Safe Harbor Bill would ensure that child victims are protected from prosecution and that traffickers become the sole focus of law enforcement, as they should.” Smith added, “There are far too many that use their trusted relationship with children to groom and abuse. By expanding the definition of those in positions of authority, we will ensure that more offenders are held accountable for victimizing children. I call on the General Assembly to pass these bills that will protect the vulnerable.”

 

 VIDEO LINK TO PRESS CONFERENCE – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-XbK8OpxaM  

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Rocky Ridge Man Enters Guilty Plea, Sentenced for Felony Domestic Violence

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FREDERICK, MD  – This morning in Frederick County Circuit Court, Michael Anthony Simpson, age 34, of Rocky Ridge, entered a guilty plea to two counts of 1st Degree Assault and one count of Violating a Protective Order. The Honorable Judge Julie Stevenson Solt sentenced Simpson to a combined 50 years with all but 10 years suspended. He must also serve 5 years of supervised probation upon release.

 

On September 14, 2022, officers with the Frederick Police Department were dispatched to the Woodspring Suites hotel located at 341 Ballenger Center for the report of a domestic assault. The female victim told officers that the defendant strangled her that day at the hotel as well as the day prior during their drive to Frederick. The Victim addressed the Court and advocated for the sentence that was ultimately imposed, detailing her fear of the Defendant and her long journey toward understanding the impact that the cycle of domestic violence had on her.

 

Following the sentencing, Domestic Violence Unit Chief Brett Engler commented, “Unfortunately, we see cases of strangulation on a daily basis, and assaults by strangulation are a huge risk factor toward future lethality. It is critical that victims know that there are resources in the community to help them, and that the State’s Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly with our agency partners to hold offenders accountable for their actions–with serious consequences where appropriate.”

 

The State’s Attorney’s Office encourages anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out to law enforcement and/or the Heartly House at (301) 662-8800 for assistance.

 

The State was represented by Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Engler.

 

Michael Anthony Simpson

 

WINCHESTER, VA MAN FOUND GUILTY OF 1ST DEGREE MURDER IN BRUTAL 2020 STABBING DEATH

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 16, 2023

 

 

 

WINCHESTER, VA MAN FOUND GUILTY OF 1ST DEGREE MURDER IN BRUTAL 2020 STABBING DEATH

 

 

FREDERICK, MD This afternoon in Frederick County Circuit Court, a jury returned a guilty verdict for 1st degree murder in the trial of State vs. Lemuel Lee Roberts, age 34, of Winchester, VA. The Honorable Judge Julie Stevenson Solt scheduled sentencing for Friday, April 21, 2023 at 9:00 am.

 

Shortly after 2:00 am on January 11, 2020, a 911 caller reported finding a body in the roadway at English Muffin Court and English Muffin Way in Frederick, MD, deceased. The victim was identified as Kaitlin Nichole Roberts of Winchester, VA.

 

Investigators determined that Lemuel Roberts traveled to Frederick, Maryland with his ex-wife Kaitlin Roberts and stabbed her 32 times and ran over her body while driving a Buick Enclave. At trial, prosecutors presented video footage from a nearby business showing the defendant’s car approach the area of English Muffin Way and English Muffin Court around 11:49 pm on January 10, 2020. Investigators believe the victim exited the vehicle and was subsequently run over by the defendant.

 

Afterwards, Roberts went back to Winchester where he was shown on surveillance camera footage at a Sheetz Gas Station driving the Buick Enclave through a car wash. The defendant proceeded to dispose of evidence including the victim’s work nameplate and purse at a Sunoco gas station dumpster in Winchester. Roberts then returned to his home on Oakmont Circle in Winchester.

 

Through cellular phone tracking analysis by FBI Special Agent Michael Fowler, investigators determined Roberts then returned to the area of the victim’s body in Frederick around 2:00 am. SA Fowler also presented tracking data through cellular phone records and trackers the defendant had on vehicles that confirmed his movements in the late hours of January 10th into the early morning of January 11, 2020.

 

The defendant then went back to Winchester where he set the Buick Enclave on fire at Woods Mill Rd. and Red Bud Rd. Former Frederick County, VA Fire Marshall’s office investigator Kenneth Scott testified that it was the result of an intentional “incendiary” fire originating in the front passenger area of the vehicle.

 

 

The State was represented by Deputy State’s Attorney Kirsten Brown and Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Clinton.

 

Following the verdict, Deputy State’s Attorney Kirsten Brown commented, “This joint investigation between the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland made this prosecution successful.  We were equipped with a team of professionals who assisted us with getting justice for Kaitlin.  We appreciate the support of Kaitlin’s family and the law enforcement agencies.”

 

The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to recognize the hard work of investigators with the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County, VA Fire Marshall’s Office, Frederick County, MD Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, FBI Baltimore, and the Montgomery County, MD Police Department.

 

Lemuel Lee Roberts

 

 

 

 

 

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS FOR SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR

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FREDERICK, MD – Yesterday in Frederick County Circuit Court, Celestino Lopez-Aguilar, age 37, of Frederick, MD, was sentenced to a combined 105 years with all but 50 years suspended for 9 counts of Sex Abuse of a Minor. Lopez-Aguilar was found guilty by a Frederick jury on December 14, 2022 following a two-day trial. The Honorable Judge Scott Rolle also ordered that Lopez-Aguilar serve 5 years of supervised probation upon release and register as a Tier-III sex offender, which is a lifetime registration, due to the victim’s age.

 

On December 31, 2020, a then-18-year-old disclosed to her mother that she had been sexually abused by Lopez-Aguilar, who was the former live-in fiancé of her mother. The defendant was seen as a father figure in the household. The victim stated that the abuse began when she was 7-years-old shortly after the defendant moved into the family home in 2008 and lasted until 2016.

 

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “This was an egregious case where a man used his role as a father figure to sexually abuse a young girl over the course of many years. We are pleased that the defendant received a long sentence and hope that the victim and her family can find closure with this outcome.”

 

The State was represented by Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Tammy Leache. The criminal investigation was led by Frederick Police Detective Rebecca Skelley.

Celestino Lopez-Aguilar

Mount Airy Woman Sentenced in Baby Fentanyl Death

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FREDERICK, MD – This morning in Frederick County Circuit Court, Heather Marie Frazier, age 36, of Mount Airy was sentenced by Judge Julie Stevenson Solt to ten (10) years suspend all but five (5) years active incarceration in the Division of Corrections. Frazier entered a guilty plea to the charge of involuntary manslaughter on August 22, 2022. Upon release from prison, Frazier must also complete five (5) years of supervised probation. The State had argued for a top-of-the-guidelines sentence of six years in prison.

 

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “This is a tragic case where drug addiction has destroyed a precious young life and the parents are faced with the consequences of their reckless actions.”

 

On July 3, 2020, Officers with the Mount Airy Police Department were dispatched to a home on Walden Way in Mount Airy for the report of an infant in cardiac arrest. EMS personnel transported the male nearly 3-month-old infant to Frederick Health Hospital. The infant passed away a short time later. An autopsy performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as “Narcotic Fentanyl Intoxication” and the manner of death as homicide.

 

Investigators determined that Heather Frazier and her husband Jeremy Whitney Frazier were living in a basement apartment on Walden Way and had been mixing fentanyl in the same bathroom where they prepared bottles for their infant son. Fentanyl contamination led to the infant’s death.

 

Co-defendant Jeremy Whitney Frazier, age 35, of Mount Airy plead guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter on March 14, 2022. Judge Theresa Adams sentenced the defendant to ten (10) years suspend all but five (5) years active incarceration along with five (5) years of supervised probation upon release.

 

The State was represented by Assistant State’s Attorneys Tammy Leache and Lindsey Carpenter.

Heather Marie Frazier

Union Bridge Woman Enters Plea in Vehicular Assault Case

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FREDERICK, MD – This morning in Frederick County Circuit Court, Chelsea Anne Kendall, age 39, of Union Bridge, entered an Alford plea to one count of first-degree assault. An Alford plea is a type of guilty plea in which a defendant does not admit to a criminal act but acknowledges that evidence presented by the prosecution would be likely to persuade a judge or jury to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Judge Kathleen English scheduled sentencing for March 24, 2023. The defendant will undergo a pre-sentence investigation.

On July 13, 2022, investigators with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of Black Ankle Road and Unionville Road for the report of a vehicle intentionally striking a pedestrian. Responding deputies discovered a woman lying in the middle of the roadway with visible injuries and a tire mark across her abdomen to her shoulder from being run over. The defendant fled the scene and did not report the incident to police. The victim was flown to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment of life-threatening injuries. Investigators determined that the defendant ran over the victim following a dispute over the victim’s boyfriend. The defendant was located the next day by deputies with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals.

The investigation leading to the arrest and indictment of Kendall was a coordinated effort led by members of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Zachary Sanders. The State was represented by Assistant State’s Attorneys Samantha M. Slattery and Catherine B. McDermid.

 

Chelsea Anne Kendall

FREDERICK MAN FOUND GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS IN SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 15, 2022

 

FREDERICK, MD – Late Wednesday evening in Frederick County Circuit Court, a jury returned guilty verdicts for nine (9) counts of Sex Abuse of a Minor following the two-day trial of Celestino Lopez-Aguilar, age 37, of Frederick. Judge Scott Lawrence Rolle ordered that the defendant continue to be held without bond until his sentencing February 14, 2023.

 

 

On December 31, 2020, a then-18-year-old disclosed to her mother that she had been sexually abused by Lopez-Aguilar, who was the former live-in fiancé of her mother. The defendant was seen as a father figure in the household. The victim stated that the abuse began when she was 7-years-old shortly after the defendant moved into the family home in 2008 and lasted until 2016.

 

Following the jury’s sweeping guilty verdicts, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented, “I am extremely proud of Chief Special Victims Unit prosecutor Tammy Leache’s work on this case. Our staff works tirelessly on behalf of the children of Frederick County to ensure that those who prey on our most innocent victims are brought to justice. We look forward to sentencing and hope that Mr. Lopez- Aguilar has plenty of time to reflect on his actions behind bars.”

 

Celestino Lopez-Aguilar