Press Releases

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith Advocates for Prosecutors at the U.S. Department of Education

April 29, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith Advocates for Prosecutors at the U.S. Department of Education

April 29, 2025

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, Chairman of the Board for the National District Attorneys Association, addressed the U.S. Department of Education today to express his support of Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Income-Driven Repayment Programs. These programs help ensure that experienced, committed prosecutors can continue serving their communities without being driven out of public service by financial strain. It takes years for prosecutors to develop the legal skill, discretion, and judgement necessary to manage serious cases – homicide, child abuse, human trafficking, and fentanyl trafficking. Without PSLF and IDRs, prosecutors’ offices will face increasing difficulty in maintaining staffing levels, especially in hard-to-fill jurisdictions. These programs enhance the safety and stability of our communities.

HAGERSTOWN MAN TO SERVE 20 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR AND SEX TRAFFICKING

April 28, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 28, 2025

HAGERSTOWN MAN TO SERVE 20 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR AND SEX TRAFFICKING

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Richard Sandy imposed the agreed-upon sentence of 35 years, suspend all but 20 years in the Division of Corrections for 57-year-old Arcelius Dunbar Lyle after his September 26, 2024 guilty plea to sex abuse of a minor and sex trafficking in Frederick, MD.

On June 29, 2023, A Multi-Agency Prostitution/Human Trafficking Operation resulted in Lyle’s arrest, based on the evidence detectives collected from the operation. Investigation revealed that the Defendant met the victim at work and began grooming her shortly after meeting her. The Defendant trafficked the victim for approximately 7 months prior to officers making contact with the victim. After a bond hearing, Lyle was ordered to be held without bond and was ordered to have no contact with the victim in the trafficking case.

On July 10, 2023 Frederick County Sheriff’s Office investigators were made aware of an almost 30-minute jail call from the Defendant to the victim in the trafficking case, in which the Defendant instructed her to sexually abuse her four-year-old child. That case was referred to Washington County, where the abuse occurred.

“Unfortunately, these cases are much more pervasive than the public realizes,” said State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. “Fortunately, Frederick County has taken the lead in developing interagency task forces to aggressively seek out these predators, and has prosecutors like ASA Carpenter that obtain lengthy sentences for these terrible offenders.”

Upon release, the Defendant will serve 5 years of supervised probation with all standard conditions and special conditions, including Lifetime Sex Offender Registration and Lifetime Sex Offender Supervision.

Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter 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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ESSEX MAN TO SERVE 35 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR AND TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE RAPE

April 22, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 22, 2025

ESSEX MAN TO SERVE 35 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR AND TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE RAPE

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Scott Rolle sentenced 32-year old Douglas Paul Otto, of Essex, Maryland to Life plus 25 years, suspend all but 35 years in the Division of Corrections for Sex Abuse of a Minor, Second-Degree Statutory Rape and Second-Degree Forcible Rape. On October 3, 2024 the Defendant was found guilty by a jury during the four-day trial.

On January 4, 2023, the Frederick Police Department received a report of sexual abuse of a minor for an incident that occurred in the past from Child Protective Services. An extensive investigation by the Child Advocacy Center, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Frederick Police Department and Child Protective Services revealed the Defendant had resided at the minor victim’s home at the time of the incident and that the abuse occurred inside the residence.

“This was a very difficult case to prove,” said State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, “but due to Chief ASA Carpenter’s perseverance, the victim received justice and this predator will be in prison for a very long time.”

Upon release, the Defendant is ordered to serve five years of supervised probation with the Sex Offender Management Team, with all standard conditions, and will be required to register as a Tier III, Lifetime Sex Offender in Maryland, and be subject to Lifetime sex offender supervision.

Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter 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 SENTENCED TO SERVE 10 YEARS IN THE MARYLAND DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE RAPE IN FREDERICK

April 22, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 22, 2025

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 10 YEARS IN THE MARYLAND DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE RAPE IN FREDERICK

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, the Honorable Julia Martz-Fisher sentenced Alan Verdeja Martinez, of Frederick, MD. Martinez entered a guilty plea to two counts of Second-Degree Rape and one count of Violation of a Protective Order on January 13, 2025. The Court followed the State’s sentencing recommendation and ordered the Defendant to serve 10 years in the Division of Corrections with an additional 30 years suspended for the two counts of Second-Degree Rape. A conviction was also entered for one count of Violation of a Protective Order.

On July 31, 2024, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office detectives forwarded a report of a rape that occurred in Frederick, MD. Investigation revealed the Defendant, who was 19 years old at the time of the offense, picked the juvenile up at her parents’ residence late at night or in the middle of the night on multiple occasions and took her to his home in Frederick County for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse with her. The victim’s family obtained a protective order on behalf of their daughter, but the Defendant continued to knowingly violate the order. Police interviewed the Defendant, and he admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim at his residence on four separate occasions.

Upon release, the Defendant will serve five years of supervised probation. The Defendant 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. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick City Police, the Department of Social Services, the Child Advocacy Center, and the Caroll 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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State’s Attorney Charlie Smith and his Office hosted the 35th Maryland Statewide Memorial Service 2025

April 7, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith and his Office hosted the 35th Maryland Statewide Memorial Service, on Sunday April 6, 2025, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Frederick, MD in honor of Maryland’s crime victims and their families. During the service, volunteers read the names of victims of violent crime from Maryland’s Western Region, Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery and Washington counties. The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy read their 2025 Proclamation stating that April 3rd is officially dedicated as Crime Victim and Advocate Commemorative Day.

The Governor’s Office recognizes the ongoing and tireless efforts of victim advocates and members of the victim service community. Our Office extends a special thank you to our Victim Witness Coordinators who daily provide support, education and advocacy to victims, ensuring their rights are protected and their needs are met. We also thank Pastor Morgan Kochenower, Pastor Alareece Collie, Kim Barney and Tom Boughner for their hospitality to our community and their support of this memorial service.

GERMANTOWN MAN TO SERVE 15 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF A MINOR

March 4, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 4, 2025

GERMANTOWN MAN TO SERVE 15 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF A MINOR

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, Judge Joanmarie Raymond Brubaker sentenced 33-year old Tre Anthony Garrett, of Germantown, MD to 30 years, suspend all but 15 years in the Division of Corrections for First-Degree Child Abuse and Neglect of a Minor.

On January 5, 2024, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Frederick Health Hospital for a report of child abuse of a severely injured 2-year old child suffering from injuries to his body as well as multiple brain bleeds and skull fractures. The child was flown to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. where he was treated. Medical staff concluded the injuries were highly suspicious of non-accidental trauma. Detectives interviewed the child’s mother, who told police she went to run errands while the Defendant (the child’s father) had the child. When she returned, she observed the Defendant walking with the child wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather. The mother confronted the defendant and attempted to obtain the child from the defendant and when she was unable to, the mother called 9-1-1. Police later found the Defendant, without the child, when responding to a different 9-1-1 call in the area. Approximately ten hours after the initial 9-1-1 call by the child’s mother, the child was brought to Frederick Health Hospital by the Defendant’s mother. Through the collaborative investigation between detectives and medical personnel, it was determined that the child’s injuries were in fact acute and occurred during the time he was in the care of the Defendant.

Judge Raymond Brubaker addressed the Defendant saying, “You must get a handle on your drug issues to establish a healthy relationship with your son.”

Upon release, the Defendant will serve five years of supervised probation with special conditions including no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with any minor child.

Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Lindsey Carpenter and Assistant State’s Attorney Erin Pearl 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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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

February 26, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

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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LITTLESTOWN MAN TO SERVE 5 YEARS WITHOUT PAROLE ELIGIBILITY IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT AND USE OF A FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A VIOLENT CRIME

February 25, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

LITTLESTOWN MAN TO SERVE 5 YEARS WITHOUT PAROLE ELIGIBILITY IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT AND USE OF A FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A VIOLENT CRIME

Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Judge Scott Rolle sentenced 30-year-old Bryant A. Paradine, of Littlestown, PA, to 25 years in the Division of Corrections suspending 20 years with 5 years to serve for First-Degree Assault and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Violent Crime after the Defendant pleaded guilty. The Defendant is not eligible for parole consideration as part of the plea agreement and will be required to serve the entire 5 years in prison.

On August 14, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Maryland State Police responded to a call for a shooting near Route 15 SB/Tippin Drive. The 911 caller reported that a man shot a firearm from his driver’s side window at another motorist passing him before exiting U.S. 15 onto Tippin Drive. The victim of the shooting also called police to report that he had been shot at. Police recovered one projectile from the victim’s vehicle. Both the witness and the victim described the Defendant’s vehicle as an early 2000’s red/maroon chevy Tahoe with PA registration and the operator as a white male with a beard. Thurmont Police surveillance cameras picked up the Defendant’s SUV at 7:27am turning onto Frederick Road and vehicle registration information confirmed the Defendant’s identity as Bryant Paradine. Troopers located and interviewed Paradine at his nearby place of employment where he admitted to being involved in the road rage incident and firing a round at the other motorist. Paradine was placed under arrest and his vehicle was searched. Troopers recovered a Canik 9 mm handgun with a loaded magazine as well as one spent 9 mm casing from his vehicle.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “Road rage is a real danger to our community. While many of these cases are first-time offenders, they present too great of a public safety risk to not put them in prison. We must send a message that if you are willing to jeopardize someone’s life, the repercussions will change your life forever.”

The victim, who was in agreement with the sentence, addressed the court stating, “He was tailgating me, cut me off, brake checked me, pulled out a gun and pulled the trigger. Why did he think he had the right to decide that my family would never see me again and make my wife a widow?”

Upon release from the Division of Corrections, the Defendant will serve 3 years on supervised probation with all standard conditions, including anger management classes. The firearm and ammunition were ordered forfeited as part of the sentence and the Defendant is prohibited from owning a firearm for the rest of his life.

The investigation was handled by the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division with assistance from the Thurmont Police Department. Chief, 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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FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 17 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR ARMED ROBBERY

February 18, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

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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County Executive Proclaims February 5th Prosecutor’s Day to Honor Local Prosecutors’ Role in Justice and Community Safety

February 5, 2025/in Press Release/by Jacqueline Rottmann

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

County Executive Proclaims February 5th Prosecutor’s Day to Honor Local Prosecutors’ Role in Justice and Community Safety

FREDERICK, MARYLAND – February 5^th was proclaimed as National Prosecutor’s Day by the National District Attorneys Association in Washington, D.C. this morning, representing a landmark celebration recognizing the indispensable contributions of prosecutors in protecting public safety, championing victims’ rights, and upholding the fundamental principles of justice. State’s Attorney Charlie Smith will join County Executive Jessica Fitzwater this Friday, February 7^th, 2025 at Winchester Hall to receive her local proclamation, shining a spotlight on the critical work prosecutors perform every day to safeguard our community.

Prosecutors are far more than legal professionals—they are compassionate advocates who amplify the voices of victims, ensuring their stories are heard and justice is meaningfully pursued. Through strategic collaboration with law enforcement, community organizations, and public institutions, prosecutors work tirelessly to address the complex root causes of criminal behavior, hold offenders accountable, and foster a sense of trust and safety within their community.

“Prosecutors represent the very essence of justice in our community,” said Charlie Smith. “This proclamation is a testament to the unwavering dedication of professionals who work passionately to protect our most vulnerable citizens and maintain the integrity of our legal system.”

This official recognition and presentation of the proclamation offers a unique opportunity for community members to gain insight into the multifaceted role of prosecutors. The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office stands as a beacon of justice, committed to protecting victims, holding offenders accountable, and cultivating meaningful partnerships with community stakeholders. Through ethical, transparent, and compassionate prosecution, the office continues to build trust, promote healing, and create a safer, more accountable society.

For additional information about Prosecutor’s Day or the transformative work of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, please contact:

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Court Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland 21701

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State’s Attorney Charlie Smith Advocates for Prosecutors at the U.S. Department of Education

HAGERSTOWN MAN TO SERVE 20 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR AND SEX TRAFFICKING

ESSEX MAN TO SERVE 35 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR AND TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE RAPE

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 10 YEARS IN THE MARYLAND DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR TWO COUNTS OF SECOND-DEGREE RAPE IN FREDERICK

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith and his Office hosted the 35th Maryland Statewide Memorial Service 2025

GERMANTOWN MAN TO SERVE 15 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF A MINOR

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

LITTLESTOWN MAN TO SERVE 5 YEARS WITHOUT PAROLE ELIGIBILITY IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT AND USE OF A FIREARM IN THE COMMISSION OF A VIOLENT CRIME

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

County Executive Proclaims February 5th Prosecutor’s Day to Honor Local Prosecutors’ Role in Justice and Community Safety

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