Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 9, 2026

HOWARD COUNTY MAN CONVICTED BY JURY OF MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER FOLLOWING 2025 INTERSTATE 70 DRIVE-BY SHOOTING

Frederick, MD – On Wednesday, October 7^th, 2026, a jury in the Circuit Court for Frederick County found 26-year-old Jeffrey Josue Diaz of Howard County guilty of Second-Degree Murder, 5 counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, 6 counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, 2 counts of First Degree Assault, Possession of Handgun by Prohibited Person, and Unlawful Carrying of a Loaded Handgun.

The convictions are the result of an incident that occurred late Saturday, June 14, 2025. At approximately 11:38 p.m., a 9-1-1 caller reported that their vehicle had been fired upon by a passing vehicle while traveling eastbound on Interstate 70, just prior to the Mt. Airy exit in Frederick County. The victims’ vehicle, a 2018 Red GMC Sierra carrying six individuals, sustained damage from at least 10 shots fired into it by the passing vehicle.  Three of the passengers had sustained gunshot wounds.

The driver of the targeted vehicle pulled over at a Shell gas station located at 649 Lakeview Drive in Mount Airy, Maryland, where police and emergency personnel responded. 20-year-old Eduardo Alexander Alvarado Urrea, the front middle seat passenger, suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and upper back and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the targeted vehicle was shot in the upper shoulder but survived the shooting and was transported to Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, for medical treatment.  A third passenger sustained an injury to the right side of his face from broken glass.

The Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division – Homicide Unit conducted the investigation. Investigators learned that earlier that evening, the six occupants of the GMC Sierra had attended an event at the Frederick County Fairgrounds in the City of Frederick.

Through witness interviews and surveillance footage, law enforcement determined that a physical altercation occurred at the fairgrounds between one of the vehicle’s occupants and the defendant Jeffrey Diaz.  An event security guard reported interacting with Diaz shortly after the altercation, noting that Diaz had a cut and was bleeding from his forehead.  The security guard observed Diaz leave the fairgrounds in a dark colored pickup truck shortly after the GMC Sierra.

Upon reviewing footage from the red-light cameras at the intersection of East Patrick Street and Monocacy Blvd., investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a Black 2022 Dodge Ram associated with a friend of Diaz.

Cell phone mapping of the Defendant’s and victim’s devices, and location information from the Red GMC’s infotainment system, showed the Dodge Ram caught up to the GMC Sierra on Interstate 70 eastbound and was in close proximity to it at the time the shooting occurred.

Additional investigation revealed that Diaz was seated in the rear driver’s side seat of the Dodge Ram travelling on Interstate 70 eastbound when he observed the GMC Sierra, lowered his window and fired multiple rounds into the GMC Sierra as they drove past it.

Diaz was arrested by the Maryland State Police on June 29, 2025 and booked into the Frederick County Adult Detention Center on a no bond status.  Diaz remains held without bond pending sentencing.

The investigation was handled by the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division – Homicide Unit with assistance from the Mt. Airy Police Department, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick City Police Department, and the FBI CAST unit. The State of Maryland was represented in this case by Chief Counsel Ricky Lewis and Assistant State’s Attorney Samantha Slattery.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland 21701

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 27, 2026

FREDERICK WOMAN TO SERVE 40 YEARS FOR SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR (x2), AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY – PERMIT TO ENGAGE AS SEX SUBJECT

Frederick, MD – Today in Frederick County Circuit Court, Judge Richard Sandy sentenced 53-year-old Rebecca Wightman to 60 years, with all but 40 years suspended, in the Division of Corrections for two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Production of Child Pornography – Permit a Child to Engage as Subject in a Sex Act.  The Defendant entered a guilty plea to these three counts before the Court on February 4, 2026.  Sentencing was postponed until today’s date for evaluations to be conducted, including a required Pre-Sentence Investigation and Risk Assessment.  This 40-year active sentence exceeded the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines and was imposed based on the ongoing, pervasive nature of the offenses, the substantial impact on the victim, the Defendant’s lack of remorse, and her continued attempt to blame the victim for her offenses.  This is a 50% parole-required sentence. The Defendant received credit for time-served in the Frederick County Detention Center since August 14, 2025.

Upon release, the Defendant will be on five years of supervised probation with the Sex Offender Management Team. The Defendant is required to Register as a Tier III Sex Offender, which mandates lifetime registration.  She is also required to be on Lifetime Sex Offender Supervision.

On August 10, 2025, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a sex offense, which occurred in the past. Police were shown video evidence of the Defendant performing a sexual act on a juvenile victim, which was created at the Defendant’s direction.  The juvenile was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center and detailed ongoing sexual abuse involving approximately ten separate acts of sexual abuse within the year. In a controlled call recorded by police, the Defendant admitted the sexual abuse of the victim and indicated a desire to engage in further sexual abuse of the victim.  The Defendant also admitted the offenses in an interview with police, but blamed the victim in her interview, in jail calls, and in the evaluations that were conducted pre-sentence.

A Victim Impact Statement, which was written by the Victim and the Victim’s Representative, was read in Court, detailing the impact of this ongoing abuse: “She destroyed his understanding of love. She taught him that manipulation was affection. That guilt was loyalty. That exploitation was normal.”

The Victim’s Representative spoke directly to the Court noting, “Nothing this Court does today can restore what she stole. But this Court can do something profoundly important. It can tell this young man that the truth matters. That his voice matters. That what happened to him matters. And that no one…is beyond accountability when they choose to prey upon [a] child…  Her influence over his life ends here. His future begins now.”

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated, “Today’s sentence delivers accountability for a pattern of abuse that caused profound harm to a child. This outcome affirms that the victim’s voice matters and that in Frederick County, we will act decisively to protect children and pursue justice against those who prey upon them. I am grateful for the sentence imposed by Judge Sandy, the bravery of the victim, the work of our dedicated prosecutor Erin Pearl, and our law enforcement partners whose efforts brought the truth to light.”

This conviction and sentence was the result of the cooperative efforts of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Child Protective Services, the Child Advocacy Center, and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office. The State of Maryland was represented by Assistant State’s Attorney, Erin Pearl, 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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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 3, 2026

FREDERICK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES SENTENCES IN TWO INTERCEPT CHILD EXPLOITATION CASES

FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office announced significant prison sentences in two unrelated child exploitation cases investigated by the INTERCEPT Task Force, reaffirming its commitment to protecting children from online predators and holding offenders accountable.

Andrew Randolph Brock was sentenced after pleading guilty to three counts of Distribution of Child Pornography. The INTERCEPT investigation began after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received a CyberTip from KIK.

Investigators recovered dozens of files depicting the sexual abuse of young children and determined Brock was actively distributing child sexual abuse material to others while participating in online offender communities. The investigation also revealed that Brock communicated with two 13-year-old children, sent them sexually explicit images, and instructed them on how to evade parental supervision online.

Brock had prior convictions for child pornography offenses and for failing to register as a sex offender. Despite previous treatment and supervision, he continued to offend.  The Court sentenced Brock to 30 years of incarceration, suspending all but 10 years to serve at the Department of Corrections.

In a separate INTERCEPT investigation, Steven Victor Danko was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. The investigation began after the victim’s mother reported that Danko had been communicating online with her daughter, beginning when the child was only 12 years old. Investigators traced months of sexually explicit messages in which Danko attempted to persuade the child to meet him, sneak out of her home, and discussed taking her away. Digital forensic evidence confirmed Danko’s identity and recovered deleted communications. The Court sentenced Danko to 20 years of incarceration, suspending all but 7 years to be served at the Department of Corrections.

After their release, both defendants will be required to register as a Tier II Sex Offender and placed on five years of COMET-supervised probation with intensive sex offender treatment and supervision, including GPS and computer monitoring, polygraph testing, and a lifetime prohibition on contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with minors.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith praised the work of the INTERCEPT Task Force and emphasized the importance of proactive investigations targeting offenders who exploit children online:

“These cases demonstrate the critical work being done every day by the INTERCEPT Task Force to identify offenders before more children are harmed. Whether through the distribution of child sexual abuse material or the online grooming of children, those who prey on our most vulnerable victims will be identified, prosecuted, and held accountable. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect children and keep our community safe.”

The INTERCEPT Task Force is a multidisciplinary partnership dedicated to investigating internet-facilitated child exploitation, child sexual abuse material, online enticement, and human trafficking. Through collaboration between prosecutors, local, state, and federal law enforcement, and victim service professionals, the task force works to identify offenders, rescue victims, and prevent future exploitation.

These cases were prosecuted by Deputy State’s Attorney Joyce King.

For additional information, please contact the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

jrottmann@statesattorney.us

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 22, 2026

FREDERICK MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 14 YEARS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT, SECOND-DEGREE ASSAULT, VIOLATION OF PROBATION

Frederick, MD –  Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, the Honorable Julia A. Minner sentenced 35-year old Ever Mauricio Gomez to serve 14 years in the Department of Corrections for First-Degree Assault, two counts of Second-Degree Assault, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Violation of Probation.  The Defendant will receive credit for 242 days of time served.

On October 18, 2025, officers from the Frederick Police Department were contacted regarding a report of a domestic assault that had occurred the prior day. Officers spoke with the adult victim, who said she had been punched by the Defendant.

On October 24, 2025, deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office were contacted regarding a report of a domestic assault that had occurred the previous day. Deputies spoke with the same adult victim, who displayed visible injuries, including significant bruising and swelling to the face, arm, and wrist.   The victim reported being assaulted and strangled on October 23, 2025.  According to the victim’s statement to law enforcement, the Defendant engaged in repeated physical assaults, including strangulation lasting approximately 40 seconds, striking the victim multiple times, and forcing the victim into situations meant to instill fear. The victim also described a pattern of escalating controlling behavior in the months prior, including restricting access to identification, monitoring movements, and requiring “inspections” of the victim’s body.

Deputies documented injuries, photographed evidence, and arranged for the victim to be transported to Frederick Health Hospital for further evaluation. During the investigation, deputies learned the Defendant had multiple active warrants and obtained information confirming the suspect’s vehicle and location.

The suspect was located, arrested without incident, and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. During a subsequent search, deputies recovered drug paraphernalia and a quantity of methamphetamine.

These crimes were committed while the Defendant had absconded from probation supervision after a 2018 conviction for Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana. All active warrants were served at the time of arrest.

Upon release, the Defendant is ordered to serve five years of supervised probation with all standard conditions.  Special conditions will include: no contact with the victim, complete the Abuser Intervention Program, alcohol/substance abuse treatment/evaluation and a mental health evaluation.

During sentencing, the State played audio from a conversation between the Defendant and the victim at the Detention Center.  Judge Minner stated, “Those phone calls show someone who is remorseless for what they did…you never say once you’re sorry for having harmed her. You hurt her, you scared her, you placed her life in jeopardy…. These kinds of things are horrendous.”

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated, “Strangulation is an especially dangerous form of violence that can have devastating and lasting consequences for victims. This sentence holds the defendant accountable for not only these assaults, but also for his decision to abscond from supervision and continue engaging in violent criminal behavior. We remain committed to protecting our community from repeat violent offenders.”

Assistant State’s Attorney, Carly Gibson, Domestic Violence Unit, represented the State of Maryland.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 15, 2026

2026 ADULT DRUG TREATMENT COURT GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD

A CELEBRATION OF RECOVERY

Frederick, MD – The Frederick County Drug Treatment Court (DTC) celebrated 20 successful graduates yesterday in the Circuit Court for Frederick County.  DTC is a specialized court for non-violent offenders who struggle with addiction. Participants enter guilty pleas and their sentencings are postponed for an intensive supervisory program lasting a minimum of sixteen months. Upon graduation, participants are placed on an additional period of supervised probation. Participants pass through phases as they progress, attending substance use treatment, mental health treatment, and self-help meetings, perform community service, engage in work force training, further their education, and seek employment. DTC meets in the courtroom every week where the presiding judge, the Honorable Julia Martz Fisher, along with the DTC staff, including representatives of the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Public Defender, Parole and Probation, the Frederick Police Department, and treatment providers review participants’ progress since the last court session. The Court holds a graduation ceremony periodically to celebrate those individuals who have successfully completed the program.

Since DTC began in 2005, the program has graduated 254 participants. The DTC Coordinator, Paul Wolford, noted the following: “Yesterday’s graduates proved to be exceptional. Two are working full-time for substance use disorder treatment providers in the county. One was hired by the Frederick County Government. Three of them completed the Peer Recovery Academy program and are in the process of certification. Most are working full-time. But most importantly, this group grasps the understanding that sobriety was not the ultimate goal-recovery was. And recovery is a lifelong journey.”

Graduates, family members, friends, staff members, and community partners gathered for the ceremony. The Honorable Judge Julia Martz Fisher addressed every graduate individually, congratulating them on each one’s particular triumphs, “As I often say, you all fill my cup! What a special group of people.”

The Phoenix Award was presented to Jennifer Booth Tomalewski, CAC-AD, employed by the New Horizons at Mountain Manor treatment program in Emmitsburg. Ms. Tomalewski is a successful DTC graduate, who has built a career over the last decade helping others as a certified addictions counselor. The Phoenix award recognizes a former participant who has risen from the ashes to achieve great things. Mickey Stenger, DTC Case Manager, thanked Ms. Tomalewski for her tireless dedication to helping others, and remarked that she and others like her remind the DTC staff why they choose to do this work everyday.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith noted, “The ongoing success of this program is a testament to the value of problem-solving court models. These programs reduce the jail and prison populations for non-violent substance using offenders, and the attendant burden on tax- payers of warehousing folks that can be successful in the community with the extensive supervision these programs offer. The results speak for themselves – drastically reduced recidivism rates means reduced future crime. In our mission to protect the community, sometimes the best thing we can do is give people an opportunity through this program to do the hard work to change their lives – to rebuild and become valuable community members. To recover.”

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

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