Press Releases

3 Arrested for Child Sex Abuse

September 4, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

FREDERICK- A joint investigation by the Maryland State Police and Frederick County Child Protective Services has led to the arrests of three employees at a special education day school and residential treatment center in Frederick County after they were indicted on child abuse and sexual assault charges.

The suspects are identified as Jermaine Thomas, 35, of Frederick, Md., Ariel Eppard, 27, of Hagerstown, Md., and Wesley Dean 32, of Montgomery Village, Md. A Frederick County Grand Jury indicted the three suspects late last month.

Thomas is charged with 3 counts of Sex Abuse of a Minor and 7 counts of Child Pornography/Filming a Sex Act. Eppard is charged with 2 counts of Sex Abuse of a Minor, 2 counts of 4^th degree sex offense (Person in position of authority) and 2 counts of a Court-ordered Provider Engaging in Sex Act. Dean is charged with 1 count of Sex Abuse of a Minor, 1 Count of 4^th Degree Sex Offense(Person in position of authority), and 2 counts of Court-ordered Provider Engaging in Sex Act.

The indictment was served on Thomas this morning at the Frederick County Courthouse by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, after he agreed to turn himself in. Eppard was arrested by Maryland State Police at a second job location in Hagerstown shortly before noon today. Maryland State Police arrested Dean this afternoon in Montgomery County. All three have been taken to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center where they are being processed and will have an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

The suspects are charged with offenses involving a 17-year-old female and an 18-year-old female, both of whom were students at the time of the incidents at The Jefferson School, in Jefferson, Md. The Maryland State Police does not identify victims of sexual assault.

On June 5, 2019, the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division was contacted by the Frederick County Child Protective Services concerning allegations of child sexual offenses occurring at The Jefferson School. An immediate joint investigation was initiated by the State Police and Child Protective Services.

The investigation developed information and evidence that indicates Thomas and Eppard committed sexual assaults involving one victim on multiple occasions both on and off the school campus. Information indicates Dean committed sexual offenses involving both victims on the school campus. The offenses involving the three suspects are alleged to have begun in late 2018 and continued into this year. Investigators learned each suspect was a staff member at the school involved in the supervision of students in the residential area.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police and Child Protective Services presented their investigation to the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for review. Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Tammy Leache took the evidence to the Frederick County Grand Jury who subsequently chose to indict the three defendants.

The investigation is continuing.

Ean Davis-Lattimore Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

August 9, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

FREDERICK – On Wednesday August 7th, 2019, Ean Davis-Lattimore, age 18, of Frederick entered a guilty plea to Voluntary Manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Genesis McCarter-Berretto, and wounding of a juvenile male victim. The Honorable Judge Julie Stevenson Solt sentenced Davis-Lattimore to 10 years in the Division of Corrections.
In the early morning hours of May 13, 2018, police were called to a house in the 1800 Block of Weybridge Road in Frederick for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, police found two shooting victims. An 18-year-old female victim identified as Genesis McCarter-Berretto was suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. Police and EMS officials attempted to treat the victim, but she was pronounced dead on scene. A juvenile male victim was taken an area hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the leg.
Witnesses told detectives that Davis-Lattimore had been attending a party at the house on Weybridge Road when a physical altercation occurred. The altercation found its way outside to the front of the home where witnesses described Davis-Lattimore firing a gun in the direction of the house. Eight shell casings were recovered from the front driveway of the residence. Additionally, bullet holes were found on the front of the home. Davis-Lattimore was identified by witnesses and admitted to detectives that he was at the party and got into an altercation.

The State was represented by Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith III and Chief of Felony Violent Crimes Division Kelly Bruton.

Ean Davis-Lattimore

Milton Orellana Sentenced for 2015 Murder and Rape

July 31, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

FREDERICK- This afternoon, the Honorable Judge Julie Solt sentenced Milton Arnoldo Orellana, age 26, of Frederick to 70 years for 1st degree rape, 30 years concurrent for 2nd degree murder, and concurrent to his 30 year attempted murder sentence in another case, which he is already serving. In her remarks, Judge Solt spoke to the family of the victim, Gloria Watson, stating, “The court feels your pain, it feels your sorrow.”

Police were called to the apartment of Gloria Watson on June 3, 2015 after her son and grandson found her deceased in the apartment. Family members had become concerned when they had not heard from her for several days, and her son stopped to check on her. He found his mother dead with substantial injuries to her body. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death as homicide, and there was evidence of sexual assault. DNA evidence was recovered from the scene but no match was found in the database, although the DNA did match that of another unsolved crime being investigated by the Frederick Police Department. The victim in the other case identified her assailant as a Hispanic male, and Ms. Watson had several friends who were Hispanic. These friends cooperated with the investigation, and their DNA did not match that of the suspect. However, one of those friends knew of another Hispanic male who knew Ms. Watson and had been to her home, and that was the defendant, Milton Orellana. Police interviewed Mr. Orellana, who admitted he had last seen the victim around May 31, 2015, and he had visited her in her home that date. He claimed they were just friends and they had not engaged in any sexual contact. He voluntarily provided a DNA sample, which matched that of the suspect in this case. He was subsequently charged.

In the transcript of his interview with the police, Mr. Orellana indicated he and Gloria Watson had argued about money, but he did not remember much because he was drunk. He stated she pushed him, and he fell on top of some things, and the wall. He did not know why he killed her, because he lost consciousness.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith responded to the sentence, “This was a tragedy for that family and neighborhood. However, I am glad the family has the certainty in knowing that the defendant will be in prison for a very, very long time. The prosecutors worked very hard at coming to this resolution, and it’s one that the family is pleased with.”

The State was represented by Deputy State’s Attorney Kirsten Brown, Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Moore, and Assistant State’s Attorney Kyle Kane.

Prosecutor Lindy Angel Retires After Nearly 30 Years

July 31, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

Frederick– Today marks the final day at the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office for longtime prosecutor Lindy Angel. Born in Hollywood, California, she moved east to Maryland. In 1975, Angel worked as a high school intern for the SAO. Thanks to her positive experience, she was recruited by a commissioner to interview for a Frederick District Court Clerk job. She worked hard as a Clerk, pairing a full-time day job with a demanding law school schedule driving to Baltimore at night. In May 1988, she graduated in the top 10% of her class at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Following her graduation, she worked as a judicial clerk for Judge William W. Wenner in the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland.

June of 1990 proved to be a turning point in Lindy’s career. She was hired as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Frederick County by former State’s Attorney Lawrence Dorsey. As a District Court prosecutor, she worked hard to handle the demanding dockets for misdemeanor and motor vehicle cases. It was when Angel was promoted to the Circuit Court Child Abuse Unit that she found her calling. Defending victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and family violence became a personal and passionate mission in her life.

In reflecting on her time at the State’s Attorney’s Office, Angel commented, “ There are so many people that have influenced my career as a prosecutor, I learned so much from so many just watching and soaking it all in. Judge Wenner stands out as having shaped my lawyering the most. Being a prosecutor is without question the best job ever. It carries tremendous responsibility, and I can say that the job gave back to me all that I gave the job, and more. The best part is the children that our office and agency colleagues have helped. So many faces I will never forget.”

Lindy is grateful to State’s Attorney Charlie Smith for his leadership and example in helping to construct her courtroom presentation. “Charlie is a really good trial attorney, and a really good cross-examiner. Watching him is how I honed my cross-examine skills,” Angel reflected.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith expressed his gratitude for Lindy’s hard work in pursuing justice for victims stating, “Lindy is one of the most accomplished family violence prosecutors in the State. She leaves a legacy of knowledge, passion and tenacity, and has set the bar for prosecutors to come. The Office will surely miss her friendship, experience, and knowledge.”

Lindy is looking forward to continuing her public service in Frederick County. She will start a new job as a District Court Commissioner at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center in two weeks.

The State’s Attorney’s Office would like to thank Lindy Angel for her dedication to public safety over the past 30 years. We are grateful for the sacrifices that our staff members make in the pursuit of justice and defense of victims.

J. Charles Smith III

State’s Attorney for Frederick County, Maryland

Emmitsburg Man Sentenced for Rape

July 16, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

FREDERICK- This morning, the Honorable Judge Scott Rolle sentenced John Warren Compton, 37, of Emmitsburg, MD to 30 years in prison, suspending all but 10 years. The sentence comes after the defendant entered an Alford plea, acknowledging that the State had sufficient evidence to convict him. The plea agreement is for two counts of 3rd degree sex offense, and one count of sexual solicitation of a minor. Judge Rolle imposed additional conditions upon Compton’s release from prison. He must register as a Tier 2 sex offender for 25 years, 5 years supervised probation, have no contact with the victim or minor females under age 16, as well as undergo psychosexual evaluation, testing, and monitoring.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith reacted to the plea stating, “It’s guys like this that we would like to put in jail forever. However, we have to balance the interest and well-being of the victim and her parents. Having to testify at trial and endure a possible appeal can often be very difficult. Notwithstanding that, we must seek a substantial prison sentence for these offenders.”

According to charging documents, Compton met the victim on Snapchat in July 2018. The defendant told the 12-year-old female victim that he was only two years older than she was. In August 2018, an arrangement was made for Compton to pick up the victim from her grandparents address in Gettysburg. The victim believed based on his stated age that he would be driven there by his parents. He subsequently took the victim back to his home in Emmitsburg and had sexual intercourse with the victim.

The State was represented by Assistant State’s Attorney Tammy Leache. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police.

John Warren Compton

Frederick County Creates New Mental Health Court

July 12, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

FREDERICK- On July 8^th, 2019, the Maryland Court of Appeals approved the creation of the Frederick County District Mental Health Court. The new Problem Solving Court will serve defendants affected by mental health issues. It will be one of only a handful of Mental Health Courts in the State of Maryland. Currently, Frederick County also has a Drug Treatment Court. Creating innovative solutions to work with offenders has been a top priority for Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith.

Smith commented, “This has been a passion of mine for many years. Unfortunately, previous attempts were unsuccessful. We now have all of the pieces in place to launch what I consider a legacy program in Frederick County.” One of the greatest challenges facing the criminal justice system has always been recidivism rates. Smith added, “The revolving door involving these offenders was quite frankly frustrating. We would prosecute them, incarcerate them, and they would be back out on the streets doing the same offenses. I consider this crime fighting and an improvement to our public safety.”

Following the closure of many state mental hospitals in the 1980s, jurisdictions around the country struggled with mentally ill offenders. Starting in the 1990s, the criminal justice system found few alternatives to incarceration. With only a small number of mental health facilities in operation, the hope was offenders would get some form of therapy or medication while behind bars. In reality, the system was unable to provide that level of treatment. Problem Solving Courts are designed to provide treatment and accountability, so offenders can be rehabilitated while in our community.

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office has observed high recidivism with defendants with mental illness repeatedly arrested for low-level offenses such as shoplifting, trespassing, vandalism or disorderly conduct. Our case management system calculated 845 individual cases between 36 defendants over the last three years, averaging of 23 cases per individual.

State’s Attorney Smith believes these Problem Solving Courts not only aid offenders in getting their life back on track, but it helps the taxpayers as well. The goal is simple, treat mental health and substance abuse issues so that offenders have the necessary resources to return to our community as productive law-abiding citizens.

Joyce King, Smith’s Chief Counsel, was instrumental in getting the proposal submitted to the Judicial Council Committee on Specialty Courts. Following the approval, the State of Maryland awarded $100,000 for the first fiscal year of operations to fund a full-time Mental Health Court Coordinator and Clinician, as well as a part-time panel Public Defender. All of this could not have been possible without the assistance and cooperation of the Hon. Judge Dino Flores, Hon. Judge Earl Bartgis, Mary Riley of the Maryland Public Defenders Office, Hilari Young of Parole and Probation, Andrea Walker of the Local Behavioral Health Authority, and all partners of the Mental Health Public Safety Collaborative Committee.

The Frederick County Mental Health Court hopes to be operational by Fall 2019 after the positions are filled by Behavioral Health Services Division/Local Behavioral Health Authority of the Frederick County Health Department.

Samantha Guthrie Held Without Bond

July 10, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

Travis James Eddins Sentenced for 1st Degree Rape

June 20, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

FREDERICK- On Thursday, June 20, 2019, Travis James Eddins, 39, of Frederick, MD was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Scott L. Rolle to Life with all but 40 years suspended in the Division of Corrections after his conviction for 1^st Degree Rape on August 2, 2018. Upon release from the Division of Corrections, he must undergo 5 years of supervised probation, and register as a sex offender for life.

On December 8, 2017, the victim in this case reported to police that she was raped by Travis Eddins inside a tent, located off Highland Street in Frederick during the early morning hours. The victim and her boyfriend had slept in the tent with Eddins the night before, but when her boyfriend left for work in the morning, she was left alone with Eddins. The victim stated that Eddins choked her to the point of blacking out, and threatened her life. He then proceeded to rape her. She was treated at Frederick Memorial Hospital for injuries consistent with near fatal strangulation. DNA evidence, which linked the defendant to the victim, was crucial to this case.

The State was represented by Assistant State’s Attorneys Tammy Leache and Kyle Kane.

Travis James Eddins

4 MEN INDICTED FOR SEXUAL SOLICITATION OF A MINOR

May 31, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

FREDERICK- On Friday May 31^st, a Frederick Grand Jury indicted four men on charges of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. Daniel Kroon of Myersville, MD was indicted on one count of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. Todd Thompson of Frederick, MD was indicted on one count of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. Joseph Shirk of McClure, PA was indicted on 2 counts of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. Finally, Virinchi Srinivas of Gaithersburg, MD was indicted on 3 counts of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. The charges stem from a joint operation under the Frederick County Cyber Crime Task Force (FCCTF). During the operation, suspects chatted on several social media platforms with undercover investigators who posed as minors. Authorities arrested the suspects as they arrived at a pre-arranged meeting place for an encounter. All defendants are currently being held without bond at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith commented on the indictments stating, “I was confident that our Cyber Crimes Task Force would have an immediate impact on combating this horrible industry. These indictments will certainly send that message.”

Jennifer High Sentenced for Elder Theft Scheme

May 22, 2019/in Press Release/by actualizedevs

Jennifer High Sentenced for Elder Theft Scheme

FREDERICK- On February 12, 2019, Jennifer Renee High, age 36, of Berkeley Springs, WV pled guilty to Theft Scheme $10,000 – $100,000 and Credit Card Theft $1,500 – $25,000. Sentencing was held on Friday, May 17, 2019 at which time a sentence of 15 years to the Division of Correction was imposed with all but 5 years of that sentence suspended. Upon release, the Defendant will be on 5 years of supervised probation and will have to pay restitution exceeding $90,000 to the victim, Diane Dwyer.

High worked for the victim’s family for approximately 14 years as a caregiver for the victim’s disabled daughter. When the victim became ill in early 2013, the Defendant volunteered to assist the victim by shopping for her, getting her money from the ATM, and paying her bills online. In December 2016, the victim, who is also an elderly individual, began to tell her daughters that she did not have any money, later receiving several overdraft notices from her bank. This prompted the victim’s family to check the bank account statements for the prior year. That check resulted in the victim and the victim’s daughter uncovering over $22K in theft from the victim’s bank account. The theft involved thousands of dollars in unauthorized ATM withdrawals, payment of the Defendant’s bills and the purchase of and payment for used cars.

After reporting this to the Brunswick Police Department, an investigation included an interview of the Defendant where she admitted to her crime and acknowledged that it had occurred over a much longer period of time. She estimated the value of the theft to be around $70,000. A review of bank records for that period of time confirmed that the Defendant had been fraudulently utilizing the victim’s funds for over four years and that the amount of the theft totaled over $90,000. That amount also included the fraudulent use of one of the victim’s credit cards which the victim never permitted the Defendant to use.

Jennifer Renee High

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith reacted, “Anyone preying on the vulnerable victim, be it a child or elderly adult, deserves this kind of harsh prison sentence. Whether it’s a physical, emotional or financial exploitation, it often does lifelong harm to victims and their families. We hope this case will send a message to those exploiting our elderly citizens.”

The State was represented by Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Shoemaker.

In an effort to increase awareness regarding this type of crime, the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office will be hosting 5 upcoming presentations on elder fraud and prevention.

Senior Center Date/Time

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Frederick Senior Center Wednesday 6/12, 5:30p Charlie Smith, State’s Attorney

Emmitsburg Senior Center Thursday 6/13, 12:30p Jason Shoemaker, Chief Assistant State’s Attorney

Urbana Senior Center Thursday 6/25, 6:00p Charlie Smith, State’s Attorney

Urbana Senior Center Wednesday 6/26, 11:30a Jason Shoemaker, Chief Assistant State’s Attorney

Brunswick Senior Center Wednesday 6/19, 12:30p Erin Pearl, Assistant State’s Attorney

______________________________________________________________________________________

Frederick County State's Attorney's Office

6 days ago

National District Attorneys Association Board Meeting gathered in San Diego to discuss national prosecutorial issues about VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding, wellness, and prosecutor recruitment and retention. DA Summer Stephan also provided a tour of the One Safe Place, Family Justice Center. A Family Justice Center is a collaborative resource hub designed to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. These centers bring together multiple services under one roof, including legal assistance, counseling, advocacy, shelter referrals, and safety planning. By providing a coordinated and compassionate approach, Family Justice Centers aim to empower individuals and families, ensuring they receive the care and resources needed to break the cycle of abuse and rebuild their lives.Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office Howard County State's Attorney's OfficeBaltimore City State's Attorney OfficeSan Diego County District Attorney ... See MoreSee Less

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Frederick County State's Attorney's Office

2 weeks ago

Today we honor all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We recognize their bravery, dedication and sacrifice. #VeteransDay2024 ... See MoreSee Less

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Frederick County State's Attorney's Office

3 weeks ago

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENOVEMBER 4, 2024PENNSYLVANIA MAN SENTENCED TO SERVE 20 YEARS IN THE MARYLAND DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SEX ABUSE OF A MINOR IN FREDERICK Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, the Honorable Judge Scott Rolle sentenced 44-year old Rory Littleton Sanders, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, to 25 years in the Maryland Division of Corrections, suspending all but 20 years, which must be served in the Division of Corrections, for one count of Sex Abuse of a Minor for conduct that took place in Frederick County, Maryland between 2010-2014.The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office investigation into this matter began in July 2021, following a report that was made to authorities in Pennsylvania regarding offenses that occurred in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Defendant admitted the offenses in Pennsylvania and Maryland. He pled guilty in Pennsylvania to forcible rape and three counts of corruption of a minor and began serving his sentence of 13-26 years before being brought to Maryland to face the charges here. Sanders entered a plea to one count of Child Sex Abuse of a Minor on July 31, 2024, before Judge Rolle, and sentencing was postponed until today’s date.State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “These cases are really heartbreaking because they have a very long lasting effect on the victim. Prosecuting these people and sending them to jail is only the beginning of the recovery process for these victims. At least we know that he will not hurt them again.”Judge Rolle ordered that the sentence in Maryland must be served consecutive to (after) the Pennsylvania sentence. In sentencing the Defendant, Judge Rolle stated, “No reasonable person could justify this behavior.”Upon completion of his two, consecutive sentences, the Defendant will serve five years of supervised probation in Maryland and 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 as well as Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter.Press Contact:Jacqueline RottmannCourt Media Relations Officer 301-600-2972100 West Patrick StreetFrederick, Maryland 21701#### ... See MoreSee Less

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Frederick County State's Attorney's Office

3 weeks ago

Charlie Smith and his Office served lunch today at the The Frederick Rescue Mission. In 2023, the Mission served over 89,000 meals to the Frederick community. Learn more about the Mission: therescuemission.org/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Frederick County State's Attorney's Office

3 weeks ago

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Press Releases

3 Arrested for Child Sex Abuse

Ean Davis-Lattimore Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

Milton Orellana Sentenced for 2015 Murder and Rape

Prosecutor Lindy Angel Retires After Nearly 30 Years

Emmitsburg Man Sentenced for Rape

Frederick County Creates New Mental Health Court

Samantha Guthrie Held Without Bond

Travis James Eddins Sentenced for 1st Degree Rape

4 MEN INDICTED FOR SEXUAL SOLICITATION OF A MINOR

Jennifer High Sentenced for Elder Theft Scheme

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