The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for May: 

Saturday, May 4

• Lackey High School Indoor Pool is closed.

Friday, May 10

• The Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center is Closed to the Public.

Tuesday, May 14

• The Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center and North Point Pool are closed.

Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26

• All Charles County Pools are closed.

Wednesday, May 22

• The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center, the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility, and the Pisgah Recycling Center will close at 10:30 am on Wednesday, May 22.
• The Gilbert Run and Breeze Farm Recycling Centers will be closed on Wednesday, May 22.

Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville will be closed.

• The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center, Pisgah, Gilbert Run, Breeze Farm Recycling Centers, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility are closed.

• Curbside recycling and yard waste collection will be delayed one day for the entire week, Tuesday, May 28 through Saturday, June 1.
• VanGO services will not be operating.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, and all school-based community centers are closed.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center will be closed. 

• Indoor pools: Lackey, North Point, and Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center will be open from noon – 5 p.m.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center and Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center will be open for scheduled activities.
• The Crain Memorial Welcome Center is closed.
• Port Tobacco Village is closed.

Operating status for other County affiliated agencies:

• Charles County Parks and Tourism Facilities: www.CharlesCountyParks.com/about-us/operating-status
• Charles County Public Library: www.ccplonline.org

• Charles County Health Department: www.CharlesCountyHealth.org
• Charles County Public Schools: www.ccboe.com

For questions about County Government holiday closures, contact the Public Information Office at 301-885-2779 or PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov.  Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Burglary: 24-32034
On April 21, 2024, Master Deputy Wood responded to the 200 block of Hoile Lane in Huntingtown, for the report of a burglary. The complainant advised an unknown white male came to the rear of the residence and attempted to gain entry to the garage. The suspect was observed on video surveillance multiple times on April 20, 2024, looking around the residence. The suspect was identified as Mark Emory Cress, 41 of Huntingtown. Cress was located and placed under arrest for burglary. A search incident to arrest revealed four Suboxone films on his person without a prescription. Cress was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Burglary-4th Degree and CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

Property Destruction: 24-31940
On April 20, 2024, Cpl. Ward responded to the Calverton School’s baseball field, located at 300 Calverton School Road in Huntingtown, for the report of property destruction. Contact was made with the complainant who advised a rear window to the victim’s vehicle was broken out. An empty purse was stolen. The estimated value of damaged property is $1,000.00.

Theft: 24-31863
On April 20, 2024, Deputy Fleenor responded to the intersection of Solomons Island Road and HG Trueman Road in Lusby, for the report of a theft. Contact was made with the complainant who advised that a gray 2000 aluminum Bass Tracker jet boat attached to a black trailer with VA registration had been stolen. The victim left the boat and trailer on the side of the road after experiencing mechanical problems and when the victim returned the following morning, the boat and trailer were missing. The estimated value of stolen property is $16,000.00.

Theft: 24-31470
On April 18, 2024, Deputy Hill responded to the Safeway located at 80 W. Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick, for report of a theft. Investigation revealed Tiara Shanta Boyd, 33 of Prince Frederick, entered the store on a motorized scooter and placed numerous items into the cart passing all points of sale without making payment. The total value of stolen property was $88.16. Boyd was detained and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where she was charged with Theft: Less than $100.

Theft: 24-31430
On April 18, 2024, at 4:38 p.m., DFC Huy responded to the Sunderland Park and Ride located at 6425 N Solomons Island Road in Sunderland, for the report of a theft from a vehicle. Investigation revealed sometime between 4:20 a.m. – 6 a.m., an unknown suspect(s) removed the victim's tires and rims from a grey 2023 Toyota Camry. The rims are described as silver in color with the Toyota logo in the center. The tires had ‘KINERGY’ printed on the side of them. Due to the vehicle being left lying on the ground, the vehicle’s undercarriage was damaged. The estimated value of stolen property is $1,500.00. The estimated value of damaged property is $1,000.00 .

Theft: 24-31379
On April 18, 2024, Deputy Baxter responded to Cove Point Park and Ride located at 95 Cove Point Road in Lusby, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised a rear Maryland registration plate and a New York Giants tag bracket were stolen from the victim’s vehicle. The estimated value of stolen property is $135.00.

Theft: 24-31949
On April 20, 2024, Deputy Morrison responded to the Sheriff’s Office located at 30 Church Street in Prince Frederick, for a theft report. The complainant advised her son’s Ludwig brand snare drum had been stolen from Windy Hill Middle School. The estimated value of stolen property is $400.00.

Weapon Violation: 24-30675
On April 15, 2024, Deputy T. Bowen initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation on E Chesapeake Beach Road and Limerick Lane in Owings. Contact was made with the driver, Christopher Alexander Peasant, 31 of Washington D.C., who advised a handgun was in the vehicle. Dep. Bowen observed a large bowie knife in plain view. A vehicle search revealed a Glock 17 and a loaded magazine. Peasant was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Handgun in a Vehicle, Handgun on Person, and Concealing a Dangerous Weapon.

Weapons Violation: 24-31321
On April 18, 2024, DFC Lewis responded to the area of S. Solomons Island and Sherry Lane in Prince Frederick, to assist Dep. Murphy with a traffic stop. Contact was made with the occupants of the vehicle who made an unsafe lane change and possessed registration plates that did not belong on the vehicle. The driver, Antoine Morgan Thomas, 40 of Silver Spring, advised DFC Lewis a knife was inside the vehicle. A search revealed a large fixed-blade knife. Thomas was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with
Concealing a Dangerous Weapon.

Weapons Violation: 24-31739
On April 19, 2024, Deputy Plant responded to a traffic complaint in the area of N. Solomons Island Road and White Sands Drive in Lusby. The complainant advised two vehicles were driving recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic, and cutting off other vehicles on the roadway. Additional calls were received that the suspect vehicle was break-checking other vehicles and waving a gun out the window as the vehicle traveled northbound on Rt. 4. Contact was made with the driver, Braeden Sklyer Trigg, 19 of Lusby, who advised he brandished a knife during the incident. A search of Triggs's vehicle revealed two Bowie-style knives in sheaths, a heatsealed bag containing 17.1 ounces of Cannabis, a bag containing an additional 12 grams of Cannabis, a glass bong, and a plastic straw with a white powdery residue. Trigg was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Second-Degree Assault (x2), Concealing a Dangerous Weapon, and CDS: Possession of Cannabis Over Civil Use.

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Donine Carrington Martin sentenced Mehki Joseph Smith, 24, of Waldorf, to Life with all but 35 years suspended in prison for the First-Degree Murder of Michael Anthony Dodson, Sr. and the Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. In a separate case, Smith was sentenced to a concurrent 15 years in prison for Second-Degree Burglary. Upon release, Smith will be on supervised probation for five years.

On January 25, 2024, Smith entered a guilty plea to the aforementioned charges.

On October 25, 2022, officers responded to a parking lot located on Old Washington Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, Michael Anthony Dodson, Sr., suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, Dodson was pronounced deceased by Emergency Medical Services due to his injuries.

During the investigation, officers located Smith walking in the area of the shooting with signs of injury to his leg. A further investigation revealed that on the evening of the incident, Smith was involved in a physical altercation with the victim’s son. When the physical altercation was done, Smith left the area but later returned with a handgun. Witnesses stated that Smith said he was going to kill the victim’s son. A witness called the victim alerting him that Smith was back. After the victim arrived, Smith shot him 25 times.

In a separate incident occurring on June 2, 2019, Smith burglarized a business that sold firearms, leaving with an AR style rifle.

During sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie told the judge that “these cases are about decisions.” He furthered that Smith’s “choice was to retrieve a weapon and escalate the situation while [the victim’s] choice was to de-escalate the issue. – He makes a decision to get revenge and unfortunately, he took revenge on the wrong person.”  

Before sentencing Smith, the Honorable Judge Carrington Martin told him, “Twenty-five bullets; twenty-five times you had a choice.”

Sentencing

C-08-CR-22-000630

• Count 1: First-Degree Murder
  • Life with all but 35 years suspended
• Count 2: Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
  • 20 years concurrent to Count 1

C-08-CR-23-000342

• Count 2: Second-Degree Burglary
  • 15 years
  • Concurrent with sentence for C-08-CR-22-000630
  • 5 years of supervised probation upon release

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 28, 2024) – On Saturday, April 27, 2024, at approximately 5:06 p.m., Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) responded to a reported two-car collision at the intersection of Budds Creek Road and Mechanicsville Road in Mechanicsville, MD.

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2021 Honda Accord, operated by Autumn Leighanne Compton, 19, of Cobb Island, attempted to make a left-hand turn from Mechanicsville Road onto southbound Budds Creek Road.  Compton failed to yield the right of way to a 2000 Chevrolet truck operated by Zachary Joseph Wilburn, age 24, of North Beach, MD, traveling northbound on Budds Creek Road.

Compton was pronounced deceased on the scene. A passenger of the pick-up truck was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital by ambulance for minor injuries. 

At this time, speed does not appear to be a factor in the accident.

Due to the nature of the crash, the SMCSO Reconstruction Unit has assumed the investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or any events leading up to it and has not already provided a statement is asked to contact Corporal Rachael Roszell at 301-475-4200 ext. 8108 or by email at Rachael.Roszell@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Following a criminal investigation, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) Deputy Donald Anthony Shubrooks, Badge #389, aged 29, was arrested Saturday, April 27, 2024, on charges of Assault Second-Degree.

At approximately 3:39 p.m., Saturday, Shubrooks contacted the SMCSO nonemergency line and advised a dispatcher he had been involved in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend at his residence.

Following the call, patrol deputies responded to Shubrooks’ residence in Lexington Park. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division also responded to the scene and immediately initiated an investigation.

It was determined that Shubrooks and the victim had an argument, which escalated into a physical altercation, ending with the victim leaving the residence but returning after deputies arrived. The victim sustained minor injuries but did not require medical attention.

Sheriff Steve Hall advised that in accordance with SMCSO policy, the Office of Professional Responsibilities has initiated a separate administrative investigation to identify violations of agency policies or procedures. Shubrooks, assigned to the Patrol Division since August 2020, has been placed on emergency suspension with pay pending the outcome of both investigations.

Shubrooks was arrested and transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center, awaiting a bond hearing.

Threat of violence investigated at General Smallwood Middle School: On April 26, a student at General Smallwood Middle School was overheard saying they were going to bomb the school. The school resource officer initiated an investigation and contacted the student’s parents. The student was charged on a Juvenile Offense Report with making a threat of violence. Anyone with information should contact Officer Frison at 301-609-3282 ext. 0770.

Suspected cannabis recovered from a student at Westlake High School: On April 26, a student at Westlake High School was found to be in possession of suspected cannabis. The student was charged on a civil citation with possession of cannabis. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Parents are urged to talk with their students about the dangers of inhaling or consuming products that could potentially contain harmful, unknown elements. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Joffe at 301-609-3282 ext. 0608. 

Altercation involving several students at Davis Middle School: On April 25 at 1:05 p.m., several students at Davis Middle School began fighting during a class. The students were separated, and one student was treated for a minor injury. The school resource officer has initiated an investigation and charges are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Miedzinski at 301-609-3282 ext. 0668.

Detectives Apprehend Five Suspects Linked to Armed Robberies Orchestrated via Social Media: On April 22, detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division Robbery Unit arrested five suspects, ages 17 to 21, who were identified as suspects in several armed robberies that go back to April 9, 2024. In these cases, the suspects used a fake profile of a female on a social media dating app. People who responded to the profile were given directions to meet in the area of Amberleaf Place. When they arrived, the suspects robbed them at gunpoint, physically assaulted them, and stole money. The profile of the female changed in each case.

As a result of the investigation, detectives identified the suspects and served search warrants at six residences, recovering four handguns and evidence linking them to the robberies. Several of the suspects were arrested during the search warrants; however, one of the suspects, age 17, was arrested on his way to school at St. Charles High School. During that arrest, officers located a loaded privately made handgun – commonly known as a “ghost gun” – with an extended 30-round magazine concealed in the suspect's pants.

The suspects have been identified as Darius Lerenzo Mearis, 21, of White Plains; Justin Amari Banks, 18, of Waldorf; Jerrell Maurice Grey, 20, of Waldorf, and two 17-year-old males from Waldorf (charged as adults). All of the suspects were charged with robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, illegal possession of a firearm, and other related charges. The suspects are currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.  

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Thayer at 301-609-6484. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. The investigation is ongoing.

Members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Unit are seeking the whereabouts of Steven Richard Davis, Jr, 33, of no fixed address, who has an active warrant charging him with failure to register as a sex offender. Davis is known to stay in Baltimore. He is 6’1”, weighs approximately 165 pounds, and has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Davis is asked to call Cpl. Rickard at 301-609-3282 ext. 0660. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to Davis’s arrest.

On Tuesday, April 23, Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Ms. TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, held additional 2025 budget work sessions with the Commissioners.  Yesterday’s session focused on a continued overview of the County’s proposed general fund budget by examining the budgets for all county-administered departments. County-administered departments include the Department of Emergency Services, Recreation Parks & Tourism, Planning Growth & Management, Economic Development, and other departments.

On Wednesday, April 24, County Commissioners met and conferred with the Town of La Plata and the Town of Indian Head on the Fiscal 2025 Tax Differential. Commissioners also held a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budgets, the Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program, and Proposed Fees, Rates, and Charges. For detailed information on the proposed Fiscal 2025 Budget, read the full news release here. Commissioners voted unanimously to keep the public record open until May 3, 2024. Formal adoption of the proposed 2025 budget is scheduled for May 14.

Briefings

• Joseph Green and Sherrie Simms, Lobbyists with GS Proctor and Associates, Inc., held a wrap-up on the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Session, which concluded on April 8. The review included an overview of legislative appropriation from the state to local governments and a review of legislative proposals passed by the legislature. During the 2024 assembly session, a local bill that would allow for the dedication of real property for recreation or a payment in lieu of dedication passed the general assembly. A bill that alters membership to the Charles County Adult Guardianship Review Board also passed as a statewide bill, while a law that would have legalized Golf Carts on Cobb Island failed as a local bill, but a statewide bill on the same issue passed the assembly.
• Wes Adams, County Attorney, updated commissioners on a request from Commissioner Vice President Ralph E. Patterson II to Amend Bill 2022-08 Charles County Commissioners Elections. Patterson had requested that the law be amended so that a candidate for county commissioner be chosen by a majority of voters. The county attorney's memorandum on the issue stated that The Maryland Constitution pre-empted the county from enacting any legislation that could change the manner of voting in the county.
• Staff held a briefing on proposed Bill 2024-11: Revisions to Hotel Rental Tax. The bill would establish a 5% tax and other regulations on short-term rentals, defined as renting of any residential home unit or accessory building for a short period of time. Commissioners voted unanimously to introduce the bill and scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
• William DeAtley, Chief of Accounting, briefed commissioners on the fiscal 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Approval items

Commissioners approved:

• A change order of $190,881.60 to provide additional funding to cover the costs of engineering support for the Mattawoman Inflow and Infiltration Project.
• A change order of $275,373.20 to provide additional funding to cover the costs of reviewing additional CCTV inspection videos of the County’s sanitary sewer system as a part of the Mattawoman Inflow and Infiltration Project.
• A change order providing a net credit of $156,129.27 to the Piney Branch Sewer Interceptor Upgrade Phase II project.
• A change order of $189,666.26 for costs to increase the size of the emergency generator on the Landfill Leachate Pretreatment Facility project.

Annual Reports

County Commissioners received updates on the activities of the Animal Matters Hearing Board, the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board, and the Agricultural Reconciliation Committee.

Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here

Next Commissioners Session: April 30-May 1

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258. 

The Calvert County Board of Elections reminds voters who are not affiliated to one of the two major political parties that their vote still plays a vital role in the upcoming primary election. While not able to vote in partisan contests, they are eligible to vote on candidates for the Board of Education’s District 3 seat. This non-partisan contest is open to all registered voters countywide, regardless of affiliation or place of residence within the county.

Primary elections determine which candidates will appear on the ballot in the November general election. Voter participation in the primary election ensures that the selected candidates more closely reflect the diverse perspectives and needs of the community.

The primary election will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Early voting will be held Thursday, May 2 through Thursday, May 9, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Registered voters may choose to vote by mail instead. To have a ballot mailed to you prior to election day, applications must be received (not just postmarked) by the Election Board by Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Requests for electronically delivered ballots must be submitted by Friday, May 10; requests for in-person pickup of ballots may be made by Tuesday, May 14.

For more information on voter registration, early voting locations, preliminary results from the State Board of Elections and other important details about the Maryland primary election, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Vote. Citizens may also contact the Calvert County Election Board office at 410-535-2214 or elections@calvertcountymd.gov. The Election Board office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 30 Duke St. in Prince Frederick, lower level. Stay up to date with Calvert County election information on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CalvertElectionBoard.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

NAS Pax River has reopened Gate 3 to outbound traffic Monday-Thursday from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

All Gate hours are as follows:

Gate 1: Open 24/7

Gate 2: Open Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Gate 3: Open Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-9 a.m. (inbound), and Monday-Thursday 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (outbound)

 At approximately 12:28 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, while conducting a proactive traffic stop for failing to make a required stop at a stop sign near the 23000 block of Three Notch Road in California, MD, Deputy First Class Tyler Westphal observed suspected cocaine in plain view inside the 2003 Acura TL driven by Kristina Hope Beggs, 45, of California, MD.

A subsequent search uncovered additional suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia, both within the car and on Beggs' person.

Beggs was charged with CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia and transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Communities surrounding the naval air station and the Webster Outlying Field are advised that noise-generating, low altitude, nighttime testing events are scheduled to take place April 25, 2024 from 8:30 p.m. through 11 p.m. Night testing and training is essential for the precision and safety of our military men and women and the success of their mission. Residents may notice increased noise levels due to these operations.

As with all operations, NAS Patuxent River takes precautions to lessen the impact of testing activities on the community. For more information, call 1-866-819-9028. To view all current NAS PAX noise advisories please click the following link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PaxRiverNoise

(PIKESVILLE, MD) — Maryland State Police are encouraging people to take part in National Drug Take Back Day in an effort to combat opioid addiction.

People can drop off unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at all 23 state police barracks—no questions asked. Maryland State Police are participating in this initiative, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration and allied law enforcement agencies across the country.

The biannual program allows people to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs, while educating the public about medication misuse. All state police barracks are equipped with secure drug collection boxes that are available 24/7.

During the last event in October, the DEA collected more than 10,500 pounds of unwanted drugs at 110 collection sites in Maryland from 33 law-enforcement agencies. This included nearly 1,500 pounds from Maryland State Police, which is about 400 pounds more than the previous take back event. Among those collections included:

• Frederick Barrack: 300 pounds
• Glen Burnie Barrack: 254 pounds
• Bel Air Barrack: 139 pounds
• Leonardtown: 115 pounds
• College Park Barrack: 115 pounds
• Rockville Barrack: 84 pounds

Maryland State Police since 2014 has removed nearly 29,000 pounds of prescription drugs through the initiative. For more information, visit Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response at https://stopoverdose.maryland.gov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda.

The CSMC then presented proclamations in recognition of Afterschool Professionals' Appreciation Week, Administrative Professionals' Day, and National County Government Month. 

During County Administrator Time, the Commissioners took the following action:

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas. 
• Heard a status update on the St. Mary’s County Government Childcare Facility project.
• Approved the Resolution appointing Buffy Giddens, County Attorney, as Resident Agent.
• Adopted the Resolution to delegate administrative authority concerning the execution of certain contracts to the Procurement and Contracting Officers.

The Commissioners then held a Public Hearing to receive community testimony on the Program Open Space Conversion between the Great Mills Swimming Pool and Gymnastics Center. Public comment on this topic will be accepted through April 30, 2024. More information on public hearings and how to participate is available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/PublicHearings.

After Commissioner Time, the CSMC adjourned and reconvened at Great Mills High School that evening for the FY 2025 Budget Public Hearing. Residents can watch the recording on our YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov/videos.

Public comment on the FY2025 Budget Public Hearing Topics will be accepted through April 30, 2024. Budget documents, recordings of all budget work sessions, and an online community feedback forum are available at: http://bit.ly/SMCGFY25Budget.

• The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, (1^st floor, Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown). The CSMC will also hold a Public Hearing that evening at 6:30 p.m. on the proposed revision to the Animal Ordinance. CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Channel 95 or on-demand via SMCG’s YouTube Channel. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.  

April 24, 2024

(PORT REPUBLIC, MD) – Maryland State Police are asking the public for assistance as investigators continue the search for a 10-year-old boy who was reported missing more than 55 years ago in Calvert County.

Bob Boyes was last seen on Dec. 26, 1968, while walking home with his pet deer on Wash Hance Road in Port Republic. Hundreds of volunteers searched for Boyes by ground and air, combing the wooded area where he was last seen.

“I’ll forever remember the response from the search team that Bobby disappeared in thin air, without a trace,” said Joy Lee, Boyes’ younger sister, who was three years old when he disappeared. “How does that happen? Walking home from the neighbor’s house with his pet deer. His deer comes home but without him.”

Maryland State Police have led the investigation into Boyes’ disappearance. The case turned cold after investigators ran out of leads. Detective Sergeant Kemery Hunt took over the investigation in 2021 shortly after being assigned to the Prince Frederick Barrack. He is hoping that attention to the case will spark new leads from the public.

“We’ve delved into this case deeply, and our plan of attack was to knock on every door that we can,” Detective Sergeant Hunt said. “The original investigators also poured a tremendous amount of time into this case, but it’s just a puzzle that can’t be solved.”

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the FBI’s Wanted and Missing Persons are assisting with the investigation. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the FBI recorded nearly 360,000 entries of missing children in 2022, which is about a 6% increase from 2021. The center also assisted with nearly 28,000 cases of missing children in 2022. 

Maryland State Police, in partnership with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the NOBLE Maryland Chapter, are distributing 15,000 National Child ID Program kits to protect children. The free kits aid law enforcement in locating missing persons. Visit a Maryland State Police barrack to obtain a kit. Troopers will also distribute them during community engagement events and recruiting fairs.

The search continues for Boyes, who would be 66 years old today. “Deep down, I know, someone knows something, but time is ticking,” Lee said. “I’m pleading to anyone who may know anything to reach out to local authorities.” Anyone with information that could help investigators find Boyes is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Hunt at 410-535-1400 or kemery.hunt@maryland.gov.

Bob Boyes (right)

Knife recovered from a student at Barnhart Elementary School: On April 23 at 10:45 a.m., a student at Barnhart Elementary School was found to be in possession of a knife after it was reported to school administrators. The school resource officer initiated an investigation which is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Joffe at 301-609-3282 ext. 0608. 

On Tuesday, April 23, Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, presented the county’s proposed fiscal 2025 budget of $559,743,200, an increase of 6.1 percent over last year. The proposed budget does not increase the current property or income tax rate while expanding investments in education, public safety, and recreation priorities.

The General Fund budget was developed in alignment with Commissioner goals and objectives, departmental needs, and community input from surveys and town halls. It finances continued investments in infrastructure, supports employee compensation with cost-of-living increases, and applies the use of a new equity tool in allocating resources.

General Fund budget highlights include:

• $12.64 million increase for Charles County Public Schools, which exceeds maintenance of effort by nearly $11.7 million and doubles last year’s total funding increase, in part to pay for costs associated with the Blueprint for Maryland’s future. It also includes funding to support salary increases for their employees and the opening of the Waldorf Early Learning Center for Pre-K students. The total allocation, which also includes funding for the Charles County Public Library and College of Southern Maryland, is $248.57 million, or 44.4 percent, of the General Fund budget.
• $9.28 million increase for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, with a total allocation of $130.59 million, or 23.3 percent of the General Fund budget. It includes funding for 10 new sworn officers and two other positions, continuance of the body worn camera program, and cost-of-living increases.
• $9.81 million increase for County Government operations. The total allocation is $99.52 million, or 17.8 percent, of the General Fund budget. New spending is proposed for emergency services with the addition of 10 emergency medical technicians (EMTs), additional staff for recreation and community services, a new position to support commercial development in the County’s Western Technology Corridor, and administrative tools and support for technology, security, equity, and accountability.
• Debt service totals $32.6 million for FY25 and remaining items are $26.8M for a combined 10.6% of the General Fund Budget.
• A total allocation of $21.63 million, or 3.9 percent, for other government functions, including the State’s Attorney’s Office, Health Department, Circuit Court, Election Board, and other local government agencies.

The proposed fiscal year 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Governmental budget is $515.45 million. It provides for county infrastructure including schools, county buildings, roads, and parks. A detailed summary of the CIP budget is located here which includes, in part:

• Construction of a new elementary school, a new middle school, and expanding La Plata High School to accommodate projected growth in La Plata
• Expedited construction of a new sports and wellness center beginning in the fiscal year 2026.
• Continued support for a new La Plata library, and renovation of the previous library building.
• Pedestrian sidewalk improvements including a new sidewalk in Bryans Road.
• Funding for continued development of a new Waldorf Park and Popes Creek Park Phase II.
• Repaving the White Plains golf cart path and renovation of restrooms at various County parks.

The budget also provides capital project funding over the next five years for water and sewer facilities, environmental, and stormwater management which totals $556.53 million.

A public hearing to receive comments on the proposed fiscal 2025 budget is scheduled on Wed, Apr. 24, at 6 p.m. in the Charles County Government building, 200 Baltimore St, La Plata. Commissioners will discuss additions and changes at a budget work session on May 7, and the Fiscal 2025 Budget is scheduled for final adoption on May 14. More information is available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.