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Carroll County deputies recover stolen merchandise, pipe with suspected drug residue from vehicle

Sykesville, MD (JK) – On Sunday, December 14, 2025, at approximately 11:07 a.m., Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Walmart Supercenter at 6400 Ridge Road in Sykesville for a report of a shoplifting in progress. Authorities say the suspects had pushed carts with merchandise out of the store without paying and left in a white Chevrolet Impala traveling eastbound on Route 26.

Deputies, with assistance from Maryland State Police troopers, located the vehicle in the 6100 block of Monroe Avenue and arrested all four occupants. Stolen merchandise was recovered, and multiple glass smoking devices and containers with suspected residue from controlled dangerous substances were found inside the car.

The suspects were identified as Milo Darren Bary-Parhjam, 35, of Baltimore; Regina Elizabeth Musa, 50, of Baltimore; Kenneth James Parham, 36, of Halethorpe; and Lauren Kimberly Thomas, 43, of Friendship. All four were charged with theft, possession of controlled dangerous substances (not cannabis), and possession of related paraphernalia.

Kenneth Parham, the driver, was also charged with obstruction and traffic violations, including driving on a suspended license and operating a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device. Parham and Thomas were released on recognizance, Musa was released on unsecured personal bond, and Barry-Parhjam remains in the custody of the Carroll County Detention Center.

All individuals are presumed innocent of the pending charges until proven guilty in a court of law.

By Jimmy Key

Three others injured, including 8-year-old girl airlifted to hospital after Union Township rollover.

Union Township, PA (JK) – A late-night all-terrain vehicle crash in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, has claimed the life of a Hancock, Maryland, woman and left three others injured, including a child.

Pennsylvania State Police say the crash happened at 11:38 p.m. Friday, December 12, in Union Township. Four people were riding on a 2023 Polaris ATV traveling southbound on Negro Mountain Road as it approached a Y-shaped intersection with Buck Valley Road.

Investigators say the driver, 36-year-old Holley E. Appel of Hancock, attempted to negotiate a left-hand curve when the ATV went off the right shoulder of the road and rolled down an embankment, coming to rest on its hood. Appel died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Police say the wrecked ATV was discovered by a family member who was not riding on the vehicle.

An 8-year-old girl, who was seated in the right rear position, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Investigators say it is not known whether the child was restrained at the time of the crash.

Two other passengers, 29-year-old Leah Brook Yonker and 35-year-old Kaitlyn N. Martin, both of Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania, were taken to UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland with non-life-threatening injuries. Police say both reported wearing seat belts but could not recall details of the crash due to head injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police.

By Jimmy Key

Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, Martinsburg Police, and ATF collaborate to target narcotics-related activity.

Martinsburg, WV (JK) – A joint law enforcement operation in Martinsburg on Thursday, December 11, 2025, led to the arrests of two individuals and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash. The operation involved the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, Martinsburg Police Department, ATF special agents and task force officers, the BCSO SWAT team, and West Virginia State Police K-9 units.

The search of a residence at 35 Gall Drive was conducted under a state-issued warrant, obtained following a collaborative investigation by BCSO, ATF, and MPD. During the operation, 47-year-old Samantha R. Gilroy was arrested at a separate location on outstanding narcotics-related warrants. Forty-two-year-old Thomas Clay Rutherford was taken into custody at the residence on a probation violation stemming from previous felony narcotics charges.

Authorities seized approximately 86 grams of suspected methamphetamine, five grams of suspected fentanyl, two handguns, one extended magazine, ammunition, and U.S. currency. Additional narcotics and firearm-related charges against Rutherford are pending, based on evidence collected during the investigation and search.

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to all participating law enforcement partners for their coordination and commitment to reducing violent crime and drug activity in the community.

Residents with information on narcotics violations, wanted individuals, or other criminal activity are encouraged to submit anonymous tips by calling 304-267-7000 or using the online submission form at Berkeley County Drug Tips Submission.

84-Year-Old Homeowner and Several Pets Found Dead.

Taneytown, MD (JK) – Authorities are investigating a deadly house fire in Taneytown that claimed the life of an 84-year-old homeowner and several pets. The incident occurred Friday, December 12, 2025, at a residence on 3404 Francis Scott Key Highway.

Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company responded around 4:15 p.m. for a reported carbon monoxide incident, but upon arrival, firefighters discovered that a fire inside the home had already self-extinguished. The homeowner was found deceased in a first-floor bedroom, along with a dog, while a cat was discovered in the dining room and multiple pet birds were located in the basement.

Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a joint investigation, which is standard procedure in fatal fire cases. Preliminary findings indicate smoke inhalation may have contributed to the homeowner’s death, with the fire believed to have started in the unfinished basement. Officials are focusing on accidental causes, and the residence was equipped with smoke alarms, though it remains unclear if they were activated.

Damages to the home and its contents are estimated at $150,000. The investigation is ongoing, and the official cause of death and identification will be released by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

By Jimmy Key

36-year-old Mark Brigham was charged by a federal grand jury with seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material

Frederick, Md. (DG) – A Maryland man is facing serious federal charges in a child sexual exploitation case.

Mark Travis Brigham, 36, of Mount Airy, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on seven counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material, officials with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland said.

According to the indictment, between September 2023 and December 2024, Brigham allegedly persuaded and coerced two minor girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which he then used to create visual depictions. Investigators also say he stored child sexual abuse material across four digital devices.

If convicted, Brigham faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison for each exploitation count, with maximum sentences reaching 30 years. He could also face up to 10 years for the possession charge.

Authorities say the case remains under investigation as they continue to review evidence related to the indictment.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – A wanted man is behind bars after a multi-county pursuit that began just after midnight Thursday in Frederick County. Deputies say the chase started around 12:15 a.m., when they attempted to pull over a Hyundai on Crestwood Boulevard, but the driver sped off, heading north on Route 85.

Officials later confirmed the vehicle belonged to 27-year-old Suba Washington Jr. of Williamsport, who was wanted in Washington County on charges including kidnapping, first- and second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

During the pursuit, Washington’s vehicle hit another car near Buckeystown Pike, though no one was hurt. The chase continued onto I-270 and then west on I-70, where deputies deployed stop sticks near the Middletown exit, flattening the car’s tires.

The pursuit finally came to an end near the Route 40 exit, with support from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police. Washington Jr. was taken into custody, and a 17-year-old passenger was safely turned over to police. He now faces a long list of traffic charges, including reckless and negligent driving and attempting to elude law enforcement.

Suspect also linked to assaults in California; extradition pending.

Gaithersburg, MD (JK) – Montgomery County Police have charged a California man in a violent sexual assault that began at a Gaithersburg restaurant last December and continued after the victim crashed her car while trying to get home.

Detectives say 27-year-old Mauricio Martinez-Garcia of Madera, California, took the woman from the crash scene against her will, assaulted her at his apartment, and later assaulted her again at her home. A forensic exam and evidence collected from her apartment helped identify him as the suspect.

A DNA match confirmed through a federal database led to Martinez-Garcia’s arrest on December 9 in California. He is charged with rape, kidnapping, and multiple assault counts and is awaiting extradition to Maryland.

Investigators say Martinez-Garcia is also connected to a separate sexual assault in Los Banos, California. Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the Montgomery County Special Victims Investigations Division at (240) 773-5400.

By Jimmy Key

A man is facing multiple charges in Carroll County bafter a high-speed chase following a shoplifting incident at a local Walmart.

Westminster, Md. (DG) – A Randallstown man is in custody after a dramatic late-night chase in Carroll County Monday. Deputies responded to a Walmart in Eldersburg around 10:43 p.m. for a shoplifting call and learned the suspect had fled in a blue minivan. The vehicle was later spotted traveling east on Liberty Road, prompting deputies to attempt a traffic stop. The suspect sped away, but a deputy successfully deployed a tire deflation device near Fallon Road, slowing the van enough to stop it near the Baltimore County line.

The driver, 54-year-old Antowan Theron Evans, was arrested at the scene. Deputies discovered a basket containing over $400 in stolen Walmart merchandise, along with two containers suspected of containing cocaine. Additional suspected drugs were found during intake at the Carroll County Detention Center.

Evans faces multiple charges, including theft, possession of controlled substances, and contraband violations, as well as several traffic citations related to the pursuit. He remains in custody pending a bail review.

Darius Bond will spend 15 years behind bars for the fatal crash

Westminster, Md. (DG) – Carroll County authorities say a Baltimore man will spend 15 years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run involving a stolen vehicle.

Nineteen-year-old Darius Bond was driving a car stolen from Baltimore City as part of a theft ring when he crashed into a motorcycle on August 20, 2024, killing motorist Terry Crowl. Officials say Bond had been returning from Pennsylvania when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck the motorcycle.

Witnesses reported seeing Bond and another passenger briefly approach Crowl’s body before fleeing the scene. Not long after, a nearby resident’s van was stolen, and authorities later recovered it in Baltimore City using a license plate reader.

On Tuesday Bond was found guilty of hit and run causing death.

Sheriff’s Deputies arrest suspect after disturbance disrupts store.

Frederick, MD (JK) – A routine shopping trip turned chaotic at the Aldi Grocery Store in the 5600 block of Urbana Pike when deputies answered multiple 911 calls on December 8th reporting that a man was destroying property, blocking exits and causing alarm among customers. They located the suspect, 36‑year‑old Frederick resident Travis Bowie, and arrested him after he resisted and continued to act disorderly.

Bowie was transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center and is now facing several charges including disorderly conduct, obstructing and hindering, disturbing the peace, and malicious destruction of property.

By Jimmy Key

Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputies recover the loaded weapon during routine stop on Mt. Zion Road.

Frederick, MD (JK) – Deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle on Mt. Zion Road last weekend near Route 180 for a broken taillight and a non‑functioning passenger brake light. During the stop, the driver – an 18‑year-old identified as Christian Foster – exited the car, and deputies observed an extended ammunition magazine hanging from his waistband.

A subsequent search revealed a loaded handgun, later identified as a stolen Sig Sauer P365 semi-automatic pistol originally reported missing from Pennsylvania. Foster was arrested on the scene and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center Central Booking.

Authorities confirmed the weapon contained multiple rounds and said their investigation into the firearm’s origin and how it came into Foster’s possession remains ongoing.

By Jimmy Key

Lawmakers to gather in Annapolis on December 16 following Speaker Adrienne Jones’s resignation.

Annapolis, MD (JK) – Governor Wes Moore has issued an executive order calling for a special session of the Maryland General Assembly to begin Tuesday, December 16, in Annapolis. The session is prompted by the recent resignation of House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, who announced last week that she would step down after six historic years in the role.

Speaker Jones made history as the first African American and first woman to serve as Maryland’s House Speaker. She has represented Baltimore County’s District 10 for nearly three decades and served as Speaker since 2019, leaving a legacy of accomplishments that touched many aspects of state government.

During the special session, the House of Delegates will elect a new Speaker to succeed Jones. Lawmakers may also address other legislative business that needs resolution before the start of the 2026 regular session, which begins Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

The special session highlights a key leadership transition in the Maryland General Assembly as the state prepares for the upcoming legislative year.

By Jimmy Key

Montgomery County Police report arrests, gun seizures, and multiple enforcement actions in first week.

Silver Spring, MD (JK) – The Montgomery County Department of Police has launched its Third District Holiday Crime Suppression Task Force, beginning its seasonal enforcement push on December 1. The initiative is designed to reduce theft, improve safety in retail areas, and increase proactive enforcement throughout the Silver Spring district during the busy shopping season.

In its first week, officers made two handgun-related arrests. On the second day of operations, a suspect stopped for fare evasion at the Silver Spring Metro attempted to flee but was quickly taken into custody. Officers found a loaded handgun and determined the suspect was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction. In a separate incident, a traffic stop for speeding led to the discovery of another loaded handgun inside a driver’s handbag, resulting in an additional arrest.

The task force also handled five theft-related investigations and five drug-related offenses during the opening week. Officers conducted 16 traffic stops, made three criminal arrests, issued six criminal citations and 11 civil citations, and served two warrants.

One of the week’s notable cases involved identifying and arresting a repeat shoplifter believed to be responsible for stealing approximately $3,700 worth of merchandise.

Police note that these numbers reflect only the work of the specialized task force. Additional arrests and enforcement actions by regular patrol units in the district are not included.

The Holiday Crime Suppression Task Force will continue its efforts throughout the holiday season.

By Jimmy Key

Santos Calderon, wanted for a 1998 Texas child sexual assault case, was arrested in Charles Town by U.S. Marshals, with six others also detained for immigration violations.

Charles Town, WV (DG) – A fugitive wanted in a decades-old child sexual assault case out of Texas has been captured in Jefferson County.

The U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force arrested Santos Calderon Friday at the Somerset Village Shopping Plaza in Charles Town. Authorities say Calderon, who is originally from El Salvador and in the country illegally, was wanted on an outstanding warrant from Galveston County for aggravated sexual assault of a child stemming from a 1998 investigation.

U.S. Marshals in Texas requested assistance earlier in the week after developing information that Calderon was possibly in the Charles Town area. Investigators learned he frequently visited the shopping plaza, where the arrest was made.

During the operation, six additional illegal aliens were also taken into custody after allegedly attempting to evade law enforcement. They were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Calderon now faces a fugitive from justice charge and is being held at the Eastern Regional Jail. Multiple local, state, and federal agencies assisted in the operation.

He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Frederick, Md (KM) Sentence was handed down on Monday to a former Frederick physician who was charged with sexual assault. According to the State’s Attorney’s Office, Syed Haque, 64, was given a total of two and a half years incarceration for such charges as 4th degree sex offense and 2nd-degree assault. He entered an alford plea to all of those offenses which means he doesn’t admit guilt, but acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence for a conviction.

He will also be placed on five-years supervised probation after he’s released from jail, and must register as a sex offender.

Haque was charged after a patient told police the doctor inappropriately touched her in two separate medical visits. She also said Haque assaulted her in the guise of a breast and pelvic exam.

Police say Haque was indicted by the Grand Jury on January 31st, 2025 and arrested on February 4th, 2025 at his home without incident.

By Kevin McManus

He must also register as a sex offender after he’s released from prison.

Ernesto Cesar Torres (Photo from Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office)  

Frederick, Md (KM) A former Frederick pediatrician who abused dozens of his victims over the past 30 years learned his sentence on Monday. .  The State’s Attorney’s Office says Ernesto Cesar Torres, 74, was given 30 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor and three counts of 3rd -degree sex offense. A Circuit Court Jury on March 20th found Torres guilty of all counts in connection with the victim identified as MH.

He was originally indicted on 97 criminal counts, but that was scaled to four counts.  

In May, 2019, Frederick Police received a complaint from a mother of an 11-year-old girl who said Torres touched her inappropriately during a pediatric exam. The child was sent to Torres for a mild skin condition, but the doctor made her feel uncomfortable by placing his hands down her pants in her “down there.” area. The victim told her parents she felt uncomfortable, and the family chose another physician.

“This is truly a story of perseverance both by the victim and the prosecutors. Neither would be discouraged or dissuaded and now this child predator will spend 25 more years in jail. . What he had had to say about the victims at sentencing was one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever endured in a courtroom. The only thing demonic about this case is the defendant’s action,”  says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, in a statement.

The victim know as MH told the court. “I now can’t trust male authority. My childhood was taken away from me,” she says.

Her mother also commented in court. “For 15 years, my children saw him regularly. I trusted him. I had no idea what my child was living through. My trust in him was shattered and I will carry this pain for the rest of my life. I still carry the guilt..”

When he’s released from prison, Torres will be placed on five years of supervised probation, and must register as a sex offender. He must also have no contact with the victims or their families, and will be placed on life time sex offender supervision..

By Kevin McManus 

It will occur  during the overnight hours on late  Wednesday through early Thursday morning

Hagerstown, Md (KM) The Maryland State Highway Administration says some patching work will be done on eastbound Interstate 70 near I-81 in Washington County. The work will take place between Wednesday, December 10th beginning at 10:00 PM, and continue through early Thursday morning until 5:00 AM, weather permitting.

Traffic will be detoured during the patching work. Motorists traveling eastbound will be detoured to I-81 south by taking Exit 2 to Williamsport on US 11. Then take I-81 north in the direction of Harrisburg , and return to I-70 east.

The contractor, Triton Construction, Inc, St. Alban, WV, will be doing the roadwork, and will set up signs, construction barrels and cones to assist drivers.

SHA says motorists traveling that area during those overnight hours should plan for extra travel time.

By Kevin McManus 

New jobs listed

Digital Marketing Director (2164280)

Description

The Digital Marketing Director plays a pivotal role in driving Phoenix Mecano’s growth through the expansion and optimization of its digital presence. This position blends strategic digital marketing strategy with strong distribution presence to strengthen partner performance, enhance market visibility, and accelerate revenue generation…and much more!

Wages: $100K-$130K

Bartender/Server (2164283)

Responsibilities include:

Greet and interact with customers in a friendly manner
Take drinks and food orders accurately and efficiently
Mix, garnish, and serve alcoholic beverages according to established recipes.
Maintain a clean and organized bar area, including washing glassware and utensils
Process transactions and handle cash/credit payments.
Monitor guests to ensure their satisfaction and respond to any needs or concerns
Collaborate with kitchen and bar staff to ensure smooth service
Adhere to health and safety regulations while serving food and drinks
Wages: $15-16/hr.

CNC Mill Machinist (2164055)

Essential Skills:

Set-up Haas CNC machine to run production order using defined tools and fixtures, verification of program, and documentation review (drawings, job packet, router, etc.)
Run machine to complete production order within the required standard times
Measure and inspect completed parts to customer requirements and department standards
Prepare finished product for next production operation or shipment as needed including washing, wrapping, packaging, etc.
Comply with all health and safety requirements based on each operation
Complete all required production paperwork in a timely and accurate manner. This includes using a scanner and computer to log time and completed parts..and more!
Wages: $15-16/hr.

Fiscal Administrator (2164325)

This professional position will oversee the financial affairs for Frederick County Workforce Services, to include grants accounting, budget, procurement and contracts, MOUs, etc. The position will analyze and provide accurate reports and projections to the Director, Grants Manager, and Program Managers. Leading and completing the department’s monthly and quarterly state and federal reports and ensuring grants are managed in accordance with applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations will also be performed.

Salary range: $61,244-97,958/yr.

Development & Marketing Coordinator (2164310)

​The Development & Marketing Coordinator will support fundraising and marketing activities at Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, Maryland, Inc. We raise awareness in the community about the need for affordable workforce housing and partner with individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund this work. The Development & Marketing Coordinator will facilitate communications, manage campaign timelines and designs, and manage social media.

Salary range: $40-45K/yr

Finance Assistant (2164316)

The Finance Assistant is responsible for performing the various bookkeeping, payroll and accounting tracking tasks of the local office for Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, MD. The Finance Assistant is responsible for maintaining and storing the accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll records effectively and efficiently, as well as communicating clearly and respectfully to all employees and visitors to the office.

Salary range: $40-50K/yr

Still Recruiting

Certified Pharmacy Technician (2164071)

Shipping & Receiving Coordinator (2164064)

Assistant General Manager (2163798)

Resident Advisor Trainee (2163736)

Esthetician (2163684)

Technical Sales Director (2164046)

Service Worker (Eligible for Sign-On Bonus) (2163771)

BSA/Fraud Analyst (2164116)

Accounting Coordinator (2164038)

Swim Instructor (2164075)

Logistics Coordinator (2164080)

He remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing.

Rockville, Md. (DG) – Authorities in Montgomery County say a Silver Spring teenager is facing serious charges after a gun was found at Northwood High School.

Police were called to the school on Old Georgetown Road Friday morning around 8:20 a.m. following reports of a fight between two students. A witness told staff that one student appeared to be armed.

When officers searched 17-year-old Isaiah Gaunt, they found a loaded 3D-printed handgun tucked in his waistband. Gaunt was arrested without incident and is now charged as an adult with multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm by a minor and carrying a loaded handgun on school property.

He remains in custody at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit and is awaiting a bond hearing.

Most citizens called for the elimination of 287g.

Frederick, Md (KM) The 287g program came up during Saturday’s annual public forum held by the Frederick County Legislative Delegation. That program allows the Sheriff’s Office to determine the immigration status of individuals who are arrested and charged, and brought into the Adult Detention Center. If they’re here illegally, they world be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Supporters of the program says it makes Frederick County safer. Deborah Hunley took issue with that. “Many assert that these agreements make our communities. safer. Contrary to this expectation, however, when it comes to community safety and crime, 287g agreements actually make our county more dangerous and not less,” she said. “When citizens and residents can’t trust their local law enforcement, crimes go unreported and our neighborhoods grow less safe.”

Cesar Diaz is a Frederick City Councilman-elect, and he echoed those comments. “When immigrant communities fear any interactions with the Sheriff’s Office can lead to separation from their families, they stop reporting crime. They stop serving as witnesses. They stop trusting the very institutions sworn to protect then,” he said. “Public safety is build on cooperation, not coercion; on trust, not terror.

A woman named Marta has been in the United States since 2007.  “I’ve seen so many cases of getting people detained and deported even though they are not criminals,” she says.

Opponents of the these programs say law enforcement working the 287g often target Hispanic communities. Supporters deny that.

Most of the citizens who spoke were against 287g. But there were a few who supported it. One was Tom  Brady. “All you have to do is look at the record, just look at the record. And thank God, we have Sheriff {Chuck} Jenkins here who has the knowledge, experience and spine to participate in the program.   I am so thankful as a Frederick County resident  that we participate in that program,” he said.

Sheriff Jenkins was in the audience at the Delegation Forum, but did not speak about 287g.

Frederick County’s Legislative Package for 2026 contains a position statement calling for the end of cooperative agreements between local law enforcement, and federal immigration authorities such as 287g.

By Kevin McManus