FMD

Capt. Kevin Meyer will take over on Dec. 6th, 2025.

Frederick, Md (KM) An acting chief has been chosen for the Frederick Police Department. Mayor Michael O’Connor on Tuesday picked Captain Kevin Meyer who currently serves as Deputy Chief of Operations. and has been with the Frederick Police for nearly two decades.

“Captain Meyer is an experienced, respected and thoughtful leader,” says Mayor O’Connor in a news release announcing the appointment. “He understands both the operational and human sides of policing—=the need to keep our city safe while continuing to build trust between our officers and the community. . I have every confidence that under his leadership, the department will continue its forward momentum during this transition period.”

Captain Meyer will take over as Acting Chief on Saturday, December 6th. He currently oversees the Department’s Patrol and Special Operations Division.

Captain Meyer has earned recognition throughout his career for his commitment to community engagement, officer training, and the data-driving policing strategies that enhance public safety and accountability, according to the news release from the city announcing Captain Meyer’s appointment. “I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Acting Chief of Police,”: says Captain Meyer, in the news release. “The Frederick Police Department is full of dedicated professionals who come to work each day ready to make a difference. I’m grateful to Mayor O’Connor and Chief Lando for their confidence and support, and I look forward to continuing our mission of service,  safety and community partnership.”

Current Chief Jason Lando is leaving, returning his home town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to take over as its chief of police. His last day on the job in Frederick is December 5th.   Lando  has been Frederick Police Chief since 2020.

“Captain Meyer is a steady and principled leader who has earned the respect of this department at every level,” says Chief Lando, in the news release. “”His professionalism and commitment to both our officers and our community makes him a great fit to guide the department through this transition. I have full confidence not only in Kevin, but in our entire command staff—-Captain Lapp, our lieutenants, sergeants, civilian staff—to continue advancing the important work we’ve done together.”

The City of Frederick is expected to begin the search for a new chief following Lando’s last day which is December 5th.

By Kevin McManus

He’s being held without bond.

Cory Thomas Burkhardt (Photo from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) An Idelwyde, Maryland man is being held without bond at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center for a vehicle pursuit which went the wrong way down Interstate 270 last week. The Sheriff’s Office says  Cory Thomas Burkhardt, 37,  was released from the hospital and transported to the Adult Detention Center.

Burkhardt faces a long list of charges following the chase which began on Route 15 in Frederick. They are:

* Two counts of First-Degree Assault

* Four counts of Second-Degree Assault

*-Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer

*-Attempt by Driver to Elude a Uniformed Police Officer by Failing to Stop

*-Attempt by Driver to Elude Police in an Official Police Vehicle by Failing to Stop

*-Reckless Driving

*-Negligent Driving a Vehicle in a Careless and Imprudent Manner Endangering Property, Life, and Person

*-Failure to Drive on the Right-Hand Roadway of a Divided Highway

*-Driving on the Median Strip of a Divided Highway

*-Failing to Secure a Child Under Two Years Old in a Rear-Facing Child Safety Seat that Complies with Federal Regulations

*-Willfully Disobeying the Lawful Order or Direction of a Police Officer

Authorities say Burkhardt drove southbound in the northbound lanes of I-270 before being stopped near the Clarksburg exit. He got of his vehicle carrying a two-year-old child. But deputies used a taser to help secure the child, and take Burkhardt into custody.

Two other children in the vehicle got out safely.

Burkhardt was taken to Frederick Health Hospital for an emergency evaluation.

While at FHH, the Sheriff’s Office says Burkhardt forced his way out of the building.  . But he was apprehended by Frederick Police and returned to the hospital.

By Kevin McManus

Nancy Allen has resigned.

Fredeick County Board of Education Memer Nancy Allen.  She has submitted her resignation effective Dec. 1st.

Frederick, Md (KM) There is a vacancy on the Frederick County Board of Education. Nancy Allen has submitted her resignation which is effective on December 1st. Allen was  elected to the Board of Education in 2022.

Under state, law, when there is a vacancy on the School Board, the County Executive is responsible for appointing someone to fill that position. That appointment needs to be confirmed by the County Council.

Persons who want to serve on the Board of Ed should be residents of Frederick County, and registered voters,

Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 10th.

The one chosen  for the Board will serve out the remainder of  Allen’s term which ends in December 2026

To apply, go on line to [email protected]. Individuals can also sent a letter of interest by mail to the Office of the County Executive, 12 East Church Street, Frederick Md. 21701.

By Kevin McManus

Police say there is no indication so far of foul play.

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick Police are providing an update on the body found last week in a wooded area of  South East Street and Monocacy Boulevard near the roundabout.

Detectives located the body which was in an advanced state of decomposition. Due to the condition of the remains, a positive identification has not yet been made but that process is underway.

Authorities  also say so far there’s no indication of foul play.

The individual who called in the report of the body has been interviewed by detectives. He originally contacted an area radio station about the find.   The DJ there  told him to call police immediately.,

The community and the media are urged to relay on confirmed information about this incident which has been released by the Frederick Police Department. Officials say   further updates  will be provided when they become available.

Anyone who has information that could help this investigation  is asked to contact Detective Nicole Smith at 301-600-2102, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

By Kevin McManus

Attorneys accuse prosecutors of mishandling investigation.

Westminster, MD (JK) – Wendy Osefo, star of The Real Housewives of Potomac, and her husband, Eddie, are challenging allegations that they staged a burglary to commit $400,000 in insurance fraud in Carroll County.

In a statement from their legal team, which includes attorneys Jeremy Eldridge, Clarissa Lindsey, and Joseph Murtha, the Osefos accuse prosecutors of misleading the public about their finances and conducting a biased investigation.

The attorneys claim police failed to properly investigate the original break-in and provided no updates to the family for more than 18 months, despite their full cooperation. They also criticized the public disclosure of the couple’s confidential financial information and said investigators appeared to be influenced by the Osefos’ status as reality TV stars.

The statement also refutes allegations that the couple used aliases on financial applications, explaining any alternate names were used solely for package deliveries to protect their identities. The legal team says the state began its investigation only after charges were filed, calling the approach “highly irregular,” and insists the Osefos are confident a fair trial will uphold their rights.

By Jimmy Key

Authorities say investigation also uncovered fentanyl, crack cocaine, and heroin.

Columbia, MD (JK) – Howard County police say a months-long investigation has led to the arrests of a father and son accused of trafficking illegal firearms and distributing dangerous drugs in the region.

The investigation began in July after officers received information about illegal gun sales in and around the county. Undercover police later purchased firearms from a suspect and eventually learned he was working with his father.

Police identified the suspects as 60-year-old Ronald Kosh of Ellicott City and 38-year-old Martese Kosh of Frederick. Both men were indicted last month on a combined 21 charges. According to police, Martese Kosh faces 10 weapons-related counts, while Ronald Kosh faces 11 charges connected to both firearms and drug distribution.

During the investigation, detectives say they also uncovered fentanyl, crack cocaine, and heroin tied to the older Kosh.

Both men remain held without bond at the Howard County Department of Corrections. Court records show Ronald Kosh has a motion hearing scheduled for February 12, while Martese Kosh is due back in court on March 12.

By Jimmy Key

It would assist farmers with part of the money being used to bail out Argentina.

6th District Representative . April McClain Delaney

Washington DC (KM) 6th District Representative April McClain Delaney is sponsoring a bill to support American farmers who are facing losses due to tariffs and other issues.

The Congresswoman is a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and she has spoken to farmers in her district. “They have inflationary pressures. They’ve got overseas markets that have been evaporated by tariffs. They’ve have labor force issues related to immigration,” she says.

McClain Delaney’s bill, called the American Farmers First Act, would take part of the $40 billion set aside to bail out Argentina to help farmers. “We’re sending $40 billion to Argentina. And our Washington County beef producers are having hard time. Our soybean farmers can’t sell their soybeans. We should instead use half of that—-$20 billion which comes from taxpayer money—–and give it to farmers,” she says.

She says   that money could be used to prop up farmers who are having difficulties. “They have increased costs of labor, and their overseas markets have been cut off or non-existent due to these crazy tariffs,” says Representative McClain Delaney

And, she says the situation has gotten worse for some farmers. “All of these things coming together have forced a 57 percent increase in bankruptcies this year compared to last,” says McClain Delaney.

McClain Delaney says the bill has a good chance of passage. “It’s a getting a lot of support. And I’ll tell, a lot of farmers at thumb-upping it and saying ‘thank you for standing for us.’ And I think all of the farming associations, soybean associations,  are saying ‘we’re good.’ I think there is momentum,”: she says.,

“It doesn’t matter if you’re Republican or Democrat, or what have you, the farming industry has been really hurt by these polices,” she says.

Maryland Representatives Glenn Ivy and Kweisi Mfume are two of the bill’s co-sponsors.

By Kevin McManus

One was a juvenile.

Firearms confiscated by Frederick Police during a Nov. 18th traffic stop  (Photos from Frederick Police Department)

Frederick, Md (KM) Five adults and one juvenile were arrested last week on weapons offenses and breaking and entering.

Frederick Police say at around 2:30 PM PM  on Tuesday, November 18th, officers responded to the 1000 block of Redfield Court for a reported burglary in progress. They located a vehicle described in the call attempting to leave the area.   A traffic stop was initiated, and all six occupants were detained..

Officers searched the vehicle, and found two loaded Glock-style handguns; and a third Glock-style handgun was recovered from the juvenile. Also located  were fully loaded magazines compatible with the handguns.

Through their investigation, police say the six attempted to gain entry into an unoccupied apartment.

The five adults are identified as Christian McCauley, 19, Jose Aud Sanchez, 21, Rahmann Anderson, 20, Justin Yovanni Acosta, 18, and Jayden Hoy, 19. They were all transported to the Adult Detention Center.

They are charged with:

• Wear, carry, transport a handgun in a vehicle
• Conspiracy to wear, carry, transport a handgun in a vehicle
• Possession of an unregistered firearm
• Possession of a regulated firearm under the age of 21
• Breaking and entering into a dwelling

Police say the juvenile was taken  into custody, but no information on that  suspect will be released.

By Kevin McManus

The county will partnering with the Community Foundation to support local food banks.

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County has launched its new FEED program. Food Equity, and Emergency Distribution will be working with the Community Foundation of Frederick County to strengthen local food distribution efforts..

“Many people in our community are facing ongoing food insecurity from recent federal actions, including delays in SNAP funding and federal layoffs,” says County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, in a news release. “I am proud of our work with the County Council and our partnership with the Community Foundation to distribute funds to organizations that provide food resources to those in need.”

Last week, the County Council agreed to provide $1 million for the program.

It will be a grant program open to existing food banks, pantries, religious organizations, and other non-profits operating in the county. The grants will be provided through a competitive process managed by the Community Foundation,   Each application will be reviewed on an individual basis.

“The Community Foundation of Frederick County is proud to be a partner with Frederick County Government to address food insecurity through the FEED Grant Program. Using our team’s  expertise and volunteer input, grants will be awarded  to local non-profits with proven  success of providing for the nutritional needs of our community,” said Betsy Day, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, in a news  release.. “We appreciate the County’s trust in our ability to administer this grant program, and we look forward to reporting  back on its  impact.

The funds will be distributed in two rounds. The first one will on December 1st, 2025, and the second in early 2026.

To learn more about this program, go on line to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FEED.

By Kevin McManus

There were no reported injuries.

New Market, Md (KM) Frederick County Fire and rescue crews responded to the town of New Market on Monday for a outside gas leak.

Officials say  they were dispatched at 12:18 PM to the 100 block of West Main Street where they discovered the leak. They closed off Route 144 between Old New Market Road and Boyers Mill Road.

Personnel also did meter readings of nearby homes, and urged occupants to shelter in place. They also asked Frederick County Public Schools to keep students at New Market Elementary and Middle Schools inside.

Washington Gas responded. and confirmed a gas main had been struck.

Fire and rescue metered all nearly homes and businesses, and came up with negative readings.

The utility was able to secure the leak at 1:10 PM. All fire and rescue units started clearing the scene. after that.

Fire officials say there were no reported injuries.

By Kevin McManus

Community encouraged to contribute items for 300 Meals on Wheels recipients.

Frederick, MD (JK) – The Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence is collecting donations for holiday gift bags to be delivered to 300 homebound Meals on Wheels recipients across the county.

Residents are asked to donate new and unused items, including hats, gloves, scarves, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body and hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, puzzle books, calendars, notepads, pencils, pillowcases, placemats, blankets, nail clippers, and individually wrapped treats such as cookies, candy, and hot cocoa.

Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, November 26, at the following Frederick County 50+ Community Centers:

• Frederick 50+ Community Center: 1440 Taney Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702

• Brunswick 50+ Community Center: 12 E. A Street, Brunswick, MD 21716

• Urbana 50+ Community Center: 9020 Amelung Street, Urbana, MD 21704

• Middletown 50+ Community Center: 101 Prospect Street, Middletown, MD 21769

• Emmitsburg 50+ Community Center: 300 S. Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727

For more information, contact the Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence via email at [email protected] or by phone at 301-600-1234.

Community members are encouraged to contribute and help make the holiday season brighter for seniors who may otherwise be alone.

By Jimmy Key

Frederick Police investigating a reported shooting that is connected to a burning vehicle found in Germantown.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – A vehicle set on fire in Germantown may be linked to a Saturday shots fired incident in Frederick.

Authorities say Frederick Police responded around 4:15 p.m. to the 600 block of North Bentz Street for a reported shooting, but officers found no victims or suspects at the scene.

During their investigation, another law enforcement agency alerted police that a car matching the suspect’s vehicle description had been discovered unoccupied and burning in Germantown.

Detectives are actively gathering information, and anyone with details is urged to contact Frederick Police.

Closure part of national shift in e-commerce strategy; facility once projected to add up to 500 jobs.

Frederick, MD (JK) – Kroger will close its robotic fulfillment center south of Frederick early next year, ending a five-year effort to grow the grocery chain’s online delivery presence in the region. The facility, located at 7106 Geoffrey Way off Maryland Route 85, is scheduled to shut down in January as part of a nationwide restructuring of Kroger’s e-commerce business.

Kroger has not disclosed how many jobs will be affected in Frederick. When the 350,000-square-foot site was announced in 2020, the project was expected to create 400 initial positions and add another 100 as service expanded. The center relies heavily on automation, using robotic devices to move items across a grid system.

Kroger says the closures are tied to efforts to boost online performance and attract more customers. The company projects the changes will help generate about $400 million in e-commerce profits by 2026. As part of that strategy, Kroger has expanded its partnerships with Instacart, DoorDash, and announced an incoming partnership with Uber Eats. Kroger also became one of the first grocery retailers to offer shopping through Instacart’s artificial intelligence tool, Cart Assistant.

The Frederick center benefited from several government incentives when approved, including up to $150,000 in reduced permit fees and roughly $5 million in county tax credits over 10 years. The Maryland Department of Commerce also provided a $2 million conditional loan through Advantage Maryland.

Kroger operates more than 1,200 locations across 16 states. While no Kroger-owned supermarkets operate in Frederick County, several Harris Teeter stores under the company’s brand serve customers in Montgomery County and Northern Virginia.

By Jimmy Key

Pennsylvania teen arrested in connection with firearm incident on East Market Street; two Loudoun County men also face charges.

Leesburg, VA (JK) – The Leesburg Police Department has charged a juvenile from Pennsylvania in connection with a firearm discharge that occurred October 1, 2025, in the 700 block of East Market Street. The juvenile was taken into custody and is being held at the Loudoun County Juvenile Detention Center. Police say the teen faces multiple offenses, including two counts of brandishing a firearm, assault, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm by a minor.

Investigators say these charges stem from the same incident that led to the arrest of 23-year-old D’Angelo E. Bland of Ashburn on October 20. Bland remains held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and faces six charges, including attempted malicious wounding, discharging a firearm in public, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

A third individual, 18-year-old Elijah Crosby of Lovettsville, has also been charged with carrying a concealed firearm in connection with the case.

Police say the investigation remains active and are asking anyone with information to contact the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500, or the Criminal Investigations Division at 703-771-6417. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 703-443-TIPS (8477).

By Jimmy Key

A death investigation is underway in Frederick after a body was discovered in a wooded area near East Street

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Frederick Police are investigating after a deceased individual was found in a wooded area near East Street, between East South Street and Monocacy Boulevard.

On Friday police reported detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division are working to determine how the person died. At this time, police say there is no threat to the public.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is urged to contact Frederick Police.

New jobs listed

Assistant General Manager (2163798)

As Assistant General Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the success of our swim lessons by managing and motivating a successful team, coordinating and reviewing class schedules and ensuring you have a school that’s set up for success at every lesson. You’ll guide new team members and families through their first days at Goldfish and be there to support them as they progress in our program and in life. Also, oversee the quality and success of Goldfish Swim School daily operations including staffing, pool operations, cash management, customer service, retail and vending department, private party operations and workplace employee activities.

Salary: $50-56K/yr

Resident Advisor Trainee (2163736)

Resident Advisor Trainee provides supervision and guidance to youth, while maintaining safety, care and program continuity in accordance with established policies and procedures. In addition, the Resident Advisor (RA) ensures that youth are abiding by program rules and conditions of the Court. The purpose of this position is to provide direct care coverage of youth over a continuum of shifts and to de-escalate conflicts. Also involves a high amount of physical activity navigating the facility grounds.

Wages: $25/hr + Bonus

Esthetician (2163684)

As an Esthetician, you will be responsible for consulting with clients and assessing their needs, making suggestions and explaining services, and performing treatments. Job duties include: designing specific skin care regimes for each client; performing identified body treatments; creating an excellent member/guest experience through friendly and helpful service; performing targeted appropriate facials; and more.

Wages: $25-35/hr (doe) + Bonus + Commission

Director of Customer Support and Field Services (2163902)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Support Strategy and Leadership
Operational Excellence and Team Development
Customer Experience and Field Enablement
Performance Monitoring and Financial Oversight
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Wages: $145K-$175K

Warehouse Foreman (2163900)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintain the Receiving and “put a ways” workflow. UPS shipping would initially be included.
Help transition UPS shipping from warehouse to Traffic. Assist with UPS shipping after the transition if needed.
Assist in pulling jobs and receiving when needed following the warehouse procedures.
Must be able to operate a forklift and/or electrically powered devices needed for moving material and maintain certification.
Provide input on solutions to obstacles that hinder work efficiency….and more!
Wages: Starting at $25/hr.

Assembler (2163901)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Must be able to read a tape measure to 1/8th inch.
Must be able to follow verbal instructions.
Must be able to use hand tools.
Other duties as assigned.
Wages: $18-$19.50/hr.

Placemaking & Events Part Time Assistant (2163899)

Join the Downtown Frederick Partnership as a Placemaking & Events Part-Time Assistant, where you’ll help shape vibrant public spaces and support signature community events like Alive @ Five and Frosty Friday. This hands-on role blends event planning, volunteer coordination, and creative problem-solving-perfect for someone organized, people-focused, and excited to make a visible impact downtown.

Wage: $25/HR

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (2163903)

Woodsboro Bank is seeking a strategic and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its executive team. This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a thriving $450M community bank while working closely with a collaborative, close-knit leadership team. If you’re a seasoned finance leader who thrives in both strategy and execution-and values meaningful work in a community-focused setting-this role offers the chance to make a visible impact every day.

Wage Range: $170,000 – $220,000

Sales and Service Specialist (2163905)

Fulton Bank is hiring a full-time Financial Center team member at its Westview Corner location in Frederick, MD. In this dynamic, customer-facing role, you’ll support everything from teller transactions to account openings-building trusted relationships and helping clients achieve their financial goals. If you’re passionate about service, sales, and making a difference in your community, this is a great opportunity to grow with a company that values inclusion, learning, and work-life integration.

Wage Range: $18.25 – $28.61/HR

Protocol Navigator II (2163146)

Automotive Care & Detailing Technician (2162089)

Lrg Animal Caretaker II (2163156)

Community Coordinator (2163128)

Office Manager (2163254)

Digital Designer (2163262)

Enterprise Account Executive (2162540)

Administrative Assistant (2162986)

Business Operations Manager (2163407)

Youth Development Specialist (2163366)

The issue was over the 287g program.

State Senator Karen Lewis Young

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County State Senator Karen Lewis Young is responding to comments made about her by Sheriff Chuck Jenkins. Lewis Young says she will be supporting Senate Democrats in the 2026 General Assembly in sponsoring bills   to prohibit local police from participating in federal immigration programs such as the 287g.

Speaking earlier this month on WFMD’s “Morning News Express,” Jenkins said Senator Lewis Young doesn’t care about public safety, and that it’s all about politics.  He is a strong supporter of 287g.

“Well, I deeply resent that comment. I have a long record caring about and making major efforts toward public health and public safety,”; Lewis Young responds.

Senator Lewis Young says she will be backing Senate President Bill Ferguson’s efforts to get rid of programs like 287g because there’s no data that proves it reduces crime, pointing to a study conducted by the Cato Institute. “And in fact they found no statistically significant relationship where 287gr programs exist, and a reduction in crime,” she said.

The Cato Institute is a libertarian think tank based in Washington DC.

The Sheriff cites 287g as the reason for Frederick County’s low crime rate compared to surrounding counties. But Lewis Young disputes that. “And in fact the Cato Institute study did show one negative affect that it doesn’t fight crime, but it does increase assaults against police officers,” she said.

The 287g program is a jail-based program. It allows staff at the Detention Center to determine the immigration status of individuals who are arrested and charged. The Sheriff says this program is one reason why  there have been  no ICE raids in Frederick County compared to other parts of the country.

“I would encourage the Sheriff to look at the data or provide the data to show a statistically significant relationship between 287g program, crime reduction, and whether or not that is the most financially responsible way of reducing crime,” she says.

Senator Lewis Young says the crime rate is low among the immigrant communities. “They try to keep under the radar; they are here to avoid persecution; they just want the opportunity to have a decent living and to have freedom,” she says.

Sheriff Jenkins has said he will fight efforts to eliminate 287g if it comes up the 2026 General Assembly next year.

By Kevin McManus

It will expand its Frederick operations, and open a facility in Gaithersburg.

Frederick, Md (KM) A major announcement on Friday about AstraZeneca. The Governor’s  Office says the company is investing $2 billion in its biologics manufacturing facility in Frederick;   and will construct a new, state-of-the-art clinical manufacturing center in Gaithersburg.

The announcement was made by Maryland Governor Wes Moore during a visit on Friday to the AstraZeneca facility in Frederick. “AstraZeneca’s significant investment and expansion in Maryland underscores our state’s global leadership in life sciences and biomanufacturing,” the Governor says in a statement. “This landmark investment strengthens the US medicine supply chain, and accelerates the development of life saving therapies, while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs for Marylanders. We are proud to partner with AstraZeneca to grow our economy and build new pathways to work, wages and wealth for all.”

The investment is expected support 2600 jogs in Maryland, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.

The Frederick facility’s expansion will nearly double AstraZeneca’s commercial manufacturing capacity and restore their rare disease portfolio within the United States for the first time. . It will create 200 highly skilled jobs, and 900 construction roles. The new center in Gaithersburg will do clinical manufacturing, and will create an additional 100 jobs, retain 400 roles., and support 1000 construction-related jobs.

“AstraZeneca is probably one of the most incredible companies in Maryland,” says 6th District Representative April McClain Delaney. who attended Friday’s announcement at the company’s Frederick facility. “And is, as you know, one of the biggest taxpaying companies within Frederick County.”

The Governor’s Office says this is the largest capital investment in the state in the last decade.

By Kevin McManus

One is a teenager charged with assault, weapons offenses.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Grand on Friday returned ten indictments.

One was against Markell Anthony Thompson, 18, of Frederick who is charged with 1st-degree assault; 2nd-degree assault;  firearms use in a violent crime; three counts of possessing a regulated firearm by someone under 21;  two counts of having a loaded handgun on his person;  two counts of having a handgun on his person; two counts of having a loaded handgun in a vehicle;  four counts of having a handgun in a vehicle; and other firearms offenses.

Thompson was arrested Monday, October 27th, 2025. The Sheriff’s Office says two adults had been in argument at a home in the 5300 block of Henden Wood Lane. Thompson intervened by allegedly firing a handgun into a stairwell. He fled the scene in a vehicle with two other individuals.  Deputies stopped the vehicle along Viceroy Court in the Ballenger Creek area, and took Thompson into custody.

Other indictments include:

*Richard Lee Thompson, Jr. 36, of Frederick, Md, who is charged with 2nd-degree child abuse; and 2nd-degree assault for an offense which occurred on October 31st, 2025.

These three are co-defendants:

*Xavier Alton Hoy, 34,of Frederick, Md who is charged with robbery; 2nd-degree assault; theft  between $1500 to $25,000; unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; and unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle.

*David Rodgers Scott, Jr., 42, of Frederick, Md, who is charged with robbery;  2nd-degree assault; theft between $1500 and $25,000; unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; and unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle.

*Sajdah Ann West-Jones, 37, of Frederick, Md, who is charged with robbery, theft between $100 and $1500; altering  physical evidence in a criminal proceeding; possession of cocaine; possession of paraphernalia (glass pipe); obstructing and hindering a police officer.

These three face charges for an offense which occurred on November 2nd, 2025.

*Christopher Raymond Poole, 49, of Frederick, Md who is charged with robbery; 2nd-degree assault; and theft less than $100 for an offense which occurred on October 26h, 2025.

*Jessie Aaron Vangenewitt, 44, of Middletown, Md, who is charged with 1st-degree assault; 2nd-degree assault; four counts of violation of a protective order; violation of release conditions;  and intimidating or influencing a juror for an offense which occurred on November 3rd, 2025.

*John Augustine Hemsley, Jr., 32, of Newburgh, Md, who is charged with 1st-degree assault; 2nd-degree assault; reckless endangerment; and a crime of violence against a pregnant person for an offense which occurred on November 22nd, 2024.

*Tayshon D. Powell, 35, of Silver Spring, Md, who is charged with 1st-degree assault; two counts of 2nd-degree assault; reckless endangerment,; malicious destruction of property of more  than $1000 theft between $1500 to $25,000 for an offense which occurred on November 9th, 2025

*Artez Jovan Smallwood, 36, of Frederick, Md who is charged with possession of a large amount of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of methamphetamine; resisting or interfering with an arrest; and fraud, possession of a ID to avoid prosecution for an offense which occurred on October 30th, 2025

These indictments move these cases to the Circuit Court where trial dates will be scheduled.

The State’s Attorney’s Office says indictments are charging documents alleging criminal conduct, and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

By Kevin McManus

IT was a man between the ages of 30 to 40.

Baltimore, Md (KM) The Maryland Department of Health is reporting the first cold weather-related death in the state for this season of 2025-2026.   It’s a man between the ages of 30 and 40. and the incident occurred in Frederick County.

The Department reminds residents to be prepared and protect themselves from cold weather illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia. Citizens are urged to limit their time outdoors, and wear several layers of lightweight, insulated clothing to avoid exposure to the frigid temperatures. And make sure you protect your toes, fingers, ears, cheeks and the tip of your nose.

Marylanders in need of overnight shelter should contact their local health department or call 211 and provide their county and zip code. That will help provide information about available locations, hours of operation and accommodations, the Health Department says.

By Kevin McManus