FMD

A Frederick County traffic stop on Route 144 led to the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and the arrest of a Keedysville man on drug-related charges.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Frederick County Sheriff Deputies made a major drug-related arrest following a routine traffic stop.

The stop happened along Route 144 at Terra Firma Road, where deputies say they recovered suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from inside a vehicle. Authorities report finding more than 42 grams of suspected methamphetamine, including two large crystal formations, along with an additional 14 grams stored in a plastic container. Several used needles were also discovered.

Following the investigation, 57-year-old Richard Stone Jr. of Keedysville was taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

By: Dianah Gibson

Sheriff’s Office says investigation began after multiple cyber tips from national watchdog group.

Frederick, MD (JK) – The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 44-year-old Wallys Martinez of Frederick following an investigation into child sexual abuse material discovered on social media.

Authorities say the investigation began after the Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received multiple cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tips reported the presence of suspected child sexual abuse material on a social media platform. Detectives were able to trace the account and related content back to Martinez.

On January 22, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at Martinez’s residence in the 8500 block of Raptor Ridge Lane. During the search, detectives seized numerous electronic devices believed to contain evidence connected to the investigation.

Martinez was later located in the 100 block of Thomas Johnson Drive, where he was taken into custody and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.

He is charged with four counts of possession of child pornography and one count of promoting or distributing child pornography.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Detective Staub at 301-600-1046.

By Jimmy Key

Traffic stop and search warrant lead to seizure of narcotics and cash; more charges possible.

Morgan County, WV (JK) – A joint narcotics investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrest of two Berkeley Springs women and the seizure of illegal drugs in Morgan County.

According to authorities, investigators with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department Detective Bureau, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the operation on Wednesday, January 21.

The investigation led to a traffic stop in the 7000 block of Martinsburg Road, where Timica Jeanann Johnson, 25, and Keesha Marie Davenport, 28, both of Berkeley Springs, were taken into custody on narcotics distribution warrants obtained by the Martinsburg Police Department.

Following the arrests, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence located at 90 Goff Street in Berkeley Springs. During the search, officers seized crack cocaine, oxycodone pills, hydrocodone pills, and U.S. currency.

Authorities say additional charges are pending as the investigation remains ongoing.

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information related to narcotics activity or other criminal behavior to contact law enforcement at 304-267-7000 or submit tips anonymously online.

By Jimmy Key

Frederick Police are investigating a deadly early-morning stabbing on Danielle Drive that left one person dead and two others hospitalized.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Frederick Police are investigating a deadly stabbing that happened early Monday morning in the city.

Officers were called to the 1200 block of Danielle Drive around 6 a.m. after reports of a stabbing. When they arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from serious injuries. First aid was given at the scene, but one person was pronounced dead. Two others were rushed to local hospitals for treatment.

Detectives are now working to determine what led up to the violence. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has video from the area to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to call Frederick Police at 301-600-TIPS. Tips to Metro Crime Stoppers could qualify for a cash reward of up to two thousand dollars if they lead to an arrest.

By, Dianah Gibson

Signature collection begins on challenge to large-scale rezoning plan.

Frederick, MD (JK) – The Frederick County Board of Elections has approved the format of a petition seeking a public referendum on recent zoning changes tied to data center development in the county.

The decision allows the Frederick County Data Center Referendum Committee to immediately begin collecting signatures. The group is seeking to place on the ballot a challenge to a County Council ordinance that rezoned 838 acres of farmland for data center use and created a 2,614-acre data center overlay zone.

Organizers say the referendum is intended to give residents a direct voice on whether additional data centers should be built in the county. To qualify for the ballot, the committee must gather approximately 15,000 valid signatures from registered voters.

The committee was formed just three weeks ago and has already organized 275 volunteers to help with the effort. More than 150 of those volunteers have completed required petition circulation training.

Signature collection will take place across Frederick County over the next two months. The deadline to submit petitions to the Board of Elections is March 20, 2026.

By Jimmy Key

Signature collection begins on challenge to large-scale rezoning plan.

Frederick, MD (JK) – The Frederick County Board of Elections has approved the format of a petition seeking a public referendum on recent zoning changes tied to data center development in the county.

The decision allows the Frederick County Data Center Referendum Committee to immediately begin collecting signatures. The group is seeking to place on the ballot a challenge to a County Council ordinance that rezoned 838 acres of farmland for data center use and created a 2,614-acre data center overlay zone.

Organizers say the referendum is intended to give residents a direct voice on whether additional data centers should be built in the county. To qualify for the ballot, the committee must gather approximately 15,000 valid signatures from registered voters.

The committee was formed just three weeks ago and has already organized 275 volunteers to help with the effort. More than 150 of those volunteers have completed required petition circulation training.

Signature collection will take place across Frederick County over the next two months. The deadline to submit petitions to the Board of Elections is March 20, 2026.

By Jimmy Key

Rockville, Md. (DG) – A Silver Spring man is behind bars after police say he carried out a series of disturbing incidents across Montgomery County. Detectives have charged 32-year-old Steven Adams with indecent exposure, peeping tom offenses, assault, and trespassing, following multiple reports between mid-December and early January.

Investigators say Adams exposed himself on four separate occasions along McCullough Lane and Silkcotton Way in Gaithersburg. Through their investigation, detectives identified Adams as the suspect and discovered he had a previous arrest for peeping tom incidents in 2022.

Police say the case came to a head January 20th, when officers used a drone to monitor Adams behind an apartment complex on Gramercy Boulevard in Derwood. After attempting to flee, Adams was captured following a brief foot chase. He’s being held without bond as the investigation continues.

Rockville, Md. (DG) – Montgomery County Police have arrested 18-year-old Yoel Christ Tie in connection with the January 8, 2026, shooting death of 43-year-old Gavin Boothe in Silver Spring.

Officers responded to the 3000 block of Briggs Chaney Road around 7:45 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Boothe was found in the street with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video showing Boothe in a verbal altercation with two men shortly before the shooting. Tie was identified as one of the suspects and has been charged with second-degree murder and felony use of a firearm during a violent crime. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Frederick County deputies are continuing to investigate a late-night theft that targeted two tire businesses on Industry Lane. It happened around 11:30 Thursday night, when deputies were called to Tire World for a reported break-in. As they arrived, a cargo van was seen leaving the area, and a traffic stop was attempted. During that stop, a passenger jumped out of the van and ran into a wooded area, but was caught after a short foot pursuit and identified as 38-year-old Daniel McVicker.

The cargo van was later found abandoned in a nearby parking lot. Inside, deputies discovered numerous stolen tires along with bolt cutters believed to have been used to cut locks. Investigators say between 30 and 40 tires, valued at about $8,000, were taken from Tire World, and the store also suffered an estimated $1,000 in window damage.

Deputies also discovered a nearby shipping container belonging to Mobile Tire had been forcibly entered. At least eight tires, valued at around $2,000s, were reported stolen. Locks on both the shipping container and a company vehicle were cut, causing additional property damage.

McVicker is charged with burglary, theft, malicious destruction of property, and resisting or hindering arrest. He is being held at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. The driver of the van has not been located, and the investigation remains ongoing.

A Gaithersburg man has pleaded guilty in federal court to using stolen identities to fraudulently obtain SNAP benefits and government documents, and now faces significant prison time.

Greenbelt, Md. (DG) – Federal prosecutors say a Gaithersburg man has admitted to running a multi-year scheme involving stolen identities and government food benefits.

34-year-old Brendyn Andrew pleaded guilty in federal court to charges including SNAP benefits fraud, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and witness tampering. Investigators say Andrew used the Maryland Department of Human Services’ online system to apply for food assistance using other people’s identities, allowing him to collect EBT cards in their names.

When his home was searched, authorities recovered 15 EBT cards connected to the fraud. Prosecutors also say Andrew tried to obtain a U.S. passport using a stolen identity.

Andrew was indicted in early 2025 and now faces a lengthy prison sentence when he is sentenced

The governor is proposing 12 million dollars in his fiscal year 2027 budget to help Allegany County recover from the May 2025 disaster, after Maryland was denied federal disaster aid.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Communities in Western Maryland could soon get a major boost as Governor Wes Moore rolls out new funding aimed at rebuilding after last year’s historic flooding. The governor is proposing 12 million dollars in his fiscal year 2027 budget to help Allegany County recover from the May 2025 disaster, after Maryland was denied federal disaster aid.

The plan would put 5.5 million dollars toward restoring George’s Creek to reduce future flood risks, with another 5.5 million for damaged roads, bridges, waterlines and sewer systems. One million dollars would go to repairing and stabilizing the Westernport Library.

The budget also includes tens of millions of dollars in capital projects for Washington County, along with continued investment in I-81 and a new Hitachi rail plant in Hagerstown expected to support more than 1,300 jobs.

New jobs listed

Material Handler I – Shift I (2166004)

Receive incoming raw materials
Facilitate movement of materials, including hazardous materials, across the site
Maintain accurate inventory through receipts, adjustments, and cycle counts
Main job function is package movement and delivery throughout our Frederick campus
Site delivery driving, pick, pack, sort, arrange, count, store, and accurately process items for storage and/or shipment in accordance with established procedures and customer requirements..and more!
Wages:, $19.50/hr.

Sr. Transportation Manager (2166008)

As the Transportation Sr. Manager, you will be responsible for leading the Logistics and International Transportation and Trade support teams to ensure the efficient, timely and cost-effective movement of goods and products worldwide.

Wages: $110K-$165K

Research Associate, Aerobiology (2166012)

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline or engineering, and a minimum of 4 years of related experience.
Relevant experience related to the use of aerosol generation and sampling equipment, including air flow measurement, conditioning of air flows, sampler collection efficiency assessment, and/or particle size measurement.
Experience with statistics is also desirable.
Experience utilizing LabView, or related software/hardware, for control of laboratory equipment/processes is desirable…and more!
Wages: $56-$92K

Project Engineer (2166098)

Warner Mechanical is seeking a Project Engineer to support project managers and field teams by coordinating documentation, tracking project progress, and ensuring compliance with contract requirements for HVAC, plumbing, and piping projects. This role manages submittals, closeout materials, communication with subcontractors and reviewing agencies, and provides technical and administrative support throughout the project lifecycle. Ideal candidates bring strong organizational and communication skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced construction environment.

Wage Range: $60,000 – $85,000

Assistant Project Manager (2166100)

Warner Mechanical is seeking an Assistant Project Manager to support the planning, coordination, and execution of mechanical and plumbing construction projects while gradually developing into full project management responsibilities. The role involves managing small scopes, assisting with scheduling, procurement, documentation, cost tracking, and field coordination, as well as conducting site visits to help resolve issues and keep projects on track. Ideal candidates bring construction experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to interpret drawings and support project workflows.

Wage Range: $75,000 – $95,000

Manufacturing Team Lead (2166101)

Warner Mechanical is seeking a Manufacturing Team Lead – Mechanical & Plumbing to oversee daily operations in the fabrication shop, ensuring materials are produced safely, accurately, and on schedule for mechanical and plumbing construction projects. This hands‑on leadership role includes supervising shop personnel, coordinating production workflows, enforcing quality and safety standards, and collaborating closely with project management and field teams. Ideal candidates bring fabrication experience, strong technical and organizational skills, and prior leadership in a shop or manufacturing environment.

Wage Range: $70,000 – $95,000

Executive Director (2166077)

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief fundraising and relationship-development leader for Phoenix Recovery Academy and the Phoenix Foundation. The primary responsibility of this role is to generate sustainable revenue through donor cultivation, sponsorships, grants, partnerships, and major fundraising events. This position must directly produce the funding required to support both the Academy and Foundation operations – including generating enough revenue to cover the salary of the Executive Director role.

Salary: $67-80K/yr

School-Based and In-Home Therapist (SCHOO009250)

Seeking a licensed or pre-licensed counselor or social worker to provide school-based and in-home individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and their families/support systems. Candidate will provide behavioral and mental health support through individual, family, and group therapy sessions in clients’ homes, schools, or other convenient locations; conduct assessments to evaluate clients’ functional levels and develop professional treatment plans tailored to their needs; develop and update treatment plans in collaboration with other team members and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements; and more.

Wages: $66-82K/yr

Swim Instructor (2166095)

You will instruct students on water safety and proper swim techniques based on thorough knowledge of the Goldfish Swim School curriculum. After each 30-minute lesson, you communicate progress (and celebrate the accomplishments!) with parents and caregivers.
Wages: $16-18/hr.

Still Recruiting:

Machinery Maintenance Mechanic (2nd/3rd shift) (2165810)

Sheet Metal Brake Operator – 2nd Shift (2164780)

Process Expert (2165822)

Placemaking & Event Manager (2165853)

Director of Communication & Brand Strategy (2165864)

Carpenter (2154088)

Warehouse Clerk (2165716)

Part-time Mailroom/Print Shop Clerk (2165718)

Nurse Manager, Camp Health Services (2165868)

UPCOMING EVENT:

Recruitment Event

Visiting Angels Recruitment Event
When: February 4th (12-p)
Where: American Job Center (200 Monroe Ave in Frederick, MD)
Recruiting for: Caregivers
No registration required – walk-ins welcomed!

Funding will support hospitals facing high patient volumes and expand access to vaccines statewide.

Annapolis, MD (JK) – Maryland is providing $164 million in emergency funding to help hospitals manage a surge in respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

Governor Wes Moore announced the funding as hospitals across the state see higher-than-normal patient volumes. The money will go to 25 hospitals and help cover staffing needs and other operational costs tied to the increase in patients.

State health officials report thousands of hospitalizations so far this season, with flu cases leading the surge.

The funding is part of a broader effort to protect public health and ensure continued access to vaccines. Maryland is also expanding access to free flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults through local health departments.

Health officials say vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness and reduce hospital strain. Residents are encouraged to talk with their healthcare providers and stay up to date on recommended vaccines.

More information is available at health.maryland.gov.

By Jimmy Key

Heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures expected this weekend; residents urged to stay off roads and prepare emergency supplies.

Annapolis, MD (JK) – Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency as a major winter storm is forecast to impact Maryland beginning Saturday. The storm will bring heavy snow, ice, and wind chills near or below zero, creating hazardous and potentially life-threatening conditions.

State and local agencies, including the Maryland State Police, National Guard, Department of Transportation, and emergency management teams, are mobilizing to maintain public safety, clear roads, and respond to emergencies. Utilities are preparing for potential outages, while public health and emergency services are coordinating resources for residents.

Officials urge Marylanders to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, prepare emergency kits, stay informed through local forecasts, and follow guidance from authorities. Updates on snow, ice totals, and storm conditions will be available through the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

For the latest information, visit mdem.maryland.gov
or follow MDEM on social media.

By Jimmy Key

Veterans Gate will serve as the sole entry point beginning Saturday morning until normal operations resume.

FORT DETRICK, MD (JK) — Fort Detrick officials have announced a temporary change to base access as severe weather is expected to impact the area and construction continues along Amber Drive.

Beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday, January 24, Veterans Gate will serve as the only access control point for the installation. The gate will operate 24 hours a day until further notice. Normal gate operations will resume once conditions return to normal.

Base leadership is asking all visitors and delivery drivers to plan ahead and use Veterans Gate for entry during this period. The change is being implemented to ensure safety, maintain security, and support continued operations during adverse weather conditions.

Fort Detrick officials say updates on installation status and gate operations will be shared through official communication channels, including the Fort Detrick website, social media platforms, and local radio and television outlets.

By Jimmy Key

Police say suspect used false name before assaulting employee and fleeing.

Gaithersburg, MD (JK) – Montgomery County police have arrested a 20-year-old Olney man in connection with a robbery at a Papa John’s restaurant on Georgia Avenue.

According to investigators with the Montgomery County Department of Police 4th District, the incident happened around 10:35 p.m. on October 8, 2025, at the restaurant located in the 13000 block of Georgia Avenue. Officers were called to the scene following a reported assault.

Police say the suspect, identified as Dean Steve Bodjona-Ali, entered the store and attempted to pick up an order using a false name. When an employee refused to release the food due to concerns stemming from a prior similar incident, Bodjona-Ali reportedly went behind the counter and took a pizza. During the confrontation, the employee was struck in the chest before the suspect fled the store.

Following an investigation, detectives identified Bodjona-Ali as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant charging him with robbery, second-degree assault, and theft under $100.

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, detectives arrested Bodjona-Ali in Olney. He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he is being held without bond pending a bond hearing.

The investigation remains ongoing.

By Jimmy Key

Maryland has declared a State of Preparedness as a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and icy conditions moves toward the state.

Frederick, Md (DG) – Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Preparedness as a potentially dangerous winter storm moves toward the state. The system is expected to bring accumulating snow and possible ice, creating hazardous travel conditions and disruptions at roads and transportation hubs.

The National Weather Service says the storm could begin impacting the region Saturday aft
ernoon, with some areas seeing more than a foot of snow.

State officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor local forecasts, and prepare for winter weather hazards.

The State of Preparedness allows Maryland to more quickly coordinate emergency resources, with agencies including emergency management, transportation, law enforcement, and public health working together ahead of the storm.

The Maryland National Guard is also staging personnel and specialized vehicles across the state, ready to assist communities if conditions worsen.

Drivers urged to follow restrictions as bridge awaits replacement.

Frederick, MD (JK) – Drivers in Frederick County should be aware of new weight limits on the Hornets Nest Road bridge over Friends Creek. Vehicles are now restricted to under 9,000 pounds, while combination units are limited to 16,000 pounds.

The limits come after a routine inspection found that key parts of the bridge had deteriorated, prompting officials to take immediate action to ensure safety. The bridge is scheduled for replacement in the upcoming fiscal year as part of the county’s Capital Improvement Plan.

Motorists are encouraged to follow the posted restrictions and consider alternate routes when possible. For more information, contact Mike Metz, project manager with the Frederick County Office of Transportation Engineering, at 301-600-2381 or via email at [email protected].

By Jimmy Key

Task force operation targets narcotics distribution and results in several charges and recoveries.

Hagerstown, MD (JK) – A coordinated law enforcement operation in Hagerstown on Tuesday led to multiple arrests and the seizure of suspected fentanyl, according to authorities.

The operation, conducted January 20, involved investigators from the Washington County Narcotics Task Force, special agents with the DEA’s Hagerstown Regional Office, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Strategic Enforcement Unit, and officers from the Hagerstown Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit.

Officials say the effort targeted illegal drug activity within the city and resulted in the recovery of several hundred gel capsules believed to contain fentanyl. Additional arrests were made for trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Among those arrested was 25-year-old Michael Cannon of Baltimore, who faces multiple drug-related charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl or heroin. Also taken into custody were Hagerstown residents Jeromy Hallmark, 34, and Dexter McDonald, 49, on various drug, weapons, and trespassing charges.

A criminal summons will also be issued for 65-year-old Victor Fowlkes of Hagerstown in connection with drug distribution allegations.

All individuals were transported to the Washington County Detention Center as the investigation continues.

By Jimmy Key

Charles Town, WV (DG) – A Jefferson County man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he fired a gun at another vehicle in a road rage incident.

Officials report that 35-year-old Roger Chason of Summit Point, West Virginia, was arrested following the June 18, 2025, shooting on I-81 southbound in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Police say Chason allegedly fired a shot from his Ford F-150 at a Jeep Wagoneer. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.

Chason now faces charges including shooting from a vehicle and shooting at an occupied vehicle. He is currently being held in West Virginia pending extradition to Virginia.