Press Releases

State v. Gregory Deshawn Collins, C-08-CR-21-000296

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Gregory Deshawn Collins, 23, of Waldorf, to life without parole plus 20 years in prison for the First-Degree Felony Murder of Lynn Maher, Armed Robbery, and related charges.

On May 11, 2022, a Charles County Jury found Collins guilty of the aforementioned charges.

In commenting on the Court’s sentence, Covington said, “The Court’s decision in this matter was appropriate.  Collins permanently erased a life from this earth.  In my view, when you take someone’s life as this defendant did, you should forfeit your right to live the rest of your life as a free man.  So, the sentence was fair and reasonable.”

On October 1, 2020, officers responded to the 7-11 convenience store located in the 3300 block of Middletown Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered victim Lynn Maher, an employee of 7-11, deceased at the scene.

An investigation revealed that on the night of the incident, a male suspect entered the store and selected a 7-11 brand tea bottle. He then approached the sales counter, where Maher was working as a cashier. The suspect brandished a handgun and announced a robbery. Maher removed all the money from the register till and gave it to the suspect. She showed the empty register till to the suspect, who pointed a handgun at her and pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Maher in the head, killing her. After shooting Maher, the suspect put the money, a total of $249.69, in his pocket and fled the scene.

Surveillance of the incident showed that the suspect, later identified as Collins, was wearing a distinct pair of blue jeans and blue tennis shoes. A photograph was discovered of Collins wearing blue shoes on September 7, 2020, consistent with what was worn during the robbery and murder. Further, a search and seizure warrant was executed at Collins’ residence. During the search, a pair of blue jeans were recovered that were consistent with the suspect from the robbery and murder.  During the investigation, Collins confessed to robbing the store and shooting Maher. DNA evidence also linked Collins to the robbery and murder.

At sentencing, the Assistant State’s Attorney for the case, stated, “We do not ask for life without parole often and certainly not lightly. The facts of this case absolutely warrant it. The defendant was on probation when he committed this senseless, horrific murder.”.

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State v. Eugene Emanuel Hardy, C-08-CR-21-000497

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, July 28, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Eugene Emanuel Hardy, 32, of Waldorf, to 18 years in prison for 4 counts of Armed Robbery and First-Degree Assault.

On May 23, 2022, Hardy entered a guilty plea to the aforementioned charges in Charles County Circuit Court.

On September 7, 2021, officers responded to a 7-11 convenience store located in the 1000 block of St. Ignatius Drive in Waldorf for the report of a commercial armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a store employee, who reported that a suspect approached him, brandished a black handgun, and demanded him to give money from the store’s register. In fear for his life, the employee complied with the suspect’s demand. 

An investigation revealed that the suspect, later determined to be Hardy, committed a string of armed robberies, including a prior robbery at the same 7-11 convenience store on August 19, 2021. Additionally, he committed two armed robberies at a 7-11 convenience store located in the 300 block of Smallwood Drive in Waldorf on August 27, 2021, and August 23, 2021. During the armed robbery on August 23^rd, Hardy pointed a handgun at a customer coming into the store, ordering him to leave.

Surveillance footage of each robbery was reviewed, revealing Hardy’s physical description. Hardy’s vehicle was also observed on surveillance video in the area of 7-11 on September 7^th.

During a search and seizure warrant conducted at Hardy’s residence and vehicle, officers located the handgun, clothing, and mask used during the armed robberies.

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State v. William Anthony Smothers, C-08-CR-21-000526

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, July 28, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Donine Carrington Martin sentenced William Anthony Smothers, 39, of Waldorf, to 30 years in prison for the Attempted Second-Degree Murder of James Rudd, Jr. and related charges.

Smothers was also sentenced to 3 years for a separate burglary case. Upon release, Smothers will be on supervised probation for 5 years.

On March 10, 2022, Smothers was found guilty by a jury to the Attempted Second-Degree Murder charge and the related charges. On May 24, 2022, he entered a guilty plea to the separate burglary case.

On September 10, 2021, officers responded to the 140 block of Jefferson Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. While on the scene, officers observed the victim, James Rudd, Jr., suffering from a gunshot wound to the right side of his head. They also discovered that the rear passenger side window of Rudd’s vehicle was broken, and the car had damage from suspected shot pellets on the exterior of the passenger side door. Rudd was treated by Emergency Medical Services for non-life-threatening injuries, and thankfully, survived.

During the course of the investigation, Smothers was identified as the shooter by a witness to the incident. The witness also reported that the shooting was a result of a verbal argument between Smothers and Rudd. During the argument, Smothers retrieved a shotgun, pointed it at Rudd, chased Rudd to his vehicle, and fired. Both Smothers and Rudd fled the scene after the shooting.

At sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Pettersen asked for the maximum penalty for the case, stating that this was a “senseless act, incredibly dangerous behavior, and disruptive to the community” and followed by stating that Smothers’ actions caused a nearby school to go on lockdown.

C-08-CR-21-000526

• Count 3 – Attempted Second-Degree Murder
  • 30 years with all but 20 years suspended, 10 years will be served without the possibility of parole
• Count 4 – Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
  • 10 years, 5 years will be served without the possibility of parole, to run consecutively
• Count 5- First-Degree Assault
  • 10 years suspended, to run concurrently
• Count 6 – Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
  • 10 years suspended, to run concurrently
• Count 7 – Reckless Endangerment   
  • 5 years suspended, to run concurrently

C-08-CR-21-000136

• Count 2 – 4^th Degree Burglary
  • 3 years

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State v. Richard Eugene Middleton, Jr., C-08-CR-20-000341

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, June 13, 2022, a Charles County jury, after a 6-day trial, convicted Richard Eugene Middleton, Jr., 39, of the First-Degree Murder of Kwasi Louard-Clarke, the Attempted First-Degree Murder of Montreal Wade and Tyrone Coleman, Home Invasion, and related charges.

On June 15, 2020, officers responded to the 2400 block of Shawnee Lane in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found victim Kwasi Louard-Clarke deceased from numerous gunshot wounds. A short distance away, two other victims, Montreal Wade and Tyrone Coleman, were also found suffering from gunshot wounds. Wade and Coleman were transported to area trauma centers for treatment of life-threatening injuries; however, they both survived.

An investigation revealed that prior to the shooting, Middleton and Louard-Clarke got into an altercation at a barber shop where Middleton worked. After the altercation, Louard-Clarke left the barber shop and arrived at his residence in the 11700 block of Lancelot Drive in Waldorf. Louard-Clarke’s parents also lived at that location and were present inside of the residence. Coleman and Wade arrived shortly after to hang out and get a haircut. Middleton, armed with a gun, received a ride to Louard-Clarke’s neighborhood and was dropped off near his home. Middleton proceeded to walk to Louard-Clarke’s residence and began shooting at the men, who were standing outside.

Coleman was shot in the arm and stomach while running away. Wade, who also attempted to run away, was shot in the back twice. Thankfully, both men were able to escape the area in a vehicle operated by Wade. Louard-Clarke was shot in the leg while fleeing to a neighboring residence to get help. Middleton unlawfully entered the residence that Louard-Clarke fled, where children were also present, and pointed a gun at the owner of the residence. Louard-Clarke then exited the residence, followed by Middleton. Louard-Clarke pled for his life to Middleton but was shot multiple times, including at close range to the head. Middleton fled the area after the shooting but was apprehended by police the same day.

During the course of the investigation, multiple witnesses reported the events that occurred. Middleton also confessed to police officers.

A sentencing date for Middleton has been set for August 31, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.

Guilty

• First-Degree Murder
• 2 Counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder
• 5 Counts of Use of Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
• Home Invasion
• First-Degree Assault
• Loaded Handgun on Person
• Wear, Carry, and Transport of Handgun on Person
• Wear, Carry, and Transport of Handgun in Vehicle
• Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm after Being Convicted of Disqualifying Crime

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State v. Gregory Deshawn Collins, C-08-CR-20-000526

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, a Charles County jury, after an 8-day trial, convicted Gregory Deshawn Collins, 23, of Waldorf, of the First-Degree Felony Murder of Lynn Maher, Armed Robbery, and related charges.

On October 1, 2020, officers responded to the 7-11 convenience store located in the 3300 block of Middletown Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered victim Lynn Maher, an employee of 7-11, deceased at the scene.

An investigation revealed that on the night of the incident, a male suspect entered the store and selected a 7-11 brand tea bottle. He then approached the sales counter, where Maher was working as a cashier. The suspect brandished a handgun and announced a robbery. Maher removed all the money from the register till and gave it to the suspect. She showed the empty register till to the suspect, who pointed a handgun at her and pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Maher in the head, killing her. After shooting Maher, the suspect put the money, a total of $249.69, in his pocket and fled the scene.

Surveillance of the incident showed that the suspect, later identified as Collins, was wearing a distinct pair of blue jeans and blue tennis shoes. A photograph was discovered of Collins wearing blue shoes on September 7, 2020, consistent with what was worn during the robbery and murder. Further, a search and seizure warrant was executed at Collins’ residence. During the search, a pair of blue jeans were recovered that were consistent with the suspect from the robbery and murder.

During the course of the investigation, Collins confessed to robbing the store and shooting Maher. DNA evidence also linked Collins to the robbery and murder.

Collins will be sentenced on August 2, 2022. At sentencing, Collins faces life plus 20 years in prison.

Guilty

• First-Degree Felony Murder
• Use of a Handgun During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
• First-Degree Assault
• Use of a Handgun During the Commission of First-Degree Assault
• Armed Robbery
• Use of a Handgun During the Commission of Armed Robbery
• Theft $100-$1500
• Wear, Carry and Transport Handgun Upon Their Person
• Loaded Handgun on Person

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State v. Fred Odell Scott, C-08-CR-20-000010

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, May 6, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Donine Carrington Martin sentenced Fred Odell Scott, 58, of Waldorf, to 20 years in prison for the Second-Degree Murder of John Staton and the Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. In addition to the 20 years in prison, Scott will be on supervised probation for 5 years upon release and received 20 years of suspended time.

On July 2, 2021, Scott entered a guilty plea to the above-mentioned charges.

On December 10, 2019, officers responded to a business located in the 150 block of Smallwood Village Center in Waldorf for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered victim John Staton, who suffered gunshot wounds to the upper body. Staton was pronounced deceased at the scene. A witness reported that the suspect, later determined to be Scott, pulled up to Staton in a grey Mitsubishi Outlander. Scott exited the vehicle, brandished a handgun, and shot Staton.

A further investigation revealed that on November 27, 2019, Scott’s home was burglarized. Televisions, clothing, computers, and money were taken during the burglary. Scott believed that Staton was the perpetrator. During the shooting on December 10, 2019, several witnesses heard Scott yell that he knew Staton broke into his house.    

On December 12, 2019, Scott was apprehended. 

During sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie told the judge, “Mr. Scott made a decision that day – rather than what Staton’s family is doing today to seek the Court – he decided to address this wrong. We’ll never know if the victim [broke into Mr. Scott’s house]. He never got the opportunity to make his case.” He continued that Mr. Scott decided to get vengeance in a “cold and callous way.”

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State v. Deon Lennard Johnson, C-08-CR-19-000855

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, April 28, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Donine Carrington Martin sentenced Deon Lennard Johnson, 26, of La Plata, to 40 years in prison for Attempted Second-Degree Murder, two counts of First-Degree Assault, Fourth-Degree Burglary, and Failure to Comply with Peace Order. In addition to the 40 years in prison, Johnson received 15 years of suspended time and will be on supervised probation for five years.

On October 2, 2019, officers responded to the 2700 block of Port Tobacco Road in Nanjemoy for the report of a home invasion. As one officer was pulling into the driveway of the residence, he observed a suspect, later determined to be Johnson, running away from one of the victims. Victim 1 was suffering from stab wounds to her head and shoulder. She reported to the officer that her mother was inside of the residence. When officers entered the residence, they discovered her mother, Victim 2, suffering from a stab wound to her neck. Both victims were flown to the Prince George’s County Hospital Center for treatment. Fortunately, they both survived the assault.

An investigation revealed that Johnson had a romantic relationship with Victim 1 that ended prior to the day of the incident. Victim 2 obtained a peace order as a result of Johnson’s unpredictable behavior and repeated trips to their residence uninvited. On the day of the incident, Johnson forced entry into the victims’ residence through prying a window open with a prybar. Johnson began stabbing Victim 2 repeatedly with a knife. Victim 1 ran out of the residence to seek assistance from a neighbor; however, she was followed by Johnson. Johnson tried to force her to leave with him multiple times, but she refused. He then stabbed her repeatedly after hearing sirens in the distance.  Upon police arrival, Johnson was observed standing over Victim 1, who ran to the police.  Johnson fled into the woods. He left his cell phone, prybar, and bookbag on the property.

Victim 1 suffered over 20 stab wounds. Victim 2 suffered over 10 stab wounds.

At sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie asked the judge for a 50-year sentence, stating that “this is one of the most heinous and horrific cases that I’ve seen – what more could the victims have done? The defendant was becoming more violent, the relationship with [Victim 1] had soured to the point where [Victim 2] had to get a peace order for protection. She did what we would ask any citizen to do. It did not prevent the defendant from harming her. The defendant was told not to go there and that was not enough. No probation or statement is going to prevent this defendant from doing it again. Prevent him from harming not only the victims, but anyone he gets in a relationship with.” He also stated that “the reason why this is not a double homicide has nothing to do with the defendant, it’s only because of [Victim 2],” who was able to call the police.

Before sentencing Johnson to 40 years in prison, Judge Martin stated, “You are someone who the victims took into their home on numerous occasions and considered family. No one thought you would do what you did, but actions speak, and we’ve got to pay for our actions – if there was ever a case that screamed out for a departure above guidelines, it is this case.”

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State v. William Anthony Smothers, C-08-CR-21-000526

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, March 10, 2022, a Charles County jury, after a 4-day trial, convicted William Anthony Smothers, 38, of the Attempted Second-Degree Murder of James Rudd, Jr. and related charges.  

On September 10, 2021, officers responded to the 140 block of Jefferson Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. While on the scene, officers observed the victim, James Rudd, Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound to the right side of his head. They also discovered that the rear passenger side window of Rudd’s vehicle was broken out and the car had damage from suspected shot pellets on the exterior of the passenger side door. Rudd was treated by Emergency Medical Services for non-life-threatening injuries, and thankfully, survived.

During the course of the investigation, Smothers was identified as the shooter by a witness to the incident. The witness also reported that the shooting was a result of a verbal argument between Smothers and Rudd. During the argument, Smothers retrieved a shotgun, pointed it at Rudd, chased Rudd to his vehicle, and fired. Both Smothers and Rudd fled the scene after the shooting.

A sentencing date has been set for June 15, 2022. Smothers faces 50 years in prison. 

Guilty

• Attempted Second-Degree Murder
• Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence related to the Attempted Second-Degree Murder of James Rudd, Jr.
• First-Degree Assault
• Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence related to the First-Degree Assault of James Rudd, Jr.
• Second Degree Assault
• Reckless Endangerment

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State v. Jermaine Shawn Richards, C-08-CR-20-000462

LA PLATA, MD— Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, February 24, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Donine Carrington Martin sentenced Jermaine Shawn Richards, 41, to 10 years with all but 8 years suspended in prison for the Motor Vehicle Manslaughter of Timothy Brown. Upon release, Richards will be on supervised probation for five years.

Richards previously entered a guilty plea to the aforementioned charge on March 18, 2021.

On October 5, 2019, officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to Radio Station Road in the area of Mudd Road in La Plata for the report of a motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, they discovered that a silver Honda Pilot, operated by Richards, crossed the double yellow center lane markings on the road and struck other vehicles.

An investigation into the collision revealed that at approximately 3:54 p.m., Richards was operating a silver 2003 Honda Pilot on northbound Radio Station Road above the posted speed limit. A 1986 Chevrolet Ice Cream Truck was traveling southbound Radio Station Road simultaneously. Richards crossed the center double yellow lines and struck the ice cream truck. Richards continued driving northbound in the southbound lanes and struck a 2016 Harley Davidson Road Glide, operated by Brown. Brown was ejected off the motorcycle. Both the motorcycle and Brown struck a 2013 Kia Sorrento, occupied by a young woman and a child, that was traveling southbound.

Richards continued traveling northbound in the southbound lanes until he exited the roadway, struck a tree, and his vehicle caught fire. Richards and Brown were transported to the hospital. Two other victims were also taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Brown was pronounced deceased at the hospital as a result of the injuries sustained during the collision.

A blood kit administered on Richards revealed that he was under the influence of alcohol. It was also later determined that Richards was operating the vehicle without a license.

During sentencing, a prosecutor for the case, asked for the maximum sentence of 10 years in order to help “provide justice for Mr. Brown, his family, and the others who were involved in this crash.” The prosecutor also stated that, “The multicar crash was completely avoidable. The defendant took Mr. Brown’s ­­– who was loved by family and friends – life and by the grace of God didn’t take any more lives.”

Before sentencing Richards to 8 years, Judge Carrington Martin stated, “As a result of your actions, somebody’s life is lost. It’s permanent. Your decision has affected all of your family present today, in addition to the decedent, the decedent’s family, and the other victims.”

State v. Tanesha Renea Williams, C-08-CR-21-000161

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Amy J. Bragunier sentenced Tanesha Renea Williams, 26, of Waldorf, to 40 years, 283 days, with all but 4 years and 100 days suspended. Williams will serve her time in jail for 18 months, followed by 2 years on home detention. Williams will then be on supervised probation for 5 years.

On October 4, 2021, Williams plead guilty to one count of First-Degree Assault, four counts of Second-Degree Assault, and one count of Malicious Destruction of Property.  For those counts, the defendant was subject to a maximum sentence of 68 years incarceration.

On March 31, 2021, officers responded to the Taco Bell located at 91 Smallwood Drive in Waldorf for the report of a disorderly subject at the drive-thru window. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the front entrance doors to the Taco Bell were shattered. Officers also contacted multiple victims who were struck by a vehicle. Victims reported that the suspect, later determined to be Williams, fled in a silver Hyundai Sonata.

An investigation, which included the gathering of video of the incident, revealed that Williams, a customer at the Taco Bell, was in her vehicle at the drive-thru lane ordering position when she became involved in an argument with a Taco Bell employee.  Prior to driving up to the drive-thru window, Williams exited her vehicle and approached the drive-thru window on foot and assaulted the Taco Bell employee.  Shortly after the assault at the drive-thru window, Williams returned to her vehicle and drove to the front of the Taco Bell. 

While at the front of the restaurant, but still in her vehicle, Williams argued with numerous Taco Bell employees who had exited the store and were on foot, standing near the front entrance.  Williams was fully stopped in her vehicle.  At one point, Williams revved her engine and drove forward towards the group as if to strike them with her vehicle but stopped. She then backed her vehicle up.  Instead of exiting the parking lot at that time, Williams again drove her car forward but, this time, she did not stop and drove into and through the group of employees.  After striking the employees, Williams continued forward through the front doors of the Taco Bell, destroying property.  Williams then backed out of the Taco Bell building and fled the scene in her car. At no time during the altercation was Williams blocked in or prevented from leaving Taco Bell property.

The prosecutor for the case said during sentencing, “This incident was totally unnecessary and egregious. The defendant could have more seriously hurt or killed [the victims]. – The whole thing is about food, a dispute over whether you can order through the drive-thru or the app. It goes to show how senseless the situation is.”

Because one of the victims has not completed medical treatment due to injuries caused by Williams, the Court will hold a restitution hearing at a future date to determine the amount of restitution to be paid by Williams.

Sentence

Count 13

• Malicious Destruction of Property
• 60 days
• Credit for time served

Count 12

• Second-Degree Assault
• 223 days
• Credit for time served
• Consecutive to count 13

Count 1

• First-Degree Assault
• 10 years, suspend all but 18 months at Charles County Detention Center
• Consecutive to counts 13 and 12

Count 4

• Second-Degree Assault
• 10 years, all suspended
• Consecutive to counts 13, 12, 1, 6, and 9

Count 6

• Second-Degree Assault
• 10 years, suspend all but 1 year to be served on home detention
• Consecutive to 13, 12, and 1

Count 9

• Second-Degree Assault
• 10 years, suspend all but 1 year to be served on home detention
• Consecutive to counts 13, 12, 1, and 6

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