Press Releases

State v. Marc Carlyle McLaughlin, Jr., C-08-CR-20-000517

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, August 15, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge William R. Greer, Jr. sentenced Marc Carlyle McLaughlin, Jr., 33, to Life in Prison plus 30 years for the First-Degree Felony Murder of Kenneth Brawner, Attempted Armed Robbery, and related charges.

On May 11, 2022, a Charles County jury convicted McLaughlin of the aforementioned charges.

On September 21, 2020, officers responded to the Master Suites Hotel located in the 2200 block of Old Washington Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located victim Kenneth Brawner in one of the hotel rooms, suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach. Brawner was transported to Prince George’s County Hospital Center for treatment; however, he, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.

An investigation revealed that prior to the shooting, McLaughlin conspired with co-defendant Terrence Wills to rob the occupants of Brawner’s hotel room. McLaughlin knocked on the door of Brawner’s room, gained entry, and brandished a gun. Witnesses stated that McLaughlin demanded money from Brawner and then shot him. McLaughlin left the scene after the shooting and discarded the sweatshirt that he was wearing in an attempt to evade capture.

During sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Kathryn A. Marsh asked for the maximum sentence, stating, “we are here because of the actions of the defendant. He has a long history of taking what he wants without regard to the consequences. The defendant’s history shows he is not willing to comply with the law.”

Before sentencing McLaughlin, Judge Greer, noting that Brawner was living in the hotel room where he was murdered, stated “people have the right to feel safe in their residence, whether permanent or temporary – that right was violated in the most egregious manner.”

Sentence

• Count 1
  • First-Degree Felony Murder 
  • Life
• Count 2
  • Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
  • 20 Years, Concurrent
• Count 9
  • Attempted Armed Robbery
  • 15 Years, Consecutive
• Count 10
  • Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
  • 15 Years, Concurrent
• Count 21
  • First-Degree Assault
  • 15 Years, Consecutive
• Count 22
  • Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence
  • 15 Years, Concurrent
• Count 27
  • Firearm Possession with Previous Felony Conviction
  • 10 Years, Concurrent
• Count 28
  • Wear, Carry, and Transport a Handgun Upon their Person
  • 3 Years, Concurrent
• Count 30
  • Conspiracy Armed Robbery
  • 20 years concurrent
• Count 33
  • Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery
  • 15 Years, Concurrent
• Count 38
  • Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Assault
  • 15 Years, Concurrent
• Count 39
  • Conspiracy to Commit Home Invasion
  • 20 years Concurrent

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State v. Clarence Henry Henderson, C-08-CR-21-000047

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, August 12, 2022, Charles County Circuit Court Judge William R. Greer, Jr. sentenced Clarence Henry Henderson, 30, of Waldorf, to 10 years in prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Upon release, Henderson will be on supervised probation for five years and must register on the sex offender registry for the rest of his life.

On June 3, 2022, Henderson entered a guilty plea to the above listed charge.

On November 22, 2019, officers at the Charles County Sheriff’s Office were made aware of statements made by the 15-year-old victim to a school counselor regarding the sexual abuse. An investigation revealed that over a two-year span, the victim was sexually assaulted by Henderson numerous times in various locations, including at least one incident at a relative’s house located in the 12000 block of Holm Oak in Waldorf, MD.

Sentence

Count 1

• Sexual Abuse of a Minor
• 25 years with all but 10 years suspended

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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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