On Saturday, August 13, 2022, the State’s Attorney’s Office had the pleasure of participating in the La Plata Police Department’s 9th Annual Kent Avenue Block Party. See more here.
Man Sentenced to Life for Killing 7-Eleven Cashier in Maryland
A judge in Maryland sentenced a man to life without parole plus 20 years in prison for shooting a cashier at a 7-Eleven in Waldorf in October 2020.
Gregory Deshawn Collins, 23, of Waldorf entered the store in the 3300 block of Middletown Road about 1 a.m. Oct. 1, 2020, grabbed a bottle of tea and approached the cashier, 49-year-old Lynn Marie Maher of White Plains, prosecutors said. He showed a gun and announced a robbery.
Maher gave him all the money in the register — $249.69 — and Collins shot her in the head, prosecutors said. She died at the scene.
Surveillance video and DNA evidence linked Collins to the murder, prosecutors said. Collins confessed to the robbery and shooting during the investigation.
A jury convicted Collins in May of first-degree murder and related charges.
“Collins permanently erased a life from this earth,” Charles County State’s Attorney Tony Covington said. “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.”
Maher was a mother of four who was married to her high school sweetheart. She and her husband went to Seneca Valley High School in Germantown. They went their separate ways but later reconnected, a family member told News4.
Originally Posted on The Maryland Independent:
Man Receives 10 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing a Minor
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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Man Sentenced to Life without Parole for Murdering 7-11 Employee during Armed Robbery
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.
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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Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Multiple Armed Robberies at 7-11 Convenience Stores
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 23rd, 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 7th.
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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Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Attempted Second-Degree Murder; Other Charges
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 – 4th Degree Burglary
- 3 years
###
Middleton Found Guilty of Murdering Man Near His Parents; Attempted First-Degree Murder of Bystanders
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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Drive Sober Initiative 2021
The SAO was present at Shop Small La Plata this past Saturday, November 27th to encourage people to enjoy the holiday season safely. Thank you to the La Plata Business Association for a great event and all those who stopped by our table!
For more information, click here.
Man Found Guilty of Murdering 7-11 Employee during Armed Robbery
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
###
Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Murder at Smallwood Village Center
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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