Maryland News

Detectives arrest man in sex trafficking investigation

Detectives arrest man in sex trafficking investigation

TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County Police arrested 38-year-old Ricardo Sawyer in connection to a sex trafficking investigation involving multiple juvenile victims. Detectives from the Special Victims Unit and Crimes Against Children Unit became aware of the situation over the summer.

Investigators reported that Sawyer approached victims both in-person and through social media. Methods included distributing pamphlets and business cards to potential victims.

While multiple victims have been identified, authorities believe more individuals may still be at risk. The police urge anyone with information to reach out to the Crimes Against Children Unit at 410-887-7720.

This investigation was conducted alongside the FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

Sawyer is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center facing several sex offense charges.

Authorities continue to seek additional victims to come forward regarding Sawyer’s actions.

Baltimore County Police Department remains dedicated to addressing sex trafficking in the area.

This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and human trafficking.

Police arrest driver in loaded handgun bust during traffic stop

Police arrest driver in loaded handgun bust

GLEN BURNIE, MD — A traffic stop conducted by police on Thursday night led to the discovery of a loaded handgun inside a vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the area of Ritchie Highway and Furnace Branch Road East.

Officers stopped a gray 2004 Buick due to a registration violation. During the stop, a 9mm Taurus handgun was found in the passenger compartment.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 36-year-old Arielle Ocatavia McGregor from Suitland, Maryland, was arrested and charged.

In a separate incident on Thursday afternoon, officers responded to a robbery in the 1400 block of Knightsbridge Turn in Crofton. At approximately 12:40 p.m., a 22-year-old male victim reported that a male suspect was stealing copper wire from his truck.

The suspect threatened the victim by implying he had a firearm before fleeing the scene in a white Dodge SUV. Police searched the area but did not locate the suspect or the vehicle.

Western District detectives are investigating this robbery. They urge anyone with information to contact 410-222-6155 or the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700.

The suspect is described as a Black male wearing a red jacket.

An active investigation is underway following these incidents, stressing community safety.

Cumberland Police Blotter: Here’s What’s Happening

CUMBERLAND, MD – A pair of assault arrests made by the Cumberland Police Department last week highlight increasing concerns over violence in the area.

On Friday evening, at approximately 9:30 PM, officers responded to a residence on Independence Street following reports of an assault. Officers discovered a victim who stated that he had been attacked by 48-year-old Jeremy Lee Thomas. The victim showed visible injuries, prompting further investigation.

Police attempted to arrest Thomas, who resisted their efforts. After a brief struggle, officers took him into custody. Thomas requested to be transported to the hospital by the Cumberland Fire Department. Once he was released, he allegedly assaulted an officer and was transported to Central Booking.

Following a bond hearing with a District Court Commissioner, Thomas is being held at the Allegany County Detention Center. He faces charges of second-degree assault (twice) and resisting arrest.

The following day, Saturday, at around 12:20 PM, officers received a disturbance call from a residence on Homer Street. Officers found a victim reporting an assault by 36-year-old Jacob Lee Haines. The victim also had visible injuries.

Authorities placed Haines under arrest, and he was later transported to Central Booking. After being seen by a District Court Commissioner, Haines was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. He faces charges of second-degree assault and second-degree child abuse.

Recent events underline ongoing concerns about safety and violence within the community as police respond to a spate of domestic disturbances.

Ocean City couple hits $50,000 jackpot playing scratch-off lottery game

Ocean City couple hits $50,000 jackpot playing scratch-off lottery game

BALTIMORE, MD — A couple from Ocean City won $50,000 while playing the Maryland Lottery Deluxe Crossword 10th Edition scratch-off. The husband claimed the prize on Monday, Oct. 9, at the Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.

The couple follows a specific system for playing the Lottery, with the husband purchasing the tickets and the wife scratching them. He bought the $5 crossword game at the Royal Farms in Berlin, and his wife discovered that they had won a top prize.

“She smiled, and then she gave it back to me,” the husband said. His responsibility was to claim the prize as he works in construction.

The couple enjoyed dinner at Waterman’s Seafood in West Ocean City to celebrate their win. The Royal Farms store in Berlin will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.

The Deluxe Crossword 10th Edition was released less than a month ago, featuring eight top prizes at the $50,000 level. After the couple’s win, seven top prizes remain, along with numerous others in the range of $5 to $10,000.

The couple’s method of playing appears effective, regardless of their winnings.

With a big winner under their belt, the couple’s routine of playing the Lottery continues.

Hagerstown man arrested after setting fire in storage unit, injuring woman

Hagerstown man arrested after setting fire in storage unit, injuring woman

HAGERSTOWN, MD — A Hagerstown man was arrested for allegedly setting a fire inside a storage unit that resulted in injuries to a female victim early Thursday morning. Authorities report that the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Leviathan Godwin, engaged in an argument with the victim prior to the incident.

Emergency responders from Halfway Volunteer Fire Company received a call about a building fire at Halfway Self Storage located at 17324 Virginia Avenue at approximately 8:00 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find an 8-by-40-foot storage unit engulfed in flames but managed to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby units.

Deputy State Fire Marshals quickly arrived on the scene and learned that the victim, who lived in the storage unit, had to escape through flames after Godwin allegedly ignited the fire with the intention of killing her. Fire officials transported the victim to Meritus Medical Center for smoke inhalation treatment.

Deputies distributed a photo of Godwin in the vicinity, leading to a sighting at a nearby Sheetz convenience store where he was taken into custody without incident. “I am grateful that the victim sustained only minor injuries,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.

Godwin faces multiple charges including first and second-degree arson, attempted second-degree murder, and reckless endangerment. He is currently held at the Washington County Detention Center.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds the public that storage units are not suitable for habitation and can pose safety risks. Officials encourage individuals experiencing homelessness to seek safer housing options.

A Hagerstown man faces serious charges after allegedly attempting to kill a woman in a fire, marking a potential tragedy that left a victim injured but alive.