Search Results for: Prince George

Winning lottery numbers emerge from unexpected source

Lanham, MD – A man from Prince George’s County won $50,000 playing Pick 5 after deriving his numbers from a news story. The player saw the number 29000 while watching the news and decided to play it in the lottery.

He purchased a $1 straight bet ticket at Gem Liquors in Lanham. It wasn’t until a couple of days later that he realized his numbers matched the drawing after checking the lottery’s website.

“I couldn’t believe at first,” he said. “I let it sink in and then let my mother and grandmother confirm it because they are the Lottery players, not me.”

His mother expressed surprise at the win. “I was so shocked and surprised to see that he actually won,” she said.

The Glenarden resident plans to save most of his winnings and may use some to pay off his car. Gem Liquors will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

A woman from Washington, D.C. who played the same numbers won $250,000 that same evening.

State’s attorney partners with business school to combat financial crimes

COLLEGE PARK, MD – State’s Attorney Charlie Smith has announced a partnership with Justice for Fraud Victims, Inc. to address financial crimes in Frederick. The nonprofit, which collaborates with the University of Maryland Smith School of Business, aims to support victims of economic crimes.

The Justice for Fraud Victims, directed by Samuel Handwerger, is composed of financial professionals and retired F.B.I. investigators. The organization has already partnered with the State’s Attorney for Prince Georges County and has produced numerous court exhibits in various cases.

The JFV offers free services that include fraud examination and detailed fraud reports on cases such as embezzlement and payroll fraud. Its team also performs tracing of stolen funds within public blockchain systems and conducts risk assessments for small businesses and nonprofits.

“Fraud victims are underserved due to the lack of necessary investigation and resources needed to make a case for prosecution,” said State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. He emphasized the importance of forensic accounting reports in determining the criminal nature of a case.

In a recent jury case involving elder fraud, UMD student volunteers contributed to the production of a comprehensive 40-page report. The report included data analytics and visualizations, analyzing over a year’s worth of bank statements and recorded calls.

The partnership will allow the Smith School of Business to extend its forensic accounting training programs this fall. The initiative is part of a broader network involving several universities across the country that tackle similar issues in their regions.

Charlie Smith, a finance graduate from the University of Maryland, anticipates that this collaboration will enhance justice for fraud victims in Frederick.

In a significant move to address fraud, local leaders partner with academic professionals to bring justice to financial crime victims.

Heartfelt tribute to fallen police officer as community mourns

PG COUNTY, MD – The Prince George’s County Police Department announced the death of Police Officer First Class Alex Belcher #4204 after a medical battle. He passed away on a recent Sunday, October 8, while serving the community.

Belcher was a seven-year veteran of the agency. He served as a patrol officer in District I – Hyattsville and was recently assigned to Shift 4, Squad 42.

During his career, Belcher received multiple letters of commendation, a Unit Citation, and a Life Saving Award. He was named Officer of the Month multiple times and was recently selected to be a Field Training Officer.

Earlier in his career, he was a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the Dover Township Fire Department.

Belcher leaves behind his fiancé, Emily, parents, a stepfather, two brothers, a half-sister, and numerous friends and family members.

The department urges the community to keep Belcher’s squad mates, family, and loved ones in their thoughts during this time.

This loss marks a significant moment for the law enforcement community as they honor a dedicated officer.