blotter
Myersville Man Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse
Myersville Man Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse
**Frederick, MD** – A Myersville man has been sentenced to 11 years in the Division of Corrections following a conviction for sex abuse of a minor. On Monday, Judge Julie Minner of the Frederick County Circuit Court delivered a sentence of 25 years, suspending all but 11 years for Jan Anthony Sleets, aged 46. Sleets entered a guilty plea on June 24.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office initially began investigating the case in 2016, suspending it due to the victim’s young age. The investigation was reopened in 2021, revealing that the abuse occurred when the victim was three years old.
State’s Attorney Charlie Smith emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable victims, particularly children. Chief ASA Carpenter successfully addressed challenges in the case, demonstrating the office’s commitment to community safety.
Upon completion of his prison term, Sleets will face five years of supervised probation. Additionally, he will be registered as a lifetime sex offender. Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter, represented the state in the proceedings.
17-Year-Old Arrested in Connection to Demorest Road Shooting
17-Year-Old Arrested in Connection to Demorest Road Shooting
**Columbus, OH** – The United States Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Damire Harrison, 17, in Lima, Ohio on Thursday. Harrison faced a warrant for his connection to the shooting death of Gene Sutton, aged 19, on November 3.
The incident occurred on the 1400 block of Demorest Road. Police identified Harrison as a suspect and executed his arrest accordingly.
Authorities urge anyone with information about Sutton’s murder to reach out. Detective Polgar can be contacted at 614-645-4196 or via email at SPolgar@Columbuspolice.org.
Anonymous tips are also welcomed by Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, available at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
Vehicle Theft Reported on Joseph Lane
Vehicle Theft Reported on Joseph Lane
**Wilkes-Barre, PA** – On Tuesday, officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle theft at a residence on Joseph Lane. The incident occurred at 6:52 a.m. according to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department.
The victim, a 51-year-old woman from Wilkes-Barre, reported that her silver 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe was stolen overnight. The car was taken unlawfully from the driveway of her residence.
The vehicle is registered in Pennsylvania with the license plate number GYM-2578. The investigation into the theft is currently ongoing.
Motor Vehicle Theft Reported in Wilkes-Barre
Motor Vehicle Theft Reported in Wilkes-Barre
**Wilkes-Barre, PA** – A theft from a motor vehicle occurred on Chester Street. The incident happened on Monday at 11:00 AM.
A 61-year-old female resident of Wilkes-Barre reported the theft. She informed the authorities at City Headquarters about the incident.
According to her report, an unknown suspect entered her vehicle overnight. Several items were taken while the vehicle was parked near her residence.
The Wilkes-Barre City Police Department has registered the case under IRC number 240254646. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Virginia Beach Police Respond to Fatal Bicycle Accident
Virginia Beach Police Respond to Fatal Bicycle Accident
**VIRGINIA BEACH, VA** – Officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) responded to a fatal accident involving a bicyclist on Indian River Road shortly after 3:43 p.m. on November 14.
Investigators found that the bicyclist, identified as Colin Sutton, age 49, from Virginia Beach, exited the sidewalk and failed to yield to oncoming traffic. Sutton was hit by a vehicle while attempting to cross the road.
Both Sutton and the vehicle’s driver were transported to a hospital. Sutton succumbed to his injuries, while the driver sustained minor injuries. No charges are expected in connection with the incident.
VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate extended condolences to Sutton’s loved ones and urged pedestrians and cyclists to adhere to traffic signals and use crosswalks. Authorities continue to investigate the crash and urge anyone with information to contact the VBPD Traffic Safety Unit or Crime Solvers.
Monrovia Man Sentenced for Assault and Child Abuse
Monrovia Man Sentenced for Assault and Child Abuse
**Frederick, MD** – Christopher Kraft, aged 46, from Monrovia, MD, was sentenced on Tuesday by Judge Scott Rolle for a series of offenses including First Degree Assault, Second Degree Child Abuse, Second Degree Assault, and Neglect of a Child. This sentencing followed a September 25th jury verdict, which found Kraft guilty after a three-day trial in Frederick Circuit Court.
Kraft received a 25-year sentence for First Degree Assault, though 17 years will be served in the Division of Corrections as the remainder was suspended. An additional 15-year sentence for Second Degree Child Abuse was also suspended, set to run consecutively. Concurrent sentences were given for Second Degree Assault and Neglect offenses.
The charges stem from a March 3rd incident in which deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check on a child. During this check, witnesses reported that Kraft had struck the child and engaged in other violent acts. Further investigation unearthed a previous incident involving Kraft threatening the child with a firearm.
Upon completing his sentence, Kraft will undergo four years of supervised probation with strict conditions such as no contact with the victim. Assistant State’s Attorney
Allegheny County Police Charge Two in Phone Scam Case
Allegheny County Police Charge Two in Phone Scam Case
**Pittsburgh, PA** – Allegheny County Police have charged two California residents in relation to a phone scam targeting an elderly individual in Pennsylvania. The initial investigation began on November 21 when Crafton Borough Police sought assistance from the Allegheny County Police Department’s General Investigations Unit. They uncovered that a 71-year-old woman had been contacted by scammers claiming to represent the “Amazon Fraud Department.”
The scam callers informed the woman that her account was associated with over $360,000 in unauthorized purchases. They instructed her to empty her bank account for “protection.” Using the guise of law enforcement officials, the scammers convinced the victim to convert her bank holdings into gold coins, under the promise of receiving a check for a new account later.
On Wednesday, in a coordinated effort with the FBI and the victim, detectives executed an operation that resulted in the apprehension of two suspects. The detainees, noted as Shuai Jiao, 34, and Daxue Yang, 35, hail from California.
The accused faces numerous charges, including theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, and financial exploitation of an older adult. Subsequently, both were arraigned and
Motorcycle Crash in Clayton Under Investigation
Motorcycle Crash in Clayton Under Investigation
**Clayton, DE** – The Delaware State Police is investigating a motorcycle crash in Clayton that resulted in the death of 51-year-old Henry Mast from Camden Wyoming, Delaware. The incident occurred on Sunday.
On November 24 at around 11:24 a.m., a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling northwest on Shaws Corner Road near Seeneytown Road. The motorcycle went off the road while navigating a sharp curve, stopping at a grass embankment.
The motorcyclist, Henry Mast, was taken to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. His family and relatives were informed.
The road was closed for about three hours as authorities investigated the crash. The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit is seeking any witnesses to come forward with information by contacting Master Corporal W. Booth at (302) 698-8451.
Police Solve Two Robberies in Anne Arundel County
Police Solve Two Robberies in Anne Arundel County
**Anne Arundel County, MD** – Investigations by Anne Arundel County Police have led to charges against suspects in two separate commercial robberies in the county.
On November 17, at approximately 12:40 a.m., officers responded to a robbery at Royal Farms on Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie. A man requested cigarettes from a clerk, implied possession of a weapon, took the cigarettes, and fled. Despite a search, the suspect was not found.
On Tuesday, police identified and charged Joshua Lazenby, 37, of Pasadena, for the Royal Farms robbery. This development followed a detailed investigation by the Robbery Unit.
In a separate incident on November 2, at 12:15 a.m., an armed robbery occurred at an Exxon Station on Annapolis Road in Odenton. The suspect threatened an employee with a knife, stole merchandise, and escaped. Police confirmed no injuries from this incident.
The authorities have charged a 16-year-old male from Odenton for the Exxon Station robbery. These charges were made following the investigative work completed by the Robbery Unit detectives.
City Employee Arrested for DWI After Accident Involving City Garbage Truck
City Employee Arrested for DWI After Accident Involving City Garbage Truck
**Schenectady, NY -** On Tuesday, the Schenectady Police Department responded to an accident on the 600 block of Orchard Street at approximately 8:06 a.m. A City of Schenectady garbage truck backed into a worker loading trash, temporarily pinning him between the vehicle and a pole.
The injured worker was transported to Albany Medical Center and has undergone surgery for his injuries. Following the incident, officers conducted an investigation.
The truck’s driver, identified as 51-year-old Robert L. Thomas from Schenectady, was found to be operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He has been charged with driving while intoxicated, both with a blood alcohol content over 0.08 and a general offense, as well as backing unsafely.
Thomas was released on appearance tickets and is no longer employed by the city. The victim’s name has not been disclosed, and he remains in recovery at the hospital.
Queens Couple Charged in International Retail Theft Case
Queens Couple Charged in International Retail Theft Case
**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Governor Kathy Hochul reported a major retail theft operation involving Christopher Guzman and Yvelisse Guzman Batista. The couple, alongside three co-defendants, is accused of selling stolen high-end makeup, perfume, and designer clothing under Yvelisse Fashion, LLC. They allegedly directed theft crews to acquire specific items and sold these in Queens and the Dominican Republic. Charges include fostering the sale of stolen goods, a new crime in New York.
DA Katz emphasized the importance of consumer caution when purchasing from unfamiliar sources as the holidays approach. The defendants reportedly sold over $2 million in stolen goods over two years through various locations. This case is noted as the first time New York’s new law against selling stolen goods has been enforced. Katz thanked Governor Hochul, New York State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations for their work on the case.
Charges against Christopher Guzman, 35, Yvelisse Guzman Batista, 29, and their associates include criminal possession of stolen property and conspiracy. They are due in court on January 15, 2025, with potential penalties of up to 25 years in prison. Tiffany Leon
