Eleven Maryland defendants facing federal charges relating to unemployment fraud scheme with more than $1.6 million in losses

BALTIMORE, MD—A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment adding two new defendants to the nine defendants previously charged in relation to a Maryland and California unemployment insurance fraud scheme. The superseding indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and stealing a post office key. The superseding indictment was returned on […]

Governor Hogan announces $35.7 million to advance 53 bicycle, pedestrian projects across Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan this week announced $35.7 million in grants for 53 bicycle, pedestrian, and trail projects across Maryland. Supporting projects from trail extensions and maintenance to safety improvements and bridge reconstructions, the Fiscal Year 2023 grants include $33.1 million in federal funding for 32 projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP), plus another […]

20-year-old convicted of murdering Essex man in 2020

ESSEX, MD—A 20-year-old Laurel man has been convicted of murder. On Thursday, a jury in the Baltimore County Circuit Court convicted Keonta Adrian Skipwith of first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery, and weapons charges. At around 10 p.m. on October 9, 2020, officers with the Baltimore County Police Department responded to the 500-block of Welbrook Road (21221).  There, they found Zeshaan […]

Maryland man sentenced to 15 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana shipped by mail from California

BALTIMORE, MD—A Maryland man has been sentenced to prison after dealing drugs that were shipped via U.S. Mail. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has sentenced Dwight Antonio Pitts, 47, of Hanover, to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a drug distribution conspiracy involving large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and […]

Governor Hogan: 10 hospital-based COVID-19 testing sites to open next week

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday toured the location of a new, state-run COVID-19 testing site at UM Laurel Medical Center and announced the locations for nine additional hospital-based testing sites that will open by the end of next week. The new sites will help to meet rising demand for testing and divert people away from visiting hospital emergency rooms […]

U.S. Navy intelligence software engineer pleads guilty to conspiracy to distribute, possess illegal steroids

GREENBELT, MD—Justin Ryan Best, age 46, of Laurel, Maryland, this week pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge James R. Mancuso of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; and Special Agent in […]

Baltimore man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for sex trafficking four minors in Baltimore County hotel room

BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore man has been sentenced to federal prison for sex trafficking four minors in a Baltimore County hotel room. U.S. District Court Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Sean Dean, 29, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor. Judge Hazel also ordered that, […]

Baltimore man sentenced to more than four years in prison for conspiring to commit sex trafficking of minor in Baltimore County hotel room

UPDATE: Sean Dean has also been sentenced to federal prison. Original story below… —— BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore man has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to commit sex trafficking of a minor in a Baltimore County hotel room. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel on Wednesday sentenced Gerald Marshall, 31, to 54 months in federal prison, followed by five […]