Press releases
2023
Rising Sun Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Rape and Sex Abuse of Minors | 02/13/2023
On Monday, February 6, 2023, Michael Dale Irwin, 38, of Rising Sun, Maryland plead guilty under two criminal Indictments to Sex Abuse of a Minor and Rape – 2nd Degree in the Circuit Court of Cecil County. He received a total prison sentence of 30 years; 15 years for Rape in the Second Degree in a case charged in 2019 and 15 years for Sex Abuse of a Minor in a case charged in 2022.
2022
Elk Mills Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute | 08/10/2022
On Monday, August 8, 2022, Joshua P. Garcia (age 26) of Elk Mills, Maryland was sentenced after having plead guilty to Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute on May 23, 2022. On June 29, 2021, a search conducted by the Maryland State Police at the New Eastern Motel where the Defendant has been staying, resulted in authorities recovering over 600 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl. After confiscation, the bags were transported to a laboratory for testing by a forensic chemist. The lab report confirmed that the substance was in fact fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance.
Elkton Man Gets Fifteen Years for “Molotov Cocktail” Case | 03/23/2022
Monday, March 21, 2022, Christopher Paul Reavis was sentenced for throwing what’s commonly referred to as a Molotov cocktail (a glass bottle filled with gasoline or other flammable liquid plugged with a flaming cloth wick, meant to be thrown as an incendiary device) through the window of a North East home back in September of 2020. The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 am on Jamestown Court in North East on September 26, 2020. There were six residents in the home when the device was thrown through the front window and into the living room. Fortunately, the bottle did not break when it landed on the living room floor. One of the residents was awake at the time and was able to put the gasoline-filled bottle with the still-burning wick in the kitchen sink and extinguish it. No one in the home was injured.
Hampstead Man Sentenced to 10 Years for First Degree Assault | 03/09/2022
On Monday, March 7, 2022, John Kidwell III of Hampstead, Maryland pled guilty and was sentenced for Assault in the First Degree for an offense in which he attempted to stab a Correctional Officer while being held for the Carroll County Detention Center. On May 26, 2021, Kidwell III flooded the toilet in his cell. DFC. Thomas Lee reported to the cell and retrieved the Defendant so that maintenance could come and fix the toilet. While maintenance was in the cell, Kidwell III told DFC. Lee, “Lee you are going to be the first cop whacked in Cecil County…” The Defendant was returned to his cell when maintenance was finished. Not long after, DFC. Lee returned to Kidwell III’s cell to retrieve him for recreation time, it was at this time Kidwell III brandished a sharp metal object, commonly referred to as a ‘shank,’ and attempted to assault DFC. Lee with it. Fortunately, DFC. Lee was able to act quickly and successfully subdued Kidwell to avoid further incident. Assisting Officers arrived shortly and helped secure the Defendant; DFC. Lee avoided injury.
Perryville Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Drug Possession and Gun Charges | 03/03/2022
Tuesday, March 1, 2022, Jesse Cogdell was sentenced for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine and related gun charges including Illegal Possession of a handgun. On January 28, 2021, police arrived at 200 Chestnut Point Road in Perryville to serve a search warrant on the Defendant. Cogdell was uncooperative with the police and attempted to destroy evidence. Despite this, the home was ultimately searched in which police found Cocaine, various other drugs, a handgun and a shotgun. Cogdell is prohibited from gun ownership for a drug conviction in federal court for which he was still on probation at the time of this incident.
Elkton Man Sentenced to 30 Years of Active Incarceration for Manor Shooting | 02/24/2022
Friday, February 18, 2022, Robert Eugene Hammond IV, age 25, was sentenced to a total of 30 years for First Degree Assault and other related charges. On May 11, 2020, authorities responded to a residence within Hollingsworth Manor in Elkton upon hearing gunshots. Witnesses nearby reported to the responding officers that people were shooting into a residence on Huntsman Drive. Officers then entered and secured the household, soon finding that amidst the gunfire, several people had been wounded, including a 6-year-old child who had been struck above the knee. Detective Saulsbury with the Elkton Police Department immediately placed a tourniquet on the child’s leg above the wound while awaiting emergency medical services to arrive. Thanks to his quick action, the child’s leg and likely their life were saved.
Elkton Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Domestic Shooting | 02/22/2022
Thursday, February 17, 2022, Gary Eugene Reed was sentenced for firing multiple rounds from a handgun into the door and window of his son’s home while his wife was inside caring for their son’s dogs. The incident occurred on June 14, 2020, when the Defendant, who had been drinking alcohol throughout the day, began arguing with his wife. His wife, in an attempt to diffuse the situation, got into her vehicle and drove around hoping that the Defendant would go home and leave her alone. Instead, Gary Reed gathered two guns and pursued his wife to their son’s home, who was away on vacation at the time.
New Jersey Woman Sentenced to 7 Years for Involvement in Armed Bank Robbery | 02/17/2022
On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, Alejandra Lind, 27, was sentenced to a total of fifteen years, suspend all but seven years to serve, for her role in the November 15, 2017 armed robbery of what was then Columbia Bank on Route 40 in Elkton. On November 15, 2017, two armed suspects entered the Columbia Bank at 975 East Pulaski Highway in Elkton and proceeded to rob the two tellers and the manager working that day. One robber hopped the counter and obtained approximately $15,600 from the two tellers’ drawers while the second robber unsuccessfully tried to get the manager to open the bank vault. The two suspects were armed with handguns.
Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network Announces Arrests, Prosecutions of Violent Criminals, Illegal Gun Manufacturers | 01/31/2022
The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, the Cecil County Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) Task Force, and partner agencies today announced that nearly two dozen criminals in North East Maryland were arrested in a recent operation. Funded through Governor Larry Hogan’s MCIN and led by Cecil County State’s Attorney James A. Dellmyer, this operation has already resulted in 23 arrests and 15 prosecutions, as well as the seizure of more than 75 illegal firearms, and nearly 60 pounds of illegal drugs, including 2,400 individual baggies of heroin and other seized items worth nearly $200,000.
North East Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distribution of Fentanyl | 01/14/2022
Wednesday, January 12, 2022, James Jamar Jordan was sentenced to 10 years in the Division of Corrections for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. On April 29, 2021, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Cecil County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Room 118 of the Deluxe Inn here in Elkton. Upon entering the room, police found the Defendant lying in bed. A search of the room, which was registered to Jordan; recovered 29 bundles of Fentanyl individually packaged for sale on the street, $656.00 in cash, smaller amounts of marijuana, methamphetamine and methadone.
2021
Cecil County Man Sentenced to 80 Years for First Degree Murder | 12/02/2021
On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Martin Edward Goodwin, Jr., age 42, was sentenced for the murder of Mark Scott Jackson, age 39. On September 5, 2020, Jackson was walking in the area of MD Route 272 down Lums Road in North East, Cecil County, when he was struck and subsequently run over by the driver of a 2007 Gold Jeep Patriot belonging to Goodwin. The incident was captured on nearby security cameras, as well as seen by an eyewitness.
Anne Arundel Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Transporting Narcotics in Cecil | 10/12/2021
Friday, October 8, 2021, Larry James Miles was sentenced for CDS Possession of a Large Amount of Cocaine. Miles was stopped by the Maryland State Police PACE Team for speeding while traveling South on I-95 on December 5, 2019. During the stop, the Trooper noted various criminal indicators and requested a drug sniffing canine to report to the scene. After arriving, the canine alerted which resulted in the search of the vehicle where Troopers found approximately 1 kilogram of Cocaine in a hidden compartment of the vehicle. The estimated street value of the cocaine was approximately $119,610.00.
State’s Attorney James A. Dellmyer Announces Creation of Domestic Violence Division | 07/01/2021
In partnership with County Executive Danielle Hornberger, State’s Attorney James A. Dellmyer is pleased to announce the creation of the new Domestic Violence division. The funding for this new division was made possible by the Fiscal Year 2022 budget which begins today, July 1st. The Domestic Violence division, a sub-division within the Special Victims Unit, will focus on aiding survivors of domestic violence through the criminal justice process. The new division includes an Assistant State’s Attorney and a specially dedicated victim advocate.
New York Woman Receives Six Month Sentence for Involvement in Prostitution Ring | 06/30/2021
Monday, June 28, 2021, Bifang Zhong, a Chinese native who recently lived in New York, was sentenced to six months of incarceration for her role in a prostitution ring formerly operated out of Spa Aromatherapy located at 1657 Elkton Road, Elkton.
Elkton Woman Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl | 06/25/2021
On June 21, 2021, Sonya Blevins from Elkton was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Maryland Sentencing Guidelines recommended a sentence between 12 and 20 years. Assistant State’s Attorney, Jetta Alberts recommended 20 years, suspend all but 15 years of active incarceration followed by three years of supervised probation upon release. Cecil County Circuit Court Judge Brenda Sexton imposed the State’s recommendation and ordered the sentence to be served in the Division of Corrections consecutively with any other sentence.
Delaware Man Sentenced to 8 Years for North East Shooting | 06/22/2021
Monday, June 21, 2021, Michael Kevin O’Brien was sentenced for firing a single gunshot into the windshield of an occupied vehicle. O’Brien plead guilty to the top count of Assault in the First Degree; a felony classified as a crime of violence with a maximum sentence of twenty-five years.
Elkton Man Sentenced to Second Degree Rape | 03/31/2021
Friday, March 26, 2021, Benjamin Bauer of Elkton, Maryland was sentenced to seven years for felony rape in the second degree. Thanks to the bravery of the victim for coming forward and the excellent police work of lead detective Chase Armington of the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, Bauer plead guilty to the charge on February 12, 2021.
Elkton Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for Criminally Negligent Manslaughter | 01/11/2021
On Monday, January 11, 2021, the Honorable Keith A. Baynes of the Cecil County Circuit Court sentenced Kimberly Ann Morgan, (age 31) of Elkton, MD, to 30 months in prison for two counts of Criminally Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle. Morgan was found guilty of both counts after pleading guilty and submitting upon an agreed statement of facts on October 19, 2020 as part of a binding plea agreement.
2020
July 2020 Fatal Stabbing in Elkton Determined Self Defense after Investigation | 09/29/2020
After reviewing the complete investigation performed by the Maryland State Police into the death of Glenn Arthur Culley, the Office of the State’s Attorney has concluded that there is no probable cause that a crime was committed and declined to present the case to the Grand Jury.
Elkton Man Sentenced to 50 Years for 2013 Murder | 09/25/2020
On Friday, September 25, 2020, the Honorable Jane Cairns Murray of the Cecil County Circuit Court sentenced John Wallace Green III, (age 35) of Elkton, MD to the maximum possible sentence under his plea for a total of 50 years in prison. He was found guilty of Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence after submitting upon an agreed statement of facts on January 3, 2020. Green had been convicted of First-Degree Murder and other offenses in a prior trial in 2014 but that conviction was reversed on appeal by the Court of Special Appeals and retrial was ordered. After extensive consultation with the victim’s family, the Office of the State’s Attorney agreed to a plea of Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in a crime of violence.
Port Deposit Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug Distribution | 07/21/2020
On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, Administrative Judge Keith Baynes of the Cecil County Circuit Court, sentenced Kara Nicole Castillo (age 28) of Port Deposit, Maryland, to a total of 10 years in the Division of Corrections. Castillo was found guilty of CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, which is a synthetic Opiate and is recognized as one of the leading causes of fatal overdoses in Cecil County.
Elkton Teen Sentenced to 12 Years for Assault | 07/14/2020
On Monday, July 13, 2020, the Honorable William Davis, Jr. of the Cecil County Circuit Court sentenced Marquis Benson (age 18) of Elkton, Maryland, to a total of 12 years in the Division of Correction. Benson was found guilty of assaulting a North East man in August of 2019.
Essential vs. Non-essential Business during COVID-19 | 04/01/2020
If you are unclear about whether your business is essential please use the Conflict Resolution Process as outlined on page 7. State’s Attorney, James A. Dellmyer, and his staff remain available by phone or email to offer guidance regarding this issue when possible.
State’s Attorney, James A. Dellmyer, Raises Awareness on Fraud Surrounding COVID-19 | 03/24/2020
As we continue to receive updates on COVID-19 and make necessary preparations we must also warn the public on fraud schemes that are taking place. Although we must work together through this crisis there are those who are taking advantage of people’s vulnerability and fear during this time to commit fraud and ruin lives. The Office of the State’s Attorney would like to help raise awareness by revealing just a few of the scams that are taking place.
State’s Attorney Confirms Cecil Will Enforce Governor’s Restrictions and Continue to Enforce All Laws | 03/20/2020
These are uncertain times and it is important for the citizens of our County to rest assured knowing that crime will continue to be prosecuted, and that offenders will be held accountable.
Elkton Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Drug Distribution and Handgun Possession | 03/03/2020
The Honorable William W. Davis Jr., of the Cecil County Circuit Court sentenced Mark Wesley Jr. (age 26) of Elkton, to a total of 15 years in prison. Wesley was found guilty of CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Firearm Use in a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Firearm Possession with Felony Conviction.
North East Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Domestic Violence after Trial | 01/17/2020
On Friday, January 17 2020, the Honorable Brenda Sexton of the Cecil County Circuit Court sentenced John Joseph Scott Jr, to a total of 25 years suspending all but 10 years. A Cecil County Jury found Mr. Scott guilty of unlawful use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, first degree assault and related offenses.
Middle River Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Rape and Home Invasion | 01/16/2020
On January 16, 2020, Holland Calvin Turner, Jr. of Middle River, Maryland, was sentenced to a total sentence of 30 years for Rape 2nd Degree and Home Invasion. Turner pled guilty to Rape 2nd Degree and Home Invasion on October 28, 2019. Following the plea, the court ordered a presentence investigation to assist in sentencing.
Rising Sun Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Sex Abuse of a Minor | 01/07/2020
On Monday, January 6, 2020, the Honorable Keith Baynes of the Cecil County Circuit Court sentenced Jose Cisneros-Nunez, to a total of 50 years, for, two counts of Rape 2nd Degree, one count of Sex Abuse of a Minor and one count of Production of Child Pornography.
2019
Cecil County Circuit Court Judges Appoint James Dellmyer as State’s Attorney; Remove “Interim” Designation | 12/23/2019
Effective Friday, December 20, 2019, the Judges of the Circuit Court appointed James A. Dellmyer, Esquire as State’s Attorney for Cecil County. This appointment comes after Mr. Dellmyer was named Interim State’s Attorney replacing Amanda Bessicks in March, 2019 following her resignation and has run the Office since that time.
Office of the State's Attorney for Cecil County 