Thursday, December 22, 2016

Happy Holidays From the Office of the Sheriff


Public Safety 32st Annual Holiday Food Basket Program Continues #PGSO

Upper Marlboro, MD… County Police Chief Hank Stawinski, Board President of the Public Safety Assistance Program, Inc. board was joined by Sheriff Melvin C. High, Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor, Director Department of Corrections Mary Lou McDonough, Homeland Security and other board members for the official kickoff press conference of the 32st Annual Holiday Food Basket Program today. The event marked the beginning of deliveries of over 2,000 food baskets to county families.

“Without the help of Public Safety employees’ this simply would not be possible without support from all our sponsors who continue to support us year after year,” said Bill Milligan, Executive Director of the Public Safety Assistance Program. He thanked everyone for their generosity and participation.

The Public Safety Assistance, Inc. Holiday Food Basket Program started many years ago when two law enforcement officers watched a man peel leaves from a head of lettuce because he couldn’t afford the whole thing. That story found its way to the public safety agency heads who started the program. Thirty-two years later the program continues to make a difference and helps to bring joy to county citizens during the holiday season.

 Once the food baskets were filled, they were loaded into a trailer and a caravan led by Santa riding on a fire engine under police escort headed off to the Emerson House Senior Community in Bladensburg MD. Santa with his team of Public Safety Assistants were greeted cheerfully by the residents as food baskets were presented. Santa and his team made more food basket delivers throughout the day and even stopped by Riverside Elementary School to handle out candy canes to the children – all in the spirit of giving.

For more information contact the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff’s Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

#PGSO Celebrating the Holidays


Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report


Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrests:

 Attempted First Degree Murder Subject Arrested

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Derek Ransom, of Suitland, MD on an arrest warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder obtained by the County Police on December 8, 2016.

The warrant states that on December 8th, police officers met with a women that stated she had been assaulted at a residence in the 4800 block of Homer Avenue in Suitland, MD. According to the warrant the victim stated that Ransom struck her in the face repeatedly and strangled her. The victim also stated that Ransom threatened to kill her and threatened the lives of her family. The victim was transported by ambulance to the hospital to receive treatment for her injuries.

Deputies went back to the location where the incident occurred and determined that Ransom was at the residence. Deputies were granted entry and once inside a deputy witnessed Ransom laying on the bed asleep. Deputies woke up Ransom, advised him of the warrant and placed him in custody. The Prince George’s County Police Detectives were notified and responded to the scene where custody of Ransom was transferred over to them without incident.

Ransom is also charged with Attempted Second Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, and Second Degree Assault.

 First Degree Murder Suspect Extradited

Sheriff’s Deputies extradited Muhammad Ali of Bladensburg, MD on an arrest warrant for First Degree Murder that was obtained by the County Police on November 11, 2016.

The Warrant states that on November 11, Ali was in the 13600 block of Tower Road in Brandywine, MD where he became involved in a physical altercation. According to the warrant a witness stated that Ali was observed shooting the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene.

On December 9th, Deputies went to the Virginia Beach Correction Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia to extradite Ali who was being held on a detainer filed by Prince George’s County Maryland District Court for a First Degree Murder Charge. Ali was safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections without incident. The Prince George’s County Police Homicide Unit was also notified.

Ali is also charged with Second Degree Murder and Felonious use of a Firearm in a Violent Crime.




 For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

Monday, December 19, 2016

The Snowball Effect of a Random Act of Kindness

During regular duty hours on Thursday, December 8th Sgt. Mewshaw and Cpl. Materka stopped at a 7-11 in Suitland, MD. As they were walking in the store they met a man, who we will refer to as “Tim”, who shared with them that he liked most of the deputies he came in contact with. After talking with Tim for a while, they learned that he was homeless; he said it had been harder to sleep the night before because the weather was getting colder. Sgt. Mewshaw went to his cruiser and brought out an extra coat he had in the backseat. When he was giving it to Tim he noticed that Cpl. Materka had gone inside the store; when he came out he had bought the man a cup of coffee, a blanket and lunch.

As you can imagine, Tim was pretty happy and very appreciative. And, just when you think a story can’t get any better – it does! Citizens started to stop the deputies to thank them for their kindness. One gentleman yelled, “God Bless the Sheriffs!” The next thing Mewshaw and Materka know two other men went to their cars – one brought out gloves, the other a hat and gave them to the man. Others in the parking lot rolled down their window on their way out just to say thanks.

Needless to say, Sgt. Mewshaw and Cpl. Materka made Tim’s day, but the snowball effect of kindness brightened the day for everyone in the parking lot that day. And, it got Sgt. Mewshaw thinking about a coat drive to help others like Tim. “My hope is that the “pay it forward” feeling will catch on in more places, more often as it did that morning,” says Sgt. Mewshaw.


Enjoying the Department of Corrections Holiday Celebration with Director McDonough. #PGSO is Everywhere.


Friday, December 16, 2016

A Very Beary Good Time


Bags of Teddy Bears were provided by SoftCon1 for the children affected by Domestic Violence. Helping to bring Joy to the children during this Holiday season and throughout the year. #PGSO is Everywhere.



Last night, #PGSO Explorers Open House was a great success! We received 30 New Applicants

Next Meeting will be January 18th, 2017 at 6:30PM
PGSO Headquarters.
5303 Chrysler Way Upper Marlboro MD 20772

Do you know any young men or women age 13-20 who has interest in becoming a PGSO Explorer! Contact Sgt. Johnson at (240) 508-7672 or RLJohnson@co.pg.md.us for more information.

In the Holiday Spirit! #PGSO attends FOP 89 Christmas Open House with Comptroller Peter Franchot, Prince George's Police Department FOP 89 Pres. John Teletchea and company


Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report #PGSO

Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrests:

First Degree Burglary Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Darron Wilson of Oxon Hill, MD on a warrant for First Degree Burglary that was issued by the County Police Department on November 29, 2016.

The warrant states that on November 25th Wilson was in the 4000 block of Wheeler Road in Oxon Hill, MD, where he allegedly used a plastic card to unlock door, burglarize a residence, and then exited the apartment. Wilson was identified on a security camera after the victim reported the burglary to the complex. The victim stated that Wilson was a resident in the complex and frequently knew of the victim’s whereabouts. Wilson took belongings valued at approximately $1,000.00 from the home.

On December 5, 2016, Deputies located Wilson in the 4500 block of Wheeler Road in Oxon Hill, MD where he was positively identified, arrested and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections (DOC) for processing.

Wilson is also charged with Burglary Fourth Degree and Theft 1,000 to 10,000.

First Degree Assault Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Ricardo Osorio of Hyattsville, MD, who was wanted on an arrest warrant for First Degree Assault that was obtained by County Police on November 23, 2016.

According to the warrant, November 22, 2016, police responded to an assault in the 8100 block of 15th Avenue in Hyattsville, MD, where Osorio got into a fight with a relative of his former spouse. During the altercation, Osorio allegedly struck the male victim in the arm; the man later realized he was cut. Wilson fled the scene. The warrant further states that earlier that day, Osorio had a dispute with his former spouse during which he is alleged to have kicked her in the face.

On December 5, 2016, Deputies investigating the warrant determined that Osorio could be located in the 8100 block of 15th Ave in Hyattsville, MD. The deputies went to the location, where Osorio attempted to escape but was apprehended and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections (DOC) for processing. Osorio is also charged with Assault Second Degree.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.   

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report



Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrests:



 First Degree Burgulary Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Joshua Gaskins, of Upper Marlboro, MD on an arrest warrant for First Degree Burglary obtained by the County Police Department on September 14th, 2016.

According to the warrant, on August 25, Gaskins was in the 15400 block of Emerald Way in Bowie, MD at the Game Store where he sold a play Station 4 Gaming system along with 2 games and hand controllers. The warrant further states that police had spoken with a victim earlier in the same day who reported that her Play Station 4 gaming system with two games and hand controllers were missing from her apartment. The victim produced a receipt with the system’s serial numbers which matched the gaming system sold by Gaskins, and identified the two games and controllers. Gaskins was identified by his Maryland driver’s license which he used as ID at the time of the sale.  

Upon receipt of the warrant, Sheriff’s Deputies convinced Gaskins to meet with them and turn himself in. Deputies met Gaskins in Upper Marlboro, MD where he was informed of the warrant, taken into custody without incident and escorted into the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.

Gaskins is also charged with Theft Less than $1000.

 Attempted First Degree Murder Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Kevin Alvarez-Argueta of Hyattsville, MD on an arrest warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder that was obtained by the Hyattsville Police on November 21, 2016.

The Warrant states that on November 19th, four people walking in the 6700 block of Belcrest Road passed a group of Hispanic males wearing all black sitting on a bench. As they passed the males shouted “MS-13 La Mara” and “I am 13”. One of the males in the group punched one of the people walking and another struck him in the back of the head with a piece of wood.  According to the warrant the victim tackled one of the males attacking him and was stabbed twice; a second victim was also struck in the head with a piece of wood before the suspects fled the scene. The first victim was taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries; the second received treatment for a head injury.

On November 29th, Deputies’ investigation led them to an address in the 5600 block of Hamilton Manor Drive in Hyattsville, MD. When deputies knocked on the door a Hispanic male matching the description of Alvarez-Argueta answered; when asked his name he stated “Kevin Alvarez”. Deputies advised him that he had an open warrant, took him into custody and transported him to the Hyattsville Police Department without incident where custody was transferred to the police detective handling the case.

Alvarez-Argueta is also charged with Attempted Second Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Injure.


 For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

#PGSO participates in 2016 Santa with a Badge

Come and join us this Thursday night December 15th


Press Release Notification


Upper Marlboro, MD… The Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff was notified by Anne Arundel County Police Department on October 29, 2016 of a criminal investigation involving Sergeant Keenan Connley. On November 2, 2016 a peace order was issued for him in Anne Arundel County. Sgt. Connley’s law enforcement authority was suspended and he was placed in an administrative duty status by the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff. The alleged incident took place while Sgt. Connley was off duty and not while acting in the capacity of a Sheriff’s Deputy.

On yesterday, December 12, 2016 our office was notified that an arrest warrant for Sergeant Keenan Connley was issued in Anne Arundel County. Sgt. Connley turned himself in to the Anne Arundel County Police the same day. His law enforcement powers remain suspended and he has been placed in a no duty status.

The arrest warrant contains charges of Second Degree Assault, Fourth Degree Sex Offense-Sexual Contact, and False Imprisonment. The criminal investigation is being conducted by the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

For any further inquiries please contact the Anne Arundel County Police Department at 410-222-8700.


For more information about this release contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

Friday, December 9, 2016

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report #PGSO

 Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrests:

Two Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Pedro Lara of Landover, MD and Josue Monzon of Hyattsville, MD on an arrest warrant for Armed Robbery obtained by County Police on November 09, 2016.

According to the warrant, on October 22nd, Lara, Monzon and another suspect were in the 5000 block of Riverdale Road in Beltsville, MD when they approached a female with a young child. According to the warrant the female victim stated that she was robbed of her purse by three unknown suspects with a knife. The victim further stated that one of the suspects forcefully snatched the purse, causing her to drop her son. The suspects then fled the scene.

On November 9th, Deputies’ investigation led them to an address in the 7200 block of Greely Road in Landover, MD. At the location, deputies advised Pedro Lara of the open warrant, took him into custody without incident and transported him to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections. On November 15th, Deputies received information that Monzon was at work. Deputies found him at the location, positively identified him and took him into custody. He was also transported to Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Hyattsville, MD.

Lara and Monzon is also charged with Robbery, Assault First and Second Degree, and Theft less than $1000.
First Degree Assault Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jasmine Todd of Upper Marlboro MD, who was wanted on an arrest warrant for First Degree Assault that was obtained by County Police on November 08, 2016.

According to the warrant, on the same day the warrant was obtained, in the 3000 block of Golden Hill in Bowie, MD, Todd and her former spouse were arguing during which Todd is alleged to have punched him in the face. The warrant also states that when the male victim left the home, Todd got in her vehicle, followed him and is alleged to have attempted to hit him with the car but failed to do so. The warrant further states that when the victim went back into the home to call the police, Todd followed him and continued to strike him in the face before fleeing the scene.

On November 22, 2016, Deputies located Todd at the address of the incident where she was arrested without incident. Todd was transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections (DOC) Upper Marlboro for processing.

Todd is also charged with Second Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.