Still I Rise, Inc. presents Sheriff High with 2013 Community Empowerment Award

Upper Marlboro, MD…Sheriff Melvin C. High accepted the 2013 Community Empowerment Award for Outstanding Service during Still I Rise, Inc.’s First Annual Community Empowerment Series Gala on Friday, December 20, 2013.

The award presented to Sheriff High Friday at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center acknowledged the Sheriff’s Office Domestic Violence Intervention Division’s (DVID) dedicated work, support and collaboration with Still I Rise, Inc. in prevention and intervention of domestic violence.

“It is an honor to receive this accolade, I am accepting this award on behalf of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office who work with great effort and compassion to intercede in and stop Domestic Violence,” said Sheriff High. “With continued collaborations with organizations like Still I Rise, Inc. we hope to continue to combat domestic violence crimes and help victims become survivors.”

Dr. Glenda F. Hodges, Founder and General Director of Still I Rise, Inc., said “Still I Rise, Inc. selected Sheriff Melvin C. High and his agency for the thoughtful and creative methods they have used to mitigate Domestic Violence in Prince George’s County.”

The Sheriff’s Office DVID has an in depth domestic violence related responsibility throughout Prince George’s County in which DVID utilizes a three pronged approach:  Pre-intervention is the service of Protective and Peace Orders, On-sight intervention where Sheriff’s Deputies respond to emergency 911 Domestic Violence calls for service in Police District III, and Post-Intervention when Domestic Violence Advocates reach out to victims within 24 hours of a Domestic Violence incident to help the victim access a variety of services and resources.

For more information about Still I Rise, Inc. visit http://www.stillirisemd.org/home.html

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

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Warrant Deputies Arrest Theft Suspect

                                                                    

Leadership Prince George’s Donates “Teddy Bears” to Sheriff for Children Affected by Domestic Violence

Upper Marlboro, MD… Leadership Prince George’s, Inc. (LPG) donated nearly 250 Teddy Bears and other stuffed animals to the Sheriff’s Office at its alumni and friends holiday celebration.  The stuffed animals, contributed by LPG members and alumni, and Jack and Jill of Prince George’s County were presented to Sheriff Melvin C. High and Chief Assistant Darrin C. Palmer - a Class 22 alum.  The toys are used by Sheriff’s Deputies in the Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID) to comfort small children they encounter in domestic violence situations.

LPG Board Chair Marva Jo Camp introduced Sheriff Melvin C. High. Of the partnership with the Sheriff’s Office she said, “The Teddy Bear project is one we enjoy for a lot of reasons; it brings our graduates and current class together in fellowship and common cause; it supports the public safety work of one of our alum and board members; and we get to hope that each of these toys will comfort a child in a violent situation.”

Sheriff High thanked LPG and spoke briefly about the Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID), the importance of speaking out against abuse and the fact that children are often the silent victims in domestic violence disputes. “Our deputies see so many things. For a frightened and confused child, a stuffed animal may be just the thing they can hold on to when they are in the midst of a violent storm they don’t understand. They can mean more than you know,” said Sheriff High.

Sheriff High went on to say that Domestic Violence affects communities across the county, the state and the world, and that silence and fear of reporting abuse continue to be among the major challenges in the fight against domestic violence.

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

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Domestic Violence Deputies recover 400 grams of Marijuana during Call for Service

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID) has arrested Jameel Greeter for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, following a 911 call for service in the 3800 block of Swann Road in Suitland, MD.

             

On November 24, 2013, Deputies responded to the Swann Road address and observed Greeter and a female engaged in a loud verbal argument.

Deputies observed a bag being thrown from a window of the residence. Further examination of the tossed bag revealed a total of three large clear bags containing 400.5 grams of suspected Marijuana.  

Following an interview and further investigation, Greeter was taken into custody and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections for processing. He was also charged with Possession of Marijuana.

  

The Marijuana was turned over to the County Police Narcotics Enforcement Division (NED).

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

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Sheriff High and PGSO at Roscoe C. Cartwright Lodge 129 Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Luncheon

Sheriff High, members of PGSO and middle school students of the Deputies Assisting Youth (D.A.Y) program attended and served lunch during the Roscoe C. Cartwright Lodge No. 129's Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Luncheon. 

For more information on the Roscoe C. Cartwright Lodge No. 129 visit http://www.rcc129.org/

Nam Knights of America MC, Old Line Chapter Makes a Special Presentation to Sheriff High

Upper Marlboro, MD… The President of the Nam Knights of America MC, Old Line Chapter Motorcycle Club, Prince George’s County Retired Lt. Col. R.J. “Bomber” Nieves made a presentation to Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin High yesterday in recognition of Sheriff’s Deputies and Motors Unit safety assistance at events and activities for Wounded Warriors, heroes of war and law enforcement personnel.

A non-profit 501(c) 3, the mission of Nam Knights is to “help support and honor those who have fought, died or suffered severe injury in the protection of this Great Nation and our Communities!” As an expression of its gratitude, the Old Line Chapter made a contribution of $1,500 to the Sheriff for the purchase of equipment or supplies.

In honor of Sheriff High’s service in the Marine Corps and in Vietnam, Mr. Nieves presented the Sheriff with a numbered print depicting a war scene in Vietnam entitled: U.S. Marines: Victors at Khe Sanh, Vietnam-1968. The painting is the artwork of Nam Knights member David S. Lewis, a U.S. Army Combat Artist. The painting is one of 150 prints that the artist donated to Nam Knights in support of their fundraising to build a Vietnam Memorial in Chesapeake Beach, MD. 

Sheriff High said, “It was great to be with former military colleagues as we talked about American Military and Veterans’ contributions to the world through our service.  We appreciate their contribution to help us be better in our governmental obligations and I will cherish the painting.

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

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Deputies Arrest Suspect with Eight Outstanding Warrants

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Warrant & Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Evan Adams who was wanted for eight outstanding warrants, the most recent of which was Failure to Appear (FTA) for  Violation of Probation (VOP) on a 2008 Robbery conviction.

According to the Warrant Division, on October 28^th, Deputies investigating Adams’ whereabouts located him at an address in the 1900 block of Cambridge Drive in Crofton, Md. Adams was taken into custody and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections for processing.

In addition to the FTA VOP Robbery Warrant, Adams was wanted on four warrants  for Failure to Appear in court on several charges including -Violation of Probation Carrying a Handgun, Possession of Marijuana, Failure to Immediately Return and Remain at the Scene of an Accident and three warrants for the charge of Theft $1,000.00 to under $10,000.00.

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

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Sheriff’s Deputies Extradite 1989 Murder Suspect Captured in Georgia

Upper Marlboro, MD, The Sheriff’s Office said Sheriff’s Deputies extradited Wayne Gileours, the suspect in a 1989 homicide in Landover, MD who was arrested by Georgia State Patrol (GSP) officers on October 16^th.  Gileours was wanted on a warrant obtained by the County Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) on May 23, 1989. 

According to the warrant, Gileours allegedly committed a homicide by gun in the 1100 block of Nalley Road in Landover, MD.

In early October, the Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Georgia State Patrol that Gileours had been stopped on a traffic violation, during which Gileours provided fraudulent ID. Gileours was later positively identified by a mobile fingerprint scanner. Confirmation of his identity and a National Information Center (NCIC) records check led to the determination that he was wanted on an outstanding First Degree Murder warrant through the Pince George’s County Sheriff’s Office.

On October 31^st, Deputies from the Warrant and Fugitive Division extradited Gileours from Georgia to Prince George’s County Maryland. He was transported to CID detectives at County Police Headquarters.

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

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Sheriff High Hosts Governor O’Malley Reports on Warrants Closed with GOCCP Grant

Upper Marlboro, MD…Sheriff Melvin C. High and the Office of the Sheriff hosted Governor Martin O’Malley and County Executive Rushern Baker to announce the results of the Violent Offender Warrant Suppression (VOWS) operation that resulted in 596 arrests to dispose of more than 1,000 outstanding warrants. The three-month warrant sweep was funded by a $125,660 grant from the Governor’s Office on Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP) to arrest violent crime offenders.

The Governor praised the outstanding results of the operation, saying that Prince George’s County alone accounts for much of the state’s reduction in crime. On the matter of public safety O’Malley said, “There is no more important work that we do. If we can’t do this, none of the other stuff matters much.” Consistent with the O’Malley Administration’s core strategy, the GOCCP grant targeted violent crime offenders who represent the greatest danger to the community.

Sheriff High said the Governor’s assistance gave the warrant squad a boost because the grant’s focus on violent crime offenders was consistent with the first priority of the Sheriff’s warrant strategy - to get the most dangerous offenders off the streets.

The final results of the operation were 596 arrests to dispose of 1,128 total warrants, including murder, rape, robbery, burglary and drug offenses. Twenty-six of the arrests were for domestic violence related crimes and the Warrant Division placed 160 detainers against offenders found in other jurisdictions.

Recalling taking office, Sheriff High said. “We’ve been at this work of the Sheriff’s Office for three years now and we originally laid out a strategic plan with three elements that still work: Priority focus on violent offenders and staying current on newly issued warrants that come in at a rate of 2,000-2,500 a month. Doing those two things helps us do the third, which is to chip away at the warrant backlog.” A ‘warrants maintained’ chart on display at the press conference showed that the warrant backlog is down over 11,000 warrants since Sheriff High took office in 2010.

Sheriff High gave special recognition to the participating law enforcement partners, including Superintendent  Marcus Brown and the Maryland State Police, U.S. Marshall Service, Chief Magaw and the Prince George’s County Police Department, Director Mary L. McDonough and the Department of Corrections, the Office of Homeland Security, Chief Ayers - Capitol Heights, Chief Robshaw - Cheverly, Chief Gibson - Colmar Manor, Chief O’Donnell - Glenarden, Chief Craze – Greenbelt and Chief Rice of New Carrollton.

The Sheriff also thanked the Warrant Division – investigators and deputies – saying, “The work is dangerous. It requires a lot of knocking on a lot of doors and you simply don’t always know what’s behind the door.”

In closing, Sheriff High called public safety a collaborative effort of interdependent agencies. “That has been the County Executive’s vision and I’ve been heartened to see it realized over the last three years,” he said. “There is no substitute for partnerships that work to the benefit of citizen safety and this effort has proven that fact once again.”

State’s Attorney Alsobrooks, Chief Magaw and Chief Mike Gonnella, President of the Police Chiefs of Prince George’s County spoke about the importance of working together to make the community safer and crime reduction.

Delegate Joseph F. Vallario Jr., Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Clerk of the Court Bland and Chair of the County Council Public Safety & Fiscal Management Committee Toles also attended.

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

Deputies Arrest Attempted Second Degree Murder Suspect

Upper Marlboro, MD…The Warrant &Fugitive Division arrested Malik Bush Saturday on an Attempted Second Degree Murder warrant obtained by County Police detectives on October 21, 2013.

According to the warrant, on October 20^th, Bush produced a knife and stabbed a man attempted to intervene in a verbal dispute between Bush and another individual outside of a restaurant in the 1000 block of Shoppers Way in Largo, MD.  Bush subsequently fled the scene.

Deputies investigating Bush’s whereabouts were led to the 8100 block of Baltimore Avenue in College Park, MD. With the assistance of the County Police Department Bush was taken into custody and transported to the Police District II station for interviewing.

Bush was also charged with one count each of First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, and Intent to Injure with a Dangerous Weapon.

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

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Governor O’Malley/Sheriff High Release Results of Joint Warrant Operation

Upper Marlboro, MD… Governor Martin O’Malley and Sheriff Melvin High will appear at a press conference to release the final results of the Violent Offender Warrant Suppression (VOWS) operation led by the Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division. The warrant operation that started July 14 to October 15^th, was funded by a grant from the Governor’s Office on Crime Control and Prevention and was a multi-week operation that included participation from local and state law enforcement partners.

 Who:              Governor Martin O’Malley,

                                             Sheriff Melvin C. High and other law enforcement partners

                         When:         11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2013

                         Where:        Office of the Sheriff Headquarters – 2^nd Floor

                       5303 Chrysler Way

                       Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

                       

Members of the media and community are welcome to attend.

For more information contact the Press Information Office at 301-780-7354.

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Sheriff Celebrates Domestic Violence Partners at Luncheon

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Prince George’s County Sheriff and the Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID) held a luncheon to celebrate partners in the fight against domestic violence as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.  The theme of the luncheon was “Celebrating Partners – Hope and Help for Victims of Domestic Violence.” Guests from over 15 County and State organizations, including law enforcement, the criminal justice system, advocacy organizations and service providers attended the luncheon at the Colony South Hotel & Conference Center in Clinton, MD.

 

Encouraging a mood of celebration, Justine Love the Mistress of Ceremonies and well-known radio personality, community advocate and Director of Community and Public Affairs for CBS Radio of Washington, D.C., said, “You carry (everyday) the burden of people who hurt so if nobody told you they love you today – I do.”

 In his welcoming remarks, Sheriff High said the Celebrating Partners theme was recognition that the County and the State are making enormous progress in the fight against domestic violence, but that it is the combined effort of every partner, working together that represents help and hope for victims.

 “Last year alone, our Special Victim Assistants (SVA) assisted nearly 5,000 people who were either victims of domestic violence or fearful of becoming a victim,” said Sheriff High. “Whether we reached out to them or they reached out to us, if they took action that means our collective message is getting through.”

  

Representatives from each of the partner organizations were presented a Certificate of Appreciation. A special Award of Commendation was given to Retired Captain Daniel Hall, who was commander of the unit during the fastest period of growth and development of the Domestic Violence Intervention Division.

The luncheon closed with “Somber Reflection”, a ceremony in memory of nine victims whose lives were lost in FY2012 as a result of domestic violence.  Nine Special Victim Assistants from the Sheriff’s Office “stood” in remembrance of the nine lives lost by standing in front of nine life-sized red Silent Witness Silhouettes. The silhouettes are the symbol of the Silent Witness National Initiative which was started by a group of women in Minnesota who wanted to create something to commemorate the lives lost to domestic violence.   

Sheriff High thanked the luncheon coordinators Captain Ronald Terry, Commander of DVID and Ms. Bethany Bordeaux, Supervisor of the SVA Unit. “It was a program we enjoyed organizing to thank the partners we work with every day to do this important work,” said Captain Terry.

The following partner organizations were celebrated at the luncheon: Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley, Ph.D., Howard University, Professor  & Director, Ph.D. Program/School of Social Work; Community Advocates for Family & Youth; Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, The House of Ruth Maryland; Kennedy Foundation, Inc., Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Maryland Crime Victims Resources Center; Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence; Mobile Crisis Response Team; My Covenant Place – Prince George’s County Health Department; The Prince George’s Hospital Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center at Dimensions Healthcare System; the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD); State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County; Still I Rise; Office of the Sheriff Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID) Deputies, Domestic Violence Processing Unit and Special Victim Assistants (SVA).

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

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Joint VOWS/Clackamas County Warrant Operation Closes 75 Warrants

Upper Marlboro, MD… On Wednesday, October 16^th the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff along with local law enforcement agencies conducted a warrant sweep that combined the multi-week Violent Offender Warrant Suppression (VOWS) operation with the 11^th Annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail. The joint operation resulted in 65 arrests to close 75 outstanding warrants.  

               

Ten teams comprised of Sheriff’s Deputies and law enforcement personnel from the Maryland State Police, Prince George’s County Police Department, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service and Maryland-National Capital Park Police attempted warrant service at 217 addresses in the County.

“It made sense to combine the VOWS operation with the Clackamas County Domestic Violence Warrant Sweep” said Captain William Mints, Assistant Bureau Chief of Field Operations. “Domestic Violence is a crime of violence and violent offenders were the focus of VOWS. Once again, we have had an outstanding result because we had the support of other local and state law enforcement partners.”

Among the charges in the 65 arrests, 4 were for First Degree Assault, 32 for Second Degree Assault and 7 were Domestic Violence related.

Lieutenant Colonel Regina Taylor, Bureau Chief of Field Operations said the VOWS operation has been a tremendous success. “We look forward to sharing the final results with the Governor’s Office

on Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP) in the coming weeks. The funding made this operation possible and the results are more violent offenders off the street; that’s success by any measure.”

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.
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Suspect in a 1987 Attempted Murder Extradited from L.A.

Upper Marlboro, MD…The Warrant &Fugitive Division arrested Mark McNabb yesterday on an Assault with the Intent to Murder warrant obtained by County Police detectives on March 9, 1988.

According to the warrant, on November 11, 1987, while armed with a handgun McNabb forced his way into an apartment on Cindy Lane in Seat Pleasant looking for a visitor of the residence.  McNabb and the visitor of the apartment exchanged gunfire, wounding McNabb prior to his fleeing the residence.

                                        

In early September Deputies received information that McNabb was possibly being detained in a Los Angeles, California County Jail on a traffic violation.  He was identified by L.A. law enforcement through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. Initially, McNabb fought extradition claiming that he was not the person named in the 1988 warrant. 

McNabb ultimately admitted that he was the person wanted in the warrant when he was positively identified through scar from the gunshot wound and photos.  On October 14^th, two Deputies from the Warrant & Fugitive Division extradited McNabb from California to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections where he is being held on a “No Bond” status. The warrant is closed.

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