Deputies Arrest Attempted First Degree Murder Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Lavani G. Adams on December 7, 2021, on a warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder obtained by county police on November 11, 2021.

According to the warrant, on November 1^st, Police responded to the 8100 Block of Picard Ln, in Upper Marlboro, MD, for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Detectives learned that Adams, alongside four other suspects, was alleged to have approached them with a firearm before shooting and fleeing the scene. Police further discovered that the suspects stole the victim’s personal property, including the victim’s vehicle. The victim was taken to a local hospital, treated for injuries. Detectives were able to identify Adams as one of the suspects involved through their investigation. 

On December 7^th, after being notified by deputies of an arrest warrant, Adams and her mom arrived at the Sheriff’s Office to turn herself in. Adams was identified, served the warrant, placed into custody, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections without incident.

Adams is also charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Carjacking, Armed Carjacking, First Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Robbery, using a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime, two counts of Robbery, Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Theft $1,500 to under $25,000, Having a Handgun on her Person, Having a Loaded Handgun on her Person and Theft less than $100.

For more information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

Deputies Arrest Theft of $1,500 to $25,000 Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff’s Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Norman Allen Jones on December 6, 2021, on two warrants for Theft of $1,500 to $25,000 obtained by county police on May 23, 2021.

According to the warrant, on April 19^th, police responded to a local business in the 14000 Block of Baltimore Ave in Laurel, MD., for a reported theft. Police learned that Jones had allegedly entered a business and began to load his shopping cart with items from the store. Jones exited the store and bypassed all points of sale without paying for the items in his cart. Jones fled the scene, escaping with thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. Detectives, through their investigation, were able to identify Jones as the suspect.

On December 6^th, deputies determined that Jones could be located at an address in the 400 Block of Brightseat Rd, in Hyattsville, MD. Deputies knocked on the door, and a resident answered, allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, deputies determined that Jones was hiding in a locked bedroom. After speaking with Jones, deputies were able to convince him to surrender. Jones was identified, served the warrant, taken into custody, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

For more information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

Deadline for New Emergency Rental Assistance Program Applications

        Deadline for New Emergency Rental Assistance Program Applications

The Prince George’s County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has assisted over 5,200 households, making over $42 million in rent and utility payments to landlords on behalf of tenants since March 2021. These payments have enabled tenants to stay housed during the COVID-19 pandemic while assisting landlords in maintaining their mortgage obligations. To date, Prince George’s County has been leading the State in the deployment of rental assistance funds, and in collaboration with our non-profit community partners, Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, the Office of the Sheriff, and the Office of Community Relations, we continue to work in diverting evictions and in keeping families safely housed.

On December 15, 2021, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will close the application portal and continue its focus on reviewing and processing remaining applications. New ERAP applications will not be accepted after 3:00 PM on this date. Closing the application portal will ensure that DHCD has the funding needed for the open applications that still need to be processed for payment, including applications received between now and December 15.  

DHCD is also pleased to be a recipient of the State of Maryland’s ERA 1 supplemental assistance. With these funds, we will be able to finalize the awarding of an additional $20 million to County residents affected by this pandemic.

Working with its community service providers, DHCD will ensure that the remaining ERAP funds will be used to provide assistance for eligible pending applications.  Low-income households facing eviction and residents with addresses in a census tract of greatest vulnerability will continue to be prioritized. Applicants will be contacted by their assigned reviewers to finalize all necessary information. Residents with pending eviction cases should continue to reach out to DHCD and call the ERAP Hotline at 301-883-6504 and press 9.

The submission of an application does not guarantee approval for ERAP assistance.  All applications are carefully reviewed and subject to state and federal eligibility requirements. Applications are also subject to the availability of funding at the time of processing.

Calls and questions can be made to the ERAP Hotline customer service representatives on 301-883-6504 or by visiting https://tinyurl.com/pgcERAP.

                                                               #  #  #

Deputies Arrest Attempted First Degree Murder Suspect

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Stacey Jahmal Selby on November 29, 2021, on a warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder obtained by county police on November 13, 2021. According to the warrant, on November 12th, Police responded to the 6800 Block of Riverdale Rd, in Riverdale, MD for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, police discovered a victim lying on the ground, suffering from gunshot wounds. Police learned that Selby was involved in a verbal altercation, where he was alleged to have pulled out a firearm, shooting the victim before fleeing the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital, where they were treated for injuries. Detectives were able to identify Selby as the shooter through their investigation. On November 29th, deputies determined that Selby could be located at an address in the 10000 Block of Brookers Reserve Rd, in Upper Marlboro, MD. Deputies knocked, and a resident answered, allowing them to enter the home. Selby was identified inside the house, where he was served the warrant, placed into custody, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections without incident. Selby is also charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Using a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime, Second Degree Assault and Having a Loaded handgun on his person. For more information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

Sheriff Melvin C. High Day!

 

Deputies Arrest Theft Scheme $1,500 to $25,000 Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff’s Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Bertron Lamar Harvell on October 26, 2021, on two warrants for Theft Scheme $1,500 to $25,000 obtained by county police on September 23^rd and October 19^th, 2021.

According to the warrant, on July 15, 2021 police responded to a local business in the 10400 Block of Campus Way South in Upper Marlboro, MD. for a reported theft. Police learned that Harvell, alongside another subject had allegedly entered a business and began to place electrical wires into his shopping cart. Both Harvell and the second subject bypassed all points of sale and exited the store without paying for the items in their cart. On July 17^th and 19^th, Harvell and the same subject had entered the business, taking several other items before making their escape, bypassing all points of sale. Detectives were able to identify Harvell as one of the suspects through their investigation and learned that Harvell was also involved in two additional theft cases located in Laurel City and Clinton, MD.

On October 26^th, deputies were able to determine that Harvell could be located at an address in the 1300 Block of Inland Dr, in District Heights, MD. Deputies knocked on the door, and a resident answered allowing them to enter the home. Deputies identified Harvell inside the residence and he was served the warrant, taken into custody, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

Deputies Arrest First Degree Rape Suspect

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Luis Romero Lara-Jimenez on October 21, 2021, on a warrant for First Degree Rape obtained by county police on October 4, 2021.

According to the warrant, a minor victim reported that they were allegedly forced by Lara-Jimenez into having sexual intercourse on several occasions between 2014 through 2017 at an address in the 6200 Block of Oxon Hill Rd in Oxon Hill, MD. Detectives, identified Lara-Jimenez as the suspect.  

On October 21^st, deputies, through their investigation determined that Lara-Jimenez could be located at an address in the 6600 Block of Dulin Dr. in Oxon Hill, MD. When deputies arrived, they observed a vehicle arrive in front of the address. Moments later Lara-Jimenez was identified exiting the home, where he was served the warrant and placed into custody. Lara-Jimenez was safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

Lara-Jimenez is also charged with Sex Abuse of a Minor, Second Degree Rape, Second Degree Assault, Third Degree Sex Offense and Fourth Degree Sexual Contact Offense.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

Deputies Arrest Sex Abuse of a Minor Suspect

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Dartae Javaughn Hunter on October 20, 2021, on a warrant for Sex Abuse of a Minor obtained by county police on September 29, 2021.

According to the warrant, on or around July 30, 2020, a minor victim reported that Hunter allegedly exposed himself before coercing them to engage in sexual acts at an address in the 4900 Block of Megan Dr. in Clinton, MD. Police learned that the minor victim was in the care and custody of Hunter during the time of the incident.  

On October 20^th, deputies responded to the 4900 Block of Megan Dr. in Clinton, MD. to execute the warrant. Deputies knocked, and Hunter answered, allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, he was served the warrant and placed into custody. Hunter was safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

Hunter is also charged with Second Degree Child Abuse, Sexual Solicitation of a Minor, and Indecent Exposure.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

Deputies Arrest First Degree Child Abuse Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Denise Francine Edwards on October 18, 2021, on a warrant for First Degree Child Abuse obtained by county police on August 27, 2021.

According to the warrant, on May 15^th, detectives responded to a local hospital regarding a physical child abuse case. Detectives learned that a minor child, who was in the sole care of Edwards, was severely injured. The minor child was taken to a local hospital, where medical staff determined that the injury caused was not accidental.

On October 18^th, deputies determined that Edwards could be located at an address in the 5100 Block of Heath St. in Capitol Heights, MD. Deputies knocked, and a resident answered, allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, Edwards was identified, served the warrant, placed into custody, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

Edwards is also charged with First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, and Neglect of a Minor.

For more information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

Deputies Arrest Sex Abuse of a Minor Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD…  The Office of the Sheriff’s Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Thomas Coronado-Velazquez on October 14, 2021, on a warrant for Sex Abuse of a Minor obtained by police on October 5, 2021.

According to the warrant, on April 28^th, The Prince George’s County Child Protective Service, received notification about a sexual child abuse case. Detectives learned that on and around March 2016 through January 2021, Coronado-Velazquez had allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a minor victim at a residence in Capitol Heights, MD.

On October 14^th, deputies determined Coronado-Velazquez could be located at an address in the 6300 Block of 67^th Ave in Riverdale, MD. When deputies knocked, a resident answered, allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, Coronado-Velazquez was identified, served the warrant, and placed into custody. Coronado-Velazquez was safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

Coronado-Velazquez is also charged with Third-Degree Sex Offense, Second-Degree Assault, Fourth-Degree Sexual Contact, and two counts of Conducting Visual Surveillance of Another without consent.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

Peace & Protective Orders

 

Deputies Arrest Armed Carjacking Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD…  The Office of the Sheriff’s Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Jeffrey Keith Green Jr. on October 8, 2021, on a warrant for Armed Carjacking obtained by police on September 17, 2021.

According to the warrant, on September 6^th, police responded to the 2600 Block of Keating St. in Temple Hills, MD for the report of a carjacking. When police arrived, a victim reported meeting with Green Jr. to sell him a car. The victim further stated that once Green Jr. inspected the car, he brandished a firearm, demanding the keys. In fear, the victim complied, and Green Jr. fled the scene in the victim’s car. Through their investigation, detectives were able to identify Green Jr. as the suspect.

On October 8^th, deputies executed the warrant for Green Jr. at a home in the 600 Block of Mattawoman Way in Accokeek, MD. When deputies knocked, a resident answered, allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, deputies identified Green Jr., served him the warrant, placed him into custody, and safely transported him to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

Green Jr. is also charged with Carjacking, First Degree Assault, Second-Degree Assault and Theft $1,500 to under $25,000.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

Deputies Arrest Sex Abuse of a Minor Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD…  The Office of the Sheriff’s Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Jose Armando Mundo-Orellana on October 4, 2021, on a warrant for Sex Abuse of a Minor obtained by police on September 29, 2021.

According to the warrant, on September 24^th, police learned that Mundo-Orellana was allegedly involved in a sexual relationship with a minor victim, at a home located in Hyattsville, MD.

On October 10^th, deputies executed the warrant for Mundo-Orellana at a home in the 5200 Block of 56^th Ave in Hyattsville, MD. When deputies knocked, a resident answered, allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, deputies identified Mundo-Orellana, served him the warrant, placed him into custody, and safely transported him to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

Mundo-Orellana is also charged with Second-Degree Rape and Third-Degree Sex Offense.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

Deputies Arrest First Degree Assault Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Deante Saunders Duffin on September 27, 2021, on a warrant for First Degree Assault obtained by county police on July 27, 2021.

According to the warrant, on July 26^th, officers responded to the 1000 Block of Palmer Rd. in Fort Washington, MD for a reported domestic violence call. When officers arrived, they spoke with a victim who disclosed having a physical altercation with Duffin. During the altercation, Duffin was alleged to have attempted to strangle the victim causing physical signs of injury. Duffin fled the scene before police arrived.

On September 27^th, deputies determined that Duffin could be located at 1000 Block of Palmer Rd. in Fort Washington, MD. Upon arrival, deputies knocked, and a resident answered, allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, Duffin was found hiding in a bedroom. Duffin was served the warrant, placed into custody, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD without incident.

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

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

Deputies Arrest Attempted Second Degree Murder Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Mohamed Abdi Ali Siyakee on September 24, 2021, on a warrant for Attempted Second Degree Murder obtained by The New Carrollton Police Department on August 31, 2021.

According to the warrant, on August 30^th, officers responded to the 5300 Block of 85^th Ave in New Carrollton, MD for a report of an armed person. When officers arrived, they discovered an injured victim on the scene. Police learned the victim and Siyakee were involved in a physical altercation. Siyakee was alleged to have walked into the bedroom where the victim was located and began to assault them. The victim further disclosed that during the physical altercation Siyakee ran to the kitchen and obtained a large knife, held it over his head and attempted to stab the victim. A scuffle occurred, causing Siyakee to drop the knife before fleeing the scene.

On September 24^th, deputies determined that Siyakee could be located at an address in the 6200 Block of 64^th Ave in Riverdale, MD. Upon arrival, deputies knocked, and Siyakee answered, allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, Siyakee was served the warrant, placed into custody, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD without incident.

Siyakee is also charged with First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

Media Release

CONTACT:

Captain Kelly W. Faris

5303 Chrysler Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

(301) 780-8639

kwfaris@co.pg.md.us

 

            ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT

Upper Marlboro/Prince George’s County, Maryland, September 30, 2021 - An Assessment Team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), will  examine all aspects of the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Sheriff Melvin C. High announced today.

Verification by the Assessment Team that the Office of the Sheriff meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain re-accreditation - a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence, the Sheriff said.

As part of the assessment, Agency personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments by telephone on October 5, 2021, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.  The public is invited to call (314) 482-8362, to speak to a member of the Assessment Team.

Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the Agency’s ability to comply with CALEA standards. A copy of the standards is available at the Office of the Sheriff, 5303 Chrysler Way, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The local contact is Regina A. Taylor, (240) 695-6296.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA®), 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia 20155.

The Office of the Sheriff is required to comply with CALEA standards in order to regain accredited status, Sheriff High said. “Our ability to maintain our standing as a best-practices agency is central to our mission. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation designation is a testament to our commitment to well-defined policies, processes, and procedures which, as a result, enhances our preparedness to meet our citizens’ needs and expectations.”

Accreditation is a four year process, during which the agency must submit annual reports, and participate in annual remote web-based assessments attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., please write the Commission at 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 20155; or call (703) 352-4225 or email calea@calea.org.    

Deputies Arrest Attempted First Degree Murder Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Malik Qi-Man Alan Plunkett on September 8, 2021, on a warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder obtained by county police detectives on August 15, 2021.

According to the warrant, on August 15^th, Deputies assigned to the Domestic Violence Intervention Division (DVID) responded to an address in the 4200 Block of Suitland Rd, in Suitland, MD, for a reported domestic violence call. A victim reported that Plunkett allegedly attempted to strangle them during a physical altercation causing them to urinate. The victim further disclosed that after momentarily losing consciousness they managed to escape from Plunkett, when he obtained a knife, placing it to the victim’s throat, threating to kill the victim. The victim managed to escape, leaving the home to call 911. Plunkett left the scene before responding deputies arrived.  

On September 8^th, the investigating deputy determined that Plunkett could be located at an address in the 8200 Block of Gateway Overlook Dr. in Elkridge, MD. Upon arrival, the deputy, assisted by the Howard County Police Department, observed Plunkett leaving a local store. Plunkett was then stopped, served the warrant, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro MD, without incident.

Plunkett is also charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment and Possession with a Dangerous Weapon with the intent to cause injury.  

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

Deputies Arrest First Degree Rape Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Raheem White on September 9, 2021, on a warrant for First Degree Rape obtained by county police on August 2, 2021.

According to the warrant, on August 1^st, a victim reported that White allegedly sexually assaulted them at a residence in the 2100 Block of County Rd, in District Heights, MD. Police learned that White and the victim were at the residence, when White allegedly pinned the victim down and began to assault them, causing physical injury. White continued the assault, taking the victim's clothes off, and forced the victim to have sexual intercourse with him. White then fled, taking the victim's vehicle, and leaving the scene.

On September 9^th, deputies assigned to the United States Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), and Task Force officers determined that White could be located at an address in the 1200 Block of Garden Dr. in Newport News, VA. Upon arrival, White was seen leaving out of the home. Task Force officers stopped White, served him with the warrant, and safely transported him to the Newport News City Jail, without incident. White is currently pending extradition to Prince George’s County, MD.

White is also charged with Second Degree Rape, Second Degree Assault, Perverted Practice, Third Degree Sex Offense, and Theft $1,500 To Under $25,000

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

Deputies Arrest Theft 1.5K to Under 25K Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of Felder Dean Grant on September 11, 2021, on a warrant for Theft 1.5k to under 25k obtained by county police on August 23, 2021.

According to the warrant, on June 23, 2021, detectives were notified by the Loss Prevention Manager at a local store, regarding a theft in the 8700 Block of Branch Ave, in Clinton, MD. Detectives learned that Grant, who was in close partnership with one of the stores employees, had taken over $24,000 worth of merchandise on several different occasions. Detectives, through their investigation identified Grant as the suspect receiving the merchandise and leaving the store.   

Upon receipt of the warrant, deputies through their investigation determined that Grant could be located at an address in Indian Head, MD. On September 11^th, deputies arrived and knocked on the door. Grant answered allowing them to enter the home. Once inside, he was served the warrant, placed into custody, and safely transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro, MD, without incident.

For more information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

Deputies Arrest Attempted First Degree Murder Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of William Anthony Belton on September 13, 2021, on a warrant for Attempted First Murder obtained by county police on September 9, 2021.

According to the warrant, on September 8^th, police responded to the 3900 Block of Coach Ln, in Temple Hills, MD, for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they met with a victim, who reported having a verbal altercation with Belton. Police learned that the victim had a verbal dispute with Belton, at which time Belton became upset. Police further learned that the victim was followed by Belton when he left the scene of the verbal argument. At that time, the victim observed Belton display a firearm before shooting several shots into the victim’s vehicle. Detectives, through their investigation, determined that Belton was the shooter.   

On September 13^th, Deputies determined that Belton was at a local hospital in Clinton, MD. When deputies arrived, Belton was immediately discharged. He was served the warrant, placed into custody, and safely transported to detectives at the Prince George’s County Police Department District V Station without incident.

Belton is also charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, using a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime, Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment from a car, Having a Handgun in a Vehicle, and Having a Handgun on his Person.

For more information, contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-8637.

                                                                              ###

PGSO Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month!

 

Join @PGParkPolice For their Domestic Violence Awareness Month 5K Walk/Run/Bike. Saturday, October 30th, 2021. #DomesticViolence

 

Tomorrow, across the nation, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

 

Don’t Forget October 1 at 11:00 AM, We Premiere Our Virtual 2021 Purple Light Nights Lighting Ceremony on PGCC-TV.

 

Statement from Sheriff Melvin C. High To the Citizens and Residents of Prince George’s County

                           

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

 

Upper Marlboro, MD…Yesterday I addressed a letter to the men and women of the Office of the Sheriff notifying them that I will not seek reelection at the end of my current term. I’m sure you understand why it was important for me to speak with them directly and first.  So many of the thoughts I shared with them, I’m pleased to share with you now.   

After a period of self-reflection and consultation with my family, I have decided to conclude my service as Sheriff of Prince George’s County at the end of my third term of office in December of 2022. I wanted you to hear directly from me. 

I extended my heart-felt gratitude and appreciation to the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office with whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving and now to the citizens of Prince George’s County for entrusting me with this opportunity. I will be forever grateful for the trust citizens placed in me to serve in this distinguished position. As the saying goes “I am Prince George’s Proud!”

This is a very bitter-sweet moment for me and a difficult career decision.  As many of you know, I have spent my entire adult life in public service, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the nature of the work-life I chose.  Beginning with my time as a high school science teacher, a United States Marine and war veteran, a police officer and executive with the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, Chief of Police of the Norfolk, VA Police Department, Chief at the Prince George’s County, MD Police Department (PGPD) and now closing this phase of my life having served three terms as Sheriff. I have been so blessed!

Throughout my career I have been able to accomplish goals that I believe also reflected social progress. I created the Melvin C. High Scholarship Program to help high school students achieve academic success and to encourage their aspirations. I’ve implemented community policing in several communities throughout America that led to significant improvements in police and public safety reform. Working closely with the community to build partnerships in community safety has been one area of the work I most enjoy.

I will so miss being with and working with the members of our agency day in and day out. The work is hard, but most of the hard work I did, I did not do alone. The successes I achieved are not mine alone but rather the result of the skilled and dedicated performance of the many talented women and men of this Sheriff’s Office and of each agency I have led. I have not known a more capable and honorable group of people than our members and others I have had the privilege of meeting and serving with in my time in public service.  It is a source of pride knowing that many of them continue to serve and lead with distinction in public safety positions across the country, as I know some from this Sheriff’s Office will. 

The incredible and challenging opportunity that brought me to Prince George’s County prepared me for other work that I am very proud of – that of working across the country with individual agency transformations and guiding them to achieve status as “best practice” organizations while serving as a member of Federal District Courts Monitoring teams. 

I came to my decision with full confidence that currently within the Sheriff’s Office, bold and highly ethical, visionary leaders exist with superior knowledge who are capable of balancing agency and employee interests and have the courage to ensure accountability and compassion. That leadership is vital to building on the tremendous progress we’ve made as an agency, including working to strengthen our public safety partnership with the community. I will have more to say about that in the future. 

I assure you that in the year and few months I have yet to serve as sheriff, I will continue to fulfill my oath to all of you and to serve the residents of Prince George’s County with transparency, professionalism, and honor. 

I look forward to our time together in the coming months as we continue this important work. As time advances, I will periodically share my thoughts with you on what may be next for me, beyond spending more time with my wife and family and especially with my grandson, Christian.

Yours in service,  

Melvin C. High,

Sheriff