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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Deputies Arrest First Degree Murder Suspect

 

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Office of the Sheriff's Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the arrest of John Frederick Carrington on September 1, 2021, on a warrant for First Degree Murder obtained by county police on August 30, 2021.

According to the warrant, on August 29^th

, police responded to an address in the 2900 Block of Brinkley Rd, in Temple Hill, MD, to check on the welfare of an individual who lived there. Officers arrived and notified maintenance, who allowed them to enter the home. Once inside, officers discovered the apartment appeared to be ransacked, at which time officers discovered a deceased body lying on the floor. The victim was pronounced dead by Fire/EMS. Detectives’ investigation revealed that Carrington was alleged to have strangled the victim before fleeing the home. Detectives also discovered that Carrington allegedly stabbed another victim who was known to him with a knife. The second victim was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On September 1^st, deputies working in partnership with the United States Marshals Service Capitol Area Reginald Task Force (C.A.R.T.F) and the Prince George’s County Police Department determined that Carrington could be located in the area of Yuma St SE, in Washington D.C. Task Force Officers conducted surveillance on a vehicle known to be driven by Carrington, and ultimately observed him enter the vehicle. The Task Force Officers stopped the vehicle and identified Carrington inside. Carrington was served the warrant and placed into custody. Custody was turned over to the Metropolitan Police Department, in Washington D.C. without incident.

Carrington is also charged with Second Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, two counts of Second-Degree Assault, and two Possession with a Deadly Weapon related charges.

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