Maryland Man Caught Soliciting York County Teen On Snapchat: New Court Docs Maryland Man Caught Soliciting York County Teen On Snapchat: New Court Docs
Maryland Man Caught Soliciting York County Teen On Snapchat: New Court Docs A Maryland man accused of using Snapchat to solicit and exploit a 15-year-old York County girl is now facing trafficking and sexual assault charges, according to newly obtained court documents. Brady Alexander Knatz, 26, of Hampstead, allegedly initiated sexually explicit conversations with the teen, identified as S.C., in September 2024 using the username "scooby_snacs," police said. Despite learning her age, Knatz continued requesting explicit photos and describing graphic sexual acts, investigators allege. The communications were discovered by S.C.'s mother on Oct. 1, 2024, prompting the …
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
DMV Priest Turns ‘Jeopardy!’ Dream Into $40K, 3-Game Win Streak DMV Priest Turns ‘Jeopardy!’ Dream Into $40K, 3-Game Win Streak
DMV Priest Turns ‘Jeopardy!’ Dream Into $40K, 3-Game Win Streak A Virginia Episcopal priest has turned his childhood dream into reality, racking up nearly $40,000 during a winning streak on "Jeopardy!" this week. Kevin Laskowski, of Falls Church, claimed his third victory on Wednesday, Nov. 27, after a dramatic comeback in Final Jeopardy! His success has earned him a spot among this season’s top contenders and a shot at the coveted Tournament of Champions. The priest-in-charge at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Centreville entered the final round in second place, trailing Julia Schan, a stay-at-home mom from California. The Final Jeopardy! clue challenge…
Repeat Offender Arrested For Midday Murder In Maryland, Police Say Repeat Offender Arrested For Midday Murder In Maryland, Police Say
Repeat Offender Arrested For Midday Murder In Maryland, Police Say A convicted felon known to law enforcement is back behind bars after allegedly firing a gun in broad daylight in Baltimore, killing one man and injuring a second authorities announced on Wednesday. The incident happened shortly before 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, near the 1900 block of Edmondson Avenue, where police responded to reports of gunfire.  His victim was later identified as 40-year-old Marcus Holloway, and a second man was also injured in the shooting. King fled before officers arrived. Investigators noted that King, a repeat offender with a history of weapons and other …
Maryland Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Minor: State's Attorney Maryland Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Minor: State's Attorney
Maryland Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Minor: State's Attorney A Maryland man will spend more than a decade behind bars after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a minor, Frederick County officials announced Tuesday. Jan Anthony Sleets, 46, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with all but 11 years suspended, after his guilty plea to sex abuse of a minor earlier this year in June.  The Frederick County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case in 2016 after receiving allegations of child sexual abuse.  Due to the victim's young age at the time—just 3 years old—the case was suspended but reopened in 2021 when further information became av…
Man Who Threatened To Crush, Shoot Child During Separate Incidents In Maryland Learns Fate Man Who Threatened To Crush, Shoot Child During Separate Incidents In Maryland Learns Fate
Man Who Threatened To Crush, Shoot Child During Separate Incidents In Maryland Learns Fate A 46-year-old Monrovia man has been sentenced after being convicted of abusing and imprisoning a child he had previously threatened with a gun, the Frederick County State's Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday. Christopher Kraft, 46, was found complicit in assaulting a child earlier this year following an investigation by the sheriff's office into claims of child abuse that were filed in March.  This week, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison with all suspended but 17 years to serve. On Sunday, March 3, deputies responded to conduct a welfare check of a child, who they met, along …
MD Man, 26, Wanted For Soliciting Explicit Photos From PA Teen: Affidavit MD Man, 26, Wanted For Soliciting Explicit Photos From PA Teen: Affidavit
MD Man, 26, Wanted For Soliciting Explicit Photos From PA Teen: Affidavit A Maryland man is waned for pressuring a 15-year-old girl to send explicit photos and describing violent sexual acts in Snapchat messages, York County Regional Police detailed in court documents obtained by Daily Voice on Thursday, Nov. 21. Brady A. Knatz, 26, of Hampstead, MD, began communicating with the York County teen, identified as S.C., on Sept. 25, 2024, using the Snapchat username "scooby_snacs," according to the affidavit of probable cause. Knatz allegedly initiated the conversation by asking S.C. if she wanted a "sugar daddy" and revealed he was 24 years old, police said. S.C. to…
VA Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash : 'A Friend To All' VA Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash : 'A Friend To All'
VA Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash : 'A Friend To All' This story has been updated. A Virginia pilot who regularly flew dogs in need to safe homes around the country was killed when his small plane crashed in a remote area of New York. The Greene County incident happened in the Town of Windham at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Sheriff’s officials said a single-engine Mooney plane was traveling from Maryland to Albany carrying the pilot and three dogs when it crashed in a remote area. The impact killed the pilot, 49-year-old Seuk Kim, of Springfield, Virginia, and one of the dogs. A second dog, a lab mix puppy, survived but suffered two bro…
'Flash Mob' Theft Ring Hits Maryland: Four Charged in $800K Crime Spree: AG 'Flash Mob' Theft Ring Hits Maryland: Four Charged in $800K Crime Spree: AG
'Flash Mob' Theft Ring Hits Maryland: Four Charged in $800K Crime Spree: AG Four men have been indicted in connection with an organized retail crime ring responsible for 37 thefts across six Maryland counties, causing approximately $800,000 in losses, authorities announced Monday. The suspects are accused of overwhelming stores with “flash mob” tactics, targeting high-end retail items, and reselling stolen goods.  Attorney General Anthony Brown revealed details about the operation, which spanned Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, and Prince George’s counties. Those charged include: Donte Bernard Shaw, 34, of Washington, DC; Taquan An…
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says A newly discovered compound in drinking water has raised questions about its potential health risks.  The chemical, known as chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO₂⁻), was found in all samples from 10 US drinking water systems that use chloramines, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, Nov. 21. The research, led by Julian L. Fairey, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas,  identified chloronitramide anion as a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines, which are commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies.  The study estimates …
Infant Dies, 10 Others Sickened In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products Infant Dies, 10 Others Sickened In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products
Infant Dies, 10 Others Sickened In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products A multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry products has killed an infant and sickened at least 10 others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating infections linked to recalled Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The illnesses were in New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois between Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, Oct. 24, the agency said. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant woman and her twins were sick and both infants died. But …
Maryland Man Convicted Of Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend, Unborn Fetus In Historic Case Maryland Man Convicted Of Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend, Unborn Fetus In Historic Case
Maryland Man Convicted Of Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend, Unborn Fetus In Historic Case A Silver Spring man has been convicted of first-degree murder for killing his pregnant girlfriend and her viable fetus in what prosecutors say is a historic ruling in Montgomery County. Torrey Damien Moore, 33, was found guilty Friday, Nov. 22, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County for the deaths of Denise Middleton, 26, who was eight and a half months pregnant with an unborn child when he shot her seven times. The case marks the first time Montgomery County has secured a murder conviction for the death of a viable fetus, officials said Moore was also convicted of: Two counts of use…
Maryland Man Convicted Of 'Brutal' Domestic Stabbing: State's Attorney Maryland Man Convicted Of 'Brutal' Domestic Stabbing: State's Attorney
Maryland Man Convicted Of 'Brutal' Domestic Stabbing: State's Attorney A Maryland man is facing life in prison after being found guilty of a violent domestic stabbing that left his victim with severe injuries in St. Mary's County, authorities announced. John Otha Dickens Jr., 35, of Lexington Park, was convicted of attempted first-degree murder in connection to what prosecutors described as a "brutal stabbing" in February 2023. During a domestic disturbance on Feb. 13, 2023, Dickens stabbed his victim, who had to be rushed to an area hospital and endured a lengthy recovery following the incident. “This verdict reflects the courage of a domestic violence survi…
Woman Admits To Running Sex, Human Trafficking Ring Across Maryland: AG Woman Admits To Running Sex, Human Trafficking Ring Across Maryland: AG
Woman Admits To Running Sex, Human Trafficking Ring Across Maryland: AG A Baltimore woman has admitted to operating a sex and human trafficking ring across Maryland, authorities announced. Earlier this year, Kenika Danielle Leach, 33, was charged following a two-year multi-agency investigation, which helped the AG's Organized Crime Unit to identify nearly a dozen women from Hagerstown who were allegedly trafficked by her and her organization at hotels and motels throughout Maryland. On Friday, the Attorney General's Office announced she has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) an…
Guns, Ammunition Seized As Three Arrested During Joint Operation With ATF In Maryland: Sheriff Guns, Ammunition Seized As Three Arrested During Joint Operation With ATF In Maryland: Sheriff
Guns, Ammunition Seized As Three Arrested During Joint Operation With ATF In Maryland: Sheriff Authorities arrested three individuals, including a juvenile charged as an adult, following a collaborative operation between the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), officials said. On Thursday, Nov. 21, search warrants were executed at three residences across St. Mary’s County as part of an investigation led by the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division. During the operation, deputies recovered seven firearms and ammunition, according to authorities.  Arrested without incident were Bruce Bernard Franks, 32, of Dame…
Speeding DUI Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Maryland Father: Police Speeding DUI Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Maryland Father: Police
Speeding DUI Driver Charged In Crash That Killed Maryland Father: Police A Gaithersburg man is facing serious charges after a high-speed, alcohol-fueled crash claimed the life of a Germantown father earlier this year, police said. Montgomery County police have arrested 45-year-old Agustin E. Jaramillo Lopez of Gaithersburg on charges of negligent manslaughter by vehicle following a fatal collision on July 20 near the intersection of North Frederick Avenue near Travis Avenue. Around 10:12 p.m. on the night of the crash, officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to a crash involving a black 2022 Ram 1500 pick-up truck, driven by Jaramillo Lope…
Man Found Dead After Jump From Harry Nice Bridge In Maryland, Authorities Say Man Found Dead After Jump From Harry Nice Bridge In Maryland, Authorities Say
Man Found Dead After Jump From Harry Nice Bridge In Maryland, Authorities Say A tragic scene unfolded at the Harry Nice Bridge on Wednesday morning in Charles County when emergency crews recovered the body of a man who reportedly jumped into the Potomac River, officials said. The call came in around 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 20, prompting fire rescue marine units from Charles and King George counties to respond to the bridge, where they found a body in the water. Crews retrieved the body and transported it to Aqualand Marina, where land units were waiting. The Maryland Transportation Authority Police have taken over the investigation into the incident. Fire rescue units cl…
Waldorf Man Sentenced For Illegally Dumping Diesel Fuel In Anne Arundel County: AG Waldorf Man Sentenced For Illegally Dumping Diesel Fuel In Anne Arundel County: AG
Waldorf Man Sentenced For Illegally Dumping Diesel Fuel In Anne Arundel County: AG A Charles County man has been sentenced for illegally dumping thousands of gallons of diesel fuel in Anne Arundel County, causing environmental damage and posing risks to public health, the Attorney General's Office announced on Tuesday. Larry Gross, 46, of Waldorf, pleaded guilty earlier this month to two counts of unlawfully discharging oil, specifically diesel fuel, officials say. "Illegally dumping thousands of gallons of diesel fuel is an irresponsible act that jeopardizes public health," Attorney General Anthony Brown stated. "Toxins from this fuel can harm our waterways, contaminate …
Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light
Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light A former middle school teacher in Maryland will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years once she completes her prison term for sexually abusing a student, authorities announced on Tuesday. Melissa Marie Curtis, 31, of Upper Marlboro, was sentenced to 30 years in prison with all suspended but 12 months to serve, followed by five years of supervised probation after pleading guilty in June to three counts of third-degree sex offense in connection to the abuse of a teen. In November 2023, police in Montgomery County launched an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse that ha…
Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland
Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland A Russian national accused of running a global ransomware operation that extorted more than $16 million from victims worldwide has been extradited from South Korea to Maryland to face federal charges, authorities announced. Evgenii Ptitsyn, 42, is charged with operating and administering the sale, distribution, and deployment of the notorious Phobos ransomware, which targeted over 1,000 public and private organizations globally, including schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.  Ptitsyn made his first appearance in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland earlier this …
Police ID 30-Year-Old Maryland Man Killed In Weekend Shooting Police ID 30-Year-Old Maryland Man Killed In Weekend Shooting
Police ID 30-Year-Old Maryland Man Killed In Weekend Shooting The Prince George's County Police Department has released new details as it continues to investigate a deadly weekend shooting in Oxon Hill. Denis Zepeda Cruz, 30, has been identified by investigators as the person who was gunned down in Oxon Hill in what is believed to be a targeted attack. At about 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, Prince George's County police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 7300 block of Roanne Drive Upon arrival, they found Cruz outside suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, police say. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It is not believed to be a random…
Playground Pandemonium: Bulldozer Rampage Causes $100K in Damage at Maryland Park Playground Pandemonium: Bulldozer Rampage Causes $100K in Damage at Maryland Park
Playground Pandemonium: Bulldozer Rampage Causes $100K in Damage at Maryland Park The carefree laughter of children at Brantwood Park in Elkton was replaced by stunned silence this weekend after a bizarre and destructive act of vandalism left a playground in ruins. On Saturday, Nov. 16, Cecil County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Williams Road to investigate a jaw-dropping scene of "malicious destruction of property."  The culprit? A bulldozer. The victim? A children’s playground that had recently been updated to bring joy to the community’s children. Deputies arrived to find significant damage to both the playground equipment and other areas of the park, with t…
1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots 1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots
1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots An E. coli outbreak linked to carrots has left one person dead and sickened 39 people in 18 states. Click here for a new, updated story: Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says the infections have come from multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, which is based in Bakersfield, California.  "Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people's homes," the CDC said. "If you have any recalled carrots…
Shooter Who Attempted To Kill Longtime Friend In Maryland Learns Fate In Court Shooter Who Attempted To Kill Longtime Friend In Maryland Learns Fate In Court
Shooter Who Attempted To Kill Longtime Friend In Maryland Learns Fate In Court A man who stalked his prey and shot a longtime friend was convicted this week on attempted murder and other charges for a 2022 shooting in Harford County, the state's attorney's office announced. Kory Putney, 46, was found guilty following a three-day trial in Harford County Circuit Court of attempting to gun down his friend of 20 years, who was able to identify him after surviving the shooting. According to the Harford County State's Attorney's Office, members of the sheriff's office were called to investigate a shooting late on Aug. 21, 2022, where they found a gunshot victim in a grassy …
Shooter Facing Six Life Sentences For Deadly Drive-By Involving Former HS Football Player In MD Shooter Facing Six Life Sentences For Deadly Drive-By Involving Former HS Football Player In MD
Shooter Facing Six Life Sentences For Deadly Drive-By Involving Former HS Football Player In MD A 26-year-old man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for a fatal drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a teenager in 2022, the St. Mary's County State's Attorney's Office announced. Great Mills resident Keion Steven Brooks was convicted of the first-degree murder of a 19-year-old and the attempted murders of five other teens during a drive-by shooting in January 2022. The shooting was reported in the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2022, in the 21400 block of Westbury Boulevard in the area of Lexington Park. One teen was pronounced dead at the scene, while others were treated for …
Man Who Strangled Stepson, Had Friends Pray Over Him In Maryland Learns Fate In Court Man Who Strangled Stepson, Had Friends Pray Over Him In Maryland Learns Fate In Court
Man Who Strangled Stepson, Had Friends Pray Over Him In Maryland Learns Fate In Court It didn't take long for a jury to convict George Christopher Floyd of the murder of 18-year-old Triston Treshaun Irvin in Charles County, now he's set to spend decades behind bars, authorities announced on Friday. The man who painted an olive oil cross on his stepson's forehead after violently choking him during an assault in Waldorf was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder.. It took the jury less than three hours of deliberation to convict Floyd following a four-day trial. The investigation into Irvin's death inside a Waldorf residence found tha…
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 15 advising that a raccoon that was trapped in the area of Seamore Street and Marco Drive in the Cedarwood Cove Community in Pasadena tested positive on Thursday for the virus. It is the second such alert in a week. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, officials said. Symptoms of rabi…
Second Trial Seals Fate: Man Convicted Of Sexual Assault At Maryland Graduation Party Second Trial Seals Fate: Man Convicted Of Sexual Assault At Maryland Graduation Party
Second Trial Seals Fate: Man Convicted Of Sexual Assault At Maryland Graduation Party A 27-year-old man who marred the college graduation celebration at a friend's home in Germantown has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at a second trial, authorities announced on Thursday. Clarksburg resident Nelson Jones was found guilty by a jury of third-degree sex offense this week and will now face up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced next month, according to the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office. In May 2021, prosecutors say that the graduation celebration continued into the early morning hours, and a woman at the party went to a bedroom alone to slee…
Reward Offered For Info About Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found Outside Maryland School, Synagogue Reward Offered For Info About Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found Outside Maryland School, Synagogue
Reward Offered For Info About Anti-Semitic Graffiti Found Outside Maryland School, Synagogue The community is coming together in an effort to track down the suspects involved in a series of anti-Semitic incidents over the summer in Montgomery County. A $7,000 reward has been donated by local community organizations as they seek the public's assistance in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting whomever is responsible for vandalism found in the Bethesda area in August. The first incident was reported on Sunday, Aug. 11 at Bethesda Elementary School in the 7600 block of Arlington Road that was quickly scrubbed clean by crews the following day. "Free Gaza" and "Israel Rapes" were amo…
Maryland's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé Maryland's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé
Maryland's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé Joan Vassos is off the market. The 61-year-old school administrator, widow, and proud grandmother from Rockville, MD got engaged on the thrilling season finale of "The Golden Bachelorette," which aired Wednesday evening, Nov. 13. Joan lost her husband to cancer after 32 years of marriage. Joan, who made history as ABC's first-ever senior Bachelorette, captured hearts across the nation with her warmth, wisdom, and willingness to take a second chance on love.  Audiences watched her journey unfold, and in a moment that fans won’t soon forget, she said “yes” to her final rose pick in a he…
Federal Indictment Of Maryland Sheriff 'Dismissed With Prejudice' By Judge Federal Indictment Of Maryland Sheriff 'Dismissed With Prejudice' By Judge
Federal Indictment Of Maryland Sheriff 'Dismissed With Prejudice' By Judge Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins had some strong words after the federal charges against him were dropped, claiming that it was a politically-motivated move that had a major impact on his friends and family. On Tuesday, charges against the sheriff in a federal gun case were dismissed with prejudice after 597 days in what the sheriff called a "malicious" attack on him and his character. "With almost 35 years in law enforcement, I've always believed in the justice system," Jenkins said. "I've never seen anything like this in my life."  Sheriff Chuck Jenkins to address media fo…