Maryland Man Indicted For Traveling Abroad To Engage In Illicit Acts With Minor: Feds Maryland Man Indicted For Traveling Abroad To Engage In Illicit Acts With Minor: Feds
Maryland Man Indicted For Traveling Abroad To Engage In Illicit Acts With Minor: Feds A Maryland man who allegedly traveled abroad to engage in unlawful sexual activities with a minor is facing decades in prison, federal authorities announced. Clinton resident Carlos Puente, 46, was indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple child exploitation offenses, officials said. According to the seven-count indictment, between approximately Oct. 1, 2021, and April 22, 2022, Puente allegedly enticed a minor victim to engage in unlawful sexual activity and produce child pornography. Additionally, Puente allegedly traveled outside of the United States to engage in illicit sexual condu…
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…
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…
Lexington Park Man Convicted Of 'Brutal' Domestic Stabbing: State's Attorney Lexington Park Man Convicted Of 'Brutal' Domestic Stabbing: State's Attorney
Lexington Park 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…
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…
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…
Drunk Driver Wanted In MD Causes Crash In Stafford, Lies About Fleeing Friend, Deputies Say Drunk Driver Wanted In MD Causes Crash In Stafford, Lies About Fleeing Friend, Deputies Say
Drunk Driver Wanted In MD Causes Crash In Stafford, Lies About Fleeing Friend, Deputies Say A man with an outstanding warrant was arrested after a DUI crash in Stafford County early Sunday morning, according to the sheriff's office. On Nov. 17, at approximately 3:36 a.m., deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident near Austin Park Drive and Richmond Highway that left one vehicle on its side with the driver trapped inside. Deputy C.T. Richardson assisted the driver of the overturned Chevrolet out of the vehicle and into an ambulance, according to a spokesperson from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, while a second deputy spoke with the driver of a Honda also involved in the c…
Diesel Dumper: Truck Driver Sentenced For Fuel Spill That Contaminated Maryland Waterways: AG Diesel Dumper: Truck Driver Sentenced For Fuel Spill That Contaminated Maryland Waterways: AG
Diesel Dumper: Truck Driver Sentenced For Fuel Spill That Contaminated Maryland Waterways: 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…
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 Facing Six Life Sentences For Deadly Drive-By Involving Teens In St. Mary's County Shooter Facing Six Life Sentences For Deadly Drive-By Involving Teens In St. Mary's County
Shooter Facing Six Life Sentences For Deadly Drive-By Involving Teens In St. Mary's County 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…
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…
Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages
Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages US Customs and Border Protection agents seized a shipment at Dulles Airport destined for Northern Virginia filled with multiple packages of hot chocolate that were filled with a white substance that was not tiny marshmallows. More than 28 pounds of cocaine that was concealed inside of 10 packages of hot chocolate beverage base will never make it to the streets after agents found it while examining a food shipment brought into the country by a Guatemalan courier. According to officials, federal authorities initially detained the courier; however, authorities released the courier on Tues…
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…
Fireball Lights Up Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across Maryland Fireball Lights Up Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across Maryland
Fireball Lights Up Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across Maryland A bright fireball streaked across the East Coast on Monday, Nov. 11, catching the attention of hundreds of people from Connecticut to Virginia (did you see it? Send footage to clevine@dailyvoice.com). The American Meteor Society reported that 236 people witnessed the fireball around 7:48 p.m., with sightings spanning 13 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada (click here for the sightings map). Witnesses described the fireball as a striking light blue or green that illuminated the sky for four to seven seconds, moving diagonally from the upper right to the lower left. The eve…
Residents In Maryland Spooked By Human-Shaped Halloween Decoration Found Hanging From Tree Residents In Maryland Spooked By Human-Shaped Halloween Decoration Found Hanging From Tree
Residents In Maryland Spooked By Human-Shaped Halloween Decoration Found Hanging From Tree An investigation was launched in Calvert County over the weekend following complaints from neighbors about a potentially insensitive decoration that was leftover from Halloween, officials say. Members of the sheriff's office were called over the weekend to a home in Dunkirk, where there were reports from local homeowners about a "human-shaped object (that) had been seen hanging from a tree in the front yard of a residence."  According to the Calvert County Sheriff's Office, "concerned citizens initially believed the object to be a racially-motivated statement, causing alarm in the comm…
Woman Who Sold Fentanyl To 19-Year-Old Hours Before Fatal OD In Maryland Learns Fate Woman Who Sold Fentanyl To 19-Year-Old Hours Before Fatal OD In Maryland Learns Fate
Woman Who Sold Fentanyl To 19-Year-Old Hours Before Fatal OD In Maryland Learns Fate The woman who sold the fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose of a 19-year-old in Montgomery County will spend years behind bars, the state's attorney's office announced on Friday. Evelin Cabrera, 20, who has no known address, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for her role in the death of Daniel Pineda-Romero in December 2022, when he was found unresponsive in his family's home in Gaithersburg. According to prosecutors, on Dec. 10, 2022, a family member found Pineda-Romero unresponsive, and first responders declared him dead at the scene. "(His brother) saw him sleeping at 3 p…
School-Aged Children, College Students In Maryland Among Recipients Of Racist Text Messages: AG School-Aged Children, College Students In Maryland Among Recipients Of Racist Text Messages: AG
School-Aged Children, College Students In Maryland Among Recipients Of Racist Text Messages: AG Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is imploring possible victims to come forward after the state was the latest to be targeted by a series of racist text messages that have been circulating. Brown issued an alert this week advising that his office has received multiple complaints about racist messages that were sent to Black residents, including some school-aged children and college-aged students, "causing significant distress." "Without knowing or making any assumptions about the senders’ true intent," Anne Arundel County Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell said in a statement.  …
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says An Iranian operative and two associates living in America have been charged in a murder-for-hire plot targeting United States citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump. Federal authorities have charged Farhad Shakeri, an alleged operative of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two New York City associates in a plot to assassinate a US citizen critical of the Iranian government.  The case highlights the continued threat posed by Iran’s attempts to silence dissidents and even target top US. officials. According to the Department of Justice criminal complai…
Innocent Teen Bystander Placed On Life Support Dies After Being Shot In Maryland Innocent Teen Bystander Placed On Life Support Dies After Being Shot In Maryland
Innocent Teen Bystander Placed On Life Support Dies After Being Shot In Maryland The 19-year-old Pasadena teen who was caught in a crossfire of bullets after a night out with friends and family in Baltimore has died, according to a social media post made by her mother. Cameran Holt, who had been on life support in the ICU after being struck in the back by a bullet passed away on Thursday night following a courageous battle. At 7:54 tonight God gained another angel peacefully surrounded by her family. She's no longer suffering or in pain.... Posted by Roxanne Spath on Thursday, November 7, 2024 "At 7:54 tonight God gained another angel peacefully surrounded by h…
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says A common ingredient found in most oral over-the-counter cold medicines should be removed from the market because it doesn’t work, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. This follows an extensive review that found the drug ineffective for treating nasal congestion. Oral phenylephrine, widely marketed in cold and allergy medications, has been in use for decades as a go-to nasal decongestant.  However, an FDA review, backed by last year’s unanimous recommendation from the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee, found that phenylephrine in oral form does not deliver effective conge…