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EDGEWOOD MAN FOUND GUILTY OF POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE AND FIREARMS CHARGES FOLLOWING A THREE-DAY JURY TRIAL

DEFENDANT GUILTY – FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT, FIRST DEGREE BURGLARY, & USE OF A HANDGUN

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Joshua Brewster, 31, of North East, MD, pled guilty to First Degree Assault, First Degree Burglary, and Use of a Handgun in Commission of a Crime of Violence before the Honorable Judge Yolonda Curtin in the Circuit Court for Harford County. On October 17, 2024, Brewster will be sentenced to fifty-five (55) years, suspend all but twenty five (25) years to serve, the first five years without the possibility of parole due to the binding nature of the plea. Brewster will also be subject to three (3) years of probationary supervision upon release.

Facts presented in support of the plea showed that on the morning of April 10, 2024 at approximately 5:52 a.m., Harford County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a home for an apparent burglary/shooting. The victim had been shot once in the buttock as the suspect fled the home. She described the shooter as a white male, wearing a ski mask and all dark clothing. Deputy First Class Beron, a Harford County Sheriff’s Office drone operator, immediately responded and launched his drone in search of the suspect. Medics who were staging in 700 block of Belair Road reported a suspicious person matching the description running across Belair Road. DFC Beron redirected the drone to that area and spotted an individual running. Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police responded and were able to quickly apprehend the suspect, Joshua Brewster, with direction from DFC Beron, hiding under a tree. The Defendant was apprehended within twenty (20) minutes of the initial call for service. Recovered near Brewster was a loaded .32 caliber revolver, with two fired casings. DNA analysis of the handgun matched the genetic profile of the defendant.

Following the plea, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey stated, “Every citizen in this community deserves to feel safe in their home. The violation of coming into someone’s residence without permission and further committing an act of violence is simply something that will not be tolerated. I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Cynthia Banks for the work that she did to secure this plea and significant sentence at the top of the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines. Our team will continue working hard to hold criminals accountable and keep this community safe.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police for their collaborative efforts in apprehending this defendant so quickly following the incident, as well as Deputy First Class Beron for his expertise in operating the drone that ensured the immediate apprehension of this offender.

FOREST HILL MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE RAPE

On Monday, June 10, 2024, Kareem Anthony Parker, 30, of Forest Hill, was found guilty of First Degree Rape, Second Degree Rape and Sexual Offense in the Third Degree, following a six day jury trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on August 6, 2023, Parker met the then 18-year-old female victim in the woods behind her family home, near the Rock Spring Swim Club in Bel Air. The victim and defendant had been communicating via Instagram messages for a few weeks leading up to the rape. Testimony showed that when the victim tried to end the relationship in the woods that day, Parker pushed her to the ground, causing her to black out. When the victim regained consciousness, she found her pants halfway down her legs and was experiencing pain in her genitals. She immediately returned home, informed her mother, and then responded to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office to report the rape. The victim then went to Harford Memorial Hospital for a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (“SAFE”), through which DNA evidence was collected. The SAFE nurse described the injuries to the victim as traumatic and extensive. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division assumed the investigation, and additional evidence was collected pursuant to the execution of a search warrant on the defendant’s apartment. A Maryland State Police Laboratory DNA analyst processed the evidence, ultimately locating the defendant’s DNA on swabs taken during the SAFE exam. Following his arrest, the defendant initially denied all sexual contact with the victim that day, but later admitted only to “fact-checking” her, a story which was not consistent with the location, or amount of injuries observed and described by the SAFE nurse. The defendant will continue to be held at the Harford County Detention Center pending sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date.

Following the verdict State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey stated: “Sexual assault cases of any kind are some of the most challenging cases we present before the court due to the sensitive nature of the facts and often complicated circumstances. This case was particularly heinous, and I commend the victim for her courage in confronting her abuser in open court by testifying to ensure that justice was served. No person should ever experience the kind of violation that she suffered in this case. I am proud that my office was not only able to use our skill and experience to secure this conviction, but that we were also able to guide this victim and her family through this incredibly traumatic experience with care and compassion.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners and Assistant State’s Attorney Logan Hayes for their efforts in securing this conviction and seeing that this sexual predator is removed from our community. She also commends Detectives Gividen and Moro from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Unit, the forensic nurse from Harford Memorial Hospital, and the DNA analyst from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division for their diligence in ensuring a thorough investigation was conducted ultimately leading to this successful prosecution.

HAVRE DE GRACE MAN CONIVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT BY JURY

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Alexander Beniquez, 62, of Havre de Grace, was found guilty of First Degree Assault and Second Degree Assault following a two day jury trial before the Honorable Yolanda L. Curtin in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

This conviction stems from an incident occurring on July 23, 2023, where Beniquez was found to have assaulted his wife in an Edgewood Motel room where the couple was staying. Evidence presented in the trial proved that Beniquez struck the victim and eventually strangled her by placing his hands around her neck and squeezing with so much force that marks and bruises were almost immediately visible on her neck. This strangulation restricted the victim’s airflow, and she was rendered unconscious for several minutes. After regaining consciousness, the argument continued into the parking lot of the motel, where Defendant convinced the victim to get into the car with him, promising to take her somewhere safe. However, the arguing continued in the vehicle and the victim eventually fled at an intersection running into a nearby restaurant to call 911. Beniquez left the scene prior to police arrival.

Following the guilty verdict, the Defendant was remanded into the custody of the Harford County Detention Center where he will remain pending sentencing which will be scheduled at a later date. State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey offered the following comment: “As a long time Domestic Violence prosecutor, cases like these will always be a priority under my administration. The cycle of domestic violence is one that results in the loss of far too many lives and I am proud of the work my office is doing to protect those most vulnerable and ensure that justice is served before life is lost.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Assistant State’s Attorney, Jennifer Alvarez for her perseverance and advocacy in this case. She also thanks Detective Marks of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation of this matter which ultimately resulted in a violent Domestic Violence offender being removed from our community.

DRUG DEALER SENTENCED OVER GUIDELINES – TWENTY YEARS TO SERVE

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Ronald Sullivan, 49, of Edgewood, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics and was sentenced to twenty years, suspend all but fifteen years to serve. This case also triggered a Violation of Probation in a 2011 Possession with Intent to Distribute case and Sullivan was sentenced to an additional five years to serve consecutively for a total of twenty years of active incarceration.

This case stemmed from a fatal overdose investigation on August 2, 2023. Through the investigation conducted by the Harford County Drug Taskforce, it was revealed that the victim was in contact with Sullivan the night before the overdose, exchanging messages that clearly pertained to a drug purchase. Sullivan was apprehended and found to be in possession of cocaine on his person at the time of his arrest. Following the arrest, further investigation linked another deceased victim to Sullivan, indicating they had also purchased illegal substances from him in July 2023, which ultimately led to their death.

Assistant State’s Attorney Stuart Welch argued that due to the facts and circumstances surrounding this case and considering that this involved the death of two people, an upward deviation from the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which were calculated at four to twelve years, was warranted.

Following sentencing State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “Drug distribution in not a victimless crime. Too often our community members lose loved ones to the poison that is being peddled on our streets by individuals with no regard for human life or the laws by which we are required to live. Overdose cases can be incredibly challenging, and I am proud of Assistant State’s Attorney Welch and his efforts to ensure that the families of these two victims received closure in their loss. We will continue to aggressively pursue the maximum charges allowable by law to ensure that a strong message is sent to anyone that is considering dealing drugs in our community.” State’s Attorney Healey also thanks the members of Harford County Drug Taskforce for all their hard work investigating overdose cases and for aggressively pursuing drug dealers in Harford County. The work they do each and every day is invaluable in assuring the public safety of our community.

Prohibited Person Sentenced to Five Times the MD Sentencing Guidelines for Illegal Possession

On Friday, March 22, 2024 William Quinton Yourman, 34, of Edgewood, Maryland, was sentenced by the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney following his January, 2024 jury trial convictions for Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime, Illegal Possession of a Rifle by a Person Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime, Illegal Possession of a Shotgun by a Person Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime, and Illegal Possession of Ammunition by a Person Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime.

Assistant State’s Attorney, Megan Lintott, argued that the facts surrounding the case, the defendant’s violent tendencies, and the fact that there was a small child residing in the home where the weapons were recovered, all warranted an upward deviation from the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which were calculated at five years mandatory to serve. She requested a sentence of forty-six (46) years, suspending all but forty (40) years to serve with the first five (5) years to be served without the possibility of parole.

The sentence of the court was as follows: For Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime, fifteen (15) years to serve, with the first five (5) years being mandatory and without the possibility of parole. For the charge of Illegal Possession of a Rifle by a Person Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime, fifteen (15) years suspend all but five (5) years to serve consecutive to the first convicted charge. On the Illegal Possession of a Shotgun by a Person Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime, fifteen (15) years suspend all but five (5) years to serve consecutive to the first two convicted charges. On the last count of Illegal Possession of Ammunition by a Person Convicted of a Disqualifying Crime, one (1) year suspended consecutive to the previous charges for a total of forty-six (46) years, suspending all but twenty-five (25) years to serve with the first five (5) being without the possibility of parole. Following his release, Yourman will be required to submit to five (5) years of supervised probation and was ordered to forfeit all the firearms and ammunition identified and seized in this case.

Following the sentencing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “We will continue to advocate for sentences over and above the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines for violent offenders illegally possessing and using firearms in our
communities. Responsible gun ownership is a right which I strongly support, but violent offenders are prohibited for a reason, and we will continue to send the message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Harford County. Our message has been transparent and consistent for criminal offenders to not bring their crime to our streets and community, or they will spend decades behind bars.”

Ms. Healey thanks Assistant State’s Attorney Megan Lintott for her advocacy for the citizens of Harford County and for doing the work to secure this significant, over the recommended guidelines sentence in this case.

ANOTHER STRONG SENTENCE FOR A VIOLENT FELONY CONVICTION: 70 YEARS TO SERVE

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Gary Dashon Davenport, 44, of Edgewood, was found guilty of First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, Illegal Possession of a Firearm By a Person with a Felony Conviction, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting a Handgun on a Person, and Transporting a Handgun in a Vehicle following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Yolanda Curtin.

Evidence presented in trial showed that on August 11, 2023, officers of the Aberdeen Police Department responded to Horizon Cinemas for reports of an assault with a weapon. Upon arrival, officers learned that a red Kia arrived at the movie theater and entered the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Gary Dashon Davenport was in the passenger seat of that vehicle. Officers reviewed surveillance footage from the Horizon Cinema and Aberdeen Marketplace, which showed Davenport and another individual exiting the vehicle, running into the theater, and chasing after a group of juveniles. Upon exiting the theater, Davenport was observed removing a firearm from a black satchel, holding it down by his side and hunting the juveniles through the parking lot. Davenport’s accomplice re-entered the Kia, weaving throughout the parking lot directly towards the fleeing juveniles. Eventually, Davenport re-entered the Kia and continued to chase the juveniles to the rear of Aberdeen Marketplace and into the parking lot of Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union where witnesses heard a gunshot. Officers of the Aberdeen Police Department were able to recover one .40 cal. shell casing at the entrance to the APGFCU parking lot where the red Kia entered. Surveillance footage showed the juveniles reacting to the gunshot and running in the opposite direction with one juvenile hiding behind an electrical box for cover. Det. Soto of the Aberdeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division investigated the matter and was able to identify Davenport as the individual who chased the juveniles with the handgun. Additionally, a Search and Seizure warrant was executed, and clothing matching what Davenport was wearing on the night of the offense was recovered. Evidence presented also showed that Gary Dashon Davenport is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous conviction for Second Degree Murder in 2008. At the time of this incident, Davenport was on parole for that offense after being released from custody in 2022.

At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks argued for the maximum sentence in this case, which is an upward deviation from the 10 to 15 year sentence calculated by the Maryland Automated Sentencing Guidelines. Mr. Brooks further argued that the court needed to send a strong message that “shows the citizens of Harford County that violence against children will not be tolerated.” He added that given the nature of this offense, as well as the prior violent felony conviction, the upward deviation in sentencing was appropriate.
Ultimately, Davenport was sentenced by the Honorable Yolanda Curtin to the maximum penalty allowable by law – 60 years to serve, with the first 20 years being mandatory and without the possibility of parole. In addition, as a result of the conviction in this case, Davenport was also found in violation of probation in the 2008 Second Degree Murder case. At the request of Assistant State’s Attorney Vincenzo Culotta, the court further imposed the remaining 10 years of that sentence as a result of the violation and ordered that it be served consecutively to the sentence in this case, for a total sentence of 70 years to serve. Davenport’s accomplice has also been charged and is pending trial in this matter. The trial is scheduled for later this year.

Following the sentencing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “From an evidentiary standpoint, this case was challenging, but as our office has proven repeatedly, we will not shy away from bringing tough cases to trial, and we will do so successfully. Justice prevailed when the jury returned guilty verdicts in this case, and our citizens are safer for it. The citizens of this county should be free to take their children to the movies without the threat of gunfire and without any fear for their safety. This kind of violent criminal behavior that puts innocent people at risk will not be tolerated in our community. I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks and Assistant State’s Attorney Vincenzo Culotta for their incredibly hard work in this case to ensure that this Defendant, who already has a history of extreme violence, is incarcerated for the maximum time allowable by law.”

State’s Attorney Healey continued by expressing her gratitude to Detective Soto, Officer Kinlaw, and the other members of the Aberdeen Police Department that worked tirelessly to investigate this case and to ensure that those responsible were charged and held accountable.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey continues to fulfill her campaign promises by holding criminal offenders accountable from the courtroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 4, 2024
Re: State v. Xavier Alexander Stanfield
On Friday, March 1, 2024, Xavier Alexander Stanfield, 30, of Edgewood, was found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing and Hindering, and Second Degree Escape following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Judge Mickey Norman, sitting as a visiting Judge in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on August 10, 2022, Detective Amrein, working in a covert capacity for the Crime Suppression Unit of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, observed Xavier Stanfield in the Edgewood area. Detective Amrein knew Stanfield to have multiple active warrants and alerted patrol as to his location, so he could be apprehended. Stanfield was followed to the area of Clover Valley Way where he parked the vehicle he was operating. As deputies approached the vehicle, Stanfield exited the vehicle and fled on foot. A foot chase ensued, and Stanfield was eventually caught. However, he continued to resist as deputies attempted to handcuff him, ultimately resulting in a taser deployment to take him into custody. Following his arrest, Stanfield awaited Emergency Medical Services response to evaluate him and remove the probes from the taser. While awaiting their response, Stanfield fled from the scene again while in handcuffs. Deputies engaged in a second foot pursuit and were quickly able to take Stanfield back into custody. Following the arrest, deputies entered the vehicle Stanfield was operating to turn off the ignition and immediately detected the overwhelming odor of cannabis. Additionally, suspected cannabis was visible in plain view protruding from an open bag on the passenger seat of the vehicle. A search and seizure warrant was authored and executed on the vehicle, which revealed a clear plastic bag containing over 8 grams of a white rock like substance, later identified to be crack cocaine, and $1,070 of U.S. currency in the front pocket of the bag located on the passenger seat of the vehicle. During the search, a digital scale with a white powder residue contained on the surface was also located between the front passenger seat and center console. Expert testimony confirmed that all the facts and circumstances in this case indicated that Stanfield possessed the cocaine with an intent to distribute and further explained that the weight of the crack cocaine recovered was approximately 80 times that of a single use amount. Stanfield will continue to be held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center pending his sentencing hearing, which will be scheduled for a later date.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey, who personally handled the prosecution of this case, stated, “The jury in this case confirmed that Xavier Stanfield is a drug dealer, and this verdict is a huge win for Harford County. Through his behavior in this case, Mr. Stanfield demonstrated that he has no respect for the laws of our community, or the law enforcement officers that risk their lives daily to enforce them. The State will be seeking a sentence which will span over two decades for Mr. Stanfield for this case alone, as he is a repeat felony drug offender. In addition, this conviction triggers a Violation of Probation in two separate cases, and we will be seeking that the balance of those sentences be imposed consecutively to his sentence this case. These requests are vital to ensure our community is protected from Mr. Stanfield for years to come.”

State’s Attorney Healey also thanked Detective Amrein, DFC Keller, Cpl. Schnitzlein, DFC Jackson, DFC Jeffries, DFC Joines, Sgt. Underhill and all the members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office that worked diligently together to secure this conviction and to ensure another drug offender was removed from our streets.

EDGEWOOD MAN CONVICTED OF MURDER

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Alton Cumbo, 30, of Edgewood, was found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony, and Illegal Possession of a Firearm following a five day jury trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on December 10, 2021, deputies responded to Dembytown Road in Joppa for reports of a single vehicle accident. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim slumped over in the driver’s seat. While attempting to revive him, the EMS team discovered a bullet wound just under his right eye. Although they were initially able to get a pulse, the victim was pronounced deceased within one hour of the call for service. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy, and they determined that his death was, in fact, caused by the gunshot wound and ruled it a homicide. During the course of their investigation, Harford County Sheriff’s Office detectives found belligerent text messages sent to the victim’s phone from a person listed as “Reject P” who was quickly identified to be the Defendant, Alton Cumbo. Law enforcement obtained further cellular phone data that placed Cumbo in the area of the murder at the time of the crime. This was later confirmed through collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Following his arrest, Cumbo divulged information regarding the murder to other detainees while incarcerated. Detectives were able to confirm the information provided to those inmates. That evidence was presented in trial and also led to the charging a co-defendant who assisted Cumbo in fleeing the scene of the murder. Cumbo continues to be held without bail pending sentencing in this case, which is currently scheduled for April 22, 2024.

Following the trial, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey stated, “I am immensely proud of the work my office is doing everyday in putting violent criminals, like Alton Cumbo, behind bars. Our community should not be subjected to violence such as this and is safer today with this successful verdict. We will continue to uphold our responsibility to this community by holding violent offenders accountable and removing them from our communities. I hope that this conviction brings some closure to the victim’s family and am grateful that our office has taken another murderer off our streets.”

State’s Attorney Healey commends Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Allen for his tremendous effort in obtaining this conviction and for his skilled trial work throughout the course of these proceedings. She also thanks Detective Moro, Detective Wilsynski, and all the members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office that participated in the investigation of this case, which ultimately led to the successful prosecution of this Defendant.

BEL AIR MAN CONVICTED OF RAPE FOLLOWING FIVE DAY JURY TRIAL

On Thursday, February 8, 2024, Jose Wilfred Orellana-Cedillos, 33, of Bel Air, Maryland was found guilty by a jury of Second Degree Rape, Fourth Degree Sex Offense, and Second Degree Assault following a five-day jury trial before the Honorable Diane Adkins Tobin.

Evidence presented during the trial proved that on July 14, 2023, the Bel Air Police Department responded for a reported rape of a 23-year-old woman. The victim testified that Orellana asked her for a kiss to which she said no. Orellana continued to pursue her, groping her breasts, digitally penetrating her, and forcibly raping her in the basement of the residence while she was doing laundry. The victim was related to the mother of the Defendant’s children who were inside the residence when the incident occurred. Orellana was apprehended later that evening during a traffic stop. The victim was taken to Harford Memorial Hospital for a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination. A Forensic Nurse Examiner determined that the victim had bruising to her breasts with the assistance of an Alternative Light Source (ALS) and injuries to her vagina consistent with non-consensual intercourse. DNA taken from the victim’s breasts was analyzed by the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division and matched the Defendant.

Sentencing is currently set for April 15, 2024, where Orellana-Cedillos faces up to 20 years of incarceration for Second Degree Rape, one year for Fourth Degree Sex Offense, and 10 years for Second Degree Assault. He is currently held at the Harford County Detention Center pending sentencing. The Defendant is also held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement
detainer. Orellana could also face immigration consequences as a result of this conviction and is subject to removal proceedings following the completion of his sentence in this case.

Following the conviction State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey offered the following comments: “Reporting a sexual assault requires an immense amount of courage, particularly in a case such as this one where the victim is acquainted with the Defendant. The victim demonstrated that courage in this case by confronting her abuser through her report of this offense and through her testimony in trial. Our community is much safer with this Defendant behind bars, and we are relieved that he will face a substantial sentence criminally in this case. We are also optimistic that he will face the appropriate immigration consequences as well.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney David W. Ryden for his pursuit of justice in this case and for being an advocate for this victim during this challenging trial process. She also commends Officer McCraghan, Detective Vivino and Officer Maldonado of the Bel Air Police Department for their efforts in investigating and preparing this case for trial.
Further, she acknowledges the expert witnesses from both the Maryland State Police and Harford Memorial Hospital for their important work in corroborating the victim’s testimony and assisting with the successful prosecution of this case.