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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.

EDGEWOOD WOMAN SENTENCED TO LIFE-60 YEARS TO SERVE FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER

On Monday, December 18, 2023 Ashley Pearl Zentz, 36, of Edgewood, appeared in the Circuit Court of Harford County for sentencing following her conviction for First Degree Murder after a six-day jury trial in October of this year. The state requested a sentence of life, suspend all but 72 years to serve and 5 years for the Motor Vehicle Theft count, running consecutively.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Zentz to Life, suspend all but 60 years to serve. Additionally, she was sentenced to 5 years for the Motor Vehicle Theft count in the same case, which will run concurrently with the sentence above. A previous press release indicated these charges followed an incident in February 2022 where 71-year-old Gerald Champ was murdered in his home. His death was later determined to be the result of blunt force trauma to the skull.

Following the sentencing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey offered the following comment: “This significant sentence is a huge victory for the safety of Harford County and removes a violent murderer from our community for decades to come. I commend Mr. Champ’s daughter for her courage in delivering such a graceful and sincere victim impact statement during sentencing. It is my sincere hope that this sentence provides some closure to Mr. Champ’s entire
family and affords them some peace in knowing the person responsible for his death was brought to justice.”

Ms. Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her continued advocacy for the victim throughout the many stages of this case and for her efforts in securing this significant sentence.

EDGEWOOD MAN CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER FOLLOWING NINE-DAY JURY TRIAL

RE: State of Maryland vs. Luke Powell

On Monday, December 11, 2023, Luke Edward Powell, 24, of Edgewood, Maryland, was convicted of Attempted First Degree Murder, Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Transporting a Handgun in a Vehicle, following a nine-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Harford County before the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen.

Evidence presented at trial showed that on September 5, 2022, deputies responded to 2016 Cherry Road, Edgewood, pursuant to a 911 call for shots fired. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office assumed the investigation, which revealed that the shooting occurred at the intersection of Hanson Road and Edgewood Road. The Defendant, Luke Powell, rode a red and white dirt bike and fired multiple shots at the victims, a male and his father, while they were in their vehicle at the red light. The younger male victim was familiar with the Defendant and identified the shooter as Luke Powell, who resided at 2016 Cherry Road. The vehicle sustained damage from the bullets. However, neither victim was seriously injured.

A search of the intersection produced two spent .380 caliber shell casings in the roadway where the victims stated the shooting occurred. These casings were later identified as the same caliber, manufacturer, and year of manufacture as ammunition recovered from the defendant’s home after a search warrant was lawfully executed. The defendant’s red and white dirt bike was also located hidden in thick brush behind his residence and was still hot to the touch, contrary to his denial of owning or riding a dirt bike that day. In addition to ammunition, detectives also located a firearm case and a magazine for a .380 caliber handgun in the defendant’s bedroom. The firearm used was never located. Ring video footage depicted the defendant removing the same dirt bike from his shed and riding it down the roadway just prior to the shooting. The footage also showed the defendant returning home in the same clothing but changing shirts prior to deputies’ arrival on scene. Sentencing in this matter is currently set for March 22, 2024.

After the jury returned their guilty verdict, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey provided the following statement: “Justice was served today for these two victims when a Harford County jury found Mr. Powell guilty of his crimes. This verdict further ensures that the Defendant will be off of the streets of our community and will be unable to perpetrate any further crimes of violence for the foreseeable future, if ever. I commend the victims in this matter for their strength and willingness to testify in this case, and it is my sincere hope that they heal from this terrifying event and move forward in the most positive way possible. Using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, especially with the intent to take the life of one of our citizens, is an intolerable act, and the State will seek a sentence that sends that strong message.”

State’s Attorney Healey went on to thank Detective DeFazio and Detective Wilsynski as well as the entire Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division for their efforts surrounding this case. Additionally, she commends Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her preparation, advocacy, and commitment to this case, as well the countless hours of work that she spent bringing this Defendant to justice.

EDGEWOOD MAN RECEIVES MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR SECOND DEGREE RAPE

RE: State of Maryland vs. Bernard Lamont Staten

On Monday, December 4, 2023, Bernard Lamont Staten, 68, of Edgewood, Maryland, pled guilty to Attempted Second Degree Rape and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in two separate cases before the Honorable Judge Diane Adkins-Tobin. Both pleas were binding plea agreements, and Staten will be sentenced to 30 years to serve on December 18, 2023, the maximum of 20 years to serve on the Attempted Second Degree Rape and 10 years to serve consecutive on the Possession with Intent to Distribute, which was above the sentencing guidelines.

Facts presented to the court in support of both guilty pleas revealed that on January 24, 2023, a woman was stranded on the side of the road, awaiting a tow truck. Despite not knowing her, the Defendant offered to give her a ride to her home in Westminster, Maryland. The Defendant instead traveled to the Motel 6 in Edgewood, Maryland. He then grabbed her arm, removing her from the truck and taking her into a room he had rented at that hotel. Once inside the room, he pushed her onto the bed and attempted to engage in sexual intercourse with her. The victim attempted to scream and refuse his advances, and the Defendant placed a pillow over her face to quiet her while he tried to remove her pants continuing to indicate his desire to engage in sexual intercourse. The victim continued to yell and began kicking the wall and elsewhere to fight off the Defendant, and eventually, she believed she kicked him in the groin area, which allowed her to run out of the room. Once out of the room, she got the attention of a guest in another room, who contacted law enforcement on her behalf. The Defendant tried to lure the victim back into his vehicle, a Chevrolet Avalanche, by telling her that he had her wedding rings which he had removed from her finger in the truck, and she should come retrieve them, which the victim refused to do. Harford County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to the scene, and later the Criminal Investigations Division pursued the investigation. Pursuant to that investigation, on January 26, 2023, Harford County Sheriff’s Office detectives conducted a Search and Seizure Warrant on the Chevrolet Avalanche belonging to Staten where they located the victim’s rings. In addition to the rings, the detectives also located over 13 grams of crack cocaine in individually wrapped bags in the vehicle and over $965 in cash on the Defendant’s person when he was arrested. The quantity of the cocaine and other circumstances indicated that the Defendant possessed the cocaine with the intent to distribute that substance resulting in the second case.

At the conclusion of the plea proceedings, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey, who prosecuted this case, stated “Given the Defendant’s age, a thirty-year sentence in these cases ensures that the community will never again be at risk to be victimized by this Defendant. In addition, it also continues our message to our community that we will not tolerate these acts of violence, distribution of drugs, or any type of crime for that matter in Harford County. I commend the victim in this case for her strength on the night of this incident and hope that she will feel safe knowing that Mr. Staten is no longer a threat to her or this community.”

Additionally, Ms. Healey expresses her gratitude to Detective Reynolds, Detective Smith, Sergeant Maddox, Detective Pachkoski, Detective Majewski, Detective Wilsynski, Sergeant Underhill, and the entire Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division for their diligence in investigating this case, as she could not have received this substantial sentence without their hard work.

ABERDEEN MAN GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE RAPE – STATE TO SEEK 85 YEARS TO SERVE

RE: State of Maryland vs. Tavon Isaiah Harvey
On Monday, October 23, 2023, Tavon Isaiah Harvey, 29, of Aberdeen, Maryland pled guilty in three separate cases before the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney. Harvey pled guilty in the most serious case to one count of First Degree Rape. In the other two cases, Harvey pled guilty to one count of an Inmate Causing Contact with Bodily Fluid and entered into an admission to violating probation for a prior conviction for Second Degree Assault (the equivalent of a guilty plea for a Violation of Probation proceeding).

Facts presented to the court in support of the guilty plea on the charge of First Degree Rape revealed that on December 30, 2022, the victim reported a rape to the Aberdeen Police Department. Officer Haddix assumed the investigation which revealed Harvey vaginally and anally penetrated the victim over the course of two hours between midnight and 2 A.M. that same date. The victim identified Harvey via an MVA photograph and further reported seeing Harvey watching her walk into the police precinct that morning wearing the same clothes, a distinctive red sweatsuit. The rape occurred inside an abandoned building at 18 N. Law Street in Aberdeen. Harvey held the victim at knifepoint during the rape and also strangled her. The victim was able to escape when another individual entered the abandoned house, distracting Harvey. Harvey was Mirandized and gave several conflicting versions of events, to include that he had not seen the victim and only knew her in passing. A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (“SAFE”) was conducted, evidencing injuries and bruising consistent with the victim’s recitation of events. DNA evidence was also collected during the SAFE exam, which confirmed Harvey’s identity as the assailant.

In Harvey’s second case, evidence showed that on April 8, 2023, while being held at the Harford County Detention Center awaiting trial, Harvey used empty bottles from his shower items to collect fecal matter, which he then sprayed over the bars and walls of the day room during shift change. Responding deputies and correctional officers were forced to decontaminate the area.
Harvey remains held without bond at the Harford County Detention Center while awaiting sentencing which is currently scheduled for January 25, 2024. Pursuant to the plea agreement in the First Degree Rape case, the State will be arguing for a sentence of Life suspend all but eighty-five (85) years of active incarceration to serve.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey offered the following comment: “Harford County has no place for violent criminal offenders like Tavon Harvey. The egregious acts that were perpetrated upon his victim in the rape case were nothing short of horrific. It is my sincere hope that the First Degree Rape conviction will give the victim some relief that justice was served as she closes this chapter and begins to heal. Mr. Harvey’s blatant disregard for others as demonstrated in all three of these cases
sends a clear message that he should be removed from our community for as much of the remainder of his life as possible, if not all of it, so he cannot continue to harm the citizens of our community. Our office continues to repeatedly send the message that we will not tolerate criminal behavior in Harford County.”

Ms. Healey continued on to express her gratitude to Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her hard work in securing this plea agreements in these cases, for her advocacy on behalf of the victims, and for ensuring that another violent criminal is removed from the streets of Harford County. She also thanks Officer Haddix and the Aberdeen Police Department for their diligence in the investigation of the rape case and the correctional staff at the Harford County Detention Center for their efforts in the Bodily Fluids case and in housing Harvey while awaiting trial.

EDGEWOOD WOMAN GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER FOLLOWING 6 DAY JURY TRIAL

Date: October 23, 2023
Re: State of Maryland vs. Ashley Pearl Zentz

On Thursday, October 19, 2023, Ashley Pearl Zentz, 34, of Edgewood, was found guilty of First Degree Murder and Motor Vehicle Theft, following a six-day jury trial in the Harford County Circuit Court.
During the trial, evidence was presented before the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin that on Friday, February 18, 2022, at approximately 7:56 a.m., Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call at 2310 Perry Avenue in Edgewood, Maryland, after 71-year-old Gerald Champ was discovered deceased by his daughter inside his home. Family members had not been able to reach Mr. Champ for days prior to the discovery and further reported his 2003 Ford Explorer to be missing from the residence. An autopsy revealed the homicide occurred as a result of blunt force trauma, with prong-like defects embedded in the skull, including multiple skull fractures, and defensive wounds to his hands and arms.

Detectives Golden and Gividen assumed the case, locating a crowbar in the victim’s home, and it was identified as the murder weapon. Through the course of the investigation, suspects were developed, including Ashley Pearl Zentz, who knew the victim and his family for over twenty years. Family members of the victim located the victim’s missing Ford Explorer abandoned in Baltimore County near a home invasion in which Zentz and the same co-defendant were involved which occurred within 24 hours of when the victim was believed to have been murdered. A silver Infiniti QX80 stolen during the Baltimore County home invasion was later recovered less than one mile from Zentz’s parents’ home. Forensic evidence, including DNA, cell phone downloads, and surveillance video, linked Zentz to the Harford County murder and the Baltimore County home invasion.

Following the jury’s verdict, Zentz was returned to the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup, Maryland where she is currently serving a sentence for her conviction in the Baltimore County home invasion case. She will be sentenced for the conviction for First Degree Murder of Mr. Champ and Motor Vehicle Theft of his vehicle by Judge Adkins-Tobin on Monday, December 18, 2023.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey said after the conviction: “I send my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Champ for their loss. While I know nothing can ever bring him back to them, it is my sincere hope that, despite a long and challenging court process, these convictions will bring them some closure. Our office will continue to fight for justice for all victims of crime in Harford County, and today we are happy that we have brought justice to Mr. Champ’s family for this senseless act of violence that took the life of their loved one.”
Ms. Healey commends Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her preparation, advocacy, and most importantly, her vigorous pursuit of justice in this case. She also thanks Detectives Golden and Gividen and the other members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Criminal Investigations Division involved in this case for their hard work and investigation. Finally, she thanks all the State’s Attorney’s Office Staff that worked together with Deputy State’s Attorney Manners to assist in diligently preparing this case for trial.