David Dobbs, age 55, of Port Republic, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to transporting child pornography.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

According to the plea agreement, on two occasions in 2010, Dobbs used a file sharing program to make his files of child pornography available to undercover law enforcement officers, who downloaded a total of 16 videos and five images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On September 13, 2010, in addition to providing the officer access to the file sharing program, Dobbs engaged in a chat with the undercover officer, telling the officer that he liked “girls around seven years old and up.”

On April 13, 2012, Dobbs was interviewed in connection with another investigation and admitted to using a file sharing program and that he used a particular screen name when he chatted with the undercover officer.  A search warrant was executed at Dobb’s residence and law enforcement seized a laptop computer and an SD card that was damaged and appeared to have been pierced with a blunt instrument. Child pornography was recovered from the computer and the SD card, including images of prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

As part of his plea agreement, Dobbs must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

Dobbs faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison. As part of his plea agreement, Dobbs and the government will recommend to the Court that a sentence of 90 months in prison, followed by a period of supervised release, is the appropriate disposition of the case. U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.          

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristi N. O’Malley, who prosecuted the case.

The Board of Education will hold two public hearings on proposed redistricting plans for Beach Elementary School on June 3 and 4, 2013, at 7 p.m. at Northern High School.  After a formal presentation, citizens will have the opportunity to comment on two proposed plans developed by the Beach Elementary School Redistricting Committee.

Under both proposed plans, students would be redistricted out of Beach Elementary School into Plum Point and Windy Hill elementary schools.  Sunderland Elementary will not be affected in either of the two plans the being considered by the Board.  The goal of redistricting is to reduce the number of students attending Beach Elementary.

Beginning May 28, maps and boundary descriptions for both redistricting plans will be available to the public on the school system’s website at www.calvertnet.k12.md.us as well as in Beach, Plum Point, and Windy Hill elementary schools.

On May 23, the Board of Education stated that it is considering moving forward with redistricting for the 2013-2014 school year.  

In addition to accepting oral comment at the public hearings, the Board will accept written comments through July 5, 2013.  Written comments may be submitted at the public hearings, by mail or by email.

Send written comments to:

Board of Education

Brooks Administrative Center

1305 Dares Beach Road

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

maxeyk@calvertnet.k12.md.us

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has introduced legislation to reauthorize the Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails program run by the National Park Service.  Senator Cardin’s bill continues a successful program that helps visitors appreciate the far-reaching role the Chesapeake Bay has had in our region's culture and history while boosting our tourism economy.

“The Chesapeake Bay is the economic, historical and cultural heart of our region.  The Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network is instrumental to making the entire Bay experience accessible, attractive and enjoyable for Marylanders and all Americans," said Senator Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Water and Wildlife Subcommittee.  "I am proud to help continue federal support for this important program supporting the natural gateways to the Chesapeake Bay.”

Originally authorized as a pilot program in 1998 and has been reauthorized several times since. The program was most recently reauthorized through 2013 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails program set up a network of Chesapeake Bay-related sites, such as parks, wildlife refuges, and trails. The Network has grown to 172 sites and water trails in all six states in the Chesapeake Watershed.  The National Park Service provides matching grants between $5,000 and $50,000 for projects that enhance public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay. Only sites that have gone through a rigorous review process and have been formally selected as part of the Gateway and Watertrails Network are eligible for the competitive grants. Visitation at Gateways sites exceeds 10 million people annually, and the competitive grants program is oversubscribed every year. 

Identified as a National Treasure by President Obama and his predecessors, the Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in North America, with a length of 200 miles and 11,684 miles of tidal shoreline, more than the entire U.S. West Coast. About 100,000 streams and rivers thread through the Chesapeake’s 64,000-square-mile watershed, which is home to almost 17 million people across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Twenty-five percent of lands within the watershed are used for agricultural purposes. According to the National Park Service:

·       The Chesapeake Bay has been valued at over 1 trillion dollars related to fishing, tourism, property values and shipping activities.

·       The commercial seafood industry in Maryland and Virginia contributes about $2 billion a year in sales, $1 billion in income, and more than 41,000 jobs to the local economy.

·       These economic impacts are not restricted to the tidal regions of the Bay watershed. Nearly 2 million people go fishing in Pennsylvania each year, contributing over $ 1.6 billion to the economy.

·       Roughly 8 million wildlife watchers spent $636 million, $960 million and $1.4 billion in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively in 2006 on trip-related expenses and equipment.

·       The total impact on the Maryland economy from recreational boating is estimated to be about $2.03 billion and 35,025 jobs.

·       Pennsylvania residents spend $1.7 billion on boating annually.

·       A recent study in Hampton, Virginia found that resident and non-resident boaters were responsible for $55 million in economic impact to this city.

Joining Senator Cardin as cosponsors of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Reauthorization Act are Chesapeake Bay Watershed Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA), and Tom Carper and Chris Coons (D-DE).

TOWSON, MD (May 23, 2013) – With more than 653,000 Marylanders projected to take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday weekend and with summer just around the corner, AAA Mid-Atlantic is calling on motorists to be extra alert for motorcyclists and to safely share the road not only this holiday weekend and into summer, but also in every season of the year.

            “All drivers play a key role in motorcycle safety. Because motorcyclists have no metal cage, airbag or seat-belt to protect them in a crash, they are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers in a crash,” said Ed Kriston, AAA Mid-Atlantic's Approved Auto Repair Territory Manager and avid motorcycle rider for over 40 years. “If a car can be completely invisible in another vehicle’s blind spot, then imagine how easily a motorcycle can be hidden due to the motorcycle’s smaller size. It’s essential for drivers to respect the danger lurking in their vehicle’s blind spots and to properly adjust their mirrors in order to reduce that danger as much as possible.”

            Two thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle, research shows.  In those crashes more than 50 percent of the time the non-motorcycle operator is at fault, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is important for both motorists and motorcyclists to be aware of one another and to exercise caution to keep all drivers safe, advises AAA Mid-Atlantic.

            While total traffic fatalities in Maryland have fallen by twenty-three percent in the last ten years, motorcycle fatalities have increased 20 percent.  Seventy-five motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in Maryland during 2012, reports the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).  As the weather has warmed and more bikers are on the road, Maryland has seen an uptick in spring fatalities as six motorcyclists across the state have lost their lives over the past month.

            On average, more than 1,500 riders and passengers are injured in motorcycle crashes in Maryland on an annual basis, according to the MVA.

 Safety Tips for Motorists:

 
•Share the road. A motorcycle has the same privileges as any other vehicle on the road. Be courteous and give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
•Position your mirrors to minimize blind spots. Before starting your vehicle, adjust the rear-view mirror so it shows as much of the rear window as possible. While in the driver’s seat, place your head near the left window and adjust the left side-view mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle. Then position your head near the middle of the vehicle, above the center console, and adjust the right side-view mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle. Remember, it may take time to adjust to this view, so it’s important before driving with the new settings to practice looking at objects at the side and rear of your car.
•Look out. Look for motorcyclists on the highway, especially at intersections when a cyclist may be making a turn or changing lanes. Clearly signal your intentions.
•Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers. Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Anticipate their possible evasive actions.
•Allow plenty of space. Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.
•Keep your cool. Even if you get agitated seeing a motorcyclist making unsafe moves, do not attempt to play games on the road.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists:

•Make yourself visible. Choose protective gear that provides visibility and protection. This includes wearing bright colors. If riding at night, wear clothing with reflective materials.
•Allow space. Position your bike in the lane so that you can be seen. Allow additional space for emergency braking and room to maneuver. Avoid riding in a motorist’s blind spot. Make lane changes gradually and use appropriate signaling.
•Never share a lane beside a car. A driver may be unaware of your presence. Most drivers are looking for larger vehicles, not motorcycles.
•Clearly signal your intentions. Use turn signals before changing lanes and never weave between lanes.
•Don’t speed. Obey the posted limits and adjust your speed to the changing road conditions.
•Wear protective gear:  ◦Helmet – Always wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet. It can save your life and it is the law in Maryland;
◦Eye protection – Visibility is key to riding safely. Many motorcycles do not have windshields. Riders should protect their eyes with goggles that can shield the face from wind and debris, both of which can cause tearing and blurred vision;
◦Body Protection – Jackets with long sleeves and trousers protect limbs from injury;
◦Gloves – Durable gloves should be a non-slip type to permit a firm grip on controls;
◦Footwear – Proper over-the-ankle footwear should be worn to help prevent injuries.

•Complete a motorcycle rider education and training course. The overwhelming majority of motorcyclists have had no formal training – they were self-taught or learned from family and friends.  The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers motorcycle rider training courses for new and experienced riders.  The courses teach the participants the special skills and mental strategies necessary for responsible motorcycle operation. Participation in a motorcycle rider course is voluntary except for individuals under the age of 18.  Anyone under the age of 18 must complete either the Basic Rider Course or the Alternate Basic Rider Course before applying for a motorcycle license. 

With Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer right around the corner, many people will be heading outdoors to enjoy the State’s waterways and beaches. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions that these areas will not be staffed with lifeguards until the Memorial Day weekend and urges everyone to be extra vigilant in and around the water.

DNR offers the following swimming safety tips:
•Pay special attention to small children and use safety devices such as life jackets on children or other individuals who cannot swim
•Obey all warning signs that alert swimmers to dangers and be aware of any surrounding signs or markers that indicate current water conditions
•Never swim alone or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
•Carry a cell phone or have other ways of contacting emergency personnel if a situation arises

If an emergency occurs, immediately call 911 and remember to Reach, Throw, Row and Go:

REACH the person in trouble by extending a releasable item, such as a pole, line or rope to pull them to safety, but not by hand as the rescuer could quickly become another victim.

THROW an object that floats to the victim if they are unreachable. A life ring, life jacket, cooler or plastic jug are suitable floating objects that can keep a troubled swimmer afloat until help arrives.

ROW to the victim, using a canoe or any other safe watercraft. The rescuer must wear a life jacket. Once the victim is nearby, a rope or paddle should be extended and used to tow the victim to shore if possible.

GO find help or yell to get other peoples’ attention and have someone call 911.

Year after year, too many homes are damaged and residents injured as a result of one of Marylanders most essential and pleasurable activities: Cooking.  The pursuit of a home-cooked meal remains a leading cause of home fires in Maryland and nationwide, according to State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard.  “Cooking fires remain one of the most difficult issues we face.  We have made less headway in preventing cooking fires than in preventing other kinds of home fires.” said the State Fire Marshal.

 Distractions and forgetfulness are the key ingredients to cooking fires in the home.  In most cases, the cook goes to another room because of: children, phone calls, visitors, television or any other number of interruptions and forgets about the food on the stove or in the oven.  This leads to potential injuries from fighting a cooking fire or even the loss of your home.  If the fire is small and contained to the cookware; place a lid on it to smother the fire, turn off the heat source and allow it to cool completely before trying to remove it.  If the fire is in the oven; close the door, turn off the heat source and allow it to cool prior to removal.  Never use water on a grease fire, water can cause the fire to spread.  When in doubt, have everyone leave the house immediately, close the door, and then call 911.
The State Fire Marshal offers these ‘safety recipes’ during cooking:

• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Roll up sleeves and control loose clothing. Loose clothing can catch on fire and possibly cause cookware to tip over.
• Establish a three foot, “no kids and pets zone” around the stove.
• Keep handles turned in to help prevent spills.
• Always use dry oven mitts or potholders. The heat from hot cookware could turn trapped moisture into steam and cause scald burns.
• Keep potholders, towels, food packaging and other clutter off of the stovetop.
• Keep the cooking equipment clean; built up grease, food crumbs and prior spills can catch on fire.
• Do not place cookies or candy over the stove area. This will reduce the attraction kids may have for climbing over cooking equipment.

     Two additional and necessary steps in fire safety when protecting your family is to ensure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and you practice your home escape plan in the event of a fire. The State Fire Marshal adds a final reminder; “When preparing every meal, make sure you use these ‘recipes for safe cooking’ to avoid a potential tragedy.”

TOWSON, MD (May 21, 2013) – AAA Mid-Atlantic today projected over 718,000 Marylanders will travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 1.2 percent decrease compared to the number of who traveled in 2012.

“Despite lower gas prices and economic improvements compared to last year, travel by Marylanders is projected to decline slightly for this year’s holiday weekend,” said Ragina C. Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “It appears changing current economic conditions as a result of sequestration, which has impacted the wallets of many, may be influencing some residents’ uneasiness to travel this Memorial Day holiday.  However, despite the slight drop, this year’s travel volume still remains robust and ranks at the fourth highest level over a 12-year period.”

AAA Mid-Atlantic, Maryland’s State Highway Administrator and law enforcement officials were joined by Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan this morning at Hemingway’s Restaurant in Stevensville at the southern base of the Bay Bridge to kick off the unofficial start to the summer vacation season with travel projections and traffic safety initiatives.  “We are excited to kick off another great summer in Ocean City.  With the Air Show, the Dew Tour and numerous free fireworks, concerts and laser shows planned throughout the summer, we have a variety of events for no cost to our visitors.  Whether you like to sit on the beach, do watersports on the bay or play 18 holes at Eagles Landing, Ocean City has something fun for everyone,” said Mayor Meehan.

“SHA wants summer travelers to arrive safely to all of Maryland's great vacations spots, especially Ocean City which has thousands of new residents each week,” said Maryland State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Even on vacation, as drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, we must stay alert and place safety first, use cross walks and share the road. To underscore the message, we are launching a new pedestrian safety campaign called Walk Smart! for the summer season."

Possession of Marijuana: 

On 5/13/13 at 12:53 pm, Trooper First Class R. Lewis stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Rt. 261 at the Town Hall in Chesapeake Beach.  A search of the vehicle revealed that the driver, Christopher Franklin, 31 of Chesapeake Beach, was in possession of Marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  He was taken to the MSP Barrack in Prince Frederick for processing.

Trespassing: 

On 5/14/13 at 10:59 pm, Trooper First Class Wiesemann responded to the Fastop in St. Leonard for a trespassing complaint.  Charles E. Chase, Jr., 48 of St. Leonard, had been previously given notice regarding trespassing on the property.  He was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

Burglary:  

On 5/16/13 at 10:19 am, Trooper Oles responded to the 600 block of Texoma Lane in Lusby for a reported burglary.  A vacant home was broken into and copper pipes were removed from various areas within the residence.  Investigation continues.

Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle: 

On 5/16/13 at 10:17 am, Trooper First Class Esnes stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Costley Way in Prince Frederick.  The driver, Nathan J. Williams, 46 of Prince Frederick, was arrested for driving with a revoked license.  Further investigation revealed that the vehicle he was driving had been taken without the owner’s permission.  He was additionally charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. 
 
Possession of Heroin: 

On 5/16/13 at 10:39 pm, Trooper First Class Wiesemann stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Rt. 2 at Langley Lane in Solomons.   The driver, Matthew E. Shifflett, 31 of Prince Frederick, was found to be driving on a revoked license and arrested.  A search revealed Heroin and drug parapharnelia in the vehicle.  He was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center. 

Possession of Cocaine: 

On 5/17/13 at 1:52 am, Trooper First Class Merkelson stopped a vehicle at Rt. 260 and Horace Ward Rd. in Owings for traffic violations.  A search of the vehicle revealed cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  Cody L. Farber, 19 of Centreville, was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.  

DUI & Possession of Drugs: 

On 5/17/13 at 11:08 pm, Trooper Matthews stopped to check on a vehicle which was stopped in the roadway at Rt. 4 and Ward Rd. in Dunkirk.  The driver was asleep and as the Trooper approached the vehicle, the driver awoke and attempted to drive away.  The Trooper stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Joseph A. Gaetano, 21 of Huntingtown.  Gaetano failed field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest for DUI.  A search of the vehicle revealed Heroin, synthetic Marijuana, prescription medications and drug paraphernalia. He was incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

Possession of Marijuana: 

On 5/20/13 at 3:08 am, Trooper Matthews stopped a vehicle at Dares Beach Rd and Terrace Dr. in Prince Frederick, for traffic violations.  While speaking with the driver, Robert A. Sinex, 19 of Prince Frederick, an odor of marijuana was detected.  A search revealed marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.  Sinex was arrested and transported to the MSP Barrack for processing.

On May 19 at 6:51 p.m. DFC J. Bell responded to the parking lot of Bunky’s Charter Boats in Solomons Island for the report of a motor vehicle crash.  Upon arrival DFC Bell determined that the driver of a 2004 Jeep SUV, a 70-year-old male from Chestertown, had put the vehicle in reverse and hit a 2003 Ford F250 pickup truck, two parking posts, and the pier, until coming to rest on two boats in the water secured to the pier.  No one was injured, no citations were issued, and the crash was determined to be the result of driver error.

The Charles County Department of Public Works would like to remind citizens that the next household hazardous waste collection for this year will be held on Saturday, June 1.  The household hazardous waste collection site is located in the parking lot of the Department of Public Works building, located at 10430 Audie Lane, off of Radio Station Road in La Plata.   Collection hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Items accepted free of charge include: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, gasoline, oil-based paint, cleaning supplies, pool chemicals, batteries, expired prescription drugs, fluorescent lights, mercury thermometers, and other poisons found in the home. Please remember to mark any container that does not have a readable, original label. 

Unacceptable materials include bio-medical waste (sharps, needles, anything with bodily fluids) and ammunition.  Used motor oil, anti-freeze, propane tanks, and batteries are accepted on a regular basis at various collection sites.  Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste and can be placed in your household trash as long as it is solidified.  This can be accomplished by adding kitty litter, shredded paper, or sawdust to the liquid latex paint to aid in drying it out.

Household hazardous waste collection will occur on the first Saturday of each month through December.  Upcoming 2013 collection dates are: June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sep. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7.

For more information, call the Charles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3599 or 301-870-2778, or the landfill and recycling information line at 301-932-5656. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.