EDGEWOOD MAN RECEIVES MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR SECOND DEGREE MURDER

DATE: August 9, 2024
RE: UPDATE – Sentencing in State v Alton William Cumbo Jr.

On August 8, 2024, Alton William Cumbo Jr., 30, of Edgewood was sentenced by the Honorable Diane Adkins-Tobin following his February 2024 convictions for Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence, and Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm by a Prohibited Person with a Felony Conviction. During sentencing, the State argued for, and the Judge imposed, the maximum possible sentence of seventy-five (75) years to serve, twenty (20) years of which are without the possibility of parole. This sentence is an upward deviation from the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which were calculated to be twenty-five (25) to forty (40) years to serve.

During his sentencing, considering the Defendant’s criminal history and the facts of this case, Judge Adkins-Tobin noted that he was not a candidate for rehabilitation, as nothing the Court could do would deter him from further criminal behavior, and therefore, a sentence had to be crafted that would protect the community from this person who is a threat and a danger.

During the same appearance in court, Judge Adkins-Tobin also sentenced Cumbo on a Violation of Probation stemming from convictions for Second Degree Assault and Theft Under $100 in 2014. On the Violation of Probation, the Defendant received a sentence of seven years and six months to serve, just one month shy of the maximum sentence he could have received in that case.

The sentence in the Second Degree Murder case and the sentence in the Violation of Probation case were ordered to be served consecutively to each other for a total of eighty-two (82) years and six (6) months. These sentences were also ordered to be served consecutively to any outstanding unserved sentences both in Harford County and other jurisdictions.

Following the sentencing hearing State’s Attorney Alison Healey issued the following statement, “I am incredibly proud of the tremendous work by Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Allen to ensure this maximum sentence today. As stated by the Court, Alton Cumbo is not a candidate for rehabilitation or someone that will be deterred from future criminal behaviors. His criminal conduct tragically took the life of a Harford County citizen, and that simply will not be tolerated. My office will continue to pursue aggressive and above guidelines sentences for anyone who commits acts of violence in our community. Today, I hope the victim’s family can be at peace and feel as though justice was served in knowing that the person responsible for their terrible loss will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

State’s Attorney Healey also thanks Detective Moro and Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts that led to this successful prosecution. She also expresses gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the State Medical Examiner for their cooperation in furthering this investigation. Finally, she acknowledges the emergency responders that responded to the scene and made every effort to save the life of this victim.

ABINGDON MAN CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER

DATE: August 7, 2024
RE: State v Charles Alfred Webster Jr.

On Monday, July 29, 2024, Charles Alfred Webster Jr., 50, of Abingdon, was found guilty Attempted First Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person with a Felony Conviction, Reckless Endangerment, and Loaded Handgun in Vehicle, following a three-day jury trial before the Honorable Kevin J. Mahoney in the Circuit Court of Harford County.

Facts presented during trial showed that on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the victim in this case was completing her Amazon Flex delivery route for the day in the Woodsdale apartment complex in Abingdon, Maryland. While driving out of the complex on Waldon Road, a black Audi sedan with no registration plates pulled alongside the victim’s driver’s side window with its windows down. Thinking the person was asking directions, the victim lowered her driver’s window. Without a word, the driver of the Audi then raised his arm, holding a black handgun, and aimed it at the victim’s face. She quickly stomped on the gas pedal as she heard a single shot ring out. Ducking down near her dashboard while holding the gas pedal down, the victim fled the area, ultimately arriving at Wawa on Woodsdale Road where she called 911 for help.

Deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call, observing a bullet hole entering through the victim’s rear driver’s side window and exiting through her rear passenger side window. As deputies were relaying identifying information regarding the suspect’s Audi sedan, the vehicle was observed driving northbound on Route 924 near Ring Factory Elementary. A traffic stop was conducted, and the victim was transported to the scene where she was able to positively identify the driver as the man that shot at her. The defendant, Charles Alfred Webster, Jr., was identified as the driver of the Audi and taken into custody without incident. At the time of his arrest, in plain view on the driver’s seat, was a spent 9mm ammunition casing. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Unit conducted a further lawful search of the defendant’s vehicle and apartment, which revealed a firearm purchase box for a Springfield Armory 9mm handgun on the nightstand in the master bedroom. It was also determined that the defendant was prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm pursuant to his 1998 felony conviction for Assault in the First Degree in Delaware.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey commented, “This was truly a senseless act of violence, as the defendant and the victim were not known to each other prior to the day of this incident. This victim showed tremendous bravery by facing her attacker in court and testifying to ensure his conviction in this case. I hope that she can find some peace in knowing that justice was served and that this person will never be a threat to her again.”

State’s Attorney Healey thanks Deputy State’s Attorney Trenna Manners for her hard work and advocacy in securing this conviction. She also extends her gratitude to Detective Maddox, Lieutenant Burgess, and all of the members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office that assisted in the investigation and swift apprehension of this Defendant.

GANG MEMBER CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER FOLLOWING SIX-DAY TRIAL

DATE: August 2, 2024
RE: State v Nigel Pearson

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Nigel Isaiah Pearson, 22, of Aberdeen, was convicted of two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, Four Counts of First Degree Assault, Four Counts of Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence, Four Counts of Reckless Endangerment, One Count of Handgun in Vehicle, One Count of Loaded Handgun in Vehicle, One Count of Handgun on Person, and One Count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Minor following a six-day bench trial before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Through the testimony of twenty-one witnesses, including members of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, and three experts, the evidence presented in trial showed that on November 16, 2022, Nigel Pearson, along with additional members of the “Rollin’ 20’s” gang, drove in two separate vehicles to 302 Stevens Circle in Aberdeen with the intent to shoot and kill members of the “Choppa Boys” gang. Evidence also showed that the motive behind the shooting was that rival gang members had posted a rap video on YouTube just a few days prior. Once at Stevens Circle, Nigel Pearson, along with others, mercilessly shot at a group of four teenage victims who were actively changing a tire in the parking lot and then drove away. Two out of the four teenagers were struck by gunfire: one in the chest and one in the head. Due to the quick response of First Responders, both victims survived. The following day, Pearson then drove his vehicle to a secluded location in the woods in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania and burned the vehicle, which was used during the shooting. The vehicle was later discovered by Pennsylvania State Police who began an investigation into Pearson.

Sentencing is set for October 25, 2024, before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak. Following the verdict, State’s Attorney Healey issued the following statement: “Gang activity produces some of the most violent cases we see as prosecutors. This defendant, having no regard for the lives of others, made a conscious decision to take and endanger the lives of other human beings for no reason other than his gang affiliation. We will relentlessly pursue justice in cases such as this one to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Our community is safer with Nigel Pearson behind bars. My office will seek to ensure that he is never a danger to our citizens again. I commend the victim for her bravery in testifying during trial and for all that she has had to overcome as a result of this defendant’s actions.”

State’s Attorney Healey further thanks Detective Shoffstall, Detective Soto, Detective Garrett, Detective Lightner, and Lieutenant Persuhn for their hard work investigating this case. She also commends Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca A. Malkowski and Deputy State’s Attorney David W. Ryden for their incredible efforts in securing these convictions.

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.