Media Release:

On October 26, 2023, at approximately 11:00 AM, during an expanded evidentiary search in the Williamsport, MD area, a deceased person was located.

The deceased individual has been positively identified as Pedro Argote, the suspect wanted for the murder of Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson.

The deceased was located in a heavily wooded area between Clear Spring Road and Bottom Road approximately 1 mile North West of where the suspect vehicle was found.

A press conference has been scheduled for 3 PM and will be held at the Washington County Administration Building, 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD.

October 19, 2023

Media Release: The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a homicide investigation.

On October 19, 2023, at approximately 8:00 PM, Deputies responded to the 19100 block of Olde Waterford Road, Hagerstown, MD, for a reported shooting.

The victim, an adult male, was located in the driveway of a residence. The victim was suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was transported to Meritus Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The victim was identified as Washington County, Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, of Hagerstown.

This continues to be an active investigation; due to the ongoing investigation, certain details will not be released.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office anticipates holding a press conference in reference to this incident. The specific information for the press conference will be posted to the Sheriff’s Office website and social media pages once available.

Visit our Facebook page for information about the upcoming Sheriff’s Sale.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=697549422415093&set=a.227781209391919

Grant Solicitation/ Application 

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and Bureau of Justice Assistance have announced that it is seeking applications for funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, FY 2023 Local Solicitation.  The BJA will be making awards to assist local and tribal efforts to prevent or reduce crime and violence.  See FY 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program – Local Solicitation | Bureau of Justice Assistance (ojp.gov) for details.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is applying for funding in the amount of $21,982.  This funding is being sought to purchase law enforcement equipment and personnel over time.

Public comment is invited.  Please respond to comiller@washco-md.net or write to

Mr. Cody Miller, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, 500 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown, MD 21740.  All Comments should be received by September 20^th, 2023.

August 28, 2023

MEDIA RELEASE:

Last week, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Washington County Health Department, the Washington County Department of Social Services Child Advocacy Center, and the Meritus Forensic Nursing Program, to conduct an operation that sought out human trafficking offenders. The operation was divided into two focus areas.  The first focused on internet-based chats, targeting adults who seek out children for sex.  The second focused on internet-based advertisements for adult sex workers.

The underage chat operations group utilized various social media platforms via covert chats and undercover law enforcement officers to chat with and meet up with those adults who solicit sex from children.  Multiple internet-based contacts and in-person meet-ups were made or attempted throughout the operation.  Ultimately, two adults were arrested and charged with Solicitation of a Minor.  Those arrested were:

1. Raquan Tyreek Martin, 23, of Hagerstown, Maryland
2. Peter John Eleftheriou, 41, of Perry Hall, Maryland

The prostitution operations group utilized various applications known to law enforcement to organize and facilitate the use of prostitution.  This team attempted to set up meetings to identify and charge those who exploited the prostitutes.  Those prostitutes who were contacted were cooperative, and had no other underlying offenses were turned over to the care of the Washington County Health Department, Meritus Forensic Nursing Program, and Department of Social Services Human Trafficking Regional Navigator, for diversion, STD testing, and other community-based resources. Those found to be exploiting the prostitutes were arrested and charged accordingly.  Ultimately, two adults were arrested. Those arrested and their charges are as follows:

1. Dadeja Lynn Fuller, 29, of Hagerstown, Maryland. Fuller had active warrants and had suspected cocaine.
2. Richard Glenwood Frazier,46, of Greencastle, PA. Frazier was arrested and charged with sex trafficking.

We would like to thank the following people and organizations for their unwavering support of our mission to protect the citizens of Washington County:

Victoria Sterling and Andrea Barton of the Washington County Health Department,

Rachel Mazloum and Natalie Reed of the Washington County Department of Social Services, Child Advocacy Center,

Jennifer McNew and the Staff of the Meritus Forensic Nursing Program, and

Kevin Lewis and Andrew Wood of the Washington County Division of Emergency Services.

Washington County would be much less safe without your dedication to helping the vulnerable members of our community.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.