Prince Frederick, MD – A Prince George’s County man with a history of theft and burglary offenses had his sentence related to a 2012 Calvert County crime reconsidered Friday, July 8. The defendant, Stephen R. Kent, 45 of District Heights, went before Calvert County Circuit Court Judge Marjorie Clagett (pictured below) requesting that the 10-year sentence stemming from a burglary be suspended and that he be allowed to be transferred from the Maryland Department Corrections’ facility in Westover to a halfway house under the supervision of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). Kent was represented during the hearing by Frederick A. Lester of the Office of the Public Defender.

In January 2013, Kent pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree burglary, a felony, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. According to court documents, the burglary occurred in June 2012. Kent was indicted in September of that year.
State court records show Kent had been charged with committing other crimes—including theft, motor vehicle theft and burglary in other jurisdictions, including Charles, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties.

Kent told Clagett that prior to his incarceration, he had been a landscaper. While in prison, Kent recalled, “I tried to find the problem.” The defendant said he began to realize he had a drug problem. While behind bars Kent has sought treatment for the addiction, obtained a high school diploma and enrolled in college courses.

“I do try to find good in every person who comes into court,” said Clagett. “I wish we had the ability to see into the future. You have amassed a major criminal history.”
In noting the department of corrections’ mission related to rehabilitation, Clagett told Kent, “you’ve done what you said you’d do.

Calvert County Assistant State’s Attorney Kyle B. Torres told the judge the prosecution opposed the sentence reconsideration because not enough of the sentence had been served.

Clagett stated Kent will still need to pay nearly $2,000 restitution to the victim and will be on five years of probation when and if he is released by DHMH. Kent must also abstain from alcohol and drugs and regularly attend recovery meetings 
Kent will receive credit for serving 1,214 days of his sentence.

Clagett advised Kent to not expect the DHMH drug rehabilitation program will absolutely be successfully completed in 90 days.

“I sincerely hope I won’t see you again,” Clagett told Kent.

“You won’t. I promise you that,” Kent replied.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com