The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has charged Ronald Christopher Smythers, 21 of La Plata, and Kenneth Allen Sanders, 19 of Indian Head, in connection with multiple acts of vandalisms in which racial and ethnic slurs were spray painted on buildings in different areas of western Charles County last week. Citing the charges, Sheriff Rex Coffey said, “The charges are significant on so many levels but perhaps, most importantly, is that they tell our community that we consider crimes of this nature to be very serious and that we will pursue every investigative lead to identify and arrest those responsible for these terrible crimes.”
Smythers and Allen were identified as suspects after officers received tips about their possible involvement. A subsequent investigation linked Smythers and Allen to the incidents. On Feb. 16, officers arrested Smythers and on Feb. 17, Allen was served a criminal summons issued by a district court commissioner. Both suspects were charged with five counts of malicious destruction of property in connection with vandalisms at the following locations: Smith Chapel located at 7750 Poorhouse Road, Mount Hope Nanjemoy Elementary School at 9275 Ironsides Road, the Calvert Wood Recycling Center sign at 6585 Ripley Road, a stop sign at Annapolis Woods Road and Poorhouse Road, and Eller’s Service at 4960 Port Tobacco Road.
Officers say the crimes were isolated incidents and were not specific to an organized group or gang. Investigators are continuing their investigation to determine if other suspects were involved and whether or not they can be linked to any other vandalisms in the area.
Anyone with additional information should contact the Charles County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 609-2222. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. The investigation is continuing.
