PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — An alleged violent assault at the Hallowing Point State Park boat ramp has led to criminal charges against a California, Maryland woman, who has since been released ahead of trial.
According to charging documents, Corporal Justin Ball of the Maryland Natural Resources Police was on boat patrol on the Patuxent River when he witnessed a large disturbance involving roughly 10 to 15 individuals in the boat ramp parking lot around 9:50 p.m. Activating his emergency lights, Ball approached, prompting the group to scatter.
Upon reaching the scene, Ball encountered a female victim displaying visible and significant injuries, including dried blood on her lips and nose, swelling and bruising on her forehead and jaw, scratches across her neck and chest, and abrasions and bruises on her arms.
The victim identified Jordan-Marie Joy Florence, 22, of California, Maryland, as one of her assailants. She alleged Florence initially attacked her aboard a boat, pinning her down by the hair and repeatedly striking and kicking her, before the assault spilled into the parking lot. There, Florence—along with several unidentified women—allegedly dragged the victim by her hair across brick pavers while continuing to strike her.
Multiple witnesses corroborated the victim’s account, noting that Florence wore black while the other attackers were dressed in bright pink, orange, and white. A bystander reportedly attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful in halting the beating.
Florence, who returned to her vehicle at the scene, was positively identified via her Maryland driver’s license. She claimed not to know the other assailants.
On April 20, an arrest warrant was issued against Florence based on witness and victim statements. She was formally arrested on April 21.
Florence was initially ordered held without bond during an April 22 hearing in St. Mary’s District Court before Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser. However, at a subsequent bail review on April 24 in Calvert County District Court, Judge Sally C. Chester ordered Florence released on her own recognizance pending trial.
Florence faces a charge of second-degree assault, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine. A trial date has been set for May 22 in Calvert District Court.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to identify the additional individuals allegedly involved in the assault.
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What is up with Judge Chester and releasing on personal recognizance? There’s a valid reason Judge Chester had refused her bond …This ‘woman’ beat another human being!