GBDC Victim-Witness Advocate Samantha Catterton and Assistant State's Attorney Victor Francis

Case Coordinator Natalie Juckett with Taylor Matthews, Katie Gordon, and Jen Sibiga of the SAO Body Worn Camera Unit

APD Acting Chief Amy Miguez, CEO of the Community Action Agency Berneitha McNair, and State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess

Victim-Witness Advocate Kaity Huber, ASA's Rachel Severance and Nathan Bennett, and Victim-Witness Advocate Jesse Smith

In this seasonal newsletter, you will meet our summer interns, welcome our newest Assistant State’s Attorney, cheer along our "Spicy Squirrels" softball team, and learn about multiple victorious prosecutions, including a guilty verdict in a murder and kidnapping, a mother’s guilty plea to child abuse and involuntary manslaughter in her toddler son’s overdose death, a sentence of life in prison plus 20 years for a murder at a Gambrills McDonald's, and more!

For the latest information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, and click here to receive our newsletter, Anne Arundel Justice.

As always, thank you for your continued support! 

Welcome to Our Newest Assistant State's Attorney!

We are pleased to welcome our newest Assistant State's Attorney, Bailey Armstrong!

She was sworn in on September 22 by Clerk of the Circuit Court Scott Poyer before the Honorable Judge Donna Schaeffer.

ASA Armstrong joins our Office following her recent clerkship in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court with the Honorable Judge Cathleen Vitale. She is a former judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Douglas Nazarian on the Appellate Court of Maryland. She has also held several staff roles in legislative support for U.S. Senator Joni Ernst.

She received her Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law in May 2025 and her B.A. in Political Science and Legal Studies from Concordia University in Wisconsin.

Welcome, ASA Armstrong!

Way to Go, SAO "Spicy Squirrels!"

Congratulations to our SAO "Spicy Squirrels" softball team for a fantastic season!

They ended the season in the Anne Arundel Bar Association league's semifinal match against the Bad News Barristers, coming up short in a close game (18-15). The Spicy Squirrels had some outstanding plays, with State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess and members of her Office cheering on from the bleachers.

They concluded the season with a 9-4-1 record, including a post-season victory. Way to go, Spicy Squirrels!

SAO Summer Interns

This summer, we welcomed five college students to our Office for a hands-on internship. Dennis Malicov, an incoming 1L at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, Asha Barkat, a rising senior at the University of Richmond, and Hafsa Hamdaoui, a rising senior at the University of Virginia, worked in our Circuit Court office, supporting project requests from staff, attending tours and presentations, court hearings, and learning more about a career in criminal prosecution.

Mackenzie Jedrey and Arman Buyukacaroglu, both enrolled in the Paralegal Certificate Program at Anne Arundel Community College, helped our staff in the Body Worn Camera Unit in Annapolis.

We are so grateful for their hard work!

If you are an undergraduate college student looking for an internship opportunity, click here to complete our application today!

Middle River Man Gets Life in Prison Plus 20 Years

for 2022 Drive-thru Window Murder

On September 23, 2026, Ja'Quan Dontremique Green, age 25, of Middle River, was sentenced to Life in Prison plus 20 years for the May 22, 2022 drive-thru window shooting death of 23-year-old Britrain Gray at the McDonald's restaurant, located on Route 3 South in Gambrills.

An Anne Arundel County jury convicted Green of First-Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence on January 21, 2026.

"Today's sentence delivers justice for Britrain Gray and ensures that a dangerous offender is removed from our community," said State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "This senseless violence stole a young man's life while he was working the overnight shift at a drive-through window. Though nothing can undo this tragedy, I hope this sentence brings some measure of peace and closure to Britrain's family, many of whom endured seeing the horrific evidence of their brother being gunned down while he was building Happy Meal boxes for kids."

She added, "I want to commend Assistant State's Attorneys Glen Neubauer and Murphy Hartford for their tireless efforts securing a conviction, and Detective Juan Honesto and the Anne Arundel County Police Department Homicide Unit, who put together a thorough investigation."

Read full release here.

Charles Blackeney, brother of Britrain Gray, speaks to State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess outside Circuit Court. (Photo: Cody Boteler/The Baltimore Banner).

Britrain Gray, age 23, was shot through a McDonald's drive-thru window as he was assembling Happy Meal boxes. (Photo provided by the Family of Britrain Gray).

Jury Finds Baltimore Man Guilty in March 2024 Kidnapping, Murder

Outside an Annapolis Middle School



On September 21, 2026, an Anne Arundel County jury found Marquis Mayo, age 37, of Baltimore, guilty of Felony First-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Violent Crime for the March 2024 kidnapping and murder of 47-year-old David Lewis Winchester Jr. outside an Annapolis middle school.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 30, 2026, before the Honorable Cathleen Vitale.

"Today's guilty verdict marks the third individual held accountable in the death of David Winchester Jr.," said State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "I want to credit the excellent investigative work by Detective Courtney Moore and the Annapolis Police Department, along with the Baltimore City Police Department and FBI.

"David Winchester's family was victimized twice - during the home invasion and the senseless murder of their son, who was kidnapped in Baltimore, stuffed in a trunk, and killed in a wooded area near a school. I am grateful that we were able to bring justice for them today."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney Glen Neubauer.

Read full release.

Middle River Man Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder

In August 2022 Shooting

On September 15, 2026, Cedric Dion Callaway, age 51, of Curtis Bay, was sentenced to Life in Prison, with all but 40 years suspended, for the May 2025 homicide of his wife, 44-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Bundy, in Brooklyn Park.

Callaway pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder on August 13, 2026, the fourth day of his trial.

"This was a brutal, calculated act of domestic violence, and while no sentence can undo the devastating loss of Sarah Bundy, today's prison term ensures Cedric Callaway is held accountable for his heinous actions," said State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "Our hearts remain with Ms. Bundy's loved ones as they continue to grieve."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney Katherine D. Anthony, with the Honorable Christine Celeste presiding.

Read full release.

Curtis Bay Man Sentenced for Murder of His Wife

On September 15, 2026, Cedric Dion Callaway, age 51, of Curtis Bay, was sentenced to Life in Prison, with all but 40 years suspended, for the May 2025 homicide of his wife, 44-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Bundy, in Brooklyn Park.

Callaway pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder on August 13, 2026, the fourth day of his trial.

"This was a brutal, calculated act of domestic violence, and while no sentence can undo the devastating loss of Sarah Bundy, today's prison term ensures Cedric Callaway is held accountable for his heinous actions," said State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "Our hearts remain with Ms. Bundy's loved ones as they continue to grieve."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney Katherine D. Anthony, with the Honorable Christine Celeste presiding.

Read full releases here and here.

Middle River Man Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder

In August 2022 Shooting

On September 9, 2026, Andre Raquan Riggs, age 28, of Middle River, pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in a Felony Crime of Violence in the August 2022 shooting death of 27-year-old Matthew Ponder, of Glen Burnie.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2026, before the Honorable Robert Thompson in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

Following the guilty plea, State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess commented, "This was certainly a terrifying home invasion that ultimately resulted in the death of Mr. Ponder. Digital evidence played a critical role in identifying this defendant, who came to the home armed with a gun for the purpose of stealing valuables in the middle of the night. I want to commend detectives and Assistant State's Attorney Kelly Poma for their work in bringing this defendant to justice."

Real full release here.

Curtis Bay Mother Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse, Involuntary Manslaughter in Toddler Son's Overdose Death

On September 8, 2026, Brooke Houck, 29, of Curtis Bay, pleaded guilty to Child Abuse Resulting in Death and Involuntary Manslaughter in the 2024 death of her toddler son, Landon, who overdosed on fentanyl he ingested in the family home.

In addition, Houck entered guilty pleas to Neglect of a Minor, First- and Second-Degree Child Abuse, and Reckless Endangerment.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2026, before the Honorable Stacy McCormack.

"As parents, it is our duty to shield and protect our children, who rely on our care to keep them safe," said State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "Not only was Landon living in deplorable conditions, but his mother put her addiction ahead of his well-being by actively purchasing, using, and leaving drugs within his reach. Her selfish actions highlight how addiction not only affects users but also those most vulnerable around them."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorneys Shane Nolan and Anastasia Prigge on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Read full release here.

Davidsonville Man to Serve Over 10 Years in Prison

for Possession of Child Pornography

On August 24, 2026, the Honorable Sidney Butcher sentenced Christopher Willard Clendenin, age 38, of Davidsonville, to 35 years, suspending all but 10 1/2 years, to serve in the Division of Correction.

Upon release from prison, Clendenin must serve five years of supervised probation, participate in the COMET program, and register as a Tier 1 Sex Offender for 15 years.

Clendenin received credit for 97 days of time served. An Anne Arundel County jury found him guilty of seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography in May.

State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess commented, "The possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material further revictimizes our most vulnerable, and behind the images is a story of abuse and trauma. Our prosecutors learned from the Australian Federal Police that one of the videos the defendant possessed depicted a female child under the age of four engaged in a sex act with an adult. We also learned from the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom that a separate image in the defendant's files showed a 4-year-old female from the United Kingdom being raped by an adult male."

Leitess added, "This defendant has failed to take responsibility for his actions or acknowledge the harm that this type of crime causes. The Court's guidelines sentence delivers significant prison time and sex offender monitoring after release to protect the community and ensure the defendant's compliance."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorneys Anastasia Prigge and Sean Fox.

Read full release here.

Jury Finds Silver Spring Man Guilty of Felony Assault, Attempted Armed Robbery in 2023 Laurel Incident

On July 16, 2026, Joel Manuel Moreno, age 32, of Silver Spring, was found guilty of Attempted Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, First- and Second-Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and handgun offenses for an incident in the early morning hours of September 8, 2023.

The verdict was reached by an Anne Arundel County jury following a three-day trial in Circuit Court.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2026, before the Honorable Elizabeth Morris.

"This defendant conspired to rob someone, attempted to execute the plan, and when it didn't work out, he fired a gun four times at the victim's vehicle," said State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. "Thankfully, the victim was able to escape and bravely called 911 to report the incident.

"We look forward to seeking a lengthy prison term at sentencing."

The State was represented by Assistant State's Attorneys Nancy Jeffein Olin and Matthew Rabb.

Read full release here.

Davidsonville Teen Sentenced to Life

for May 2025 Murder of Tropic Bay Gardens Owner

On May 29, 2026, Jonah Michael Poole, age 19, of Davidsonville, was sentenced to Life in Prison by the Honorable Cathleen Vitale.

Poole pleaded guilty to First-Degree Murder on March 18, 2026, in the May 2025 death of 67-year-old Edward Stephen Koza, owner of Tropic Bay Water Gardens in Davidsonville.

Due to the defendant's age, the judge will refer him to the Patuxent Youth Facility's Youthful Offender Program. He was also ordered to forfeit $215,000 stolen from the victim, and a $15,000 truck purchased with additional stolen funds to the victim's estate.

Poole's co-defendant, 19-year-old Kylee Alyssa Dakes, is charged with First-Degree Murder and is pending trial to begin December 1, 2026.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorneys Marot Williamson and Kelly Poma on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.