Maryland Archives - Page 332 of 406

Maryland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening a Member of Congress Via an Event Management Website

Published April 28, 2023 at 8:49AM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Justin Kuchta, age 40, of Annapolis, Maryland, to four months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for threatening to murder a United States Member of Congress.

According to his plea agreement, Kuchta made threats to murder a Member of the U.S. Congress. Specifically, a U.S. Member of Congress’ district office in Texas reported that on July 18, 2022, it received a threatening message via an event management website. The website was being used by an event planner to coordinate an event held in the State of Missouri, being attended by Member of Congress 1. The Subject line of that email read, in relevant part: “Rally in Missouri – Featured Guest [Member of Congress 1], [Individual 1], and [Individual 2].” The message stated, “Thank you for the address!!! I’m coming to murder all of you Satanist f*ckers!!! Especially the chuckle-f*ck Zodiak [sic] Killer [Member of Congress 1]!! That fat fake f*cker ass will be the first on the gallows!! SEE ALL OF YOU F*CKERS REALLY SOON!!! With my fresh militia and weapons!!! Thanks for the info f*ckers!!!” The Member of Congress’ Washington office reported that a similar message was sent on July 22, 2022, using the same event management website.

Governor Moore Announces More than $100 Million in State Scholarships and Grants for Higher Education

By Patrick Herron

Published April 27, 2023 at 1:40PM

The Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards is Maryland’s largest need-based program. The financial assistance grants will benefit students attending the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year and includes both the Guaranteed Access grant and Educational Assistance grant programs.

Each year, the Maryland Higher Education Commission is responsible for granting awards to more than 65,000 students, totaling more than $130 million dollars. The second round of awards for the program, in addition to other grants and scholarships, will be announced as they are awarded during the summer months.

BWI Airport Unveils Upgraded, Expanded Restrooms

By MCS Staff

Published April 27, 2023 at 7:11AM | Updated April 27, 2023 at 8:41AM

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has opened the first set of improved restrooms as part of a broad program to modernize and enhance restroom facilities throughout the terminal. BWI Marshall Airport has an ongoing $55 million program that will ultimately expand and improve six sets of restrooms on Concourses B, C and D.

“These improved restrooms are an important part of our overall effort to ensure a positive, world-class travel experience for our customers,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We are continuously working to provide an airport that is clean, modern, and inviting for passengers.” The new set of restrooms now open on Concourse B is nearly 4,700 total square feet. The new facilities are bright, spacious and comfortable, with full height stalls, space for stowing roller bags, solid surface materials that are easy to clean and sanitize, and improved ventilation. The new restrooms feature innovative technology such occupancy lights for the stalls and sensors to inform custodial staff when supplies need to be refilled. The facilities include honeycomb core windows that provide natural light to the open areas of the restroom while also ensuring privacy.

Governor Wes Moore Announces Expansion of EBT Card Fraud Reimbursements

By Patrick Herron

Published April 26, 2023 at 11:44AM | Updated April 26, 2023 at 2:00PM

Under the new law, Maryland will extend the reimbursement eligibility period by 21 months. The General Assembly approved $1.8 million in state general funds for the upcoming state fiscal year for reimbursing adults and families whose claims were previously denied and are now eligible. Approximately 1,095 additional households will become eligible to recover more than $826,000 in previously reported stolen cash and food assistance benefit payments. Previously, the department could only reimburse EBT benefits stolen by fraud dating back to Oct. 1, 2022.

“It’s an egregious act to steal from someone who most needs help—we believe the way Maryland is responding will not just set the tone for this state, but for the country,” said Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López. “Not only does this new state law expand stolen benefit reimbursement eligibility, it helps our department with the tools we need to strengthen EBT card security and decrease EBT fraud.”

First Maryland/Virginia Football Game In A Decade Will Be Played On A Friday

By MCS Staff

Published April 26, 2023 at 8:55AM

The Maryland Terrapins will play the Virginia Cavaliers in a non-conference matchup for the first time since 2013. The Terms edged the Cavaliers 27-26 in that meeting and lead the series between the two neighboring state schools, 44-32-2. Their game for the upcoming season, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 16th, has now been moved to Friday, September 15th, both schools announced.

The University of Maryland will is coming off of its most successful season since joining the Big Ten in 2014. The football team went 8-5, winning at least 8 games for the first time since Ralph Friedgen helped guide the Terps to a 9-4 record in 2010. Virginia is coming off of a 3-7 record, the school’s first losing record in five years. Virginia’s biggest win last season came on the road against Georgia Tech, winning 16-9, while Maryland capped off its season with a 16-12 Mayo Bowl victory against North Carolina State. The Terps have won back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2002-2003. Season tickets for Maryland Football can be purchased for as low as $99 here.

Governor Moore Proclaims Autism Acceptance Month in Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Published April 25, 2023 at 5:03PM

During the event, Governor Moore also presented a governor’s citation to Marcus Moore, an individual living with autism, in recognition of his contribution to the autism community and for his self-advocacy. To help Marcus achieve economic self-sufficiency, he and his family created Moore Crunch Pretzels, which are now available online and in several local stores.

Governor Moore also presented a citation to Ken White, General Manager of Historic Inns of Annapolis, in recognition of his support and promotion of opportunity, access, and choice for individuals with autism. Ken has helped spotlight Moore Crunch Pretzels, in addition to opening his commercial kitchen for use as Marcus expanded his business.

MD Attorney General: “Theft-Prone Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Should Be Recalled“

By MCS Staff

Published April 22, 2023 at 2:27PM

“Even if the vehicle is stolen while the owner is safely away from their car, the disruption to their quality of life is real,” said Attorney General Brown. “The time lost from work, the money spent to replace their vehicle or fix damages, even the stress of trying to find alternate transportation to get to work, school, appointments, it is all a load these owners should not have to bear, nor endure.”

Maryland MS-13 Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder

By MCS Staff

Published April 20, 2023 at 11:05PM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: Brayan Alexander Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday, to a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha clique of the MS-13 gang. Torres admitted that he was the clique’s “First Word” or leader.

On March 24, 2023, co-defendants and MS-13 members and associates Brian Samir Zelaya Mejia, a/k/a “Chispa,” age 25, of Hyattsville, Maryland and Jorge Isaac Argueta Chica, a/k/a “Timido,” age 22, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, also pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy, including extortion and accessory after the fact of first degree murder.

Boyds Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Federal Prison for Purchasing and Distributing Drugs Through the Darkweb

By MCS Staff

Published April 20, 2023 at 11:02PM

The Defendant Laundered the Drug Proceeds by Converting Bitcoin into Cash, and Through a Series of Transactions, Transferring the Money into Bank Accounts He Controlled

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Vishesh Aragam Guruprasad, age 31, of Boyds, Maryland yesterday to 42 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for a drug distribution conspiracy involving the purchase and sale of drugs through darkweb marketplaces, and money laundering.

Dr. Sheri Massey (Cabin John MS) Named Maryland’s School Librarian of The Year

By MCS Staff

Published April 20, 2023 at 7:21AM

MCPS has announced that Dr. Sheri Massey, media specialist at Cabin John Middle School in Potomac,has been named School Librarian of the Year for the state of Maryland. There were 44 nominations for the top award; that list was narrowed to 14 finalists, which also included Meredith Hickman, media specialist at Seven Locks Elementary School in Bethesda.

This top award honors a school librarian for exemplary service and outstanding achievements in the field of school library media. To be considered, nominees must be a current member of the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL), actively working as a school librarian and serving in the same position for three or more years.

Governor Moore Kicks Off ‘More Opportunity Tour,’ Announcing Largest Rooftop Solar Project on an Affordable Multifamily Property Ever in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published April 19, 2023 at 9:48PM

The Montgomery County Green Bank is financing the 2.18-megawatt solar project at the Seneca Village Apartments in Gaithersburg. The project will bring affordable renewable energy to affordable multifamily properties, using sizable rooftop solar panels to help aid the county in its goal to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses produced.

The Maryland Energy Administration works closely with the Montgomery County Green Bank to combine resources to bring the necessary capital to mobilize projects across the state that advance reductions in energy use, improve resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. MEA has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars directed toward projects, incorporated with Green Bank Financing. Examples include a resiliency planning effort involving sites across Montgomery County, a partnership between the Green Bank and Groundswell, Inc. and an energy efficiency project at Takoma Outlook, a multi-family community in Takoma Park, Maryland.