The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recognized Jack Dorman of Mt. Airy as the new state record holder for false albacore in the Atlantic Division.

Dorman, 22, clinched the record with a 26-pound catch, which surpassed the previous record of 23.5 pounds that was set earlier this month.

DNR said that Dorman was fishing offshore near the Jackspot and 20-Fathom Line on July 20 aboard the charter boat Game On, which was captained by Scott Stapleford, of Ocean City.

Officials said it was Dorman’s first offshore fishing trip, and he was aiming to catch a yellowfin tuna.

However, the record-setting false albacore was the first fish caught that day.

“At first I thought it was a small yellowfin, but it turned out to be the biggest false albacore I’ve ever seen,” said Captain Stapleford, via a news release.

The false albacore was weighed on a certified scale at Sunset Marina in Ocean City.

DNR said the word of the new record catch spread quickly in Ocean City’s fishing community. Kurt Howell, the captain who guided angler Timothy Saarda to the state record false albacore on July 12, called and congratulated all involved. Howell noted that the world record for false albacore is 36 pounds, which was caught in the same general area by an angler fishing out of a New Jersey port in 2006.

Dorman, a recent graduate of Salisbury University, said that the experience has him “hooked” on offshore fishing, and he will take another trip in August.

The DNR stated that false albacore have many nicknames, including Albie, Little Tunny, turkeys, and Fat Alberts, and are one of the most common tuna species in the western Atlantic Ocean.

Any anglers who believe they have caught a potential record-setting fish should complete the state record application and call 410-991-0748.

DNR recommends keeping the fish immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be verified and certified.

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.

The EPA outlined multiple legal errors in the agency’s approval of the US Wind permit in a letter issued to MDE Secretary Serena McIlwain.

Errors included providing misleading information about the public’s right to appeal under federal law.

Now, the EPA is requiring the MDE to reissue the permit in accordance with proper federal procedures or the permit could be invalidated on appeal.

Congressman Andy Harris issued a statement on the permit error:

“The EPA has confirmed what many of us knew for years — this project was approved with glaring procedural and legal flaws. The Maryland Department of the Environment had no business directing the public to appeal a federal permit to a state court, and such a decision showed both incompetence and a disregard for public input from my affected constituents in Worcester County. For many years, my constituents across the First Congressional District have been overwhelmingly clear: they do not want offshore wind off their coast. This ruling is a major victory for the Eastern Shore, the environment, and our local economies that are existentially threatened by this project.”

Ocean City vacationer Stephanie Corcoran told Spotlight on Maryland on the boardwalk that she might reconsider her beloved trips to Maryland’s beaches if the project were to go through.

“I feel [offshore wind] would ruin the travel industry because people don’t want to look at that when they’re sitting on the beach, enjoying the sun, riding the waves,” Corcoran said. “Nobody wants to see that out there.”

Previously, Adam Ortiz, deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment, said the state fully intends to move forward with offshore wind despite opposition from individuals and Ocean City leaders.

“There is no question that we have rising energy demand,” Ortiz said. “We have AI, we have data centers and a growing population, so we have to meet that demand. The question is how thoughtfully do we do it.”

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.

The girl’s mother, Darrian Randle, of Newark, and 44-year-old Cedrick Antoine Britten have been arrested in connection with Dinkns’ death.

Randle is charged with first- and second-degree murder, and first-degree child abuse resulting in death of a minor under 13, as well as additional charges. She was taken into custody at the New Castle County Division of Police and is awaiting extradition, authorities said.

Britten is charged with accessory to first- and second-degree murder after the fact, the failure to report a child’s death, and other additional charges. He was taken into custody in Maryland.

On Tuesday, June 10, around 7:15 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Gender Road in Newark, Delaware, after a reported kidnapping.

Randle told officers she had pulled over to calm her daughter after she became upset when a white male suspect armed with a handgun approached the vehicle and took the child. Randle claimed the suspect then fled in a dark-colored SUV driven by a white female.

The report led authorities to issue an Amber Alert and launch a large-scale investigation involving the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the FBI.

However, in a dramatic development on Wednesday, June 11, police announced that detectives had determined Randle’s account was fabricated.

The Amber Alert was canceled, and law enforcement officials confirmed that the case was being treated as a homicide by the Maryland State Police.

At 1:45 p.m. on June 11, Maryland State Police located human remains consistent with Dinkins. Autopsy results brought back a positive identification of the girl’s body.

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.

He released the following statement:

Serving the city of Baltimore has been an extraordinary honor. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Mayor Brandon M. Scott and his dedicated leadership team during such a pivotal moment in the city’s journey. From day one, I was proud to lay the foundation for a bold, strategic communications vision that elevated Baltimore’s voice, centered its communities, and reflected the urgency and promise of this moment. I leave with immense respect for the work ahead and full confidence in the Mayor’s leadership. I wish Mayor Scott and the entire administration continued success – there’s no doubt that great things lie ahead for this team and the city we’ve worked so hard to move forward.

Mayor Scott’s Chief of Staff, Calvin Young, released this statement on Marshall’s departure:

Today, Kamau Marshall is stepping down and has concluded his service leading communications & strategy for the City of Baltimore. Mayor Scott and the entire Administration are deeply grateful for his outstanding leadership and strategic vision- particularly at a pivotal moment as we began the Mayor’s second term. Kamau played a central role in the strengthening and rebuilding of the City’s communications team, shaping the narrative of Baltimore’s progress, and elevating the voices of our communities. His contributions have left a lasting mark. While we wish we could keep him, we know he will continue to make a powerful impact wherever he lends his talent and expertise. We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in this next chapter.

Have a news tip? Contact Keith Daniels at kdaniels@sbgtv.com.

Brown announced the federal firearms litigation with New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings on Monday.

The ATF’s action involves Forced Reset Triggers that allow shooters to reach the same firepower of a military handgun, according to a news release from Brown’s office.

During the Biden administration, multiple lawsuits were filed to either enforce or challenge the prohibition on FRTs.

A federal judge in New York agreed that FRTs are banned under federal law, while a Texas judge disagreed and held that FRTs do not qualify as machineguns under federal law, according to the release. That ruling was on appeal.

On May 16, the Trump administration announced it had settled those lawsuits in a way that eliminated federal FRT prohibition, and the ATF agreed to abandon its enforcement actions and appeals, the release said.

Now, Brown’s office says under a directive from the Trump administration, a signed agreement promises to stop enforcing federal law against FRTs, and promises to redistribute thousands of FRTs that the ATF had previously seized.

The litigation announced Monday aims to prevent that redistribution.

“Forced reset triggers turn semi-automatic firearms into weapons of war capable of inflicting devastating impacts on Maryland communities,” Brown said in the release. “The Trump administration’s decision to send these previously seized firearms back to Maryland, where they are illegal, makes our neighbors and children more vulnerable to mass shootings.

“We cannot stand by while the federal government violates its own laws and fuels the gun violence epidemic that has already claimed too many lives.”

The plan to return the FRTs could have severe consequences for Maryland, Brown warned, saying he believes the distribution will lead to increased criminal use, higher public safety risks and steeper law enforcement costs.

Brown’s office said MCDs have been used frequently in violent crimes and mass shootings across the United States in recent years, and since at least 1975, the ATF has classified devices that operate similarly as prohibited by federal law.

Brown is joined by the attorneys general of New Jersey, Delaware, Colorado, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia in filing the lawsuit.

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.

Sina Gholinejad, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and abuse and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in 2019, Gholinejad and his co-conspirators compromised the computer networks of cities, corporations, health care organizations and other U.S. entities.

They also encrypted files on these networks with the RobbinHood ransomware variant to extort ransom payments.

Officials say the cyber attacks caused significant disruptions and millions in losses, including to the cities of Baltimore and Greenville, North Carolina, Gresham, Oregon, and Yonkers, New York, were also victims of the attack.

Authorities say Baltimore lost more than $19 million from the damage caused to its computer networks and the disruption it caused to several city services, including online services for processing property taxes, water bills, parking citations and other revenue-generating functions. This outage lasted for several months.

Officials say the hackers used the damage they caused these cities to threaten other victims and extorted Bitcoin in exchange for the private key required to decrypt the victim’s computer files.

Gholinejad and his co-conspirators attempted to launder ransom payments through cryptocurrency mixing services and by moving assets between different types of cryptocurrencies, a practice officials say is known as “chain-hopping.” The FBI reported that the criminals hid their identities and illegal activities through a number of technical methods, including the use of virtual private networks and servers.

The FBI Field Office in Charlotte investigated the case, but said they received “substantial assistance” from the FBI Field Office in Baltimore.

“Gholinejad and his co-conspirators — all of whom were overseas — caused tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupted essential public services by deploying the RobbinHood ransomware against U.S. cities, health care organizations, and businesses,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, in a news release. “The ransomware attack against the City of Baltimore forced the city to take hundreds of computers offline and prevented the city from performing basic functions for months. Gholinejad’s conviction reflects the Criminal Division’s commitment to bringing cybercriminals who target our cities, health care system, and businesses to justice no matter where they are located. There will be no impunity for these destructive attacks.”

Gholinejad will be sentenced in August.

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.

Sha’Bria McCleod, 24, faces conspiracy charges, and Deshawn Gwaltney, 24, has been accused of first-degree murder. They were both taken to the Baltimore County Detention Center while awaiting extradition to the Central Booking Intake Facility.

On March 29, police responded to the 400 block of Venable Avenue for a report of a shooting. Officers found three victims at the scene, who were all men, ages 18, 25, and 60, with gunshot wounds.

They were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A 57-year-old woman later sought treatment for a gunshot wound at an area hospital. Investigators believe she was also shot while in the 400 block of Venable Avenue.

On April 23, detectives arrested Broderick Young without incident, and he was subsequently charged with multiple counts of attempted murder. Young was taken to the Central Booking, where he was charged with multiple counts of attempted murder.

Now, both McCleod and Gwaltney will face charges in connection with the shooting, as well.

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.

Osman Sesay, 32, of Gambrills, was found guilty of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, among other related charges.

A federal jury convicted Sesay after a five-day trial.

The conviction for possession of a machine gun carries a mandatory sentence of 30 years imprisonment with an additional five years coming from possessing another firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on a previous date.

According to the evidence presented at trial, between Nov. 13, 2020, and at least July 16, 2021, Sesay conspired with others in a drug trafficking operation involving the bulk distribution of marijuana.

Authorities say that Sesay used multiple fake identifications and at least four stolen luxury vehicles and seven guns, including two equipped with machine gun conversion devices, to carry out their operation.

Police say that Sesay also leased apartments under fake names to store his drugs, money, and guns.

On April 29, 2021, Sesay was arrested in Prince George’s County while driving a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged.

During that arrest, police say that Sesay had over $14,000 in cash, a Glock 26 firearm with a machine gun conversion device in the glove compartment and a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license.

The fake license was used to rent an apartment in Lanham, where authorities say Sesay stored his drugs, investigators said.

On June 30, 2021, after Sesay was released on bond pending a trial, a police helicopter captured surveillance footage of Sesay conducting a drug transaction in a stolen Corvette at a Washington, D.C. school parking lot.

Weeks later, on July 16, 2021, police executed search warrants on Sesay’s fraudulently rented apartments in Lanham and Gambrills.

Police found that he used both apartments to store drugs, and the apartment in Gambrills had cash and guns, as well.

Authorities said they recovered about 90 pounds of marijuana, and evidence showed that Sesay took marijuana across the country via a commercial airplane while using fake identification.

Additionally, police said they recovered over $40,000 in cash and six guns, five of which were loaded, from the apartment in Gambrills.

A stolen Corvette, an Audi A7 sedan, and a Land Rover Range Rover Velar that were used as part of the drug trafficking operation were also seized.

Inside those vehicles, law enforcement said they found more marijuana and a loaded Glock 30 with a machine gun conversion device attached.

As a convicted felon, Sesay is prohibited from possessing any guns or ammunition.

Now, he will face a minimum of 35 years in prison, and could face a maximum of a life sentence.

U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox scheduled sentencing for July 29 at noon.

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.

Last month, Jackson pled guilty to four charges, including second-degree assault, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault and a minor in possession of a firearm.

In court Tuesday, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison, suspended by all but 10 years with the first five coming without the possibility of parole.

The state had asked for Jackson to be sentenced to 50 years in prison, suspending all but 12 years.

In a statement, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates called the sentencing “a significant step toward justice for the victims, their families, the community, and our city as a whole.”

“This case is tremendously complex given its scale, and this outcome reflects our commitment to holding all individuals accountable for their actions on that day,” Bates said. “I hope this not only brings some measure of closure to those impacted, but also signals that we will continue to investigate the Brooklyn Day mass shooting and work to hold everyone responsible for the violence that took place that day and shook Baltimore to its core.”

Baltimore’s worst mass shooting in history took place on July 2, 2023, when a barrage of gunfire erupted during an unpermitted block party at the Brooklyn Homes development, part of an annual Brooklyn Day celebration in the neighborhood.

As a result, two people were killed, and 28 others suffered injuries.

Five juveniles were charged in connection with the mass shooting, including Jackson, who faced the most charges out of the group.

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.

The digital media company released its Most Dangerous Places in the U.S. in 2024-2025 list, and despite being a typical entrant among the Top 25, Baltimore was not included in the list this year.

The list is compiled based on each city’s murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people, as the company notes that crime rate can be one of the deciding factors of where families choose to live.

At the top of the list is Memphis, Tennessee, followed by St. Louis, Missouri, and Detroit, Michigan.

There are no Maryland cities included in this year’s list.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott noted Baltimore’s lack of inclusion on the list during his State of the City Address on Monday night.

“Baltimore, for the first time in a long time, is not on the list,” Scott said during his address. “But, this is not a moment for celebration. This is progress, but we still have more work to do.”

You can read the full U.S. News & World Report list of the most dangerous places in the United States in 2024-2025 here.

Have a news tip? Contact Cale Ahearn at cahearn@sbgtv.com.