A Message from Your State’s Attorney
Dear Prince Georgians:
Since the last edition of our newsletter, our office has been active throughout our community. We have been attending community meetings and events, collaborating with our law enforcement partners, and celebrating milestones such as our Back on Track Graduation.
As we have traveled around the County, we have listened to our residents to better understand their concerns related to public safety. There has been a great deal of conversation about youth crime, and we understand that these issues can create real concern for families, schools, and neighborhoods.
In this edition, I have included laws passed by the Maryland General Assembly that may be of interest to you as they relate to youth justice and accountability. The Maryland General Assembly enacted these laws not to erase accountability but to recognize that young people can grow and change with time, structure, and support.
My office remains committed to ensuring the law is applied carefully, transparently, and in a way that strengthens safety for everyone. Our goal is to continue educating our residents and providing helpful, accessible information about how new laws work and how our office applies them. Public safety is strongest when the community and the justice system work together, and we value your partnership in that effort.
Sincerely,
Tara H. Jackson
State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County
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Crime Data
Due to the efforts of our law enforcement partners and strong collaboration with County leadership, community organizations, and our residents who continue to stay engaged, crime in Prince George’s County is down from this time last year*:
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Violent crime is down 19%
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Homicides are down 39% (includes Domestic Violence homicides)
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Robberies are down 48% overall
- Commercial burglaries are down 26%
- Carjackings are down 55%
This represents continued progress and reflects the hard work and coordination of all of our law enforcement partners. We are encouraged by this momentum. Our commitment is to keep driving these numbers down through smart enforcement, strong accountability, and continued partnership with the community. Our goal is to keep focusing on accountability and to make every neighborhood safer and stronger.
Juvenile Justice Reform: Second Look Act and Juvenile Restoration Act
The Second Look Act, which went into effect October 1, 2025, allows an individual who committed a crime as a young adult (ages 18 to 25 years) to request that the court reassess their sentence after they have been incarcerated at least 20 years. The court shall consider evidence of rehabilitation, education, conduct, and readiness to safely reintegrate them into the community.
The Juvenile Restoration Act (JRA) provides a similar opportunity for individuals who were minors at the time of their offense but were sentenced as adults. After 20 years of incarceration, they may petition the court for a reduction in their sentence. Multiple factors are taken into consideration when reassessing a sentence, including demonstrated growth, behavior during incarceration, participation in treatment and programming, maturity, and public safety.
Beware of Frauds & Scams!
 During the holiday season, the Office of the State’s Attorney urges residents to remain alert to scams, fraudulent solicitations, and package theft. Monitor your accounts, safeguard personal information, and consider using secure delivery options for your packages, have items sent to a neighbor or pick-up location. Together, we can ensure a safer and more joyful season for all.
Back on Track Fall/Winter 2025 Graduation
The Office of the State’s Attorney’s Back on Track program recently hosted its Fall/Winter 2025 Graduation Ceremony where 16 graduates were celebrated after completing a rigorous journey – one that requires taking ownership of their decisions, meeting strict requirements, and committing to being fully changed. Upon completion and graduation from the program, participants’ records were expunged.
Notable Convictions
Monte Brown has been convicted of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence in the death of 19-year-old David Cameron Frye. Brown faces a maximum sentence of up to 60 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2026.
State v. Jayla A. Cunningham
Jayla A. Cunningham has been convicted of second-degree assault following a dispute with a 15-year-old client over payment. Second-degree assault charges carry a maximum of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2026.
Alfonzo Brown has pled guilty to attempted second-degree murder and firearm use during commission of crime of violence. Brown faces a maximum of 50 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Alison Onunaku has been convicted of possession of a firearm after a prior crime of violence, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, possession of a firearm, loaded handgun in vehicle, handgun in vehicle. Onunaku faces a maximum of 25 years in prison with 5 years of mandatory incarceration without parole. Sentencing is scheduled for January 2, 2026.
State v. James Waters-Shorter
James Waters-Shorter has been convicted of first-degree burglary and related theft offenses. Waters-Shorter faces a minimum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2026.
Sheila Robinson has been convicted of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence in the death of 67-year-old Antonio Dillard. Sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2026.
Cori Clingman has pled guilty to three counts of negligent homicide under the influence of alcohol for her role in the July 2024 crash that claimed the lives of 24-year-old Khyree Jackson, 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel, and 24-year-old Anthony Lytton, Jr. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 5 years. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2026.
John D. Massaquoi has been convicted of 17 charges, including theft scheme over $100,000, four counts of theft $25,000 to $100,000, four counts of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, four counts of unauthorized removal of property, and four counts of rogue and vagabond. Massaquoi stole more than $200,000 in inventory from his former employer, Darcars Nissan in College Park. Sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2026.
Notable Sentencings
State v. Jose Luis Hernandez Martinez
Jose Luis Hernandez Martinez has been sentenced to life in prison, suspending all but 60 years, after being convicted of first-degree murder and carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to injure in the fatal stabbing of 70-year-old Lucas Pineda.
State v. Raymond C. Terry III
Raymond C. Terry III has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence in the shooting death of 26-year-old Vincent Fisher III. A surviving victim was also in the car during the shooting but was not injured.
State v. Rickey Redd
Rickey Redd has been sentenced to the maximum penalty of 40 years after being convicted of second-degree murder in the death of 38-year-old Andra Sweeper.
Other Notable Cases
Edward Watts was identified as the suspect in the 1998 murder of Sheryl Crandall. Through persistent work, advanced forensic genetic genealogy, and strong collaboration with the Prince George’s County Police Department, Mr. Watts, who is now deceased, was identified. This milestone marks the Office of the State’s Attorney’s first approved use of forensic genetic genealogy through a federal grant in partnership with the Prince George’s County Police Department.
State v. James Clinton Cole
James Clinton Cole has entered an Alford plea to one count of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree rape for the 1989 killing of 27-year-old Cynthia Rodgers. Cole was sentenced to two life sentences, one per count, to run concurrently. These sentences will also run concurrently with his existing life sentences in Washington, D.C. As part of the plea, Cole is required to register as a Tier III Sex Offender, the highest designation under Maryland law.
📺State’s Attorney Tara Jackson joined WJLA to discuss key public safety initiatives, including our focused efforts to address domestic violence by prosecuting offenders and protecting survivors.
→ Watch here.
📺State’s Attorney Tara Jackson discusses the Public Safety Town Hall at Prince George’s County Community College.
→ Watch here.
Veterans In the Courthouse
The Office of the State’s Attorney hosted our first Veterans in the Courthouse event that featured a special look inside the courthouse, judicial process, and offered resources to help veterans navigate the legal system.
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In Touch with Seniors - Southern Area Aquatics Recreation Complex
State’s Attorney Jackson visited the Southern Area Aquatics Recreation Complex for a conversation about the work of the Office the State’s Attorney and the importance of recognizing and preventing financial crimes.
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Thanksgiving Community Giveaway
State’s Attorney Jackson joined Council Members Calvin Hawkins and Shayla Adams-Stafford for a Thanksgiving community giveaway in partnership with First Baptist Church of Highland Park and WPGC 95.5.
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Public Safety Town Hall at Prince George's Community College
The Office of the State’s Attorney hosted a Public Safety Town Hall in collaboration with Prince George’s Community College to have an important discussion with residents about public safety in Prince George’s County.
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Golden Seniors Ball
State’s Attorney Jackson joined more than 1,400 seniors at the Golden Seniors Ball, hosted by the Office of the County Executive, for an afternoon filled with dancing, celebration, and community pride.
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Domestic Violence (DV) Resource Fair
State’s Attorney Jackson attended the Prince George’s County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC) and the Family Justice Center’s inaugural Domestic Violence Resource Fair in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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Public Safety Town Hall at Bowie State University
The Office of the State’s Attorney hosted a Public Safety Town Hall in collaboration with Bowie State University to have an important discussion with students, faculty, and staff about public safety in Prince George’s County.
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Meet and Greet
State’s Attorney Jackson met with leaders from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for an important conversation about financial crimes, business protections, and how we can work together to keep our communities safe.
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Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church
State's Attorney Jackson had the privilege of worshipping and fellowshipping with Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom and the congregation of Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church in Bowie.
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District 25 Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon
State’s Attorney Jackson attended the District 25 Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon hosted by Delegate Karen Toles to connect with seniors and discuss their public safety concerns.
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State’s Attorney Jackson attended St. Mary’s Parish’s Thanksgiving Giveaway. Staff from the Office of the State’s Attorney donated fifty $50 gift cards to support families in need during the holiday season.
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Suitland Toy Giveaway
The Office of the State’s Attorney proudly donated to and participated in the Suitland Action Team’s 21st Annual Christmas Event, a longstanding community tradition featuring a beloved shoe, toy, and coat giveaway, fun holiday activities for children, and a special recognition of local veterans.
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