A Message from Your State’s Attorney
Dear Prince Georgians:
As our students head back to school next week, I want to wish all of our students, educators, and families a safe, successful, and exciting new school year.
As State’s Attorney, I am committed to doing my part to protect our children and help keep our schools and communities safe. A safe school is the foundation for a successful school, and every student deserves to walk into the classroom feeling safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Creating safe schools is a shared responsibility. It takes all of us – not just parents, educators, and students – but also law enforcement, community partners, and those of us in the justice system working together to support our young people and address challenges before they become something more.
Public safety is about more than what happens when something goes wrong. It is also about prevention, partnership, and creating an environment where our young people have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
I encourage our young people to look out for one another, make good choices, and never hesitate to speak up if something does not feel right. Ask for help when you need it, be there for your friends, and remember that the choices you make today can help shape the future you want for yourself.
I hope this school year brings new opportunities, new experiences, and new reasons for our young people to be proud of what they accomplish.
Sincerely,
Tara H. Jackson
Prince George's County State’s Attorney
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Crime Data
Below is a snapshot of Prince George’s County’s key crime data compared to this time last year*:
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Violent crime is down 8% overall
- Homicides are down 40% (includes domestic violence homicides)
- Domestic violence is up 12% overall
- Domestic violence non-fatal shootings are trending the same as this time last year at 0%
- Domestic violence assaults with other weapons are up 5%
- Domestic violence assaults with no weapon are up 14%
- Robberies are down 47% overall
- Commercial robberies are down 59%
- Carjackings are down 57%
- Burglaries are down 30% overall
- Commercial burglaries are down 37%
Victim/Witness Coordinator Update
The Office of the State’s Attorney has secured funding for two additional Victim/Witness Coordinator positions through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant.
With this additional capacity, a Victim/Witness Coordinator will be stationed at the Family Justice Center, providing domestic violence survivors with comprehensive wraparound support services.
Victim/Witness Coordinators play a vital role in helping victims and witnesses understand and navigate the justice process. They provide guidance, support, and resources while ensuring victims feel heard and empowered every step of the way. As the need for these essential services continues to grow, our office remains committed to expanding our team of Victim/Witness Coordinators to better meet the needs of our community and strengthen our support services.
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SAO Career Opportunities
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The Office of the State's Attorney is seeking dedicated professionals committed to serving the community and supporting the pursuit of justice. We offer rewarding opportunities for attorneys, legal support staff, investigators, victim advocates, and administrative professionals. View current openings on the SAO Careers website. |
Notable Convictions
State v. Danielle James
Danielle James was convicted by a jury of illegal possession of a firearm after a crime of violence and related firearm offenses related to threats to a police officer. Sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2026. James faces a maximum penalty of 28 years in prison.
State v. Adrien T. Washington
Adrien T. Washington was convicted by a jury of first-degree assault, attemped voluntary manslaughter, firearm use in the commission of a crime of violence, possession of a firearm by a person disqualified due to a prior conviction for a crime of violence, and related charges in connection with a shooting in October 2025 in Upper Marlboro. Sentencing is scheduled for October 2, 2026. Washington faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
State v. Danielle Peaks
Danielle Peaks was convicted by a jury of revenge porn, following evidence that she harassed and sexually exploited a victim with whom she shared a romantic partner. Sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2026. Peaks faces a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison.
State v. Uriel Colon
Uriel Colon was convicted of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and other charges related to the death of 49-year-old Mancel Johnson in September 2025 in Greenbelt. Colon is 16 years old and was tried as an adult. Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2026. Colon faces a maximum penalty of life plus 70 years in prison.
Co-defendant Halberth Deras Ramos' trial is set to begin on September 29, 2026.
Notable Sentencings
State v. Daniel William Jackson
Daniel William Jackson was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years, suspending all but 60 years, followed by five years of supervised probation, after being convicted for the murder of 31-year-old Deon Damien Thomas in July 2025 in Oxon Hill.
State v. Furl John Williams
Furl John Williams was sentenced to life in prison, suspending all but 60 years, after being convicted of murder, armed carjacking, armed robbery, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony related to the murder of 27-year-old Wayne Pope in May 2017 in Silver Hill.
Other Notable Cases
State v. Tia Courtney, Cyan Rocke, Chyna Parker, and Quasaan Parker
A grand jury has indicted 31-year-old Tia Courtney, 25-year-old Cyan Rocke, 26-year-old Chyna Parker, and 22-year-old Quasaan Parker on charges including participating in a criminal organization, organized retail theft $1500 - $25K, theft $1,500 - $25K, theft scheme $1,500 - $25K, and conspiracy to participate in a criminal organization.
The U.S. Attorney's Office has also indicted Cyan Rocke, in addition to 30-year-old Daryl Michael Jackson and 37-year-old Marco Morgan, with conspiracy to violate federal law by the interstate transportation of stolen goods.
Upcoming Cases
State v. Halberth Deras Ramos
Halberth Deras Ramos was charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and other charges related to the death of 49-year-old Mancel Johnson in September 2025 in Greenbelt. Ramos’ trial is set to begin on September 29, 2026.
- 📺State’s Attorney Jackson joined WJLA to discuss the apprehension of a suspect in a 2020 homicide, immigration enforcement and its impact on public safety, and crime trends.
→ Watch here.
Jacob’s Ladder, Inc. 10th Anniversary
State’s Attorney Jackson was proud to join Jacob’s Ladder, Inc. To celebrate 10 years of service, impact, and commitment to Prince George’s County. At the heart of this milestone is Jarriel Jordan, Sr., whose vision, leadership, and dedication have helped build Jacob’s Ladder into a true staple in our nonprofit community.
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10th Annual 4Ever Unified Community Day
State’s Attorney Jackson attended the 10th Annual 4Ever Unified Community Day, it was a day filled with community, connection, and fun. Thank you to Lisa Price and the entire 4Ever Unified team for bringing law enforcement and our community together!
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District Court Unit Chief LaShanta Harris joined law enforcement, retailers, and loss prevention partners at the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Retail Theft Summit to strengthen our collective approach to combating organized retail theft.
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The Cut by N’Style & C.U.T. Back 2 School Bash
State’s Attorney Jackson attended the Back 2 School Bash hosted by The Cut by N’Style & C.U.T. which brought families and young people together for a day of fun, community, and getting ready for a new school year. We are proud to celebrate our students and invest in a strong start to the school year.
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32nd Annual Hoops for Peace
State’s Attorney Jackson attended the 32nd Annual Hoops for Peace where families, youth, and community partners came together for a day filled with basketball, music, food, back-to-school giveaways, and plenty of fun.
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National Night Out
National Night Out is all about connection and building stronger relationships! Our attorneys and staff had a great time meeting residents, sharing laughs, and connecting with the communities we serve. Every conversation is an opportunity to bridge gaps, build trust, inform the community, and strengthen the relationships that help make our County safer.
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City of New Carrollton’s Ice Cream Social and Backpack Giveaway
State’s Attorney Jackson joined Mayor Phelecia Nembhard and the City of New Carrollton for their Ice Cream Social and Backpack Giveaway, where residents enjoyed sweet treats and received school supplies. Events like these help ensure students head back to school prepared while creating meaningful moments for families across our community.
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Prince George’s County Family Justice Center 10th Anniversary
State’s Attorney Jackson was proud to join the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center as they celebrated their 10th anniversary. For 10 years, the Family Justice Center has been a beacon of hope, healing, and justice for survivors of family violence. Thank you to the dedicated staff, advocates, and community partners whose unwavering commitment has made a lasting impact throughout Prince George’s County.
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What Does a Grand Jury Do?
A grand jury is made up of 23 residents who review evidence presented by prosecutors to determine whether there is probable cause to formally charge someone with a serious crime. If the grand jury finds probable cause, it may return an indictment, allowing the criminal case to move forward. Unlike a jury trial, a grand jury does not determine a person’s guilt or innocence.
Grand jurors serve a 4-month term. During their term, grand jurors will hear evidence in multiple cases.
Grand jury proceedings are confidential.
Stay tuned each month as we spotlight more about our office and provide important information and updates across the criminal justice system.
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