Commitment to Justice

Convicted Felon Receives 45 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Mark Thoms, 41, pled guilty and was sentenced to 45 years of active incarceration for one count of sex abuse of a minor and one count of sex abuse of a minor, a continuing course of conduct. This sentence will run concurrent with the former Mary Moss employees’ 30-year sentence from 2021 in which he pled guilty to sex abuse of a minor student. Another sentence of 10 years of active incarceration for two cases in 2020 for second degree assault, sex abuse of a minor and third degree sexual assault will also run concurrent.

“In every facet of his life, the defendant used his power and proximity to the minor victims to sexually abuse them and sadly, no spaces or places where minor victims were located was off limits to the defendant,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “As this case concludes and the victims continue to heal from this disturbing abuse, it’s my hope that this additional sentence - coupled with professional resources and support from family and friends –will provide them with some peace. The defendant is no longer a threat to the public safety and I believe he will never be released from prison now with this additional sentence.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Maria Stamidis prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Baltimore Man Receives Maximum Sentence for Felony

First Degree Assault

Dareius Washington, 33, of Baltimore was sentenced to 25 years of active incarceration for one count of felony first degree assault.

The defendant entered a guilty plea on November 3, 2021

“This was truly a vicious attack. The defendant brutally assaulted the victim and then robbed him,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “I hope that the victim is able to fully recover from these serious injuries and I am grateful that the defendant was held fully accountable and received the maximum sentence for his senseless crimes.”

Assistant State’s Attornney Jaymi Sterling prosecuted this case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

Repeat Offender Receives 25 Years for Distribution of Fentanyl, Illegal Gun Possession

Purnell Summerville, 40, was sentenced to 25 years of active incarceration for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. This case is the defendant’s fourth felony drug conviction and third conviction for a case involving a firearm.

Summerville entered a guilty plea on April 15, 2022.

“The defendant is a convicted felon who repeatedly sold a deadly substance that ruined lives in our community. He didn’t care about the impact that this drug has on our residents. With this sentence, the defendant will be accountable for his continued endangerment of others,” said State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. “If you suffer from addiction, please know there is help available. Please visit the Anne Arundel County Health Department website or call at 410-222-7256 for Safe Station locations and recovery resources.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Marot Williamson prosecuted this case on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County.