NRP Charges Glen Burnie Men with Destroying Trees, Wildlife on State Property

Seven Glen Burnie residents were charged Sunday by the Maryland Natural Resources Police with illegally killing wildlife, chopping down trees and having drugs and alcohol in Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County.

Officers on patrol near Bonds Landing saw five men and two juveniles fishing near the boat ramp and stopped to check licenses. The men said they were camping in the state forest and acknowledged beer found along the shoreline was theirs.

When officers checked the campsite, they found numerous trees had been chopped down or gashed. They found a timber rattlesnake had been killed with a BB gun and grilled. Officers also saw marijuana, drug paraphernalia and what is believed to be LSD.

Officers issued a total of 32 citations. Austin William Golas, 18, Jared Brandon Holt, 19, Paul Harold Lafon IV, 19, Travis Christopher Luedtke, 18, and Erik Lee Reffitt, 19, were charged with destruction of trees, destroying a timber rattlesnake, target shooting at a campsite, fishing without a license and possession of marijuana. Reffitt also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Reports on the two juveniles will be submitted to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services for action.

All five men are to appear in Allegany District Court on Nov. 10.

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In Caroline County, a Pennsylvania man camping at Martinak State Park was arrested Sunday for drug possession by officers responding to a noise complaint.

Joseph Albert Powanda Jr., 33, of Schuykill, was charged after officers found illegal prescription drugs and several bags of what is believed to be heroin.

The Caroline County court commissioner ordered Powanda held on a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in district court on Sept. 11.