Parole and probation leadership changes follow on-duty killing of parole agent
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs announced leadership changes in the Division of Parole and Probation last week. The union representing parole and probation agents, as well as correctional officers, demanded changes within the agency including the removal of Scruggs. File photo by Bryan P. Sears.
Three top officials within the state’s Division of Parole and Probation have been replaced, a week after a parole agent was killed while visiting the home of a client.
The move announced late last week follows union demands for changes at the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services after the death of Davis Martinez, 33, a parole and probation agent.
Three leaders within the Division of Parole and Probation, including Director Martha Danner and Deputy Director Walter E. Nolley were replaced, according to an internal memo issued last week by Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs.
“The Department will conduct a search to identify the best candidates to fill these important leadership roles,” Scruggs said in the memo. “In the interim, new leadership has been appointed in an acting capacity. During this transition period, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of public safety and service.”
Replacing Danner is Bobbie Joe Fockler, who will serve as interim director of parole and probation.
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Additionally, Scruggs announced Shina Castain-Thompson will serve as interim deputy director of administration and Christopher T. King will serve as interim deputy director of operations.
Martinez, a six-year veteran of the agency, is the first parole and probation agent to die in the line of duty.
Martinez died May 31 while visiting the home of Emanuel Edward Sewell, 54, a sex offender who was released from prison in 2021. Martinez’s body was found inside Sewell’s residence by Montgomery County Police who were sent to the Chevy Chase address after the agent failed to check in at work.
Police said Martinez died as the result of multiple injuries, including blunt-force trauma.
Since his death, the state has temporarily suspended in-home visits by agents. An internal investigation is ongoing.
Memorial and funeral services for Martinez are set for June 22.
Sewell was arrested in West Virginia on charges of second-degree murder that have since been upgraded to first-degree, according to WTOP News.
The station reported that grisly details of Martinez’s killing emerged in court documents during in Montgomery County on Monday. Prosecutors said Martinez had multiple stab wounds, as well as bruising and swelling to his face, while charging documents said his body had been wrapped in plastic and left under a bed in Sewell’s residence.
Sewell waived a hearing Monday in Rockville and was ordered to continue to be held without bond.
Last week, leaders of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees state council and the local chapter representing parole and probation officers demanded the firing of three top officials. Included on the list was Scruggs. Danner and Nolley.
Union officials declined to comment Monday. The union is scheduled to hold a meeting with reporters on Tuesday in Catonsville.
– Maryland Matters’ news partner WTOP News contributed to this report.
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