The Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office and Howard County Police Department are announcing the indictment of Kaishawn Johnson, age 19, of Washington, D.C., by a Howard County Grand Jury on Jan. 19 on 133 counts in a series of auto theft, burglary and vehicle break-in cases.
The charges stem from a months-long police investigation into a series of property crimes committed between August and November 2021. Detectives began to link similar reports of vehicles being stolen and broken into, including cases in which the suspect had entered homes to access vehicle keys.
"This is the kind of case that demonstrates how one person can have a significant impact on crime in our communities,” said Police Chief Gregory Der. “With this one arrest in partnership with the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office, we are closing dozens of cases and most importantly, preventing many possible future crimes."
Through investigation, police identified Johnson as the suspect and linked him to at least 45 cases in Howard County. He was arrested Feb. 1 in coordination with the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service. Johnson is being held without bond at the Howard County Detention Center.
In the indictment, Johnson is charged with 18 counts of motor vehicle theft; three counts of first-degree burglary; nine counts of theft over $25,000; 11 counts of theft under $25,000; and 92 counts of rogue and vagabond for the vehicle break-ins.
“We’re fortunate to have a strong partnership between our Police Department and State’s Attorney’s Office who worked collaboratively to apprehend and charge this individual,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Their efforts are vital to ensuring Howard County residents are safe, and feel safe in our community.”
An initial appearance for Johnson is scheduled in Howard County Circuit Court March 7.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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