The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
FORMER GEORGETOWN QB INDICTED
A former all-conference quarterback for Georgetown University is in legal trouble in connection with a criminal probe of a controversial Waldorf-based church that ministers to people with drug and alcohol addictions. J.J. Mont, who still owns numerous passing and scoring records for the Division 1-AA Hoyas, has been indicted on obstruction charges after authorities accused him of providing fraudulent financial documents to a federal grand jury. Mont, 31, of Indian Head, is the treasurer for a church whose pastor is under a grand jury investigation for numerous possible violations, including for the breaking of federal bankruptcy laws. (Washington Examiner)
ONLINE AD ATTACK
Stafford authorities are looking for a group of young men who at least twice Sunday tried to rob people who'd been lured into danger through an online classified advertising service. Sheriff's Maj. David Decatur said both victims had responded to ads on Craigslist when the incidents occurred within 30 minutes of each other. Both incidents occurred in an area just a few hundred yards from the Sheriff's Office. Deputy J.E. Maines was interviewing the first victim when the second one came running up.(Fredericksburg.com)
ALCOHOL TAX INCREASE?
Health care advocates who want health coverage to low-income Marylanders expanded are pressing candidates to sign a resolution calling for a dime a drink increase in the state alcohol tax. Meanwhile, a state panel is preparing to release an interim report looking at how the federal health care reform legislation will affect Maryland. (Gazette)
LOOKING FOR STOLEN JEWELRY?
Mason Police District – Police are trying to re-connect dozens of family heirlooms to their rightful owners, including a gold ring inscribed with the date July 19, 1866, before all the items are sent off to the Unclaimed Property Division of the State Treasury in Richmond. “There’s no doubt that many of these items may be invaluable for sentimental reasons, in addition to the monetary value, “said 2nd Lieutenant Jeff Gossett, supervisor of the Property and Evidence Section. In addition to the Civil War-era gold ring, there are 31 pairs of earrings, 18 broaches, 7 watches, 18 necklaces, 11 bracelets, 16 rings and numerous pendants and single earrings. (Insidenova.com)
TATTOO BUSINESS BOOMING
Despite the ups and downs of the economy over the past few years, the tattoo industry in Southern Maryland has seen a surge in people wanting to get tattoos. "I was concerned about the recession, but we haven't had a drop whatsoever," said tattoo artist Keith Porter, six-year owner of Blue Scarab Tattoos and Body Piercing in Waldorf. Despite tattoos being "a want, not a need," he said he has seen an increase in business at his shop. (The Independent)
