State’s Attorney Robert H. Harvey, Jr.
June was a particularly busy month for the Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office in terms of training opportunities. From June 13-15, all attorneys attended the annual training conference in Ocean City sponsored by the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association. During the week of June 27, Deputy State’s Attorney Timothy J. Maher received training in homicide prosecutions through the National District Attorney’s Association in Chicago. Assistant State’s Attorneys April N. Brown and Sierrah J. Beeler attended a 1-day seminar on street gang prosecutions offered by the National Gang Center in Gaithersburg.
On June 30, 2022, a Calvert County jury convicted Ilene B. Claggett-Hurley of Owings of 2 counts of Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult, Second Degree Assault, and Reckless Endangerment. The jury deliberated a mere 44 minutes before returning its verdict.
The Defendant was the primary caregiver for the bedridden, elderly victim. On December 21, 2021, the Defendant was recorded on nanny-cam video cursing and berating the victim, pulling her forcibly from the bed, and physically abusing her. Because of her condition, the victim was unable to defend herself or call for help.
After the verdict, Claggett-Hurley’s bond was revoked and she was remanded to the Calvert County Detention Center. Sentencing is scheduled in October before Judge Andrew S. Rappaport. The Defendant is facing a total of 25 years incarceration.
Calvert County State’s Attorney Robert Harvey wishes to commend the family of the victim for reporting this matter to the police and for assisting in the prosecution of this case. He also wishes to commend Assistant State’s Attorney Benjamin G. Lerner for his outstanding work on the case.
Calvert County State’s Attorney Robert Harvey reports that on July 11, 2022, Travis Benjamin Ridgely, 34, of Lusby, pleaded guilty to first degree premeditated murder. The plea was accepted by Judge Mark S. Chandlee of the Calvert County Circuit Court.
Ridgely was convicted of the murder of Selena Noel Persinger. Police were called to Persinger’s residence in Lusby on January 28, 2022. Upon entry, Ms. Persinger’s body was found lying on the kitchen floor. Evidence revealed that she had been strangled to death and that her truck was missing. Video surveillance cameras captured Ridgley leaving the victim’s residence and driving away in the truck. He subsequently crashed the truck in Charles County and was apprehended. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Ridgely admitted to Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Detectives that he killed Ms. Persinger after an argument over money.
Sentencing has been scheduled for November 14, 2022. First degree murder carries a sentence of life imprisonment. By law, Ridgely will not be eligible for parole consideration until he has served at least 20 years in prison. As part of the plea agreement, the Defendant forfeited his right of appeal, his right to request a modification of sentence, and other post-trial rights.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy State’s Attorney Timothy J. Maher and Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca N. Cordero.