They were charged following investigations by the Cyber Crime Task Force.
Frederick, Md (KM). Six indictments were returned on Friday by the Frederick County Grand Jury. They included Vrinchi Srinivas, 29, of Gaithersburg, whose charged with three counts of solicitation of a minor; Joseph Duane Shirk, 45, of McClure, Pa., whose charged two counts of sexual solidification of a minor; Daniel Arthur Kroon, 24, of Myersville, whose charged with one count of solicitation of a minor; and Todd Kenneth Thompson, 43, of Frederick, whose charged with one count of solicitation of a minor.
“They’d all been communicating on line with undercover detectives. They went to pre-arranged meeting places where they intended to meet minor girls. But were arrested instead,” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith
He also says these four were arrested following an investigation by the Frederick County Cyber Crime Task Force. The organization was formed a few weeks ago to investigate, apprehend and prosecute internet crimes against children. These individuals lure kids through social media platforms, and arrange to meet with them at a specific place and time.
Also indicted was John Randolph Gordon, 65, of Frederick. He’s charged with two counts of sex abuse of a minor; 4th-degree sex offense involving contact; 4th-degree sex offense by a person of authority; and 2nd-degree assault.
“This was a former Jefferson School teacher who worked there between August, 2018 and February, 2019, and, unfortunately, is alleged to have engaged in several sexual advances with a 17-year-old male student at the boarding school,” says Smith.
The 6th person indicted on Friday was Shannon Marie Crowson, 38, of Brunswick. She is charged with possession with intent to distribute a fentanyl heroin mix, and possession with intent to distribute both heroin and fentanyl. Crowson was arrested following a traffic stop in April
Indictments by the Grand Jury move these cases to the Circuit Court where a trial date will be scheduled.
By Kevin McManus