Month: April 2025

On April 11, 2025, Daniel Phillip Coulson, 40, of Huntingtown, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for sex abuse of a minor.  The sentence was imposed by Calvert County Circuit Court Judge Mark, W. Carmean.

In 2019, Child Protective Services opened an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a minor child.  Ultimately, the case was closed for lack of evidence.  In 2023, additional evidence was brought forward, the victim was re-interviewed, and she disclosed that Coulson had abused her.  Coulson was arrested, advised of his Miranda rights, and confessed.

Coulson will be on 5 years supervised probation upon release and required to register as a sex offender for life.

This case was prosecuted by Calvert County Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca N. Cordero.

On April 9, 2025, following an 8-day trial, a Calvert County jury convicted Brandon Ross Holbrook of the murder of Joseph Shymanski.  Shymanski, a prominent Washington, DC, photographer and businessman, was shot by Holbrook in the driveway of his home on September 3, 2023.  Holbrook then transported the body to his home in Reedsville, PA, where he dismembered and burned it.

Investigators recovered Mr. Shymanski’s remains and developed Holbrook as a suspect.  Video evidence identified Holbrook’s vehicle as being in the vicinity of Mr. Shymanski’s home at the time of the shooting.  Forensic evidence linked Holbrook to the dismemberment and burning of the body.

Holbrook will be sentenced on July 18, 2025.  The State is seeking life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Benjamin G. Lerner and Christopher J. Monte.