Darius D. Gross
Leonardtown, MD — A California man has been sentenced to almost one year in jail after pleading guilty to violating his probation in a second-degree assault case. Darius Gross, 23, was sentenced Oct. 5 in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court by Judge Michael Stamm.
Gross originally pled guilty on December 5, 2014 to the second-degree assault charge. He allegedly struck the victim in the head with a bottle at a residence in Town Creek. He then reportedly attempted to strangle the victim, subsequently restraining the victim in a bedroom. The victim managed to escape and called 9-1-1. Gross fled the scene and was later arrested in a car on Great Mills Road.
Gross received an 18-month sentence on the conviction but one year, three months and eight days was suspended. That back-up time was imposed with credit for time served.
While on probation Gross alleged tested positive for marijuana, failed to appear and failed to abide by the conditions of the probation. Subsequent to being released from jail, Gross was charged with violating a protective order. He also pled guilty to that. But Judge Stamm imposed a suspended six-month jail term on that charge.
During the sentencing hearing, Gross’ attorney, public defender Kevin Hill noted that his client had two children and one on the way. He said he was holding down two jobs and that prevented him from making his probation appointments. He said Gross was working on his GED while in Jail.
Gross, in addressing Judge Stamm, said, “I realize I have done wrong,” adding he was trying to do better.
Judge Stamm told Gross he would give him credit for any time he participated in and successfully completed a residential drug treatment program.
Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com