Joseph D. Higgins
North Beach, MD— On July 20, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Dfc. Fox received a call from a woman reporting Joseph D. Higgins, 44, of Chesapeake Beach forced his way into her house, located at Chesapeake Lighthouse Drive in North Beach.
Fox responded to the residence and met with the victim who advised, she (victim) was on her way home around and she noticed Higgins sitting near the basketball court in the neighborhood.
The victim picked her neighbor up and went to get her aunt before going into her residence and returned approximately five minutes later.
The victim did not notice Higgins near the basketball court, but rather pulled to the front of her house and saw a male inside her kitchen through the window. The victim then saw the person go towards the basement and she called 911.
Higgins previously lived with the victim but was kicked out in March. Fox was on the call in March when the victim had put Higgins out. The victim has since changed the locks. Higgins has no belongings there and hasn’t been back since March.
Higgins advised, “he was in the basement and he was taken into custody without incident,” according to charging documents. Higgins was into Fox’s patrol vehicle and read his Miranda rights.
Higgins agreed to talk to Fox and advised his children are allowed at the victim’s residence, but told Fox he knew he wasn’t allowed to be there.
After speaking with the victim, it was believed Higgins entered through the front door that was mistakenly left unlocked by her neighbor.
Higgins was charged with fourth-degree burglary and awaits an appearance before the District Court commissioner. Higgins faces a maximum jail sentence of three years.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com