Joanna M. O’Neil
Ridge, MD— On August 15, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Davis responded to Evergreen Estates Lane for the report of a theft and an assault.
The victim and the defendant are roommates residing in the same residence. The victim called to report a theft of $25. The suspect was identified as Joanna M. O’Neil, 32 of Ridge.
The victim was in the bathroom washing her hair when O’Neil came in, “holding
shampoo and conditioner asking if she could help with washing her hair,” according to charging documents.
While victim had her head in the water, O’Neil went into her purse and stole one $20 bill and 5 $1 bills.
The victim advised, “the money was in her purse before she went into the bathroom with the purse and was not there when she exited,” according to charging documents. The victim advised the only two people in the bathroom were her and O’Neil, the only one who had access to steal the money.
While investigating the theft, the victim advised, “the day before, an assault occurred at the residence. She (victim) and O’Neil were involved in a verbal argument which turned physical,” charging documents indicated.
The victim advised O’Neil struck her with a closed fist on the left side of her face. The Victim did not contact police at that time. Davis observed a bruise on the left side of the victim’s face.
O’Neil was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, where she was charged with second-degree assault and theft less than $100.
O’Neil has a hearing scheduled for Sept 20, at the St.Mary’s County District Courthouse. O’Neil faces a maximum jail sentence of 10 years and three months and/or a maximum fine of $3,000.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com