A former Maryland police chief has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to setting multiple fires over nearly a decade, targeting individuals he allegedly considered “rivals and enemies,” including members of his own family.
According to reporting from WTOP, Law & Crime, and other local outlets, 74-year-old David Crawford pleaded guilty in Montgomery County, Maryland, to multiple arson charges tied to fires set at his stepson’s home. The sentence adds to prior life sentences Crawford received in a separate Maryland county.
Montgomery County Guilty Plea and Sentence
In Montgomery County, Crawford pleaded guilty to:
- Two counts of first-degree arson
- One count of second-degree arson
A judge sentenced Crawford to 55 years in prison. The fires in Montgomery County occurred in:
- 2016
- 2017
- 2020
All three fires were set at the residence of Crawford’s stepson, Justin Scherstrom.
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy described the case as “a shocking development for a man who spent his life protecting individuals.”
Scherstrom stated that the fires caused significant distress to his family over several years and described any disagreements with his stepfather as typical family “bickering.”
Prior Howard County Convictions
The Montgomery County sentence is in addition to a 2023 sentence imposed in Howard County, Maryland.
In that case, a Howard County jury convicted Crawford of:
- Eight counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Three counts of first-degree arson
- One count of first-degree malicious burning
Those charges stemmed from fires set between 2017 and 2018 in Howard County.
Crawford received eight life sentences plus 75 years. However, according to a press release from the Office of the State’s Attorney for Howard County, several sentences are being served concurrently, resulting in an “actual executable prison sentence” of two life terms plus 75 years.
Howard County State’s Attorney Richard Gibson stated that the sentence reflects the severe impact of arson on victims and their families.
Scope of the Arson Investigation
According to prosecutors, Crawford is accused of intentionally setting 13 fires across six Maryland counties over nearly a decade, beginning in 2011.
Authorities alleged that the targets included:
- A former City of Laurel official
- Three former law enforcement officials
- Two relatives
- Two chiropractors
- A neighborhood resident
Prosecutors stated that some victims were targeted due to prior personal or professional disputes.
McCarthy said during remarks that individuals who had fired Crawford or had disagreements with him could become targets.
Investigators reportedly linked multiple cases following a 2020 fire. In January 2021, authorities executed a search warrant at Crawford’s residence and reportedly discovered evidence including a list of alleged targets who were known victims.
Crawford was first arrested in March 2021.
Trial Evidence and Pattern Allegations
At the Howard County trial, prosecutors presented surveillance video from multiple fire scenes. According to reporting from WBFF, prosecutors described a consistent pattern involving the use of gasoline as an accelerant.
Authorities alleged that the first known fire occurred in Prince George’s County in 2011. Prosecutors stated that surveillance footage captured Crawford allegedly torching an unoccupied vehicle and accidentally setting himself on fire before fleeing.
No fatalities were reported in any of the fires. However, according to Law & Crime, several victims — including young children — were forced to flee their homes during nighttime hours and suffered substantial property losses.
Law Enforcement Career Background
Crawford previously served as Chief of the Laurel Police Department from 2006 until his resignation in 2010.
Before that, he worked for:
- Prince George’s County Police Department
- District Heights Police Department
Prosecutors emphasized during sentencing that Crawford’s prior leadership role in law enforcement made the conduct particularly serious in their view.
Current Status
As of the latest reporting:
- Crawford has pleaded guilty in Montgomery County.
- He has been sentenced to 55 years in that jurisdiction.
- He is serving an effective sentence of two life terms plus 75 years from Howard County convictions.
- Prosecutors indicated the Montgomery County plea provides additional protection should the Howard County case be overturned on appeal.
Crawford is expected to spend the remainder of his natural life in prison.
FAQ
Who is David Crawford?
David Crawford is a former Chief of the Laurel Police Department who served from 2006 to 2010 and previously worked in multiple Maryland law enforcement agencies.
How many fires was he accused of setting?
Prosecutors alleged Crawford intentionally set 13 fires across six Maryland counties over nearly a decade.
Were there any fatalities?
According to reporting, no one was killed in any of the fires. However, multiple victims were displaced and suffered property losses.
Why was he sentenced in two different counties?
Separate criminal cases were prosecuted in Howard County and Montgomery County based on where specific fires occurred.
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