Trump pardons include local developer Douglas Jemal

Among the 73 pardons issued by President Donald Trump the night before Inauguration Day was a full pardon for one of the most prominent developers in the Washington, D.C. region, Douglas Jemal of Douglas Development. Trump, known for most of his life for his own real estate development business, granted Jemal a full pardon for a 2008 fraud conviction. 

Jemal was found guilty of wire fraud. He had been accused of using the proceeds of a loan taken out with a business partner to purchase a property without the partner's knowledge or consent.

Douglas Development owns numerous properties in Montgomery County, in Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring and Gaithersburg. They include the Trader Joe's-anchored Shops of Wisconsin in downtown Bethesda. The White House released the following statement regarding Jemal's pardon:

"President Trump granted a full pardon to Douglas Jemal. Mr. Jemal is an American businessman and philanthropist credited with rebuilding many urban inner cities in the United States. In 2008, Mr. Jemal was convicted of fraud. In addition, Mr. Jemal was instrumental to various other charitable causes, including the rebuilding of churches prior to his conviction.  Notably, at his trial the presiding judge told prosecutors that he thought it 'inconceivable' to send Mr. Jemal to prison."

Car stolen in Clarksburg

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stolen car in Clarksburg Sunday. The vehicle was taken from a commercial parking lot in the 22700 block of Clarksburg Road around 1:20 PM.

Car stolen in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stolen car in Germantown Friday afternoon. The vehicle was taken from a residential parking lot in the 13500 block of Ale House Circle around 1:51 PM.

Armed robbery in Montgomery Village

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Montgomery Village yesterday morning before dawn. The robbery took place inside an apartment building in the 18400 block of Lost Knife Circle around 4:15 AM. According to crime data, a firearm was the weapon used in the robbery.

Germantown police pursuit ends in ammo arrest

Montgomery County police arrested a driver for possession of "prohibited ammunition" after chasing his vehicle along Middlebrook Road in Germantown. Police say Darius Trayon Jones, 31, of the 2000 block of 38th Street NW in Washington D.C. fled a traffic stop after allegedly driving through a red light at Middlebrook and Waring Station Road.

During the pursuit, Jones allegedly made a U-turn, and drove head-on towards the pursuing officer's cruiser. Jones' vehicle then exited the roadway, striking a tree. He was not injured in the collision, police say, and was taken into custody.

Searching Jones' Nissan Altima, for which police say he had no registration and had attached tags from another vehicle upon, officers say they found 12-gauge shotgun ammo in the front passenger area. Jones has been charged with assault, reckless endangerment, possession of prohibited ammunition, and traffic-related offenses. He is being held without bond at the County's Central Processing Unit. 

Assault at Germantown salon

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an assault at a Germantown salon/spa early yesterday afternoon. The incident was reported in the 12600 block of Wisteria Drive around 12:20 PM, according to crime data.

Revive DMV coming to Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

A team of men was working late into the night at Revive DMV at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg Monday evening. They are converting the space at 26-A Grand Corner Avenue into an "intravenous wellness bar." 

When open, Revive DMV will directly inject IV vitamin cocktails, shots and boosters into your bloodstream to "maximize health, prevent illness and reverse disease." They will also offer hormone replacement, cryotherapy and medical aesthetic services. Finally, a new business with good timing!