Former Department of Juvenile Services Employee Convicted of Assaulting Youth Detainee

Wicomico County, MD - Lawenzo Z. Clarke, 30, of Elkridge, Maryland, has been convicted of second-degree assault following a two-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, Maryland. The trial, presided over by Chief Judge Kathleen L. Beckstead, concluded on July 8, 2025.

The incident occurred on September 28, 2024, while Clarke was working as a Resident Advisor at the Lower Eastern Shore Children's Center, a facility operated by the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS).

Clarke, who was tasked with supervising and ensuring the safety of detained youth, used excessive and unlawful force when he picked up a detainee and forcefully slammed the youth to the ground without justification. The youth lost consciousness as a result of the impact and sustained a displaced clavicle fracture and a stable fracture to the transverse process of the first thoracic vertebra. Medical imaging later confirmed the injuries.

State's Attorney Jamie Dykes, commenting on the verdict, stated, "This conviction sends a clear message that the abuse of power by those entrusted to care for and protect young people in custody is unacceptable, indeed criminal. Children in custody have a right to a safe environment while under the supervision of the State, and we remain committed to holding accountable those who use their authority to harm others."

The investigation was led by Sergeant Donna Radcliff of the Maryland State Police. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State's Attorneys Patrick Gilbert and Michael Calabrese.

State's Attorney Dykes acknowledged the victim's bravery in coming forward and cooperating with investigators, which was instrumental in securing the conviction.

Sentencing for Clarke is scheduled for September 18, 2025.