Police Press Release - March 20, 2019

Criminal Investigation Division
Major Crimes Section
 
Recovered Human Remains                                                                    Glen Burnie
 
On March 18, 2019 at approximately 5:30 a.m., the Anne Arundel County Fire Department received notification of a brush fire in the area of Sycamore Drive and Ritchie Highway South. Upon arrival they discovered an RV style vehicle completely engulfed in flames. Once they extinguished the fire they located male human remains. Homicide detectives, fire marshals, and a forensic investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner all responded. As of this time the age, race and cause of death has yet to be determined. It is unknown if the death is criminal or accidental in nature.
 
There is no further information. Anyone with any information is asked to call the TipLine at 410-222-4700.
 
 
UPDATE:
 
Homicide detectives worked in conjunction with the Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal's Office in sifting through all of the evidence at the fire scene throughout the day. Several interviews were completed and information being obtained indicated the death of the unknown male was going to be a homicide. During the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 19, 2019 Homicide detectives began executing several search warrants. While detectives were executing a search warrant in the 5700 block of Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, Baltimore County, Maryland a person of interest of located. The person of interest was identified as Jason Butler Nichols, a thirty five year old male from the 300 block of Columbus Road, Glen Burnie, Maryland. 
 
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on the human remains. The victim was positively identified as Dennis Lee Perry Sr., a fifty seven year old male who had been living in the recreational vehicle at the location of the fire. The OCME ruled Mr. Perry’s cause of death as blunt force trauma with the manner being homicide.
 
Through interviews and evidence recovered at the scene the suspect, Jason Nichols, was charged with the First and Second Degree Murder and First and Second Degree Arson as related to the murder of Mr. Perry. Investigation revealed this was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence. Jason Nichols is currently incarcerated at the Anne Arundel County Jennifer Road Detention Facility on a no bond status.
 
Although an arrest has been made this is a very active and fluid investigation.  Homicide detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward by calling the Anne Arundel County Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. If anyone with information wishes to remain anonymous, they can also contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.
 
Arrested:
 
Jason Butler Nichols
No Booking Photo Available
DOB: 07/28/1983
300 block Columbus Road
Glen Burnie, MD 21060
 
 
 
Child Pornography                                                                                         Millersville
 
On September 26, 2018, the Anne Arundel County Police Child Abuse Unit began an investigation in reference to a report of an email address that was directly associated with uploading child pornographic images to a particular internet site. The information was provided by the “National Center for Missing and Exploited Children” (NCMEC) which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation and prevent child victimization.   
 
On January 30, 2019, Detectives executed a search and seizure warrant at an address in 600 block of Wheat Mill Court in Millersville, Maryland. The suspect, identified as Cedric Caleb Wardell, a twenty one year old male from Millersville, was on scene and interviewed. Numerous electronic items were seized and later examined by the Anne Arundel County Digital Forensics Unit. 
 
During the interview, the suspect disclosed he was certified by the United States Soccer Foundation (USSF) which is an accreditation program for youth and adult soccer referees. Detectives contacted the local, regional and state administrators who supervise the soccer referee program in Maryland. All administrators were advised of the on-going criminal investigation in reference to the suspect in this case. The suspect’s privilege to referee in Maryland was suspended pending the investigation.
 
The forensic download of the suspect's electronic devices revealed the possession of multiple child pornographic images.  Child Abuse detectives obtained an arrest warrant where Cedric Wardell was charged with ten counts of distribution and ten counts of possession of child pornography. Caleb Wardell was taken into custody without incident.
 
The Anne Arundel County Police is urging anyone with information on this incident or the suspect to contact the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733. One can also remain anonymous by calling the Anne Arundel County Tip Line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.