Juvenile Services Worker Convicted of Assaulting Kid

SALISBURY, Md. — Following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Kathleen L. Beckstead, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, Lawenzo Z. Clarke, 30, of was convicted of assault.

The offense occurred while he was working as a Resident Advisor at the Lower Eastern Shore Children’s Center, where he was responsible for the safety and supervision of the youth detained in that Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) facility.

While on duty on September 28, 2024, Clarke used an unreasonable and unlawful amount of force when, without justification, he picked up a detained youth and forcefully slammed him to the ground. The youth struck his head and neck and lost consciousness. Subsequent medical imaging revealed the child had suffered a displaced clavicle fracture, as well as a stable fracture to the transverse process of his first thoracic vertebra.

“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,” said Wicomico State’s Attorney Jaime Dykes. “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.”

Dykes commended Sergeant Donna Radcliff of the Maryland State Police for her diligent work leading the investigation into the offense, as well as Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Patrick Gilbert and Michael Calabrese, who prosecuted the case. Dykes also expressed her gratitude to the victim for his courage in coming forward and cooperating with investigators to bring Clarke to justice.