A former police chief in Maryland has been sentenced to decades in prison for setting multiple fires at properties owned by people he believed had wronged him.
The case shocked many residents, especially because the accused once served in a top law enforcement role. Officials say his actions caused fear, destruction, and emotional trauma for several families across the state.
Former Police Chief Sentenced to 55 Years
David Crawford, 74, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree arson and one count of second-degree arson in Montgomery County. Following his guilty plea, a judge sentenced him to 55 years in prison.
This sentence comes in addition to the punishment he received in 2023 for similar crimes in Howard County. In that earlier case, he was given eight life sentences plus 75 years. However, due to some sentences running at the same time, his actual prison term amounts to two life sentences plus 75 years.
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy described the case as shocking, noting that Crawford once spent his career protecting others as a law enforcement officer.
Fires Targeted Stepson and Others
Prosecutors said Crawford set fire to his stepson’s home in Clarksburg on three separate occasions — in 2016, 2017, and 2020. His stepson, Justin Scherstrom, told reporters that the incidents caused his family deep distress.
Scherstrom said he never imagined that someone he had known closely for over 30 years would be responsible for such acts. He described their disagreements as normal family arguments and said he did not know what may have triggered such extreme behaviour.
According to prosecutors, Crawford also targeted others whom he believed had slighted him. Officials said that if someone fired him from a job or had a disagreement with him, they could become a target.
13 Fires Across Multiple Counties
Investigators linked Crawford to 13 fires across six Maryland counties over nearly a decade. The fires targeted:
- A former City of Laurel official
- Three former law enforcement officers
- Two of his relatives
- Two chiropractors
- A neighbour
Authorities arrested Crawford in March 2021 after gathering evidence that connected him to multiple cases. During a search of his home in January 2021, investigators found a list of targets that included known victims.
Prosecutors also presented surveillance footage during the trial. The videos showed Crawford using gasoline as an accelerant in a similar pattern at different fire scenes.
One of the earliest fires reportedly happened in 2011 in Prince George’s County. In that case, he allegedly set an unoccupied vehicle on fire and accidentally caught himself in the flames before running away.
Convictions for Attempted Murder and Arson
In 2023, a Howard County jury found Crawford guilty of eight counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of first-degree arson, and one count of first-degree malicious burning. These charges were linked to fires set between 2017 and 2018.
Although no one died in the fires, many families — including young children — were forced to escape their homes in the middle of the night. Several victims lost most of their belongings and lived in fear for years.
State’s Attorney Richard Gibson said the sentence was appropriate given the serious nature of arson, which not only destroys property but also deeply affects victims’ peace of mind. He added that it was especially troubling that a former police chief committed such crimes.
A Fall from Law Enforcement Leadership
Crawford served as chief of the Laurel Police Department from 2006 until his resignation in 2010. Before that, he worked with the Prince George’s County Police Department and the District Heights Police Department.
Prosecutors said the case sends a strong message that no one is above the law, including former law enforcement officials. They stressed that holding officers accountable when they break the law is essential for maintaining public trust.
The case has left many Maryland families relieved that justice has finally been delivered after years of fear and uncertainty.
While the sentence ensures Crawford will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, it also highlights how deeply betrayal can impact a community — especially when it comes from someone once trusted to protect it.
