Mark Anselm Stokel

According to Deputy Cindy Allen of the St. Mary’s County Maryland Sheriff’s Department, on April 12, 2013 at 9:15 p.m., Deputy Potter responded to a residence on Lawrence Avenue in Leonardtown, Maryland for the reported child abuse.  Investigation revealed, a third party observed Mark Anselm Stokel, 46 of Leonardtown, Maryland, strike a 7 year old male, who was in Stokel’s care and custody, several times in the head.  The child was wearing a bicycle helmet during the assault.

The witness then saw Stokel place the child on the back of an ATV and leave the area.  The witness reported Stokel was hardly able to walk.  Fearing for the child’s safety, the witness contacted the police.  Deputy Potter located Stokel at his residence.  Upon contact, Deputy Potter noticed Stokel was extremely intoxicated.  Further investigation revealed Stokel took the child on several ATV rides during the day.  During one ATV ride, Stokel’s erratic driving cause the ATV to flip while the child was a passenger on board.  The Department of Social Services was notified and Stokel was placed under arrest.  Stokel was charged with 2^nd Degree Child Abuse, Second Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment.