Board and Staff

BOARD

Debra Tall
Board Chair

Debra Tall is the Board Chair of the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center and currently serves as a part-time victim services provider for the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Debra assisted in the formation and worked with the departments’ Teen Court, up until the COVID-19 Pandemic, and works with the West Anne Arundel County Substance Abuse Prevention (WASP) Coalition focusing on preventing substance use among youth and young adults. She was the Program Director of the Juvenile/Victim Assistance Unit (JVAU) for the Anne Arundel County Police Department for 35 years. Prior to that, Ms. Tall worked three years as a research assistant for the Department of Juvenile Services. Debra graduated from Salisbury State College in May 1977 with a degree in Psychology and was a graduate of the first class of the Roper Victim Assistance Academy held at the University of Baltimore. Ms. Tall attended victim training on the national, state and local levels and has served as Instructor, Anne Arundel County Police Department Training Academy 1983-2013, Board Member, Maryland Victim Assistance Network (MD VAN); then Secretary and President of Maryland VAN. She serves and has served on several Boards (e.g., Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation (Secretary), Md. Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (Secretary); GOCCP Board of Victim Services (through 2016); and WASP (West Anne Arundel County Substance Prevention)) and has written numerous grants to begin and sustain the Juvenile/Victim Assistance Unit. Debra has attended various victim service trainings and has worked with the state and federal legislatures regarding many victims and juvenile laws. Most notably, she worked five years on the passage of the Md. Constitutional Amendment for Victims’ Rights. Ms. Tall has testified before the state legislature and has spoken to numerous community groups about bills and laws. Debra received many awards throughout her years of service including the Maryland Champions for Victims of Crime Award, the Anne Arundel County Police Chief’s Award, the top award from the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorneys’ Office, and the Henry Gleim Award from the Governor’s Office Board of Victim Services (received twice over 10 years apart).

Roberta Roper
Founder and Secretary
Victim/Survivor

Roberta Roper is a veteran crime victim advocate who together with her husband, Vincent, founded the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation, Inc. in 1982 in tribute to their slain daughter, Stephanie. She was the Executive Director until November 2002, when the missions of this statewide, non-profit victim advocacy and service organization were merged into the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) Today the MCVRC continues the missions that have distinguished it as one of the nation’s most effective service providers and voices for crime victims and survivors. Roberta served as the Chair of the MCVRC Board of Directors and chaired the State Board of Victim Services. for many years Today she continues to volunteer for special events, serves as secretary of the MCVRC Board of Directors, and facilitates the support group for families of homicide victims.

William A. Smith
Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer

William (“Bill”) Smith became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1987 and has worked in various financial management roles for the last 30+ years, primarily in contracting with the Department of Defense. Bill currently serves as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for a DoD contractor in Maryland. Bill and his wife Maura are involved with their church and with other organizations in caring for those with special needs.

Clyde Boatwright
Member
President, Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police

Born and raised in the Sandtown-Winchester Community of West Baltimore, Sgt. Clyde Boatwright has spent the last 22 years in Maryland law enforcement, including the previous 19 years with Baltimore City School Police Force. He currently serves as the President of The Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police, representing over 21,000 members. Clyde also serves as president of the local union, representing Baltimore City School Police officers.

Clyde, is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, The Southern Police Institute at University of Louisville, and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) program.

Clyde, has been awarded 26 meritorious departmental commendations and is a 2015 Inductee into the Carver High School Hall of Fame. Clyde and Donna are the proud parents of three children Brianna (27, Graduate of both Morgan State and Stevenson Universities), Tyree (20, McDaniel College) & Kyle (16, High School 10th grader). Clyde enjoys spending his time spoiling his grandchildren, Kinsley and Kason.

 


John D. B. Carr
Member
Sheriff, Prince George’s County

John D. B. Carr is a proud Prince George’s County resident. Growing up in Suitland, Maryland, John attended Bishop McNamara High School. After graduating from Bishop McNamara, John attended the University of Maryland at College Park, focusing his passion on service and protecting his community, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice. After graduating, John started his career at the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff as a deputy sheriff. While working, John continued his education by attending Norwich University, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration. In his 20-year law enforcement career at the Office of the Sheriff, John has served Prince George’s County citizens through various units. John has stayed grounded in his community roots, fighting to end domestic violence as a deputy in the Domestic Violence Intervention Division and has led the apprehension of violent offenders as a commander in the Warrants & Fugitive Division. John’s (community first principles) have been the foundation that’s guided him to promote through the ranks to obtain the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Assistant Sheriff, commanding the Bureau of Field Operations.

In addition to his field-related experience, John has served as a certified instructor teaching the International Association of Chief of Police (IACP) leadership in police organizations program to other leaders throughout the state. John is affiliated with several professional associations, including the International Association of Chief of Police (IACP), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA).

Joyce Conyers
Member
Records Manager, Department of Navy, History and Heritage Command

Joyce Maria Conyers was born in Wilmington, NC and raised in SE Washington, DC. Joyce has worked for several government organizations including the Department of Navy, History and Heritage Command (NHHC), United States Marine Corps Historical Center, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. She has served in collateral positions including as Headquarters Marine Corps Equal Opportunity Chairperson, Summer School Work Program Manager, Government Paperwork Elimination Act Liaison, Victims for Violent Crimes Program Coordinator for Maryland Corsairs Sea Cadets Program and Chief for Naval Sea Cadets Liaison for NHHC. Joyce holds a Masters degree in organizational management and is also active in her church.

Sydney Comitz
Member
Attorney/Office Manager, Bowers Law, LLC

Sydney is an attorney and the Office Manager of Bowers Law, LLC, a small family owned, law practice located in the town of Elkton, Maryland. She has been running the law practice with her husband, Jobeth Bowers, Esq. for nearly 7 years. Day-to-day she helps people who are injured in car accidents and strives to provide all of her clients with skilled and compassionate representation. Outside of the office, she also serves as an active Cecil County Court Appointed Child Advocate, appointed to a local child who is currently in the foster care system.

She has a long history of advocacy, dating back to her time at University where she served as the University of Baltimore’s President of the Student Government Association for multiple terms, prior to being appointed by Governor Hogan to serve as the Student Regent for the University System of Maryland. She has experience serving on governance boards, search committees, and foundations, as well as, managing campaign finance and fundraising.

When she is not advocating for the rights of others she can be found promoting and working events for Elkton Magic, whose mission is to better the lives of others in their community by supporting existing non-profits in their fundraising efforts, all while promoting the local arts and bringing Las Vegas quality talent to Elkton.

While work and community engagement certainly keep her busy, she is also a step-mom of two, who is deeply dedicated to her family. Being the daughter of two first-generation college students, she has seen firsthand the power of education and the blessings of opportunity it can bring. She works to pay forward those blessings, and her family serves as her inspiration to continuously learn and grow, and empower and support others as they strive to better their own lives.

Gerry Evans
Member
Lobbyist, Evans & Associates

Gerard E. Evans has been one of Annapolis’ top lobbyists for the past twenty-five years. Over the years, he has represented a wide range of clients and interests before the Maryland General Assembly including the Baltimore Orioles, Constellation Energy, Verizon Communications, Glaxo, Medical Mutual, the Maryland Hospital Association, the State Medical Society, Penn National Gaming, the Fraternal Order of Police and Professional Fire Fighters, the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, and the Maryland Transportation Builders and Materials Association, as well as the Maryland Asphalt Association.

Mr. Evans began his career in 1976 working for Montgomery County Senate Delegation Chair Victor L. Crawford as his top aide. In 1977, he went to work for Senator Mike Miller for Prince George’s County. When Senator Miller became Chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in 1982, Evans became his top legislative assistant. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore. Later he served on the Law School Dean’s Advisory Board and the University of Maryland’s Board of Visitors.

His political life has included Chairman of the Prince George’s County Democratic Party and Deputy Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party.  He has held numerous executive level positions with campaigns ranging from Mondale/Ferraro to Clinton/Gore.  He also served as State Finance Director for Gore for President in 1988 and ran Joe Curran’s successful campaign for Attorney General in 1986.  He directed the National Democratic Party Presidential Convention site selection committee in 1992.

Mr. Evans has taught pro-bono at the University of Maryland, College Park in the School of Public Policy for the last two decades.  He also served as a Senior Scholar to the James McGregor Burns Academy of Leadership. Evans is active in a host of community and philanthropic causes including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Hope House Rehabilitation Center, and Next One Up where he serves as a member of the Board of Directors. He is married to Kathleen Evans, a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.  They have five children, seven grandchildren, and live in Davidsonville, MD.

Marilyn Moses
Member

Marilyn C. Moses retired in 2020 from federal service after a 29-year career at the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ). NIJ is the research, evaluation, and development component of the US DOJ. She came to federal service, after 20 years in the private sector, and after emerging from a nationwide competition and selection as Presidential Management Fellow finalist. Ms. Moses spent her career at NIJ as a social science analyst with subject matter expertise in institutional corrections (prisons and jails), women offenders, children of incarcerated parents, correctional healthcare, probation and parole, inter alia. There, among many other accomplishments, she created the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program which has been replicated nationally and has been in existence for three decades. She has authored over 40 professional publications in the field and has trained criminal justice professionals on a national level. During the last seven years with the US DOJ, she also was elected and served as the Union President for AFSCME Local 2830, representing OJP employees. Ms. Moses has also served as an external peer review panelist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Social Security Administration. Since her retirement, she was appointed by former Governor Larry Hogan to serve on the Citizens Review Board for Children (foster care case review). She also volunteers her time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for CASA Prince George’s County (children in foster care), as a mediator for the Conflict Resolution Center for Montgomery County, and as a court monitor of the intimate partner violence docket in Montgomery County for Court Watch Montgomery. Ms. Moses received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland University College (paralegal studies), her graduate degree from the University of Baltimore (criminal justice), and is currently pursuing a second master’s degree from the University of Baltimore in negotiation and conflict management. She currently resides in Prince George’s County.

Ricardo Wiggs
Member

Ricardo “Rick” Wiggs became a crime victim advocate after the fatal shooting of his wife Sharon Wiggs in February 1992. Rick and Sharon were the parents of two daughters, Jenine (4 yrs) and Janelle (5 mths), and the couple was attacked at their Clinton MD home. Sharon was a victim of stalking following a 1983 breakup from an old boyfriend. Ricardo was first shot with a shotgun blast into his right arm after a brief discussion with the intruder in his home. Sharon ran for help at a neighbor’s front door where she was fatally shot twice. The children were unharmed.

Following arrest and trial, the man responsible for the shooting was found innocent on all charges and his brother was not charged at all. Rick not only endured the tragedy but also the outcome of a trial where he was the primary witness with sure identification. Rick endured Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for which he did receive successful treatment, which was documented in the treatment creator’s book EMDR by Dr. Francine Shapiro. Rick’s story is also documented in Transcending Reflections of Crime Victims by Howard Zehr.

In March 1992, Ricardo became a member of the Stephanie Roper Foundation (now Maryland Crime Victim Resource Center) support group. He has been able to receive and provide the help in the transition or adjustment from his traumatic experience. He continues to participate in the meetings to help others in preparation, adjustment, and acceptance. With the Maryland Crime Victim Resource Center (MCVRC), Rick also participates in the Crime Victim Impact Panels for Prince George’s County Law Enforcement In-Service Training and New Officer Recruit Training. The Panel is also in the Maryland Correctional System in Jessup MD to inform inmates of the role and impact of crime on survivors. Rick testifies in support of progressive recommendations for law implementation at the Maryland Senate.

“Because of MCVRC I was able to restart life in a positive manner. Nothing can prepare you for homicide or recovery. There was a Rick before this happened. I only wanted to return to being Rick.”

Other notable efforts include:
• Rick has worked to strengthen Anti-stalking and Harassment laws nationwide and was invited to the White House to witness the signing of the Interstate Anti-stalking and Harassment bill into law (1996).
• Rick has provided peer support to US Navy military and civilian following the September 2013 attack on the Washington Navy Yard Building 197.

Awards:
● Maryland Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Victim Rights and Services (1997)
● Maryland State Board of Victim Services- Vincent Roper Memorial Award (2016)
● Phil Foreman People Helping Award for Peer-to-Peer Support in the Return to Building 197 (2015)

 

STAFF

Kurt Wolfgang, Esq.
Executive Director

Mr. Wolfgang graduated from University of Maryland College Park with a degree in criminology and he received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore. He was an Air Force pilot, a veteran of the Invasion of Panama and Desert Storm. Mr. Wolfgang was one of the founding members of MCVRC and he previously served on the Board of Directors for many years. He was a prosecutor in Prince George’s County, and later served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the National District Attorneys Association. He authored an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court on behalf of MCVRC. He was in private practice for over thirty years, with more than one thousand cases. Mr. Wolfgang has received several honors for his work for crime victims, including from the White House and the Justice Department, the Governor of Maryland, MCVRC, and the District Attorney’s office for Montgomery, Alabama. He has fourteen decorations for military service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal for combat in Desert Storm, the Humanitarian Service Medal for missions during Hurricane Hugo, and the Expert Marksman designation on numerous occasions.
Pauline Mandel
Director of Legal Services

Pauline Mandel attended University of Baltimore School of Law and admitted to the Maryland and Federal bar in 1993. Ms. Mandel became Director of Legal Services at Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center in December of 2006. That was after 15 years with the Legal Aid Bureau in Baltimore City. Her job duties include supervision of all aspects of legal representation on the victim’s rights clinic. Since coming to MCVRC, Ms. Mandel has represented numerous clients in many jurisdictions of the state in legal cases, appellate arguments, parole hearings, and has presented at national and state conferences on victim’s rights. She has been involved with many families of homicide victims throughout the criminal justice process.
Jennifer Abell
Director of Finance and Operations

Jennifer Abell is the Director of Finance and Operations at MCVRC.  She previously held the position of Senior Development Manager for the March of Dimes, Greater Washington DC.  She served as a member of the Charles County Board of Education for 18 years.  She has over 22 years of accounting experience and 20 years of non-profit, personnel, and grant management experience.  She has a demonstrated history of skills in Nonprofit Organization Management, Grant Management and Strategic Planning.  She has held numerous volunteer positions and is an active member in several community organizations including Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Partnerships or a Healthier Charles County Fetal Infant Mortality Review Board and Center for Abused Persons.  Jennifer received her undergraduate degree at the College of Southern Maryland, lives in LaPlata, has four children and 3 grandchildren.

Sandra Sanna-Buckles
Public Relations and Development Specialist

Sandra Sanna-Buckles holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland in Business Management with a specialization in Human Resources and Labor Relations. She has over 10 years of experience in a range of management and support functions including strategic development and restructuring, and workforce planning. Ms. Sanna-Buckles has over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including finance, development, community engagement and event planning. Ms. Sanna-Buckles’ strong relationship building skills and experience with social media have also proved to be valuable assets.
Alberto Halphen
Trilingual Staff Attorney

Alberto Halphen is a Staff Attorney for Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. He attended the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate as well as a Master of Laws degree in Taxation. He is admitted to the bar in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Prior to joining MCVRC, Alberto was in private practice representing individuals and businesses in front of Maryland courts. Prior to that, he worked as a management consultant providing advice to Hospitals and other nonprofit organizations. Besides his law degrees, Alberto holds a Master of Business Administration from Rice University in Houston, Texas and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering from Monterrey Technological Institute (ITESM) in Mexico City, Mexico. He is fully trilingual, speaking English, Spanish and Italian.
Alonzo Robertson
Staff Attorney

Mr. Robertson is managing partner of the Robertson Law Group, LLC, a boutique firm catering to nonprofit organizations and clients with privacy and national security concerns. Mr. Robertson also serves as statewide law lecturer with Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc.

He serves on several Board of Directors including the Maryland Governor’s advisory board on services to victims of crime, the Prince George’s School board ethics panel, and the Education Foundation of the Prince George’s Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Prior to private practice, Mr. Robertson served as chief legal counsel for the Intelligence Committee of the House of Representatives and senior counsel for five Executive branch agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. In 2002, he served as investigator and counsel to the Congressional inquiry into the terrorist attacks of September 2001 and in 2010, he was voted the Intelligence Attorney of the Year for the US Intelligence Community.

Mr. Robertson has been an adjunct Professor at Bowie State University, lecturing on the topic of ethics as it pertains to the intersection of psychology and the law. He is a graduate of Howard University School of Law and Morehouse College.

Andrea Mason
Staff Attorney

“Andi” is the staff attorney assigned to Baltimore City. Prior to joining MCVRC in April 2019, she was a career prosecutor in the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. She served the State’s Attorney Office for 27 years with 17 of those years in the non-fatal shooting and Homicide Divisions. She retired from the office as the senior attorney litigating Petitions for Writ of Actual Innocence and claims of wrongful conviction. Prior to joining the State’s Attorney’s Office, Andi was the Director of Public Service for the Maryland State Bar Association, charged with overseeing the Maryland Bar Foundation, the Alternative Fee Dispute Resolution Committee, and the Lawyer Referral Service. Andi attended Towson University where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Sociology. She went on to attend law school at the University of Maryland graduating with honors in 1987.
Anika Harvey
Staff Attorney

Anika Harvey is a Staff Attorney for Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center and serves crime victims in Prince George’s County.

Anika formerly served as a Court Appointed Attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland; an Assistant State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County and a Deputy District Attorney in Ventura County, CA. Anika has her bar membership in Maryland, DC and California and holds a J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, CA and B.A. from New York University. Anika is also an avid runner and active in serving her community by helping women, indigent clients, and victims of crime.

Christopher Quasebarth
Staff Attorney

Chris Quasebarth is a Staff Attorney for the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc., proudly serving crime victims in Frederick and Montgomery Counties, Maryland.

With over thirty years of public legal practice, Chris formerly served as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Berkeley County, West Virginia; the General Counsel and the Deputy Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Labor; the Director of Legal Services for the West Virginia Office of Miner’s Health and Safety; and a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General focusing on labor and employment issues and civil rights protection. Chris is a member of the Bars of Maryland, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. Chris holds a J.D. from West Virginia University, and a B.A. from Mary Washington College. Chris is a certified yoga instructor.

Danielle Trollinger
Staff Attorney

Danielle Trollinger is a Staff Attorney for the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center and serves crime victims throughout Southern Maryland. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Danielle graduated from Purdue University, majoring in business management. Danielle then went on to attend law school at Regent University. After graduation, she moved to Maryland and began working for a law firm, where she practiced civil litigation as their primary trial attorney for Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties for the last 12 years. Danielle resides in La Plata, with her husband and three kids. In her free time, Danielle can be found serving at her church in children’s ministry, at a kid’s sport practice or on her Peloton.

Johann Wehrle
Staff Attorney

Johann Wehrle was born in Washington, DC, and spent most of his life in the DC Metro area. He attended the University of Maryland, majoring in Government and Politics, and later studied at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, where he earned his J.D. He began his career at a small DC non-profit working on the issue of dental mercury. He later joined the Office of the Public Defender in Baltimore City. His spouse’s education and career brought him to Phoenix, AZ and Winchester, VA, where he was employed as an Administrative Law Judge and Magistrate, respectively. Based in Cumberland, MD, Mr. Wehrle is the MCVRC Victims’ Attorney for Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties. He takes great satisfaction in seeing the organization’s mission extend west beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Valley. He works to see that crime victims in Western Maryland have another place to go for help and enjoys assisting new clients.

Kathleen Callan
Staff Attorney

Kathleen M. Callan is a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland and the University of Oregon School of Law. She was briefly barred in the State of Wisconsin but has practiced exclusively in Maryland. Kathleen has had a varied career working as a staff attorney for Maryland Legal Aid; Executive Director of the Allegany Law Foundation (pro bono program of the Allegany County Bar Association); law clerk for the Honorable Gary G. Leasure and in a general civil private practice. She served on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Bar and served as a bar secretary for Allegany County Bar association for 15 plus years. Currently she is a staff attorney for Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. serving the Eastern Shore.
Victor Stone
Staff Attorney

Before joining MCVRC, Mr. Stone worked in the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney, Parole Commissioner, Immigration Judge, General Counsel to the Corrections Trustee, Chief Counsel to the FBI Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force and to the Federal Witness Security Program and was victim’s rights advisor in the Criminal Division where he received various awards for helping victims. He was appointed by the Secretary of Defense to the Congressionally authorized Judicial Proceedings Panel examining sexual assault in the military. In 2015 he received the Governor’s Citation for helping crime victims in Maryland. He has represented the U.S. at the Council of Europe, the U.N. Office of Drugs and Crime, the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission, the Attorney General’s Appellate Advocacy Institute, FBI and DEA training courses, and at the International Law Enforcement Training Center in Budapest.

He represents Maryland crime victims in the Maryland Appellate courts, and in federal trial court in Maryland, and has filed cases in every federal appellate court including the Supreme Court.