Personal Friendships Catapult Secretary to Assistant Sheriff
Discrimination Claim
Marcus A. Jones worked as a secretary for the City of Seat Pleasant but aspired to become a police officer. In August 2015, Jones was suspended from work after an altercation with another secretary. According to inside sources, Jones repeatedly screamed at a female coworker and slammed office doors as the City Administrator attempted to defuse the situation.
When the City denied Jones a law enforcement position, he alleged discrimination based on sexual orientation. Despite no evidence to support the claim, newly hired Police Chief Devan Martin offered Jones a police position in October 2016. Jones continued performing secretarial duties for approximately three years while attempting to meet minimum physical fitness standards. During that period, Martin appointed Jones his special assistant, and the two developed a close friendship.
Bad Behavior
In 2017, Jones was almost fired by the City Administrator after throwing a laptop computer during an angry outburst, but Martin intervened on Jones behalf. Former employees describe Jones as dishonest and moody. They recalled that Jones sometimes brought an emotional support dog to work. Documents obtained by DBlastMedia indicate that Jones had collected substantial overtime compensation for completing Martin's college coursework and engaged in various misconduct in Seat Pleasant.
In one instance, Jones arranged for a Ford F-150 pickup truck for the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department (SPVFD) to be included in a City vehicle purchase without authorization. At the time, Jones served as president of the SPVFD, which is subject to county oversight. The purchase created tensions when local officials discovered the what had occured and sought reimbursement from the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department.
Jones helped his friend, Anthony Coleman Jr, obtain police positions in Capitol Heights and Forest Heights by withholding deragatory information during employment verification. Coleman misused government vehicles and committed felony theft while a secretary for the City of Seat Pleasant. Coleman forged invoices and stole money from a national nonprofit organization before that. Coleman also had a decade of unpaid debts and tax liens.
Jones told investigators false information to retaliate against Deputy Chief Robert Ploof, who had exposed widespread misconduct within the Seat Pleasant Police Department.
Groping Accusation
In 2020, Jones' friend JoVone Pender accused Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene Grant of harassment and sexual misconduct. Pender had been fired by the City and subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking substantial damages.
Jones came forward afterwards and alleged Grant had also groped him. However, an external investigation concluded that Jones' allegation was unfounded. Some individuals believe Jones' was motived by the potential financial reward.
Disreputable People
In November 2020, Forest Heights Police Chief Anthony Rease hired Jones as a lieutenant. Rease maintained personal friendships with both Jones and Martin. Jones was promoted to captain in March 2021, eight months after graduating from the police academy.
Jones executed contracts without authorization and made unauthorized purchases over several years which nearly bankrupted the Town of Forest Heights. Officials had considered lay-offs as the Town's financial troubles were being addressed.
In October 2024, Jones became the police chief in Brentwood, Maryland. His hiring is credited to Town Councilwoman Quinna M. Taylor, who had worked alongside Jones as a secretary in Seat Pleasant.
It's All About Who You Know
Jones had become acquainted with Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy and participated in her political events. His name appeared on her campaign materials in January 2025. Martin has known Braveboy since high school.
Sheriff John D. B. Carr appointed Jones Assistant Sheriff of Prince George's County on August 11, 2026. The decision raises serious questions about Sheriff Carr's judgment, particularly in light of Jones lack of experience, past conduct, and well-known emotional instability.
The appointment of Stanford Moore Jr. to Assistant Sheriff in 2025, is also concerning. Moore had retired from the Sheriff's Office at the rank of corporal. He was the police chief in Fairmount Heights from October 2022 to February 2025. Staffing usually consisted of the chief and just two police officers. The department's reputation is historically bad and there has not been much improvement.
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