David Michael Crawford, 74, a former Maryland police chief, pleaded guilty on February 13, 2026, to arson charges in Montgomery County and received a 55-year concurrent prison sentence atop his prior life terms for serial arsons spanning 2011-2020.
Criminal History
Crawford targeted perceived rivals—including ex-colleagues, officials, chiropractors, relatives like stepson Justin Scherstrom, and neighbors—setting 13 fires across six counties using gasoline, as shown in surveillance footage and a target list found in his home. In Howard County (2017-2018), a jury convicted him in 2023 of eight attempted murders, three first-degree arsons, and malicious burning, yielding eight life sentences plus 75 years; Montgomery fires hit Scherstrom’s Clarksburg properties in 2016, 2017, and 2020.
Victims and Impact
No fatalities occurred, but families—including children—fled midnight blazes, losing possessions; Scherstrom called the repeated attacks “devastating” despite family ties. Prosecutors noted Crawford’s vengeful pattern against slights like firings or disputes.
Law Enforcement Background
Crawford led Laurel PD (2006-2010), served District Heights PD and Prince George’s County PD as a major, resigning amid issues; officials decried the betrayal by a lifelong protector turned arsonist.
