Maryland

‘Paralyzing’ E-ZPass fines balloon into tens of thousands in debt as lawmakers push fix

Published

2 weeks ago

April 2, 2026

‘Paralyzing’ E-ZPass fines balloon into tens of thousands in debt as lawmakers push fix

MARYLAND (WBFF) — Essex resident Breezy Ludwig says a daily $1.40 commute through the Fort McHenry Tunnel spiraled into a staggering $54,000 in tolls and fines — a debt she still can’t fully explain.

Ludwig’s case is not isolated. Across Maryland, drivers are reporting toll debt ballooning into the tens of thousands of dollars. Some dispute the accuracy of their E-ZPass charges or say they weren’t aware of them, while others say they simply can’t afford the high penalties.

Now, bipartisan lawmakers are stepping in with legislation aimed at giving the state more flexibility to reduce what some call “egregious” debt.

Ludwig said she first noticed duplicate toll charges in 2020, along with an unexpected switch to pay-by-plate and video toll rates of $4 and $6 per trip. As fines of $25 per unpaid toll piled up, she spent hours trying to resolve the issue through the E-ZPass call center.

Over time, the charges grew to what she described as a “paralyzing” $54,000. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) ultimately agreed to settle with her for $8,000.

“I kind of felt like I was losing it when this happened to me,” Ludwig said. “It balloons to this inflated number that’s terrifying and feels immobilizing.”

The MDTA confirmed that it settled with Ludwig and her husband to reduce their fines but said they can’t comment further on their case due to privacy concerns. Call center wait times have significantly decreased to about 30 seconds – much faster than they were during the COVID-19 pandemic and their transition to a new call center and system, according to MDTA.

Ludwig’s experience mirrors complaints from other drivers who say relatively small toll balances quickly snowball into overwhelming debt. Some have taken their concerns directly to lawmakers in Annapolis.

A bill sponsored by Republican Senator J.B. Jennings would allow MDTA to reduce debts even after they’ve been transferred to the Department of Budget and Management’s Central Collection Unit (CCU).

Jennings said constituents are often told that once debt is sent to CCU, it is out of MDTA’s control. His bill is intended to provide flexibility, not eliminate responsibility.

“You have to pay your toll. And you should pay some, you know, your interest, and somewhat of a fine,” Jennings said during a bill hearing. “But sometimes it just gets so egregious.”

Charges as high as $100,000

Jennings’ office regularly hears from constituents who owe $10,000 or more in E-ZPass debt, according to Rebecca Powell, Jennings’ communications director. And Ludwig’s case is not the most extreme story lawmakers have heard.

At recent hearings, Marylanders described debts that escalated dramatically:

Heather Gerry said she owes nearly $100,000.

Brett Wilson said $900 in tolls grew to $30,000 before he realized there was a problem.

Nursing student Shawniece Turner said she is “completely scared” to drive because she cannot renew her registration with $35,000 in outstanding fines and tolls.

“The tolls still must be paid, but the penalties should reflect the actual cost of collection, not trap people in a cycle of debt,” Powell said in a text message.

Democratic Del. Jen Terrasa, who cross-filed the bill, said errors and rapid notices can quickly compound.

“The notices come so fast and furious, and if your information is wrong in the first place, it can add up and move on, and you owe so much more than you ever would have owed in the first place.”

The legislation gained momentum this week after inquiries from Spotlight on Maryland, passing out of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Tuesday and passing the full Senate on Thursday. Its future remains uncertain with just over a week left in the legislative session and no response from Gov. Wes Moore’s office on whether he would sign it.

Impact on state revenues

It’s unclear what impact the bill could have on the state’s revenues.

The MDTA told Spotlight it referred a little more than $43 million in video toll debt and approximately $158 million in civil penalty debt to CCU in the 2024 fiscal year.

“We’re not saying that much is going to be relieved, at all,” Jennings said. “It’s just giving them the ability, should a constituent go to them, or they work it out with a constituent.”

State analysts say the impact on revenue may be limited.

A Department of Legislative Services fiscal note found that while MDTA and CCU warned of potential revenue loss, the effect would likely be minimal because MDTA already has authority to recall delinquent accounts. The bill could instead streamline how debt is reduced.

CCU currently collects a 17% fee on outstanding debt, with a portion going to the state’s general fund.

In a statement, MDTA said any changes must balance relief with “maintaining fairness to the 95% of the population that pays their tolls.”

For drivers like Ludwig, that balance still feels out of reach.

“I mean any penalty – civil penalty – that is four times the original violation amount is meant to punish and to paralyze,” Ludwig said. “‘Predatory’ is the perfect word for it.”

Have a news tip? Contact Brooke Conrad at bjconrad@sbgtv.com or 443-578-2126, or contact the Spotlight team at SpotlightOnMaryland@sbgtv.com or 410-467-4670. Spotlight on Maryland is a joint venture by The Baltimore Sun, FOX45 News

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Maryland

Maryland Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for April 13, 2026

Published

10 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Maryland Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for April 13, 2026

The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 13 drawing

38-43-59-63-64, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 13 drawing

Midday: 2-2-8

Evening: 9-4-9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 13 drawing

Midday: 2-0-0-2

Evening: 5-9-3-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 13 drawing

Midday: 1-0-1-0-7

Evening: 2-1-0-6-3

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 13 drawing

9 a.m.: 02

1 p.m.: 06

6 p.m.: 04

11 p.m.: 15

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 13 drawing

03-07-18-32-37, Bonus: 26

Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning MultiMatch numbers from April 13 drawing

20-28-31-35-38-42

Check MultiMatch payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 13 drawing

25-30-39-47-56, Powerball: 16

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Keno

Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.

Claiming by Mail

Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:

Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center

1800 Washington Boulevard

Suite 330

Baltimore, MD 21230

For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.

Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less

Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:

Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.

When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Maryland

Grand jury indicts cornhole player, quadruple amputee in Maryland murder case

Published

22 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

Grand jury indicts cornhole player, quadruple amputee in Maryland murder case

What to know about Quadruple amputee charged with murder

A quadruple amputee professional cornhole player has been charged with murder and related offenses over a fatal Charles County shooting on March 22, 2026. Dayton James Webber of La Plata, Md., was arrested in Charlottesville, Va., and arraigned in Charles County for the fatal shooting of Bradrick Michael Wells. Webber was arrested at a Virginia hospital and faces first- and second-degree murder charges as he awaits extradition to Charles County.

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. – Dayton Webber, the professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee accused in a deadly shooting, was indicted by a grand jury on Friday on first-degree murder charges.

What we know:

Webber is accused of fatally shooting 27‑year‑old Bradrick Michael Wells in La Plata on March 22.

Webber picked up two witnesses from work in a vehicle, with Bradrick Wells already in the front passenger seat, according to charging documents. The documents state that, while driving, an argument broke out between Webber and Wells.

Two witnesses told police that Webber pulled out a firearm and shot Wells twice in the head during the argument. Webber then pulled the vehicle over and asked the passengers to remove Wells from the car, which they refused.

The two witnesses exited the vehicle and flagged down a police officer, the documents state, while Webber drove off with Wells still inside the car. A resident in Charlotte Hall discovered Wells’ body on the side of the road and contacted police.

Police say that Webber’s vehicle was later located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Webber was found at a hospital seeking treatment. Webber was extradited from Albemarle County Detention Center last month and bough to Charles County, Maryland.

What they’re saying:

“At the end of the day, we’re dealing with a homicide. Someone lost their life. And from that base perspective, our job is to make sure that we put the case together, we prepare the case and be ready for trial,” said Karen Piper Mitchell, Deputy State’s Attorney for Charles County.

What’s next:

Mitchell said the attention the case has received could mean a longer jury selection process.

“It may be a more lengthy jury selection because you have to make sure that people can be fair and impartial based on what they’re going to hear in the courtroom, not based on what it is they may have seen in whatever news report or Internet or everything, so you take the time making sure that you do select a fair and impartial jury,” said Mitchell.

Dig deeper:

Webber lost all four limbs as an infant due to a severe bacterial infection, according to previous reports.

He gained recognition over the years for competing in sports and other activities despite his disability.

Webber has shared videos on YouTube showing himself participating in outdoor and recreational activities, including hunting and shooting firearms.

Some videos show him climbing elevated hunting stands with a rifle and firing a muzzleloader, based on clips posted to social media platforms.

In one video, captioned “No Hands No Feet vs 15 foot Ladder Stand!!!! #nolimits #mossyoak #hunting #inspiration #motivation,” he is seen climbing a hunting stand with a rifle on his back.

Another video, captioned “No Hands No Feet Shooting .54 cal Caplock Muzzleloader!!!!!! #nolimits #TheWorldWontWait #gun,” shows him firing a muzzleloader.

Maryland CrimeCharles CountyNews

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Maryland

Maryland Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for April 12, 2026

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 8-4-4

Evening: 7-3-5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 2-5-9-9

Evening: 1-7-7-1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 7-9-7-1-1

Evening: 3-2-3-7-0

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 12 drawing

9 a.m.: 08

1 p.m.: 08

6 p.m.: 11

11 p.m.: 01

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 12 drawing

05-06-12-28-36, Bonus: 38

Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Keno

Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Claiming by Mail

Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center

1800 Washington Boulevard

Suite 330

Baltimore, MD 21230

Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less

Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.

When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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