Metro briefs

DISTRICT

Rebate encourages trees in District

Officials at the D.C. Department of the Environment say D.C. residents will receive a $50 rebate for planting trees on their property.

The department is working with Casey Trees, a tree-planting group, to encourage participation in “environmental beautification.” Department director George Hawkins said trees will “give the entire neighborhood more beauty and better air quality.”

Participants are required to pledge to care for the tree for at least two years. Rebates will be given to residents who plant tree species that aren’t invasive or attract pests. Planters also will receive a free watering bag to allow proper tree care.

Ex-tax manager faces sentencing in March

A former D.C. tax office manager convicted of embezzling nearly $50 million from the city’s treasury will be sentenced in March.

Harriette Walters pleaded guilty last month to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and tax evasion. She faces up to 18 years in prison and an order to pay restitution.

Walters admitted to stealing more than $48 million by issuing the refunds to friends and relatives and then sharing the proceeds with them. Nine other people have pleaded guilty in the tax scam.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan scheduled her sentencing for March 25.

MARYLAND

COCKEYSVILLE

Teen pleads guilty to killing family

Nicholas Browning, 16, of Cockeysville, pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in the February slayings of John W. Browning, 45; Tamara, 44; Gregory, 14; and Benjamin, 11.

Browning wept in court as prosecutors described the crime. A sheriff’s deputy brought him a box of tissues, and Browning wiped his eyes and blew his nose.

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