Southern Maryland News Net

UPDATE: St. Mary’s County Man Indicted Federally for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

UPDATE 3/21/2025: Although Taylor was originally charged with 10 counts of various felonies and misdemeanors, a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jerod Adam Taylor, age 39, of Lexington Park, Maryland, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment was returned on February 27, 2025. The defendant had an initial appearance on March 17, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gina L. Simms and was ordered detained. The indictment...
Read More »

Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Waldorf, No Injuries Reported

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, at approximately 4:02 p.m., firefighters from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the 2300 block of Progress Court in Waldorf, for the reported house on fire. Multiple 911 callers reported their neighbors house was on fire with smoke coming from the roof. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm smoke showing from the second floor and roof, with command requesting a working fire dispatch. Within 10 minutes of dispatch, firefighters reported their was...
Read More »

DC Man Arrested After Waving Gun at Liquor Store Customers in Charles County

A Washington, D.C., man was arrested after allegedly brandishing a firearm inside a liquor store in Charles County, leading to a confrontation with police. According to court documents, Cato Alexander Johnson III, 21, of Washington, D.C., was taken into custody on March 16, 2025, following an incident at Buddy’s Liquors on Indian Head Highway, in Indian Head. At approximately 9:23 p.m. on March 15, 2025, deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the liquor store after receiving...
Read More »

UPDATE: Police Investigating Man Killed in Leonardtown After Being Struck by Pickup Truck

UPDATE 3/20/2025 @ 11:00 A.M.: Troopers from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on the afternoon of March 19, 2025, leaving a 66-year-old man dead and another individual injured. Troopers responded at approximately 4:22 p.m. to the intersection of Maryland Route 5 (Point Lookout Road) and Maryland Route 4 (St. Andrews Church Road) after receiving reports of a pedestrian crash. Authorities identified the deceased as James Michael Lacey, 66. Investigators say Lacey...
Read More »

Two Flown to Burn Center After Kitchen Fire in California Residence

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at approximately 6:58 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 21000 block of Bean Family Lane in California, for the reported structure fire with one trapped. 911 callers reported a kitchen fire with a bedridden female trapped in the home. Multiple firefighters including Safety 6 and Chief 4a responded in their personal vehicles, while Chief 6, Chief 3, Chief 1, Chief 3a, Chief 6a and Chief 6b responded in their department...
Read More »

Handcuffs at Crime Scene: New Details Released in Mechanicsville Kidnapping Case

A Mechanicsville man with a history of violent crimes, including a 1994 conviction for second-degree rape and attempted first-degree murder, has been arrested in connection to an attempted kidnapping and armed robbery in St. Mary’s County. William Francis Dixon, 52, of Mechanicsville, was taken into custody on March 18, 2025, after allegedly assaulting a woman, threatening her with a knife, and attempting to force her into his vehicle. According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to...
Read More »

ARREST PHOTOS: Mechanicsville Man Arrested for Attempted Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

UPDATE 3/19/2025: William F. Dixon, 52, of Mechanicsville has been arrested in connection with an attempted kidnapping and armed robbery that occurred on March 17, 2025, in St. Mary’s County. According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 28000 block of Old Village Road around 3:30 p.m. after receiving a report of an attempted robbery. A female victim told authorities that a man she did not know, had approached her, assaulted her, and threatened her with...
Read More »

No Injuries Reported After House Fire in La Plata, Fire Marshal Investigating

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at approximately 2:55 p.m., firefighters responded to the 6900 block of Trident Court in La Plata, for the reported structure fire. 911 callers reported black smoke coming from their neighbors residence, with reports of the house being evacuated. Crews arrived on the scene to find fire showing from a 2-story residence and confirmed all occupants were out of the residence. Firefighters extinguished the fire in under 15 minutes and found only minor extensions. No...
Read More »

Four Students from Calvert and Charles County Honored Into The Carson Scholars Fund With 23 Student Renewals

This year, the Carson Scholars Fund has recognized a total of 1,510 scholars in 2025, comprising 579 new scholars and 931 recognized scholars. The program recognizes students for high achievement, humanitarian qualities and community service. Students are nominated by their respective school as a Carson Scholar. The selection process is competitive and about 500 new scholars are chosen annually. As Carson Scholars, the students receive a $1,000 college scholarship. Carson Scholars are eligible for annual renewal of the scholarship...
Read More »

State Fire Marshal Investigating Two Separate Vehicle Fires in Bryans Road

On March 15, 2025, firefighters responded to the 3400 block of Catch Penny Place in Bryans Road, for the reported vehicle fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a vehicle engulfed in flames in the driveway. Due to the area being a non-hydrant location, additional units were requested due to the vehicles fuel tank being ruptured. The fire was controlled and extinguished in approximately 30 minutes, with firefighters operating on the scene for approximately one hour No injuries...
Read More »

Jury Convicts Jontae Proctor of First-Degree Murder in St. Mary’s County

A St. Mary’s County jury has convicted Jontae Lamont Proctor, 21 of Leonardtown, on charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit assault in connection with the February 2024 killing of Malic Freeland. According to court documents, Proctor was found guilty on March 14, 2025, in the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County following a jury trial. Prosecutors alleged that Proctor played a key role in orchestrating the fatal attack on Freeland, communicating with co-defendants Joseph Brooks and Zahlir...
Read More »

Police Arrest Lexington Park Man After Armed Robbery Across from St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office

UPDATE 3/17/2025: Antonio Gross, 35, of of Lexington Park, was arrested on Sunday, March 16, 2025, following an armed robbery and assault in Lexington Park, according to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Gross faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, theft under $100, and carrying a concealed dangerous weapon. According to court documents, deputies responded to a reported robbery on Great Mills Road, just before 11:15 p.m.. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the adult male...
Read More »

UPDATE: Compton Man Charged with Impaired Driving After Motor Vehicle Collision in Leonardtown

UPDATE 3/17/2025: Maryland State Troopers from the Leonardtown Barrack responded to a motor vehicle collision on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, at the intersection of Hollywood Road and Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. Troopers arrived to find a 2-vehicle head-on collision involving a Dodge Dakota pickup truck and a Honda sedan with two occupants in the Honda, and the sole driver of the Dodge. Trooper Rosenblatt began the investigation and later found the operator of the Dodge Dakota was impaired,...
Read More »

Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Solomons House Fire Reportedly Caused By Cigarette

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, at approximately 5:27 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 14000 block of Calvert Street in Solomons, for the reported structure fire. The first 911 caller reported a dropped cigarette caused the couch to catch on fire, with the fire quickly spreading. Less than 2 minutes later, additional 911 callers reported the house was fully engulfed and that there was an explosion with the fire now threatening a nearby home. A...
Read More »

One Flown to Trauma Center After Pickup Truck Strikes Pole, Trees in Hollywood

On Friday, March 14, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., police, fire and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Sotterly Road and Steerhorn Neck Road in Hollywood, for the reported motor vehicle collision with unknown injuries. 911 callers reported a pickup truck struck a utility pole in the area of the address provided. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle off the roadway and into the woods with one patient trapped. The incident was upgraded...
Read More »

Charles County Deputy Suspended After Assault Arrest in St. Mary’s County

A deputy with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office has been suspended following his arrest for allegedly assaulting a relative at a Mechanicsville residence, according to court documents filed in St. Mary’s County District Court. Deputy David William Moats, 26, of Mechanicsville, was arrested on March 20, 2025, and charged with second-degree assault, a misdemeanor...
Read More »

Calvert Detectives Investigating Motor Vehicle Break-Ins in Huntingtown Area

Detectives from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating a series of motor vehicle break-ins that are occurring throughout the Huntingtown area. The suspect is a black male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds, wearing common clothing and gloves. The break-ins are occurring between the hours of 10 PM and...
Read More »

Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Award $238,751 for Conservation Efforts for 2025

Maryland Environmental Trust has approved 20 grants totaling $238,751 to be awarded for environmental education, community cleanup, tree planting, and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. Presented annually since 1986, the grant program is managed by the Maryland Environmental Trust – a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – and administered...
Read More »

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Conducting Impaired Driver Checkpoint Today

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Traffic Operations Unit is conducting an impaired driver checkpoint on March 21, 2025. Special patrols and enforcement focused on impaired and aggressive driving are conducted year round with the goal of educating drivers and deterring these dangerous behaviors. The CCSO is reminding motorists to always designate a sober...
Read More »

Captain Matthew Norris Named Acting Chief of La Plata Police Department

La Plata Police Department Captain Matthew Norris has been named Acting Chief of Police by Mayor/CEO Jeannine James. Acting Chief Norris joined LPPD in June 2009. During his tenure with the LPPD, he has served in patrol and in the Investigative Division assigned to the Charles County Drug Task Force. His role prior to...
Read More »

Governor Wes Moore Announce Agreement on Final Budget Framework Which Proposes Massive Tax Hikes for Maryland

Former Governor Larry Hogan released the following statement. “Today is a sad and unfortunate day for Maryland that was entirely avoidable. The tax hikes proposed would cripple Maryland’s economy and already struggling Marylanders. They are the exact opposite of the approach we took for eight years to cut taxes and create a record surplus....
Read More »

Firefighters Quickly Contain Brush Fire That Causes Minor Damage to Residence in Bryans Road

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, at approximately 1:52 p.m., firefighters from Charles County and Prince George’s County were alerted to the 7300 block of Gabriel Drive and 2900 block of Edgewood Road in Bryans Road, for the reported house fire. Multiple 911 callers reported a large brush fire involving a fence which was quickly...
Read More »

Water Taxi Operations at St. Clement’s Island Museum Resume March 25th, 2025

The St. Clement’s Island Museum water taxi will resume seasonal operations on Maryland Day, March 25, 2025. The water taxi, which provides rides for visitors from St. Clement’s Island Museum to St. Clements Island State Park, will be cruising daily through October 31, 2025. Interested guests should always call the museum at (301) 769-2222...
Read More »

UPDATE: Three Arrested After Armed Robbery of Man and Pregnant Woman in Waldorf, Police Searching for 4th Suspect

UPDATE 3/21/2025: St. Charles High School Principal Tammika P. Little released the following statement. “I want to notify you about a community situation that impacts the community. Last night, St. Charles High School administrators were notified by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office about the arrest of a former coach. We were informed that Marquise Taylor,...
Read More »

Celebrate Maryland Spring at MarylandFest 2025 in Historic St. Mary’s City!

MarylandFest is taking over Historic St. Mary’s City on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, promising an unforgettable day filled with fun, food, and drinks. MarylandFest will replace the former Beerfest, but this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever, with the added bonus of celebrating Maryland spring...
Read More »

Historic St. Mary’s City Announces Opening of the Brick Chapel Interior – April 12, 2025

Historic St. Mary’s City is proud to announce the official opening of the interior of the reconstructed Brick Chapel on April 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This milestone event marks the culmination of decades of archaeological research, historical study, and preservation efforts dedicated to one of Maryland’s most significant sites of...
Read More »

Calvert County Parks & Recreation to Host Pickleball Tournament

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation (CCPR) will host its annual Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025. Games will be held at Hallowing Point Park, located at 4755 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick. The tournament will be run by CCPR staff. Events will consist of women’s...
Read More »

School Resource Officer Investigating Threat of Violence at F. B. Gwynn Educational Center

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, a student, age 11, at the F. B. Gwynn Educational Center made a threat that they were going to kill all of the teachers and students by using a gun. The school resource officer initiated an investigation, contacted the student’s relative, and went to the student’s home. There are...
Read More »

Mechanicsville Native Supports U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron in Norfolk, VA

Lt. Cmdr. Danica Konyk, a native of Mechanicsville, Maryland, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5. Konyk graduated from Chopticon High School in 2009 and the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics in 2013. Konyk’s most recent degree is a master’s in applied physics from...
Read More »

Marine Corps MQ-9 Reapers Enhanced with Advanced Payload Upgrades

Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD – The Navy’s MQ-9 Reaper test squadron at Pax River received the first SkyTower II (STII) pod in preparation for the system’s initial operational capability (IOC) next year. Air Test and Evaluation (UX) 24 loaded the new pod onto the aircraft Feb. 25, conducting initial power on...
Read More »

CSM’s Domenech is Named as ‘Shining Star’ by Mail Systems Management Association

Mail Services Coordinator Edgard ‘Gardy’ Domenech was recognized by his peers for his reliability and excellence on the job when he was awarded the Shining Star Award from the Mail Systems Management Association at its March 4th, 2025, conference held in Las Vegas. The Shining Star Award was established by the Mail Systems Management...
Read More »

Ladies Auxiliary of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department Regrets to Announce Passing of Elizabeth Therres

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department, regret to announce the passing of Elizabeth “Betty Mae” Therres. Betty Mae faithfully served the Ladies Auxillary for over 70 years. As one of the last surviving Charter members, she was integral in the foundation of the Ladies Auxillary. Betty Mae saw the need and...
Read More »

Archives