Southern Maryland News Net

Former MPD Officer Arrested, Police Investigating Drugging and Sexual Assaults Across Maryland and Virginia Over Past Two Years

APD: Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire provided a briefing on the Alexandria Police Department’s (APD) investigation into a sexual assault suspect. A Grand Jury indictment against Timothy Valentin, a 30-year-old resident of Fort Washington, Maryland, alleges he has sexually assaulted four victims. Today’s indictment charges Valentin with multiple felony offenses related to three victims, including: Four counts of Rape by Force Four counts of Rape by Incapacitation Two counts of Adulteration Two counts of Sodomy Two counts of Abduction...
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Hollywood Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography Following Investigation

Following an investigation into an alleged child pornography complaint, detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division served an arrest warrant on Terry Joe Hahn, 44, of Hollywood, Maryland, on Monday, March 9, 2026. On Feb. 22, deputies responded after receiving a tip about the possible existence of pornographic images of children on Hahn’s phone. Through a forensic investigation, detectives determined that multiple pornographic images of juveniles of varying ages were located on the device. Hahn...
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Donations Pour In for Humane Society of Charles County Following Urgent Plea for Help

Last week, the Humane Society of Charles County (HSCC), the county’s only no-kill animal shelter, issued an urgent plea for help as the organization faced the possibility of closing its doors after more than 50 years of serving the community. After issuing the public plea earlier this week, the shelter originally sought to raise $125,000 to stabilize operations. Thanks to hundreds of donors from across Southern Maryland and beyond who responded to the call for help, HSCC has now surpassed...
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Child, Two Adults Transported to Trauma Centers After Crash Leaves Multiple Trapped in Waldorf

On Monday, March 9, 2026, at approximately 11:52 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Crain Highway and Gillespie Circle in Waldorf, for the serious motor vehicle collision with one overturned. Crews arrived on the scene within 3 minutes of dispatch to find multiple vehicles involved, and confirmed three patients trapped in a vehicle on its side. Firefighters extricated two adults and one child from the vehicle in under 20 minutes. Emergency medical services...
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Chesapeake Life Center’s Pet Loss Workshop Returns to Perfect Pet Resort

In response to continued community interest and the deep need for support after the loss of a beloved pet, Chesapeake Life Center is pleased to bring back its popular Pet Loss Workshop, offering comfort, connection and healthy coping strategies for grieving adults. The free workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Perfect Pet Resort, 840 W. Bay Front Road, Lothian, Maryland. For many, pets are cherished family members. When they die, the...
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UPDATE: Four MS-13 Gang Members Indicted in Connection to Murder of Missing 14-Year-Old Who Was Found Dead in Prince George’s County

UPDATE 3/8/2026: Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson has announced that Jose Merlos-Majano, Alan Josai Garcia-Padilla, William Cuellar Gutierrez, and a 17-year-old have been indicted on charges including first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and participation in a criminal organization in connection with the death of 14-year-old Jefferson Amaya-Ayala from Washington D.C. In August 2025, Amaya-Ayala was reported missing after he was last seen in the 1400 block of Sheridan Street in...
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2-Year-Old Female Flown to Children’s Center After Being Run Over by Church Van in Great Mills

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Living Hope First United Pentecostal Church located on Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. 911 callers reported a 4-year-old female was run over by a church van with the child in and out of consciousness. Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 pre-launched to land nearby. Police, firefighters and emergency medical services...
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White Plains Man Arrested, 9-Year-Old Transported to Hospital After High Speed Pursuit Ends in 100 MPH Crash

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at approximately 9:45 p.m., police attempted to pull over a white Mercedes-Benz C43 sedan for a traffic violation on Middletown Road at Ethridge Drive in Waldorf. When the deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, the suspect vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed, with the deputy reporting speeds of 106 mph. Within 50 seconds of announcing the vehicle not stopping, the suspect crashed on Middletown Road between Smallwood Drive and Billingsley...
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St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award

The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award, recognizing individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in the community. Both awards will be presented during the Chamber’s annual gala scheduled for May 14, 2026. Established in 2024, the awards honor the legacy of the Bubby Knott Foundation and recognize those who demonstrate a lasting commitment to improving the lives...
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UPDATE: Bodycam in Fatal Charles County Officer Involved Shooting is Released

Warning: This video contains violent and graphic material that may be disturbing and is not suitable for all viewers. Please proceed with caution. UPDATE 3/8/2026: The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has released the body-worn camera footage from the fatal police-involved shooting involving the Charles County Sheriff’s Office that occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in White Plains, Charles County, Maryland. The decedent was previously identified as 36-year-old Demarcus Irish of Clinton,...
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No Injuries and Minimal Damage After Early Morning Kitchen Fire at Rucci’s in Leonardtown

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at approximately 1:43 a.m., police responded to the Rucci’s located at 22685 Washington Street in Leonardtown, for the automated motion detection alarm. Deputies arrived on the scene at 2:09 a.m., to find nothing evident and waited for a keyholder to arrive on the scene to access the interior of the building. Upon the keyholder arriving on scene at approximately 2:25 a.m., the keyholder and Deputies made entry to find smoke and fire showing from...
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Waldorf Man Charged After Police Say He Shot Himself in Groin With Illegal Handgun

Erick Nicohlas Gage, 26, of Waldorf, is facing multiple firearm and ammunition charges after investigators say he illegally possessed a handgun and later admitted the weapon discharged while inside his clothing during a New Year’s Day incident. According to court documents filed in the District Court for Charles County, Gage is charged with illegal possession of a regulated firearm, wearing and carrying a handgun on his person, carrying a loaded handgun on his person, and two counts of illegal...
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Woman Transported to Trauma Center After Stabbing in Waldorf, Police Make Quick Arrest

On Friday, March 6, 2026, at approximately 2:40 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Hampton Inn Waldorf, for the reported stabbing. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 48-year-old female suffering from a serious laceration to the thigh, and applied two tourniquets to the victim. EMS transported the victim to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. Deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and began searching the area...
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Lexington Park Man Charged After Allegedly Exposing Himself to Cleaning Crew in His Home

Matthew John Julian, 49, of Lexington Park, is facing three charges of indecent exposure after investigators say he exposed himself and masturbated in front of three women hired to clean his home in February 2026, according to court documents. The charges stem from an incident reported on February 16, 2026, at his home in Lexington Park. A deputy with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the agency’s District Station 3 in California after receiving a report of...
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One Flown to Trauma Center After Rollover Collision in Chaptico

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, at approximately 3:03 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Manor Road and Knotts Farm Lane in Chaptico, for the serious motor vehicle collision. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle overturned with citizens having removed the single trapped occupant. EMS requested a helicopter to landed nearby due to their injuries. Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 7 landed nearby and transported the patient to an area...
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Charles County Commissioners Advance Inspector General Legislation, Housing Initiatives, and Zoning Updates

The Charles County Commissioners reviewed and advanced several legislative and planning initiatives during their recent meeting, including the creation of an independent Inspector General office, housing development updates, and zoning changes aimed at supporting retail and residential growth. Independent Office of the Inspector General Proposed County Attorney Wes Adams presented legislation to formally establish...
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Vendors Sought for Calvert County Farmers Markets

Buying local is easy with an abundance of fresh food from Calvert County’s farmers, agribusinesses and watermen. Patrons can find local produce, meat, bedding plants (vegetables and herbs) and a cornucopia of other offerings. The Calvert County Farmers Market Association is seeking vendors for its Prince Frederick and Dunkirk markets this season. These are...
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A Week of Hands-On Spring Break Activities at Historic Sotterley!

Historic Sotterley, the Southern Maryland Folklife Center, St. Mary’s County Public Library, and local author Nocola Williams are teaming up to offer a full week of low-cost, family friendly Spring Break programs designed to keep children active, curious, and learning while school’s out. From March 30 through April 3, families can enjoy a different...
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St. Mary’s County to be Honored as the Birthplace of Stuffed Ham with Historic Marker Unveiling at St. Clement’s Island Museum

St. Mary’s County has been designated as the official birthplace of stuffed ham, and a historic marker will be erected and dedicated to this honor by the St. Mary’s County Museum Division with a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation. On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the marker will be installed on the grounds of the...
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Regional Forum to Support Efforts to “Grow Our Own” Southern Maryland Workforce

The public is invited to participate in a regional Southern Maryland Forum: Growing Our Own Workforce on Thursday, Mar. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland SMART Building (Bldg. 3), 44219 Airport Rd, California, MD 20619. This interactive and action-oriented event, part of Leadership Southern...
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St. Mary’s County Health Department Selected for National Initiative to Modernize Local Public Health Data Systems

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has been selected to participate in the CDC Foundation’s Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI), a national program designed to strengthen public health data and technology systems at the local level. Through this initiative, SMCHD will receive additional technology and data expertise to improve how the department manages and...
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14 Charles County Teachers Earn National Board Certification

Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teachers recently earned National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The 14 educators who earned the designation have shown they are effective and accomplished teachers. The following CCPS teachers achieved National Board Certification in December 2025. Teachers are listed by certification area, position...
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Greenbelt Man Hopes to Put $50,000 Lottery Prize to Good Use

A longtime Maryland Lottery player from Greenbelt is celebrating a big win after scratching his way to a $50,000 prize. The winner visited Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore on March 3 to claim his prize and share the story behind his win. The winner has been playing Lottery games for about 10 years and...
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University of Maryland Medical System Opening New Urgent Care Location in La Plata

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is opening a new University of Maryland Urgent Care location in Charles County on Monday. UM Urgent Care at La Plata, located in the Potomac Shopping Center off southbound Route 301, across the street from Applebee’s and Safeway, is scheduled to open March 9th, 2026. The center...
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The bees knees! Middle School Students Compete in 48th Annual Charles County Spelling Bee

Knees were bouncing with anxious jitters and hearts were racing as students waited for their turn to approach the microphone in the middle of Piccowaxen Middle School’s gym Wednesday evening for the 48th annual Charles County Spelling Bee. The top spellers from eight Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) middle schools were represented by a team...
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2025-2026 School System Operational Calendar Adjustments for St. Mary’s County

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces the 2025-2026 operating calendar adjustments made by the Board of Education at its meeting on March 4, 2026, as follows: Monday, April 6, 2026 (Easter Monday) will be a school day due to an inclement weather make-up day The calendar for the Chesapeake Public Charter School...
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Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

On January 19, a break in a 72-inch sewer main known as the Potomac Interceptor caused an overflow into the Potomac River. The release of sewage from aging federal infrastructure was an emergency and people were understandably worried about both short-term and long-term effects. Maryland state and local authorities immediately closed off areas that...
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Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Drive-Thru Car Wash and Sweet Treats to Support Our Firefighters!

A drive-thru car wash fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 8, beginning at 12 p.m., to 2:00 p.m., at 28165 Hills Club Road in Mechanicsville. The event is donation-only, with no set price, allowing visitors to give what they can while supporting local volunteers. Each vehicle will receive a full hand wash, with...
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Tickets for Tails: Blue Crabs Launch Ticket Campaign to Support Humane Society of Charles County

Ahead of their single game tickets going on sale on March 6th, The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced today a special community partnership with the Humane Society of Charles County to support the non-profit animal shelter, who is facing potential closure due to financial issues. The Humane Society of Charles County, which has served...
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Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

RELEASE: Effective immediately, Charles and Prince George’s counties will lift the recreational water advisories in effect from late January. Montgomery County’s advisory will remain in effect until further notice. There continues to be no recreational water advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County. Working in close coordination with local health officials,...
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Calvert County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit Proudly Announces Partnership with 30X30 Fundraising

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit is proud to announce a new partnership with 30×30 Fundraising to provide continuous nonprofit support for the department’s K9 equipment purchasing. Through this collaboration, 30X30 Fundraising will assist in securing resources to help acquire essential K9 equipment, protective gear, training, continuing education, program upgrades, and advanced technology....
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Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opening in Waldorf, Maryland on March 11th, 2026

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is bringing more of its authentic New England-style lobster rolls to the Old Line State with its first store in Waldorf. The new Waldorf location will open its doors on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 with a grand opening celebration starting at 11:00 a.m. To celebrate, guests can enter to win FREE LOBSTER ROLLS for...
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