Southern Maryland News Net

UPDATE: Gun Discharges in Billingsley Elementary School Classroom – Florida Man Charged

A loaded handgun that discharged inside a classroom at Billingsley Elementary School in Charles County, has been traced back to a visiting relative of the student involved. Authorities have since charged a Florida man in connection with the incident, following an investigation by the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred on the morning of April 10, 2025, when a 9-year-old student at Billingsley Elementary accidentally discharged a loaded firearm while reaching into their...
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Lexington Park Woman Released After Knife Threat, Faces New Armed Robbery and Pepper Spray Charges

Darnajah Rachelle Warrick, 18, of Lexington Park, is facing multiple felony charges stemming from three separate incidents, including a domestic dispute earlier this year and two violent confrontations reported on May 8, 2025. Warrick was first arrested on January 5, 2025, following a domestic altercation at a residence on Flower Drive. According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Ryan McLean responded to a reported disturbance around 8:34 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Warrick outside the home. According...
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Police Investigating Hughesville Motor Vehicle Collision That Sends 23-Year-Old to Trauma Center

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 9:52 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Leonardtown Road at Gallant Green Road in Hughesville, for a serious motor vehicle collision with reports of entrapment, fire, rollover and ejection. Dispatchers advised they were receiving multiple 911 calls with reports of a two vehicle collision with one vehicle overturned and smoking, along with one subject trapped and another partially ejected. Crews arrived on scene to confirm a two vehicle...
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Police Investigating Death of 11-Year-Old in Great Mills

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, at approximately 9:22 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 22000 block of Castle Pollard Way in Great Mills, for the reported one not breathing. 911 callers reported the patient, an 11-year-old male, “was not breathing after falling from a treadmill.” Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes to confirm CPR in progress. Due to weather, helicopters were down due to weather, however, flight medics assigned to Trooper 7 from the...
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Prince Frederick Teen Criminally Charged After Causing Property Destruction at St. Mary’s County Shopping Center

A 18-year-old male from Prince Frederick is facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County after allegedly damaging private property in California, Maryland. According to court documents filed in the District Court for St. Mary’s County, Gage Alexander Lawlor, 18, of Prince Frederick, has been charged with one count of malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000 or more in violation of Maryland Criminal Law §6-301. The charge stems from an incident that occurred on April 13, 2025, at an...
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Two Arrested After High Speed Chase and Crime Spree Throughout Calvert County, Two Stolen Cars Recovered

On May 4, 2025, at approximately 7 a.m., Calvert County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 9700 block of Wildfire Lane in Owings for the report of a motor vehicle theft. Upon arrival, it was discovered that unknown suspect(s) had stolen a 2016 white Dodge Journey from the victim’s driveway and stole a wallet and credit cards from a second vehicle at the residence. Approximately one hour later, at 8:04 a.m., deputies responded to the 9100 block of Paulyn...
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Newport News Woman Sentenced for Child Abuse Incident in Lexington Park

Kandice Lynn Drinks, 31, of Newport News, Virginia, has been sentenced following her guilty plea in a 2023 child abuse case that occurred in St. Mary’s County, according to court documents. Drinks, was charged in connection to a child abuse incident involving her infant son. The case, which originated in the District Court of St. Mary’s County and was later transferred to the Circuit Court, concluded with Drinks pleading guilty to felony child abuse in the second degree –...
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UPDATE: Two Men Charged in St. Mary’s County Shooting: Third Suspect Identified but Not Yet Charged

UPDATE 5/7/2025: Two men from St. Mary’s County have been arrested and charged in connection with a May 3, 2025, shooting that left three individuals injured near Pegg Road and Chancellors Run Road. A third suspect has been identified by investigators but has not been charged at this time. Cameron David Louis Curtis, 22, of Valley Lee, and Peyton James Robert Curtis, 21, of Callaway, were taken into custody by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office following an extensive...
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Children Nearly Struck as Lexington Park Woman Forces Vehicle Past Active School Bus Stop After Assaulting Bus Driver

Tynesha Lashaun Thomas, 34, of Lexington Park, is facing a series of criminal and traffic charges after an incident involving a school bus on March 11, 2025, that reportedly took place during student drop-offs on Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. According to court documents filed on May 6, 2025, by Trooper Azeez Olayanju of the Maryland State Police, Leonardtown Barrack, Thomas is charged with the following: Second-Degree Assault Malicious Destruction of Property (under $1,000) Disorderly Conduct Additionally, Thomas was cited...
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UPDATE: Jury Convicts Great Mills Man for 1st Degree Murder of 26-Year-Old Man at Sheetz

UPDATE 5/5/2025: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that a St. Mary’s County jury found James Jerome Adams, Jr., 20, of Great Mills, Maryland, guilty of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence for his role in a shooting homicide in Great Mills, Maryland. On April 4, 2023, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the parking lot of the Sheetz on Old Great Mills Road in Great...
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UPDATE: Public Meeting TODAY – Statements Released Following The Proposed Crisis Stabilization Center in Charlotte Hall

Maryland Delegate Matt Morgan released the following statement on May 5th, 2025. “This post is designed as a PSA for residents of Northern St. Mary’s. I am gathering more information about the proposed psychiatric urgent care facility on Mount Wolf Road in Charlotte Hall. I had no involvement in recruiting or funding this proposed project. My knowledge was limited to the fact that the state budget included a line item for the Pascal Center. I will post a photo...
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Police Say St. Mary’s County Woman Stole Over $19,000 From Kings Christian Academy and Historic Sotterley

Angela Marie Hanson, 52, of California, Maryland, is at the center of two major criminal cases involving alleged financial thefts from local institutions in St. Mary’s County. Hanson has been indicted and separately charged in connection with two alleged theft schemes totaling nearly $20,000. Most recently, Hanson was charged on May 4, 2025, with 18 counts related to an alleged theft scheme at Kings Christian Academy, a private school in Callaway where she previously worked in an administrative role....
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La Plata Man Charged with Multiple ATV Thefts, Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute

On May 2, 2025, at 5 a.m., Demetrius Charles Dorsey, age 23, of La Plata, was arrested and charged in connection with numerous thefts of ATVs from across the region including King George County, Charles County, La Plata, Alexandria City, Prince William County, Prince George’s County and St. Mary’s County. Dorsey would seek out people selling ATVs on social media, and once he met up with the seller, he would ask to test drive the ATV; however, he never...
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Fatal Collision Involving Pedestrian in Waldorf Under Investigation

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, at approximately 8:20 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Old Washington Road and Trade Zone Court in Waldorf, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Dispatchers advised they received multiple 911 callers reporting an unknown aged victim in a wheelchair was struck by a vehicle and appeared to be deceased. Crews arrived on the scene to find the victim laying in the roadway and pronounced them...
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UPDATE: Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Tractor-Trailer in La Plata Under Investigation

UPDATE: Maryland State Police are investigating an early morning pedestrian fatal crash in Charles County. The deceased has not yet been positively identified. Police believe he was the driver and sole occupant of a gray Infiniti involved in the crash. Emergency responders pronounced him deceased on the scene. Shortly before 2:40 a.m., troopers from the La Plata Barrack responded to the report of a crash on U.S. Route 301 at Sadie Lane in La Plata. The preliminary investigation indicates...
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More than 1,300 Hawks Soar into the Future Following CSM’s 66th Commencement

It was a proud, reflective, and exciting day for College of Southern Maryland (CSM) as its faculty, staff, supporters, and community cheered for hundreds of its student graduates at the 66th Commencement exercises on May 9 held at the La Plata Campus. This year, 1,364 CSM students earned degrees or certificates, receiving 820 associate degrees,...
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Two Members of the La Plata Police Department Command Staff Graduate With High Distinction and Summa Cum Laude from Liberty University

The La Plata Police Department is proud to announce Acting Chief Matthew Norris and Captain Robert Bagley were part of the Liberty University Class of 2025 and both graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages. Acting Chief Norris obtained his Master’s Degree – With High Distinction majoring in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. He...
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Point Lookout Lighthouse to Open to the Public Following Renovations

After extensive renovations and exhibit installations, the historic Point Lookout Lighthouse at the southern tip of Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County is ready to welcome the public! Visitors will be able to tour the lighthouse five days per week–from Thursday through Monday–beginning on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The Park Service plans...
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La Plata High School Student Council Receives State Award

The halls of La Plata High School filled as the bell rang for the next period. Students dressed in their college shirt of choice walked the halls as they switched classes to continue the day of learning. College Shirt Day is one of the many spirit days and for students at the school can...
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Annual Fleet Workshop Equips Warfighters with Training on Evolving Aircrew Systems

Military personnel from across the country gathered near NAS Patuxent River May 5-8 for an annual workshop aimed at strengthening fleet training on critical aircrew support systems, ensuring the safety of both aircrew and maintainers during flight missions. Hosted by the Naval Aircrew Systems (PMA-202) Fleet Air Introduction/Liaison of Survival Aircrew Flight Equipment (FAILSAFE)...
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Motorocylist Flown to Trauma Center After Collision in Lexington Park

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 1:13 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the St. Mary’s Square located at 21600 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle. Police arrived on the scene to find a two vehicle collision with one motorcyclist laying in...
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Board Chairperson Moore Lee, Esq., Appointed Leadership Roles in National Education Associations

Board of Education of Charles County Chairperson Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., was recently appointed as chairperson of the National Black Council of School Board Members (NBCSBM). She was also named an ex officio director of the of the National School Boards Association (NSBA). As Chairperson of the NBCSBM, she will lead efforts to support...
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Five Suspects Plead Guilty After 2023 Burglary to Pawn Shop With 34 Firearms Stolen

CyJuan Hemsley, 18, of District Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in connection with the December 2023 break-in and burglary of 34 firearms from a Maryland pawn shop. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of...
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Three Washington DC Men Charged After String of ATM Robberies While Using Firefighting Tools

UPDATE 5/12/2025: Criminal Indictments have been filed for Jeff Allen Crews, age 33 of Washington D.C., and Maurice Antwan Roots age 34 of Washington D.C. Roots has been charged with Robbery, Conspiracy-Robbery, and Assault 2nd Degree. Crews is charged with the following. Armed Robbery (Felony) – 1 count Conspiracy-Armed Robbery (Misdemeanor) – 1 count...
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No Injuries Reported After St. Mary’s County Deputy Rear-Ends Vehicle in Lexington Park

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, at approximately 2:51 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Rue Purchase Road in Lexington Park, for the reported motor vehicle collision with injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find a three vehicle rear-end style collision with one for...
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U.S. Navy Restores T-10 Test Cell Facility at Patuxent River, Enhancing Fleet Readiness

Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD: The Navy’s T-10 Test Cell Facility at Pax River is undergoing a significant revitalization that will enable engine testing in a noise-suppressed environment. Driven by a collaborative effort between the Common Aviation Support Equipment program office (PMA-260) and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), this initiative strengthens...
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Letter to the Editor: Say No To The Charles County Recordation Tax Hike – Public Meeting on May 20th, 2025

Charles County Commissioners voted 3-1 on April 22, 2025, to introduce Proposed Bill 2025-04, which would raise the recordation tax rate applied to real estate transactions, another public hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Letter to the Editor: On behalf of the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors® (SMAR), which represents over...
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Charles County Public Schools Summer Camp Registration Opens

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is offering several camp offerings for students. Enrichment camps, academic and athletic programs, and career exploration will be held this summer. To learn more about the summer camps, visit www.ccboe.com. Summer Enrichment camps – Summer enrichment camps for students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be held July 28 to 31....
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Celebrate Mom with a $1 Italian Ice This Mother’s Day at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard!

WHAT: In celebration of Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 11, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is offering a $1 Small Italian Ice with a $1 minimum purchase to their app users to help guests treat their mom to something as sweet as she is! New and existing Rita’s app users can claim the...
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Driver Dies After Striking Parked Vehicle in Prince George’s County

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal collision that occurred early Monday morning. The deceased driver’s name will be released once his family is located and notified. On May 5, 2025, at approximately 12:50 am, officers responded to a collision in the 8600 block of Riggs...
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Study Reveals Emerging Cases of Babesiosis from Tick Bites in Mid-Atlantic Region

Annapolis, MD; April 29, 2025 – A newly published study in the Journal of Medical Entomology provides critical insights into the emergence of babesiosis in the Mid-Atlantic region, documenting human cases and the presence of Babesia microti in local tick populations. CDC states many people with Babesiosis do not feel sick and have no...
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PG County Homicide Unit Releases Video & Images of Homicide Suspect and Car

The PGPD’s Homicide Unit released video and images from a murder that recently occurred in Riverdale. Detectives are asking the community to call with any information on the suspect who killed 58-year-old Adeyemi Martin of New Carrollton. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment...
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