Joseph Charles Mindick, 34, of Leonardtown
Joseph Charles Mindick, 34, of Leonardtown, is charged with possession of a weapon while confined at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center.
According to charging documents filed in the District Court for St. Mary’s County, the incident occurred on April 20, 2026, at approximately 6:49 p.m. at the detention center on Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. A deputy with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of contraband inside the facility.
The statement of probable cause says, “Cpl. Crow conducted an unscheduled inspection of the defendant’s cell and found the contraband under the mattress of the bottom bunk.” The report further states, “the same mattress was covered in the defendant’s personal belongings,” and identifies the item as “the arm of a pair of reading glasses that had been sharpened to a point.”
Investigators noted that Mindick was the only incarcerated individual assigned to that housing area at the time. “Investigation revealed the defendant was the only incarcerated individual housed in dayroom E2 cell 317 (where the contraband was located),” the document states. His identity was confirmed using a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration photograph, and he was charged accordingly.
The charge is a felony offense that carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine if convicted.
Court records show Mindick appeared before a commissioner later that same day for an initial appearance. He was advised of his rights, including the right to an attorney, and elected to waive legal representation for that hearing. The judicial officer determined the waiver was made “knowingly and voluntarily.”
During the hearing, Mindick was informed of the charges and potential penalties and advised of his right to request a preliminary hearing. He requested that hearing, which must be scheduled within the required timeframe.
