v
Richard Rayondo Harris, 50, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is facing multiple felony drug charges along with misdemeanor assault and obstruction charges after Calvert County detectives allegedly discovered more than 1,100 grams of suspected cocaine during a traffic stop on Solomons Island Road on April 28, 2026, according to court documents.
According to charging documents filed in the District Court for Calvert County, Detective DeLeon-Suero of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office stated that Sergeant Bowlan observed Harris driving a gold Dodge minivan while allegedly manipulating a cellphone near Solomons Island Road and Broomes Island Road at about 2:16 p.m. Detectives also alleged the vehicle had a dark license plate cover that obscured the registration and that the vehicle was following another vehicle too closely.
Court records state the vehicle was stopped near Parkers Creek Road. Detectives alleged Harris was the sole occupant of the vehicle. According to the probable cause statement, detectives believed Harris appeared nervous and was attempting to “rush the stop and leave” by already having paperwork and his wallet in his hands before being asked for them.
The court documents included several statements detectives said Harris made during the stop. When asked where he was coming from, Harris allegedly responded, “Philly.”
When detectives asked where he was going, Harris allegedly stated he was going to the “MGM Casino.” Detectives noted in court records that the casino is located north of Calvert County while Harris was traveling southbound.
According to the statement of probable cause, Harris later told detectives, “I was trying to meet up with my daughter.”
After detectives asked him to clarify, Harris allegedly stated, “I was trying to get down the highway, to meet up with my daughter, and then I’m going to the MGM,” before whispering, “but now I’m not going there…”
When detectives asked where his daughter was located, Harris allegedly replied, “Howard University,” while pointing south. Detectives wrote that Howard University was also in the opposite direction from where Harris was traveling.
According to court documents, Harris later allegedly stated, “I’m trying to get to Bowie, MD and then I’m trying to get to MGM.” Detectives wrote that all of the destinations Harris identified were locations he would have already passed while traveling from Philadelphia into Calvert County.
The probable cause statement says detectives informed Harris that he had already passed those locations. Harris allegedly responded, “I know I got lost that’s why I was trying to look at this,” while motioning toward his cellphone, “to get back on track.”
Detectives then asked Harris whether there were any illegal items in the vehicle. According to the report, Harris answered “no.” Detectives stated Harris allegedly changed his tone and avoided eye contact when specifically asked about cocaine.
Court records state detectives requested Harris exit the vehicle so a K-9 scan could be performed. According to the probable cause statement, Harris allegedly refused to exit and grabbed Detective Tavares’ left arm. Harris was then restrained and removed from the vehicle.
The report states K-9 Rico alerted to the odor of controlled dangerous substances near the front passenger door. Detectives alleged a search of the vehicle uncovered a brick-shaped package containing approximately 1,158 grams of suspected cocaine in black packaging with a “Tom and Jerry” logo inside a bag in the rear passenger area.
Detectives also reported finding $920 in cash bundled with a rubber band in the center console, another $198 in cash in the center console, $7 in the driver’s door pocket, and a red cellphone.
According to court records, Harris was advised of his Miranda rights and “denied speaking” with detectives afterward.
Harris was charged with possession of a large amount of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine, second-degree assault, and obstructing and hindering.
Court records show Harris waived an attorney during his initial appearance before a commissioner. The commissioner determined Harris was not eligible for release and ordered him held without bond.
An initial appearance questionnaire filed with the court listed Harris as unemployed with no income and noted he had prior convictions.
A bail review hearing was held April 29, 2026, before Judge Andrea R. S. Watkins. Harris remained held without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 28, 2026, in Calvert District Court.
