Southern Maryland News Net

UPDATE: Clover Hill Dairy Consumer Advisory Expanded Due to Health Risk; One Dead and 8 Victims Hospitalized

UPDATE 6/28/2026: The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission is sharing an expanded consumer advisory from the Food and Drug Administration regarding a total recall of all Clover Hill Dairy brand cheeses due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. To date, nine illnesses, eight hospitalizations and one death have been linked to the soft cheese products. Officials urge consumers, producers and regional agricultural communities to check their refrigerators immediately. Do not eat, sell or serve the recalled cheese. The recall involves all...
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36 Dogs and Puppies Seized as Mechanicsville Mother, Daughter Face Over 100 Animal Cruelty Charges After Kennel Investigation

Magdalina H. Fisher, 61, and her daughter Sarah H. Fisher, 20, both of Mechanicsville, face more than 100 combined animal-related charges after authorities investigated a dog-breeding property on Woodburn Hill Road in Mechanicsville. Magdalina Fisher faces 51 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide animals with proper care and nine misdemeanor counts of unlawful surgery on a dog, while Sarah Fisher faces 44 misdemeanor counts of failing to provide animals with proper care. The charges stem from allegations that dogs...
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Assault at Calvert County Courthouse by Prince Frederick Man Leaves Woman With Broken Nose and Wrist

Jason Andrew Wills, 44, of Prince Frederick, has been charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault after authorities say he attacked an adult female victim outside the Calvert District Courthouse in Prince Frederick early June 20, 2026. Wills was ordered held without bond following his initial appearance, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 20, 2026. According to allegations filed in District Court, the Calvert County Control Center dispatched deputies around 1:16 a.m. for a reported assault at the...
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UPDATE: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer Arrested for Stealing a Gun in La Plata

On Wednesday, June 24, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the La Plata Police Department of an investigation into the theft of a firearm from a residence in La Plata in which Dayvon Maurice West, 35, of Lexington Park, was identified as the suspect. Through investigative means, it was determined that, following the theft, West traveled to Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County. An extensive search of the park was initiated, involving members of...
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Pitbull Attacks Three Children in Lexington Park, One Flown to Children’s Center; Animal Control and Police Investigating

On Friday, June 26, 2026, at approximately 10:12 a.m., police and emergency medical services responded to the 45000 block of Ketch Court in Lexington Park, for the reported animal bite involving multiple victims. 911 callers reported a Pitbull attacked three children, with the dog now confined to a kennel. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 5-year-old, 10-year-old, and 15-year-old all suffering from bites and lacerations. A helicopter was placed on standby prior to the arrival of EMS,...
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UPDATE: Prince Frederick Man Now Facing Murder Charge in Death of 1-Year-Old Child in Calvert County

UPDATE 6/22/2026: Branden Pernell Mackall, 35, of Prince Frederick, has been indicted on a murder charge and additional child abuse-related charges following the death of a 1-year-old female victim who authorities previously said suffered life-threatening injuries at a home on Mint Court in Prince Frederick. A Calvert County grand jury indicted Mackall on charges of murder, first-degree child abuse resulting in death of a child under 13, first-degree child abuse resulting in severe physical injury, first-degree assault, and second-degree...
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Lexington Park Man Held Without Bond After Alleged Incident Involving Child in St. Mary’s County

Junior Maldonado-Hernandez, 38, of Lexington Park, has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor, third-degree sex offense involving a child under 14, fourth-degree sex offense involving sexual contact, second-degree assault, and resisting or interfering with arrest after authorities say deputies were called to a reported disturbance at a Lexington Park home on June 21, 2026. According to filings in St. Mary’s County District Court, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home after an adult female...
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No Injuries Reported, Firefighters Save Barn After Large Field Fires in Mechanicsville

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at approximately 3:25 p.m., firefighters from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s County were dispatched to the 39000 block of Cooney Neck Road off Route 6 in Mechanicsville, for the large brush fire threatening a barn. 911 callers reported a large field on fire spreading and threatening a barn. Crews arrived on the scene to find an approximate 3 to 7 acre field fire and quickly contained the fire. A brush fire task force was...
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UPDATE: Police Locate Subject After Search in Point Lookout State Park, No Injuries Reported

UPDATE 6/24/2026: The law enforcement investigation at Point Lookout State Park concluded. No injuries were reported. The subject has been safely located. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office thanks our partners, Maryland State Police and Department of Natural Resources Police, for their assistance. We thank the public for their cooperation and patience while the precautionary park closure and investigation were conducted. Normal park operations are expected to resume today, June 25, 2o26. 6/24/26 3:18 p.m., Police Activity – Point...
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UPDATE: Police Identify Two Israel and One Canadian As Victims in Prince George’s County Plane Crash

UPDATE 6/23/2026: Maryland State Police are releasing the identities of the three men involved in a fatal airplane crash in Prince George’s County this past weekend. The pilot, identified as Yoav Bomrind, 26, of Israel and two passengers, identified as David Rabinovich, 19, of Israel and Elad Naidik, 20, of Canada were pronounced deceased on the scene. The NTSB leads the ongoing investigation. (BOWIE, MD) – Maryland State Police responded to a fatal plane crash that claimed three lives in...
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Sheriff’s Office Says It Cannot Provide Dozens of Booking Photos Because It Did Not Keep Local Copies

SMNEWSNET.COM is currently unable to obtain dozens of requested booking photographs from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office because the agency says it did not keep local copies of the photos after they were taken. The issue involves three closed Maryland Public Information Act requests submitted by SMNEWSNET.COM for booking photographs from late May and early June 2026. Across those three requests, the Sheriff’s Office listed 69 individuals. However, 21 booking photographs were not provided. That means nearly one-third...
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UPDATE: Police Investigating Two Shot at Friendly Tavern & Liquors in Waldorf; Victim in Critical Condition

UPDATE 6/22/2026: On June 20, at 2:14 a.m., officers responded to Friendly Tavern & Liquor located in the 3000 block of Leonardtown Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two male victims. The first victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and remains in critical condition. The second victim suffered a minor injury to the lower body and refused treatment. Anyone with information is...
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Maryland Department of Transportation Provides Ongoing Fatal Crash Updates During Summer Travel Season

The Maryland Department of Transportation is Serious About Safety and launching, in partnership with the Maryland State Police, a joint summer initiative to publish fatal motor vehicle crashes statistics from across the State. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of roadway fatalities and encourage safe driving habits during the peak summer travel season, also known as the 100 deadliest days. The summer months historically bring increased traffic volumes and crashes, as residents and visitors travel for vacations, holidays and recreational activities....
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10-Year-Old T.C. Martin Elementary School Student Flown to Children’s Center After Alleged Assault

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., emergency medical services responded to the T.C. Martin Elementary School located at 6315 Olivers Shop Road in Bryantown, for the reported injuries after a fall. 911 callers reported a “10-year-old female student was conscious and alert after she tripped and fell on her face.” The caller reported she had swelling to her thigh as well. EMS arrived on the scene and found the child was suffering from a serious injury...
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North Beach Man Arrested After Drug Dealing Allegations Tied To Tiki Bar and Plaza Mexico in Calvert County

Adolfo Lopez-Olguin, 42, of North Beach, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics, possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of possessing or using a false government identification document after a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office investigation that began in 2025 and ended with a traffic stop in Huntingtown on June 10, 2026. According to charging documents, the case began after the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement...
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Charles County Construction Worker Nails $50,000 Bonus Match 5 Win

A routine stop for food turned into a significant moment for Jerry Baker Jr., of Charles County, who ended up winning a $50,000 Bonus Match 5 top prize. The La Plata construction worker considers himself a casual player, who purchases tickets on average once a week. He enjoys draw games, especially Bonus Match 5,...
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Southern Maryland 250th Celebration Marks Defining Milestone for National Heritage Area

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area (SMNHA) hosted Southern Maryland 250: Liberty and Legacy, a milestone celebration honoring the region’s role in the American story and charting a course for its future. More than 200 attendees gathered at the Thomas Stone National Historic Site for an event that marked SMNHA’s most...
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No Injuries Reported After Boat and Trailer Strikes Vehicle in Charles County

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 1:05 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Budds Creek Road and Glasva School Road in Faulkner, for the reported motor vehicle collision with injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find a three vehicle collision, with a boat on top of...
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CSM Talons Robotics Advisors Honored for Dedication to Student Success

Faculty advisors to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Talons Robotics team were honored with flags flown over the Pentagon in recognition of the extraordinary time and mentorship they have shown the team. The flags were requested by Lee and Jennifer Hernandez, whose son, Immanuel, is a member of the Talons. In May, the...
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Charles County Woman Charged After Reported Strangulation and Assault at Waldorf Home

Stacy Lynn Martin, 35, of Waldorf, has been charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault after authorities said she allegedly strangled an adult female victim during a domestic incident on Caroline Circle in Waldorf on June 24, 2026. According to documents filed in District Court for Charles County, a deputy with the Charles County...
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Police Investigating Assault in Great Mills, Helicopter Landing Nearby

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 3:20 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to Baja Lane in Great Mills, for the possible stabbing with one unconscious. Due to the calls nature, a helicopter was placed on standby, then pre-launched to land nearby. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 33-year...
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Clinton Man Faces Assault and Gun Charges After Incident at All American Steakhouse in Waldorf

Shiloh John-Daniel Bell, 24, of Clinton, is facing first-degree assault, second-degree assault, firearm, disorderly conduct and public intoxication-related charges after authorities said an argument at a Waldorf restaurant turned physical and involved a loaded handgun. Bell was charged with first-degree assault, wearing a handgun while under the influence, use of a firearm in a...
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Clinton Man Pointed Handgun During Charles County Road Rage Incident in Waldorf

Aaron Ball Jr., 48, of Clinton, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony or crime of violence after police said he pointed a handgun at two people during a road rage incident in Waldorf on June 23, 2026. According to Maryland State...
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Newburg Man Charged In $758 Theft From Waldorf Home Depot

George Edward King Jr., 58, of Newburg, has been charged with theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 after authorities said he stole a pressure washer and related accessories from the Home Depot on Jefferson Farm Place in Waldorf on June 18, 2026. The charge carries a listed penalty of up to six...
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North Beach Woman Charged After Search Finds Cocaine Residue, Paraphernalia

Jennifer Lynn Soper-Carter, 44, of North Beach, has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia after investigators said they found items with suspected cocaine residue during a search at a North Beach home. The charges stem from an investigation on June 10, 2026, involving...
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No Injuries Reported After House Fire in White Plains, Fire Deemed Accidental Due to Electrical Event

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 4:55 p.m., firefighters from Charles County were dispatched to the 9300 block of Clifford Drive in White Plains, for the reported structure fire with possible entrapment. 911 callers reported a fire in the garage, with one occupant going back into the home. Crews arrived on the scene...
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Minor Injuries Reported After Vehicle Strikes Building in Callaway

On Friday, June 26, 2026, at approximately 10:40 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Take It Easy Campground, located at 45285 Take It Easy Ranch Road in Callaway, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a structure. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single sedan into the corner...
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Calvert County Deputies Charge Man in Sexual Assault at Rod ’N’ Reel Resort Bar

Dustin Hunter Disney, 28, of Chesapeake Beach, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense after an alleged incident at the Rod ’N’ Reel Resort in Chesapeake Beach on June 21, 2026. Disney was arrested on June 23, 2026, after a warrant was issued the previous day. According to allegations...
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UPDATE: Leonardtown 18-Year-Old Arrested Again, Faces Attempted Murder and Firearm Charges After Prior Release

6/17/2026: On June 25, 2026, detectives assigned to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrested in connection with a double shooting at a Lexington Park apartment complex. On June 13, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 46000 block of Hilton Drive for reports of multiple shots...
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Firefighters from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s Respond to Large Sawmill Fire in Charlotte Hall

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 5:10 p.m., firefighters from Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert County were dispatched to the Beethoven Hardwoods Sawmill located at 8060 Beethoven Place in Charlotte Hall, for the reported commercial Building Fire. Many departments in Charles County were operating on the scene of a house fire when this...
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Department of Natural Resources Police Investigating Body Found in Patuxent River Near Thomas Johnson Bridge

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, at approximately 9:47 a.m., firefighters from the Second District VFD in St. Mary’s County responded to Calvert County to assist the Department of Natural Resources with a recovery operation. Police and firefighters recovered the victim on the the St. Mary’s County side of the Patuxent River near the Thomas...
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Lexington Park Woman Sentenced Following Guilty Pleas to Impaired Driving and Driving Suspended

UPDATE 6/26/2026: St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Stacey Lynn Wilkinson, now 39, of Callaway, was sentenced to a total of 120 days of active incarceration in connection with driving while impaired by alcohol, repeated incidents of driving while suspended, and a probation violation. Prosecutors said Wilkinson was convicted of driving...
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