Southern Maryland News Net

Tree Cutter Fatally Electrocuted After Accidentally Striking Power Line in Waldorf

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at approximately 11:32 a.m., police, firefighters, emergency medical services and SMECO responded to the area of 11954 Motley Place in Waldorf, for the reported electrocution and fire involving powerlines. 911 callers reported a tree cutter was cutting a tree when the victim accidentally struck a powerline, causing the victim to be electrocuted. Callers reported the victims life status was unknown and advised they were still approximately 25 feet in the air. Crews arrived on...
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Police Investigating Reported Shooting in Waldorf, Victim Transported with Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at approximately 10:14 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 300 block of Thompkins Lane in Waldorf, for the reported gunshot victim. Dispatchers advised that the 911 callers were Spanish speaking only, with an interpreter being used to give the information. The caller reported one victim was assaulted and a second victim was shot approximately 5 minutes prior to the 911 call. Crews arrived to the provided address and found a...
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Leonardtown Man Accused of Bribing Victim/Witness to Avoid Stabbing Conviction

A local man facing trial for a 2024 stabbing incident is now accused of attempting to bribe a witness into altering testimony, according to court documents. Lucas Graham Hockaday, 23, of Leonardtown, has been charged with felony jury intimidation, misdemeanor jury intimidation, and obstruction of justice after allegedly conspiring to prevent a key witness from testifying against him. According to court records, Hockaday is currently awaiting trial for stabbing Tracey Otis Braswell on November 10, 2024. While incarcerated at...
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Ashley Nolan Pleaded Guilty to a Drunk Driving Crash in St. Mary’s County That Killed One of Her Children and Seriously Injured Two Others

Ashley Nolan, 28, of Lexington Park, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including negligent manslaughter by vehicle, in connection to a fatal crash that occurred in March 2024. According to court records, Nolan, who was indicted on October 21, 2024, has entered a guilty plea to six charges on March 7, 2025, before Judge Joseph Michael Stanalonis in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Court documents state that on March 16, 2024, Nolan was driving a vehicle on Point Lookout...
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John Thomas Hess Sentenced to 50 Years in Major Fentanyl Trafficking Case

John Thomas Hess, 33, of St. Inigoes, has been sentenced to 85 years in prison, with 50 years of active incarceration, for his role in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation. State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Hess orchestrated an extensive drug distribution network that funneled fentanyl throughout St. Mary’s County. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 1,700 pills containing fentanyl – a powerful synthetic opioid. Officials noted that as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can...
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8-Year-Old Transported to Children’s Center After ATV Crash in Bryans Road

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at approximately 6:48 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 5400 block of Sir Douglas Drive in Bryans Road, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle. Shortly after dispatch, responding units were advised the 911 caller reported a child had serious bleeding with a deep wound to a lower-extremity after an accident involving an ATV. Crews arrived on the scene to find the 8-year-old male was conscious alert and...
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Fire at St. Charles Mall Under Investigation, One Victim Transported to Burn Center

On Friday, March 7, 2025, at approximately 12:25 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Macy’s Department Store located in the St. Charles Mall in Waldorf, for the reported structure fire. Fire and emergency response units from multiple stations, including Waldorf Fire Stations 3 and 12, La Plata, Hughesville, Bryans Road, Accokeek, Baden, Brandywine, Waldorf EMS Station 3, and the Charles County Rescue Squad responded to the scene. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was discovered on the...
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Firefighters Respond to Large Brush Fire in St. Mary’s County

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at approximately 3:05 p.m., firefighters from Leonardtown and Second District responded to the 23000 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported large brush fire. Dispatchers advised the 911 caller was calling from the provided address and stated their was an elderly male yelling to call 911, with the caller believing there was a fire in the woods. Crews arrived on the scene within minutes of dispatch to find a large woods...
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Deputies in Calvert County Recover PCP, Heroin, Crack Cocaine After High-Speed Chase

A high-speed chase in Calvert County resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of multiple controlled dangerous substances (CDS), according to law enforcement officials. On March 2, 2025, at approximately 12:49 a.m., Sgt. Mark Robshaw of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office was stationed in the median of Maryland Route 4 near Cameleer Pass when he observed a black Hyundai Tucson traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. His in-car radar detected the vehicle moving at...
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Waldorf Man who Killed 17-Year-Old Westlake High School Student Found Guilty of Murder

UPDATE 3/7/2025: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, March 7, 2025, a Charles County jury, after a 5-day trial, convicted Elijah Bernard Barnes, 20, of the Second-Degree Murder of Rajon Lateef Jackson, III, as well as related charges. On January 13, 2023, officers responded to Harvest Fish Place in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located the 17-year-old victim on the street suffering from 4 gunshot wounds to his...
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Lexington Park Woman Arrested for Impaired Driving After Single Vehicle Crash Involving NAS Patuxent River Security Fence

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, at approximately 3:25 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Southampton Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported single vehicle collision involving the NAS Patuxent River Security Fence. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a single vehicle off the roadway and into the security fencing with one occupant for evaluation. The operator of the vehicle, identified as Jania Nicole Davis, age 24 of Lexington...
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UPDATE: More Charges Added for Prince Frederick Man Who Filmed Firefighters for Social Media is Charged with Arson

UPDATE 3/5/2025: The social media creator arrested last Friday in Charles County was arrested today in St. Mary’s County on nearly identical charges. Joshua Christian-Stanley Jackson, charged with setting fire to a vacant commercial property and making a false 911 call in Charles County, was arrested this afternoon in connection with a new arson case and false 911 call in St. Mary’s County. Jackson was released from Charles County Detention Center on Monday on home detention. Jackson was taken...
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Calvert County Firetruck Involved in Minor Crash While Responding to Assist During House Fire in Anne Arundel County

On Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, at approximately 6:50 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to the 6605 Revell Road in Tracy’s Landing, for the reported outside fire. A short time after dispatch, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire with multiple callers reported the house was on fire. Along with the upgraded assignment, Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 7 and crew were returning to St. Mary’s County after completing a patient transport when they observed a large fire in the...
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Hollywood Woman at Assisted Living Facility Accused of Stealing Patient Medications Arrested on Drug Distribution and Elder Abuse Charges

A St. Mary’s County woman has been arrested and charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses, including drug distribution, elder abuse, and financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Judy Marie Smith, 45, of California, MD, was taken into custody on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, by deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, in coordination with the Vice Narcotics Unit. At approximately 4:12 a.m., authorities apprehended Smith on an open warrant and transported her to the St....
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Southern Maryland Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

UPDATE 3/5/2025: This Afternoon and Tonight – A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will impact the region later this morning and continue into this afternoon. Severe thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and potentially an isolated tornado. Isolated severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail are possible this afternoon. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out as well. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 6 PM for...
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No Injuries Reported After Single Vehicle Flips in California

On Friday, March 7, 2025, at approximately 10:52 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Miramar Way in California, for the reported motor vehicle collision with unknown injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle overturned wither the operator out of the...
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Celebrate Spring at Historic St. Mary’s City: Free Admission and a Day of Engaging Activities

Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) is excited to announce a celebration of its spring opening on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This special day will feature a range of activities and demonstrations perfect for the entire family. To celebrate the season’s arrival, admission is free, and all activities and...
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Rita’s Italian Ice Celebrates First Day of Spring with Free Italian Ice Giveaway and New SKITTLES® Italian Ice Flavor

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the iconic frozen treats destination is continuing its beloved annual tradition, inviting guests to celebrate the first day of spring with a FREE Rita’s Italian Ice giveaway on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Rita’s 575+ locations are expected to give away approximately 1 million cups of their signature Italian...
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Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Anne Arundel County Backyard Flock

State laboratory testing has detected a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in an Anne Arundel County backyard flock. Department of Agriculture officials have quarantined all affected premises, and birds on the properties are being or have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter...
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Second Charles County Community Engagement Meetings Announced for Input for Future Sports and Wellness Complex

Charles County Government is pleased to announce the second opportunity for residents to provide input for the Future Sports and Wellness Complex at St. Charles Towne Center. Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism will hold a virtual meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Residents can watch...
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Calvert County Announces New Webpage Honoring African American Civil War Soldiers

The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning, Historic Preservation, in collaboration with the Calvert Historical Society, is proud to announce the launch of a new Geographic Information System (GIS) webpage. This webpage is dedicated to preserving, honoring and sharing the history of African American soldiers from Calvert County, who served in the United...
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Detectives Continue to Investigate Missing Person Case: Robert “Bubba” Norris

Charles County Sheriff’s detectives are continuing to investigate a missing person case. On March 1, Robert “Bubba” Norris, age 61, of White Plains, MD, left his residence to go to a friend’s house in Prince George’s County. He was driving his white Ford F-150 pickup truck and stopped at two other homes in Prince...
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Celebrate Maryland Day at the State’s Birthplace – Tuesday, March 25, 2025

On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, “Maryland Day,” the public is encouraged to celebrate the founding of Maryland at the state’s birthplace, St. Clement’s Island. St. Clement’s Island Museum will offer a full day of fun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., including free museum admission, kids’ activities, free water taxi rides (9 a.m. –...
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Police Continue to Investigate and Seek Leads Into 2008 Cold Case Murder of Austin Brown

Seventeen years ago, on March 11, 2008 at approximately 6:00 a.m., officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to Austin Brown’s residence at 4450 Livingston Road for a death investigation. They located the victim inside and determined that he had been shot several hours prior to being discovered. His case remains unsolved. Your...
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Firefighters Throughout Southern Maryland Responding to Large Woods Fire in Calvert County

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at approximately 4:53 p.m., firefighters responded to the area of 1715 Weems Road in Port Republic, for the reported brush fire. While responding to the scene firefighters reported a very large column of smoke showing and requested a Brush Fire Task Force to be dispatched. The same time, dispatchers...
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Maryland State Police To Increase Patrols Over St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, 2025

Maryland State Police are urging motorists to avoid aggressive, distracted and impaired driving throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Maryland State Troopers from all 23 barracks, including the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, will focus on aggressive, distracted and impaired driving while conducting increased saturation patrols along roadways where impaired driving related...
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Semi-Truck Running Red Light Causes Serious Rollover Collision in Leonardtown, Sending One to Hospital

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Point Lookout Road and Fairgrounds Road in Leonardtown, for the serious motor vehicle collision with rollover and entrapment. Crews arrived on the scene to find a two-vehicle T-bone style collision involving an SUV and...
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Charlotte Hall Man Arrested with Loaded Handgun During Traffic Stop

Pernell Maddox, 20, of Charlotte Hall, remains in custody after being arrested on multiple firearm-related charges following a traffic stop in St. Mary’s County, according to court documents. Deputies from the Criminal Intelligence Unit of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrested Maddox, on March 10, 2025, after allegedly discovering a loaded handgun in...
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Attorney General Brown Secures Early Court Decision Stopping Trump Administration’s Unlawful Termination of K-12 Teacher Preparation Pipeline Grants

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today secured a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of K-12 teacher preparation pipeline grants while the states seek a preliminary injunction. Attorney General Brown joined a coalition of eight attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging...
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Waldorf Woman Realizes Her Hope for a Visit to Lottery Winner’s Circle

Avid player takes home $50,000 Mega Bucks prize A Charles County Lottery fan, who kept seeing people follow her suggestion to play the Lottery and then win prizes began asking herself, “When am I going to win?” Well, her days of pondering that question are over! She won $50,000 on a Mega Bucks scratch-off....
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Felix Martinez Named Finalist “Campus Safety” Director of the Year

St. Mary’s College of Maryland Director of Public Safety Felix Martinez was named a finalist for “Campus Safety” magazine’s Director of the Year. Through this program, the magazine honors executives in hospital, university and school security, law enforcement and emergency management. “In Chief Martinez’s short tenure at St. Mary’s College of Maryland he has...
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Country Star Sam Hunt Coming to Calvert Marine Musuem This August, 2025

Multi-platinum, award-winning country star Sam Hunt will bring his chart-topping hits to the Motto Mortgage Preferred and RE/MAX One Waterside Pavilion on Saturday, August 16, 2025. A five-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and Diamond-selling hitmaker, Hunt has captivated audiences with his unique blend of country, pop, and R&B, securing his place as one of the genre’s...
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