Southern Maryland News Net

Jury Convicts Jontae Proctor of First-Degree Murder in St. Mary’s County

A St. Mary’s County jury has convicted Jontae Lamont Proctor, 21 of Leonardtown, on charges including first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit assault in connection with the February 2024 killing of Malic Freeland. According to court documents, Proctor was found guilty on March 14, 2025, in the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County following a jury trial. Prosecutors alleged that Proctor played a key role in orchestrating the fatal attack on Freeland, communicating with co-defendants Joseph Brooks and Zahlir...
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Police Arrest Lexington Park Man After Armed Robbery Across from St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office

UPDATE 3/17/2025: Antonio Gross, 35, of of Lexington Park, was arrested on Sunday, March 16, 2025, following an armed robbery and assault in Lexington Park, according to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Gross faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, theft under $100, and carrying a concealed dangerous weapon. According to court documents, deputies responded to a reported robbery on Great Mills Road, just before 11:15 p.m.. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the adult male...
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UPDATE: Compton Man Charged with Impaired Driving After Motor Vehicle Collision in Leonardtown

UPDATE 3/17/2025: Maryland State Troopers from the Leonardtown Barrack responded to a motor vehicle collision on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, at the intersection of Hollywood Road and Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. Troopers arrived to find a 2-vehicle head-on collision involving a Dodge Dakota pickup truck and a Honda sedan with two occupants in the Honda, and the sole driver of the Dodge. Trooper Rosenblatt began the investigation and later found the operator of the Dodge Dakota was impaired,...
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Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Solomons House Fire Reportedly Caused By Cigarette

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, at approximately 5:27 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 14000 block of Calvert Street in Solomons, for the reported structure fire. The first 911 caller reported a dropped cigarette caused the couch to catch on fire, with the fire quickly spreading. Less than 2 minutes later, additional 911 callers reported the house was fully engulfed and that there was an explosion with the fire now threatening a nearby home. A...
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One Flown to Trauma Center After Pickup Truck Strikes Pole, Trees in Hollywood

On Friday, March 14, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., police, fire and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Sotterly Road and Steerhorn Neck Road in Hollywood, for the reported motor vehicle collision with unknown injuries. 911 callers reported a pickup truck struck a utility pole in the area of the address provided. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle off the roadway and into the woods with one patient trapped. The incident was upgraded...
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MIL Corporation Gives Back to the Community with $15,000 Sponsorship to Leadership Southern Maryland

Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with The MIL Corporation. MIL has presented LSM with a $15,000 sponsorship designating the company as a Platinum sponsor of the nonprofit community leadership development organization. Based in Lexington Park, Md., The MIL Corporation provides innovative cyber, engineering, financial, and information technology services to the federal government. Tom Clark, LSM ‘18 is executive vice president at MIL and immediate past president of the LSM Board of...
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Saint Mary’s County Deputies Cleared in Controversial Dog Killing Incident in Hollywood

The Saint Mary’s County Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) has ruled that sheriff’s deputies acted lawfully and within department policy during a dog shooting incident that took place in Hollywood, Maryland, on February 18, 2024. Following a thorough investigation, the ACC determined that the deputies involved committed no misconduct, concluding that the use of force was necessary to protect an officer who was under attack. Although this ruling was discussed during a meeting of the Saint Mary’s County Police Accountability...
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Police in Charles County Arrest Hyattsville Man After High-Speed Chase in Stolen Car, Firearm and Drugs Seized

John Thomas White, III, 20, of Hyattsville, remains in custody after leading Charles County Sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle, ultimately resulting in his arrest and the discovery of a loaded firearm, drugs, and cash. According to court documents, White, was arrested on March 11, 2025, at approximately 10:41 p.m. following a pursuit that began when a License Plate Reader (LPR) alert identified a stolen vehicle entering Charles County. The vehicle, a gray Acura with...
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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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St. Mary’s County Government Reaffirms Commitment to Soft Billing Policy for Emergency Medical Services

St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that no patient is personally responsible for the cost of emergency ambulance transport provided by our Department of Emergency Services (DES). Following recent concerns regarding billing practices, SMCG has taken immediate steps to align the County’s EMS billing policy with its original intent....
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CRIME SOLVERS: Police Seeking Identity of Serial Theft Suspect

The Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the identity and arrest of a man who has stolen numerous tools and other items from home improvement stores since early February of 2025. In each case, the suspect has entered a business, loaded up a cart full of power...
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Governor Moore Announces Expanded Access to More Affordable Prescription Drugs Through Innovative Partnership with SIRUM and Good Pill Pharmacy

Governor Wes Moore announced a new partnership with SIRUM—the nation’s largest redistributor of surplus medications—to make prescription drugs more affordable for Marylanders. Through its partner non-profit, home delivery pharmacy Good Pill, SIRUM is opening its operations across the state, improving medication access for hundreds of thousands of Marylanders in need. “Our duty to be...
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Indian Head Elementary School Set to Open New School-Based Health Center This Fall

Indian Head Elementary School held a groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 27 to commemorate the start of the construction process of the new school-based health center on the school’s campus for students and residents in Indian Head. With the nearest urgent care center in La Plata, the center, in partnership with the Charles County Department of...
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Maryland Delegation Members, Governor Moore Release Statement on Future of FBI

After President Trump expressed his intention to halt the planned relocation of the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt, Maryland, which has been in the works for nearly 2 years. He stated the following in a recent address to the Department of Justice: “They were going to build an FBI headquarters three hours away in Maryland,...
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Woman Transported to Trauma Center After Multi-Vehicle Collision in Hollywood

On Saturday, March, 15, 2025, at approximately 8:10 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to Three Notch Road and Hollywood Road in Hollywood, for the reported motor vehicle collision with unknown injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find two vehicles involved in a off-set head-on style collision with three patients for...
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Two Students Injured After Six Are Involved in Physical Altercation at Henry E. Lackey High School

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 8:19 a.m., school administrators and a school resource officer at Henry E. Lackey High School were inside a school hallway during class transition when a fight erupted between two students, with other students joining in. The school resource officer and administrators separated the six involved students and deescalated...
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La Plata Police Department Lieutenant Jason Posey Celebrates 20-Years of Dedicated Service

Over the past two decades, Lt. Jason Posey has served the citizens, business owners, and visitors of La Plata with professionalism and dignity. Aside from his many duties within the agency, Jason also serves as the leader of the agency’s Public Safety Cadet Program. Over the years he has mentored and helped shape the...
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Calvert County Celebrates National Agriculture Day

Calvert County is proud to celebrate its rich agricultural heritage through a series of events highlighting the essential role of farmers, the importance of agricultural literacy, and the connection between local farms and the community. Residents are invited to participate in these upcoming activities to recognize the contributions of our agricultural community and learn...
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Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Large Woods, Shed Fire in Avenue

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 5:55 p.m., firefighters from Seventh District, Leonardtown, Mechanicsville, Hollywood, Bay District and Charles County responded to the 38000 block of Sugar Hole Road in Avenue, for the reported structure fire. Crews arrived on the scene within 2 minutes of dispatch to find a 10 x 10 shed fully...
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New STEM Center Opens at Piccowaxen Middle School

Piccowaxen Middle School was recently named a grant recipient for a new STEM education center. The grant is through the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), which partnered with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to develop 10 STEM centers in Maryland schools through a three-year, $500,000 grant. Piccowaxen is one of 10 Maryland schools...
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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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