Southern Maryland News Net

Officer Involved Shooting in Charles County Under Investigation

On Friday, December 20, 2024, at approximately 2:50 p.m., police responded to the 7300 block of Tottenham Drive in White Plains, for the reported kidnapping with assault. The 911 call takers reported the caller, which sounded like a young male, reported he was kidnapped and assaulted. Responding officers were advised this was the same residence of a previous rape at gunpoint which occurred in August of 2024. Read more about that incident here. During the investigation, officers observed a...
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VIDEO: A Legacy of Light: Helping the Family Match Funds for Our Community

For decades, the late Joseph “Bubby” Knott brought Christmas magic to St. Mary’s County. Through his remarkable displays at Flat Iron Farm, he transformed a quiet corner of Southern Maryland into a holiday wonderland. Families from near and far came to share in the warmth, wonder, and good will that Bubby poured into each twinkling bulb and handmade decoration. Now, we have a unique opportunity to continue his generous spirit and honor his memory by supporting four of his...
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Nanjemoy Man Indicted for False Bomb Threat at St. Mary’s County Walmart

Demetrius Demell Carroll, 30, of Nanjemoy, has been indicted by a St. Mary’s County Grand Jury on charges stemming from a false bomb threat made at the Walmart located on Miramar Way in California, Maryland. The indictment, issued on December 16, 2024, accuses Carroll of transmitting false information concerning the detonation of a destructive device. The incident occurred on May 3, 2024, at approximately 2:25 p.m., when law enforcement responded to a report of a bomb threat at the...
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UPDATE: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Commended as Record-Setting Drug Case Advances to Circuit Court

UPDATE 12/19/2024: The case involving Antwian Marquis Johnson, 38, of Prince Frederick, and Shannon Marie Johnson, 37, of Great Mills, has officially moved forward in the legal system, now advancing to the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, Maryland. This development follows their arrests on December 5, 2024, and the subsequent indictment on numerous felony charges tied to large-scale drug trafficking and firearm offenses. Court documents detail that both suspects face a variety of charges stemming from an extensive...
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Jury Finds Brandywine Man Guilty of Stalking, Threatening, and Shooting at Ex-Girlfriends

UPDATE 12/19/2024: Nahvarj Mills, 31, of Brandywine, Maryland, was found guilty today of 24 counts related to cyberstalking, disseminating sexually explicit photos, and multiple shootings involving two victims. The jury verdict, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to court documents...
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Police Investigating Murder of Hughesville Man Found in Charles County Field

On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 10:40 a.m., officers responded to the 6800 block of Swann Gate Place in Hughesville for the report of a body in a field. When officers arrived, they found a male who was deceased. The male was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore where an autopsy was conducted. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. The victim was identified as Paul Sherwood Swann, age 60, who lived in...
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No Injuries Reported After Vehicle Strikes Bus in Chaptico

On Thursday, December 19, 2024, at approximately 9:00 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Hurry Road and Lacey Family Way in Chaptico, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a school bus. 911 callers reported the bus had 15 to 20 children on board with no injuries being reported, the operator of the vehicle was evaluated and signed care refusal forms on the scene. No injuries and no patients transported. The St. Mary’s County...
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Stephanie Roper’s Murderer Requests Release; Prosecutors Object

Prosecutors were back in court last week in response to a request filed by one of the men who kidnapped, raped, and murdered Stephanie Roper in 1982. Jerry Lee Beatty, 59, petitioned the Court for release pursuant to the Juvenile Restoration Act, citing he was only 17 years old at the time of the offense, among other reasons. Arguments from the defense and the State were presented in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court over a two-day period. Also present...
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One Flown to Trauma Center After Motor Vehicle Collision with Entrapment in Loveville

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at approximately 3:52 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of 27780 Point Lookout Road in Loveville, for the reported motor vehicle collision with injuries. While crews responded to the scene, the incident was upgraded to a serious motor vehicle collision with reported entrapment. Crews arrived on the scene within minutes to confirm a two-vehicle collision with one trapped. Firefighters from Leonardtown and Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Departments extricated the single trapped...
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Waldorf Man Arrested After Threatening Woman with Handgun at Smallwood Village Center

A man was arrested in connection with a violent domestic-related assault after an incident that unfolded at the Smallwood Village Center on December 11, 2024. The suspect, identified as Clarence Antonio Bennett, 41, of Waldorf, threatened a woman with a handgun during a verbal altercation. According to court documents and police reports, officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Neighborhood Enforcement Team, Criminal Investigations Division, and Warrant Unit responded to the 100 block of Smallwood Village Center at approximately 9:28...
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VIDEO UPDATE: Maryland Office of Attorney General Investigating 36-Year-Old Chesapeake Beach Man Killed After Running from Police in Calvert County

UPDATE 12/17/2024: Video added – The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General released the body-worn camera footage from the fatal police-involved vehicle collision that occurred Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Calvert County, Maryland. The investigation is ongoing. The decedent has been identified as 36-year-old Justin Foreman of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. UPDATE 11/20/2024: The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent, and the Calvert County Sheriff’s...
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UPDATE: Juvenile Suspect Dies from Injuries After Serious Crash in Charles County While Fleeing in Stolen Car

UPDATE 12/16/2024: The involved officers have been identified as La Plata Police Department Police Officer First Class Jacob Shuar, a 2-year veteran, and Corporal Tommy Johnston, a 20-year veteran. Both officers are assigned to the Patrol Division. The Charles County Sheriff’s Deputy is identified as Corporal Katie Bottorf, a 9-year veteran assigned to the Patrol Division. The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Office of the Attorney General was notified of the death of the juvenile passenger critically injured...
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Police Investigating Two Shot in Dunkirk After Reported Suicide Attempt

On December 14th, 2024, at 10:08 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 3800 block of Larkview Court East in Dunkirk, for the reported shooting. The 911 caller reported a male attempted to shoot himself, but shot the female caller before fleeing the residence. It was reported there were also children in the home. Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 2 was pre-launched and landed nearby. The Calvert County Mobile Crisis Team was also dispatched to respond...
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Convicted Drug Dealer and Great Mills Woman Arrested After Traffic Stop in Lexington Park

A traffic stop on December 11, 2024, in Lexington Park resulted in the arrests of Michelle S. Alvarado, 40, of Great Mills, and Robert M. Goldring, 46, of Lusby. Both individuals face multiple charges related to controlled dangerous substances (CDS), including possession with intent to distribute narcotics. According to reports from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Wimberly conducted a traffic stop at approximately 12:21 a.m. near Pegg Road and Pacific Drive. The vehicle, a gold Nissan Murano,...
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One Flown to Trauma Center After Single Vehicle Rollover with Ejection in Ridge

On Thursday, December 12, 2024, at approximately 10:40 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of 13820 Point Lookout Road in Ridge, for a motor vehicle collision reported serious with one subject ejected from the vehicle. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single pickup truck off the roadway, in a field, and confirmed the single occupant was laying in the field after being ejected from the vehicle. Maryland State Police Aviation Helicopter Trooper...
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Traffic Stop in Lexington Park Leads to Drug Arrests and Felony Charges

On December 19, 2024, a traffic stop in Lexington Park resulted in the arrests of two individuals, Zuri Kali Harrison, 22, of Great Mills, and Cindi Lynn Sweeney, 45, of Lexington Park. Both were arrested after a search of the vehicle revealed multiple controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and related paraphernalia. According to the St....
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Happy Charles County Mom Gets Early Christmas with $50,000 Scratch-Off Win

Southern Maryland player plans to use scratch-off prize to pay bills, enjoy the holidays A Southern Maryland woman sprang into action after discovering she was the first $50,000 top-prize winner on the new Cash to Go scratch-off. The loyal player said she was “moonwalking” with excitement after she discovered her big win. “I couldn’t...
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St. Mary’s County Felon Indicted on Illegal Firearms and Ammunition Possession Charges in Dameron

Bruce Bernard Franks, Jr., 32, of Dameron, is facing legal trouble after being indicted on multiple charges related to illegal firearms and ammunition possession. The indictment stems from an extensive investigation conducted by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)....
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Prince George’s County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Series of Armed Robberies

U.S. District Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Andrew Trayvon Hale, 27, of Prince George’s County, to 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with 11 armed commercial robberies and the discharge of a firearm during one of the robberies. Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of...
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Police and SRO Investigate Report of Student with Gun at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Released December 18, 2024 – “Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff: Administrators received a report today that a student reportedly had a gun at school and was showing it to others. As part of our investigation, we spoke with several students and viewed school surveillance camera footage. With support of our school resource officer (SRO), we...
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UPDATE: Bryans Road Woman Charged with Abduction of 8-Year-Old Boy, Child is Safe and Unharmed

UPDATE 12/19/2024: On December 19, 2024 at approximately 8:35 a.m., an eight-year-old student at J.C. Parks Elementary School was near his bus stop in a residential neighborhood on Hard Bargain Circle and Montrose Road when a woman in a white Chevrolet Malibu stopped and asked him to get into her car. The child initially...
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Lusby Man Arrested on Drug and Weapon Charges Following Incident at Backroad Inn in Leonardtown

A Calvert County man faces multiple charges after an altercation at the Backroad Inn in Leonardtown on December 13, 2024. Austin Tyler Selig-Miller, 21, of Lusby, was arrested by deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office following reports of a disturbance at the bar. According to court documents, security personnel at the Backroad...
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Two St. Mary’s County Men Arrested on Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop in Lexington Park

Two men St. Mary’s County men were arrested on December 14, 2024, after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal drugs. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office initiated the stop near Foxchase Drive in Lexington Park after identifying a silver Hyundai Sonata with suspended registration due to an insurance lapse. The...
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Dairy Cattle and Poultry Farmers Urged to Practice Enhanced Biosecurity Due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has released new guidance urging Maryland dairy cattle and poultry farmers to remain vigilant and practice enhanced biosecurity on their farms due to the continued circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) detections in wild birds in the Atlantic Flyway. First detected in poultry in early 2022, HPAI has...
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Maryland State Police Increasing Patrols Through the New Year

Maryland State Police will be increasing highway safety patrols over the next two weeks as millions of Marylanders hit the roads for holiday travel. State Troopers from all 23 barracks will conduct saturation patrols and checkpoints focused on impaired, aggressive and distracted driving. The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, a specialized...
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St. Mary’s Felon Arrested After Guns, Drugs, and Stolen Property Found During Traffic Stop in Mechanicsville

A Mechanicsville man is facing serious charges after a routine traffic stop by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office uncovered stolen property, loaded firearms, and drugs. Patrick Wayne Brooks, 37, of Mechanicsville, was arrested on December 12, 2024, following the incident and remains in custody without bond. Deputy Timothy White initiated the stop after...
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Lexington Park Man Charged with Assault and Property Destruction Following Altercation at Three Oaks Center

Jovan Maurice Justice, 41, of Lexington Park, was arrested on December 15, 2024, following an incident at a local facility. Justice, who resides at the Three Oaks Center on Lei Drive, is facing charges of second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property valued over $1,000, according to court documents. The charges stem from events...
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Calvert County Man’s Retirement Plan Gets $500,000 Lottery Boost!

A commuter from Southern Maryland already has his calendar marked for retirement in the first half of 2025, but a $500,000 win on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off will make the transition to regular relaxation extra smooth. “It couldn’t happen at a better time,” the winner said on Dec. 16 after claiming his prize at...
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Rewards Offered, Police Seeking Information in Two Separate Murders of Teens in Prince George’s County

December 13th, 2024: Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday in Suitland. The victim is 17-year-old James Fitzgerald of Suitland. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. On December 13, 2024, at approximately 4:00 pm, officers responded...
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Tennis and Pickleball Court Complex in Dunkirk District Park Now Open

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the opening of a new tennis and pickleball court complex at Dunkirk District Park. Construction began on the court complex in October 2023 and was recently completed. The court complex features five tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, lighting, restrooms and additional parking....
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15th Annual Maritime Performance Series at the Calvert Marine Museum

Tickets are available now for the 15th Annual Maritime Performance Series at the Calvert Marine Museum. Guests will delight in the harmonious talent each of these groups brings to the stage. Performances are in the museum’s Harms Gallery starting at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. with beer and wine for sale. Tickets...
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19-Year-Old Shot in Hollywood: Six Weeks Later, No Arrests and Growing Concerns

More than six weeks have passed since a 19-year-old man was shot in Hollywood, leading to a high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies, yet no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Although police have identified the shooter in court documents, no charges have been filed, and authorities have not released...
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