Southern Maryland News Net

Mechanicsville Man Charged With Drug Distribution After Lexington Park Arrest

Kevin Benjamin Berry, 38, of Mechanicsville, has been charged with multiple drug offenses after deputies reportedly found crack cocaine and related paraphernalia during the execution of a search warrant in Lexington Park. According to court documents, Berry is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis, possession with intent to distribute a narcotic drug, and possession of production equipment for manufacturing controlled dangerous substances. The charges stem from an incident on February 20, 2026. Charging documents state...
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Minor Injuries Reported After Vehicle Strikes Church in Waldorf That Leaves Operator Trapped

On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, at approximately 11:55 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Church of Christ located at 30 Village Street in Waldorf, for the serious motor vehicle collision involving the structure with entrapment. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a vehicle completely into the building with the adult female operator trapped in the vehicle. The La Plata Volunteer Fire Department proudly serves as the county’s designated Structural and Trench Collapse Rescue Team,...
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UPDATE: GoFundMe Started for Victim Critically Injured After Tree Falls On Vehicle in Calvert County That Kills Two Others

UPDATE 2/26/2026: A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of those involved in a tragic crash that occurred on February 22, 2026, in Sunderland. Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to North Solomons Island Road (MD Route 2) near Aspen Wood Drive for a serious motor vehicle collision. According to the preliminary investigation, a vehicle traveling northbound was struck by a falling tree that entered the roadway. The vehicle was occupied by Michael Lee Simpson, 60, of Deale; Virginia...
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UPDATE: One In Custody and Victim Flown to Trauma Center After Stabbing in Lexington Park

UPDATE: Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred Wednesday morning in Lexington Park. At about 8:20 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a residence on Colby Road for the report of a male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. When deputies arrived, they immediately rendered aid to the victim. Witnesses reported that the suspect, who was related to the victim, had fled the scene. Deputies quickly located the suspect in the area...
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UPDATE: Parents Are Told Baby Was Cremated, Police Find Body Rotting in Home of Crematory Owners

UPDATE – Court documents emerge with shocking and horrible details – Reader discretion advised. Rosa Iyonna Williams, 48, and Brandon Angelo Williams, 50, both of Waldorf, Maryland, are each charged with eight counts of burying or disposing of a body in an unauthorized place after investigators reported finding decomposing infant and fetal remains inside their Bensville home garage, including the body of a two-month-old infant who was found dressed for funeral services. According to charging documents filed in the...
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Calvert County Announces Participation in Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program

The Department of Public Safety’s Career Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division and Calvert Advanced Life Support, in partnership with the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, announced the launch of its Low-Titer Type O Positive (LTO+) Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program. Development of the program was accelerated following a critical incident in which Deputy James Flynt of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office sustained a gunshot wound while pursuing a suspect. Flynt received whole blood after arriving at CalvertHealth Medical...
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Police Investigating Hit and Run Involving Bicyclist in Lexington Park, Victim Flown to Trauma Center

On Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 9:28 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Great Mills Road and Kay Drive in Lexington Park,, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Crews arrived to find a single bicyclist lying in the roadway. The striking vehicle involved had fled the scene before first responders arrived. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded and are investigating the collision. EMS requested a helicopter to...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Mourns the Loss of Ralph Jerome Butler, Civilian Security Specialist and Retired Corrections Corporal

With great sadness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office announces the loss of one of our own, Ralph Jerome Butler, Civilian Security Specialist and retired Corrections Corporal, who died early this morning at his home. Ralph was a treasured member of our agency, known for his steady presence and professionalism. He served as a Correctional Officer at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center for more than 23 years before retiring in March 2022 as a Corporal. Ralph returned to work...
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Indian Head House Fire Displaces Family of Five, Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Fire and Rescue Multiple Dogs from Home

On Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 3:20 p.m., firefighters responded to the Oak Street in Indian Head, for the reported house on fire. 911 callers reported their neighbors house was on fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene in under 4 minutes and found fire showing from the single story residence with three occupants out of the home reporting animals trapped inside. Crews quickly made entry with attack lines and reported a fire in the kitchen with extensions into...
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Expect Delays on Maypole Road in Leonardtown Due to Large Brush Fire

On Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 5:36 p.m., firefighters from Leonardtown were dispatched to the area of Maypole Road and Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported brush fire. 911 callers reported seeing flames and smoke in the area. Crews arrived on the scene to find a large fire in the woods approximately 600 feet off the roadway from Maypole Road in the area of R G Way. A brush fire task force has been dispatched which...
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UPDATE: Maryland State Police Arrest Owners Of Charles County Crematorium For Mishandling Human Remains

UPDATE 2/21/2026 : Maryland State Police investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division made two arrests in connection with the disposal of human remains from a crematorium in Charles County. The accused are identified as Rosa Iyonna Williams, 48, and Brandon Angelo Williams, 50, both of Waldorf, Maryland. After consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Charles County, both were charged with eight violations each of the Maryland General Health Article §5-514, unauthorized disposal of a body. On...
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UPDATE: Karen Krenzler age 69, Killed in Mechanicsville House Fire – Investigation Ongoing

A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues after a house fire claimed the life of a Mechanicsville woman early Friday morning. On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 6:40 a.m., firefighters from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 39580 Walnut Circle for a reported house fire with possible entrapment. Firefighters arrived within minutes of dispatch to find heavy fire conditions throughout the two-story...
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One Transported to Trauma Center, One to Hospital After Trash Truck Overturns in Indian Head

On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Smallwood Church Road and Marvin Drive in Indian Head, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a large vehicle. 911 callers reported a trash truck was overturned with two injured. Crews arrived on scene to confirm a single trash truck on its side with both occupants out of the vehicle, with no entrapment, and no fuel leaks or hazmat....
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VA Pauses Enforcement of New Disability Rating Rule After Nationwide Backlash

The Department of Veterans Affairs has halted enforcement of a newly issued rule that would change how disability compensation is calculated, following widespread criticism from veterans and advocacy groups who warned the policy could reduce benefits. The interim final rule, titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication,” amends 38 CFR § 4.10 within the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). It was published in the Federal Register and took effect February 17, 2026. Public comments are being accepted through April...
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Waldorf Man Arrested After Armed Robbery at La Plata Tobacco Shop

Lloyd Michael Hawkins Jr., 39, of Waldorf, has been charged with robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and theft between $1,500 and $25,000 in connection with an armed robbery reported February 13, 2026, in La Plata. According to court documents, officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the La Plata Town Police Department responded at approximately 10:10 p.m. to a reported commercial armed robbery at a tobacco shop on Crain Highway in La Plata. The charging documents state that...
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Historic St. Mary’s City Hosts 15th Annual Wedding Expo on March 8, 2026

Engaged couples are invited to discover Southern Maryland’s most picturesque wedding destination at the 15th Annual Wedding Expo at Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) on Sunday, March 8, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., held at the HSMC State House overlooking the St. Mary’s River. This free-to-attend event (with pre-registration) brings together dozens of trusted...
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Dunkirk Man Arrested After High Speed Chase in Calvert County

On February 14, 2026, Deputy Morgal initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling 98 mph westbound on W. Chesapeake Beach Road in Dunkirk. When Deputy Morgal activated his emergency equipment, the driver failed to stop and continued westbound onto Brickhouse Road at speeds reaching approximately 120 mph. The vehicle was observed traveling...
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Leadership Maryland Announces Emerging Leader Program 3rd Class

Leadership Maryland, the statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders, announces the 32 individuals selected to participate in the Emerging Leader Program 3rd Class. The class consists of rising stars and high-potential employees from across the state who are...
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UPDATE: 62-Year-Old Man Dead, Wife Burned After Barn Fire in Chaptico

UPDATE 2/25/2026: A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police continues after a barn fire claimed the life of a 62-year-old Chaptico man late Tuesday night. On February 24, 2026, just after 10:00 p.m., firefighters from Seventh District VFD and nearby fire departments responded to 36111...
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State Police Arrest Prince George’s County Man for Possession, Distribution of Child Pornography

Maryland State Police arrested a Prince George’s County man after an investigation developed evidence of the possession and distribution of child pornography. The suspect is identified as Braeden E. Swisher, 26, of Bowie, Maryland. In consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County, Swisher was arrested and charged with six...
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Historic St. Mary’s City March 2026 Calendar Release

From interactive living history to family-friendly workshops, Historic St. Mary’s City invites visitors to discover something new this March at Maryland’s first capital. March 3 – Registration Opens: Spring Break & Homeschool Programs – registration opens for Historic St. Mary’s City’s Spring Break programs and Homeschool Workshops. Hands-on history experiences fill quickly; early registration...
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UPDATE: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller File for 2026 Re-Election Campaign

UPDATE 2/24/2026: With less than 48 hours left before the filing deadline, Governor Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller headed to the Maryland State Board of Elections and have officially filed their candidacy for the 2026 Democratic Primary This comes after Moore’s September 9th, 2025, release. In the video, Wes Moore announced he is...
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Community Shred & Medication Take Back Day Announced for Saturday, April 25, 2026

Do you have paper documents with personal information that you’d like to purge? Or do you have unused, unwanted, or expired medications in your cabinets? This is your chance to dispose of them safely at the Community Shred & Medication Take Back Day! This event will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 9...
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St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy USAG Team Competes at Excalibur Cup & East Coast Classic

The St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy (SMGA) is proud to announce successful performances by USAG Team gymnasts at two recent events: the Excalibur Cup held February 13-15, 2026, in Virginia Beach, VA and the East Coast Classic, held February 14-15, 2026, in Laurel, MD. At the Excalibur Cup, St. Mary’s County USAG Team members competed...
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Great Mills Man Arrested on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop in Lexington Park

On Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, while conducting proactive patrol operations in Lexington Park, a deputy from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office initiated a stop for a traffic violation on a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and discovered a quantity of controlled substances (CDS) in the vehicle and on the driver. Additional units, including K-9, responded...
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Striped Bass Spawning Success Not Limited by Zooplankton, DNR Study Suggests

The availability of tiny plankton that larval striped bass eat during their first weeks of life does not appear to be a leading factor for the recent poor spawning success of the fish in Maryland, according to a new study by scientists at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The findings suggest that one...
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PG County Man Charged with Murder for September 2025 Stabbing After Court Finds Probable Cause

Shawn Conway, 50, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, was charged today for second degree murder while armed, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Judge Dayna Dayson found probable cause to charge Conway following a preliminary hearing which was held on February 18, 2026, in the Superior...
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Navy Declares Initial Operational Capability for SDB II on Super Hornet

The U.S. Navy recently declared initial operational capability for the Small Diameter Bomb II on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, marking a significant advancement in the fleet’s precision-strike technology. The weapon, also known as the StormBreaker, saw its first operational use on the Super Hornet during a limited early operational capability in 2025, proving real-world...
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DNR Extends Maryland Commercial Oyster Season for Two Additional Weeks Due to Weather and Ice

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with a two-week extension of the commercial oyster season to help watermen make up for lost harvesting opportunities after many waterways and parts of the Chesapeake Bay froze during frigid temperatures in January and early February. The change will extend the state’s commercial oyster season to...
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SMADC Launches “So.MD Livestock Breeders Guide” to Connect Local Producers and Buyers

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is proud to announce the launch of the So.MD Livestock Breeders Guide. This new online resource is designed to bridge the gap between farm and field, connecting farmers, homesteaders, and consumers with reputable livestock breeders across the region. Sourcing...
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Sheehy Hyundai of Waldorf Donates $3,000 to the Southern Maryland Food Bank to Help Fight Hunger

Sheehy Hyundai of Waldorf recently donated $3,000 to the Southern Maryland Food Bank, supporting its mission to provide meals, emergency supplies, and hunger-relief services to individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout Southern Maryland. “At Sheehy, giving back to the community is a core value,” said Max Cho, General Manager of Sheehy Hyundai of...
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Honoring The Legacy of Historic Bluegrass: The Country Gentlemen – March, 22nd, 2026 Concert

The next concert in the Southern Maryland Bluegrass Series will take place on Sunday March 22 and will feature Calvert County’s own, Mike Phipps and his band The Country Gentlemen Show. It’s the fifth concert of the season and will take place at the Calvert Elks in Prince Frederick, located at 1015 Dares Beach...
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