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The BayNet
Online News & Entertainment
LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – A detailed investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has led to drug charges against James Sylvester Ford Jr., 24, of Lexington Park. The case stems from a series of search warrants executed in January 2024 that uncovered evidence linking Ford to suspected drug distribution. The case is currently moving through the legal system, with court dates set for early 2025.
Investigation and Evidence
The investigation began with surveillance of a residence at 21340 Windsor Drive in Lexington Park. Officers observed Ford traveling to and from the property in a gray Dodge Charger, where he was allegedly involved in hand-to-hand drug transactions. These observations prompted law enforcement to secure search warrants for both the residence and the vehicle, signed by a Circuit Court judge on January 16, 2024.
The Sheriff’s Emergency Services Team and Criminal Investigations Division executed the first search warrant at the Windsor Drive residence on January 17, 2024. Although Ford and the vehicle were not present at the time, the investigation continued. Six days later, on January 23, the Dodge Charger was located at a residence in the South Hampton neighborhood. While officers awaited towing services, they detected the smell of raw marijuana coming from the trunk of the vehicle. The car was impounded, and a subsequent search revealed critical evidence.
Inside the Dodge Charger, officers found a digital scale with suspected controlled dangerous substance residue, 108.7 grams of cannabis, and various packaging materials indicative of drug distribution. The cannabis was confirmed as a Schedule I substance by forensic analysis conducted by NMS Labs. This evidence formed the basis for the charges brought against Ford.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Ford has been charged with possession with intent to distribute cannabis and possession of cannabis exceeding the civil use limit.
Possession with intent to distribute cannabis, while classified as a misdemeanor in Maryland, carries severe penalties. If convicted, Ford could face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The second charge, possession of cannabis over the civil use limit, also a misdemeanor, carries penalties of up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. These potential consequences underscore the gravity of the allegations.
Court records indicate that Ford’s attorney filed an appearance on December 31, 2024. A preliminary inquiry was originally scheduled for January 17, 2025, but was subsequently rescheduled. A trial date is set for January 28, 2025, in the St. Mary’s County District Court.
Context and Broader Implications
This case highlights law enforcement’s efforts to combat drug-related activity in the community. Officers noted that substances and paraphernalia seized from vehicles and residences often provide critical evidence in these investigations. The Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage residents to report suspicious activities while emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of potential evidence by avoiding unnecessary handling of items.
The charges against Ford also reflect the evolving legal landscape of cannabis in Maryland. While the state has decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use, the charges filed indicate quantities and packaging consistent with distribution. As Maryland’s cannabis laws adapt, cases like this underscore the distinction between personal use and criminal activity.
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