POLICE BEAT: SOLID POLICE WORK REAPS ARRESTS AND SERIOUS BLOWS TO SAINT MARY’S COUNTY CRIME WHILE CONVICT SHERIFF AND SPIN BUNNY PONDER PUBLIC RELATIONS

SOLID POLICE WORK REAPS ARRESTS AND SERIOUS BLOWS TO SAINT MARY’S COUNTY CRIME

BY JOHN E. O’CONNOR

THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department’s hardworking rank-and-file deputies, whether in specialized units, out on the road, or facing crime head-on, have shown unwavering dedication. Their commitment to the safety of our community deserves a big round of applause.

They’ve just delivered a significant win for the community, the kind of win we all want to see. On December 5, 2024, after months of relentless effort, they dismantled a massive drug trafficking operation. This operation was not only a significant threat to our community but also a major contributor to the drug-related crimes in St. Mary’s County. This wasn’t just some small-time bust—this was the real deal.

Here’s what happened.

Detectives from the Vice/Narcotics Unit have investigated this case since May 2024, focusing on two suspects, Antwian M. Johnson, 38 (DOB 03/06/1986), of 1770 Old Adelina Road, Prince Frederick, and Shannon M. Johnson, 37 (DOB 01/29/1987), of 45512 Daugherty Court, Great Mills, Maryland. The couple, who were known to law enforcement for their involvement in previous drug-related crimes, was allegedly running a large-scale drug operation, and when the detectives finally moved in, they hit the jackpot.

We’re talking about over 13 kilograms, nearly 29 pounds—of cocaine. That’s massive. They also seized 1.8 kilograms of fentanyl, a highly potent and dangerous drug that has been responsible for numerous overdose deaths, and over $75,000 in cash. And it didn’t stop there. They found firearms, including a Hi-Point 9mm rifle and a Radical AR-15, along with drug production equipment like digital scales, plastic bags, and brick presses. This was a full-scale operation, and the Sheriff’s Department rank and file shut it down with precision and professionalism.

This was no easy job. It took months of surveillance, careful planning, and coordination. The detectives executed search warrants at two properties—one was packed with cash and weapons, and the other was essentially a drug factory. Their meticulous work paid off, and now two people are facing a total of 21 charges, including felony drug trafficking, firearms violations, and manufacturing controlled dangerous substances.

This is the kind of effort that keeps communities safe. We need more law enforcement to go after the big problems and serious threats and get real results. And while the Sheriff’s Department Administration, consisting of Steve Hall, Clay Safford, and Shawn Moses – AND the incredible BADGE BUNNY, in typical form, hasn’t released any details yet, we must take a moment to recognize the incredible work of the deputies who are putting in the work.

The people of St. Mary’s County can rest a little easier knowing their Sheriff’s Department is out there, working hard every day to protect them. This bust sends a clear message: if you’re bringing drugs and violence into this community, law enforcement is coming for you. They’re strong, they’re focused, and they’re not backing down.

This is what success looks like; we’re proud to see it happen here in St. Mary’s County. Great work from the rank and file, boots on the ground Deputies who really are the ones trying to make a difference!