LEONARDTOWN, Md. – What began as a heated argument over food in Abell, Maryland, on July 5, 2024, escalated into a physical altercation that led to assault charges and jail time for 42-year-old Keedra Shontise Thomas. With a documented history of arrests spanning over a decade, Thomas’s pattern of legal troubles reveals recurring conflicts and repeated brushes with the law.

According to the official statement of probable cause, deputies were dispatched to a residence on Abell Road just after 7 p.m. following reports of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers encountered the alleged victim, Thomas’s uncle, who reported that she had thrown a ceramic plate at him during an argument. The plate caused a laceration to his elbow. Deputies observed the victim’s injury, described as actively bleeding, and discovered broken ceramic shards and uncooked food on the ground, corroborating his account.

Thomas, who had been residing with the victim for the past month, was reportedly uncooperative when officers attempted to interview her. Authorities noted that she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Despite her refusal to speak with deputies, a prior booking photograph confirmed her identity. Thomas was arrested at the scene and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where she was charged with second-degree assault. Maryland law stipulates that a conviction for this offense carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Court records show that Thomas pleaded guilty to the charge on September 12, 2024. She was sentenced to nine months in jail by Judge David W. Densford, with all but 69 days of the sentence suspended. She began serving her sentence immediately following the hearing and was placed on one year of supervised probation.

Thomas’s legal troubles stretch back years. In 2017, she was charged with driving under the influence in St. Mary’s County. Five years later, on September 21, 2022, she was arrested for second-degree assault after deputies responded to a disturbance on Abell Road. Witnesses reported that Thomas had been yelling at and pushing another victim during the altercation. In 2008, she was arrested during a narcotics raid in Colton’s Point for possession of cocaine and a related smoking device, a case that linked her to a high-profile investigation involving multiple felony charges and drug distribution conspiracies.

On November 14, 2024, Thomas appeared in court for a violation of probation hearing related to her March 2024 conviction for malicious destruction of property. The violation stemmed from her September sentencing for the assault charge. The court found her in violation of probation, resulting in an additional jail sentence to be served alongside her current term. Records indicate that Thomas began serving the VOP-related sentence immediately after the hearing.

While the victim of the July 5 incident received medical attention and is reportedly recovering, the case underscores the challenges surrounding familial disputes and community safety. Authorities encourage individuals experiencing family conflict to seek mediation or counseling to avoid further escalation.

Thomas remains in custody as she serves the remainder of her combined sentences.

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