LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – A welfare check at a Shell gas station on December 22, 2024, led to the arrest of four individuals and the discovery of illegal drugs, weapons, and signs of impaired driving. Maryland State Police Troopers Oyler and Abdel Wahab responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle at Maryland Route 235 and Pegg Road. What began as a routine check quickly escalated into a multi-faceted investigation.
Upon arrival, troopers observed a dark blue Chevrolet Equinox idling near the air pump. The rear passengers’ abrupt movements and the driver’s erratic behavior immediately drew the officers’ attention. The driver, identified as Melissa Dudley, stumbled as she exited the vehicle, and officers noted signs of impairment, including slurred speech, glassy eyes, and the odor of alcohol. Dudley’s inconsistent movements between the front and passenger seats while retrieving her driver’s license further raised suspicion.
A search of the vehicle uncovered CDS smoking devices, copper wool commonly used as a filter for drug paraphernalia, and three white hard rocks suspected to be crack cocaine. While officers were conducting the search, passenger Michael Lawrence Nelson fled the scene on foot but was apprehended in a nearby parking lot. Two other passengers, Thomas Edward Dalton Jr. and Kristen Lauren Stoneman, were detained without incident. Stoneman initially provided a false identity but was later identified as Tabitha Maria Wilson, who had an active warrant in Calvert County for CDS distribution.
Additional contraband was recovered during Nelson’s arrest, including suspected powder cocaine, suspected crack cocaine, and brass knuckles concealed on his person. Wilson’s attempt to provide a false identity compounded her charges, given her fugitive status. Dalton, meanwhile, was observed consuming alcohol inside the vehicle.
All four individuals were transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. Court records show Melissa Dudley was charged with driving under the influence, reckless and negligent driving, CDS possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released on a $1,500 unsecured personal bond and is scheduled for trial on February 10, 2025, in St. Mary’s District Court before Judge Tanavage. Thomas Dalton, charged with CDS possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, was released on his own recognizance. His trial is set for February 6, 2025, before Judge Raley. Tabitha Maria Wilson, charged with CDS possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and providing false information to a peace officer, remains held without bond. She is scheduled for trial on February 10, 2025, also before Judge Tanavage. Wilson also faces additional legal proceedings in Washington County for prior CDS-related offenses.
Under Maryland law, possession of CDS carries potential penalties of up to four years in prison and fines of up to $25,000, depending on the substance and quantity. Weapons violations, false statements to law enforcement, and DUI charges add significant legal weight for those involved.
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