Two people have been arrested following a months-long narcotics investigation in Charles County, which resulted in cocaine seizures during a traffic stop and searches of two homes.
According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, the arrests came after a lengthy investigation into Persel Stephane Hughes’ suspected cocaine distribution in the Indian Head and Bryans Road areas. On October 29, investigators secured a search and seizure warrant related to the case. The following day, October 30, officers continued surveillance of Hughes, which resulted in the stop of a Subaru on Route 210 at Chapmans Landing Road.
The arresting officer, Cpl. David Garrison, stated that investigators discovered a folded package of paper towels on the passenger-side floorboard beneath Hughes, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. A K-9 unit detected narcotics, and police found suspected crack cocaine packed in paper towels. According to the report, the substance found in the vehicle weighed about 6.8 grams and tested positive for cocaine base.
Investigators discovered that Hughes was staying at a home on Delta Place in Indian Head, where deputies later executed the previously obtained search warrant. Inside, officers discovered an additional 24.5 grams of cocaine base, as well as Suboxone strips, digital scales, gloves, and packaging material often used in distribution. As part of the same investigation, a second search was conducted at a home on Bryans Road.
According to statistics, around 31 grams of cocaine base were recovered, with an estimated street value of around $5,000.
During the inquiry, Shannon Marie Musgrove, the driver, allegedly informed authorities she had “a 10” in her purse, a slang word police defined as a small amount of crack cocaine. According to criminal documents, a later search of her purse found roughly 0.5 grams of crack cocaine, which supports that statement.
When detectives informed Hughes that he had been under observation for several months, he reportedly asked, “What took you so long?” Investigators wrote.
Musgrove, 34, of Cobb Island, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute. He was released on a $200 unsecured personal bond. A preliminary hearing is set for November 14 at 9 a.m. in Charles County District Court in La Plata.
Hughes, 60, of Washington, D.C., faces charges of possession, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of drug-production equipment. He was released on recognizance the next day and has a preliminary hearing scheduled on Nov. 26 at 9 a.m. in Charles County District Court.
According to court papers, both charges result from the same investigation by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.
All accused are deemed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Leave a Reply