Mechanicsville Woman Found Squatting In Vacant Home Without Running Water Now Facing Burglary And Drug Charges

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A Mechanicsville woman is facing a series of multiple unrelated charges — ranging from theft and burglary to drug possession and unauthorized entry. Authorities say the investigation took an unexpected turn after they allegedly found she had been staying inside a vacant residence with no running water.

On Nov. 30, 2025, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) responded to the Sheetz on Three Notch Road for assistance with an active warrant for Whitney Ann Arnold, 39, of Mechanicsville. When Arnold exited the vehicle she was seated in, deputies allegedly observed a glass smoking device in the rear passenger-side door handle, according to charging documents. Arnold was taken into custody.

According to police records, a search of her person allegedly revealed a folded $1 bill containing a dark substance, as well as copper Brillo in her pocket. A further search of the vehicle uncovered a pill bottle filled with clonazepam, alprazolam and hydrochloride, despite a label that did not match the substances inside, police said. After being advised of her Miranda rights, Arnold allegedly agreed to answer questions and told deputies the dark substance was crack cocaine, according to charging documents. Arnold is charged with three counts of CDS: possession not cannabis and one count of possession of paraphernalia. The officer scheduling trial is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026, in St. Mary’s District Court.

Earlier in the year, on Aug. 7, 2025, SMCSO deputies attempted to serve a bench warrant for Arnold in California, Maryland, related to her failure to appear in a prior theft case from December 2024. Deputies knocked numerous times, but Arnold reportedly refused to exit the residence. They contacted the property owner, who stated the home was a rental property that had been vacant for approximately four months and that no one had permission to be inside.

After approximately 40 minutes, Arnold exited the residence. The property owner allegedly confirmed she did not have written or verbal authorization to be there. A search of the home revealed that Arnold and two other individuals were allegedly staying inside on an air mattress, with no furniture, no household items and no running water, investigators said. Arnold is charged with fourth-degree burglary (dwelling).

Arnold also has an open December 2024 theft case involving charges of theft scheme $100 to less than $1,500, theft $100 to under $1,500 and theft under $100, according to court records.

If convicted on all pending charges, Arnold faces maximum potential penalties under Maryland law, including up to three years’ incarceration for fourth-degree burglary, up to four years for each CDS possession offense, up to one year for possession of paraphernalia, and additional jail time and fines associated with misdemeanor theft charges.

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