Three Charged After Cocaine, Paraphernalia Found During Waldorf Traffic Stop

WALDORF, Md. — Three people were charged after a speeding stop in Waldorf led to the discovery of suspected cocaine, smoking devices and drug paraphernalia, according to charging documents.

Sean Pierce Manning, 57, of Waldorf; Ryan Wayne Warden, 34, of Bel Alton; and Lillian Adela McQuay, 48, of La Plata, are charged in related Charles County District Court cases stemming from the same May 17, 2026, traffic stop.

Manning, who was identified in charging documents as the driver, is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance that was not cannabis, possession of CDS paraphernalia and multiple traffic offenses, including fleeing and eluding-related citations, driving on a suspended license, driving without a license, speeding, failure to stop and registration-related violations.

Warden and McQuay are each charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance that was not cannabis and possession of CDS paraphernalia. Warden also faces charges of fraud to avoid prosecution and making a false statement to a peace officer.

According to charging documents, an officer was conducting speed enforcement around 2:25 a.m. near Middletown Road and Sedgwick Drive when a vehicle was recorded traveling 67 mph in a posted 40 mph zone.

After emergency lights and siren were activated, the vehicle continued south on Middletown Road, turned onto Lexington Drive and traveled west for about half a mile before stopping, according to the report.

While following the vehicle, the officer reported seeing the front and rear passengers moving around inside and reaching below themselves. The movements were described in charging documents as suspicious because they occurred during the traffic stop.

After the vehicle stopped, officers conducted what was described as a felony traffic stop and removed the driver and passengers one at a time. Manning was identified through a Washington, D.C., identification card as the driver.

A search of Manning’s jacket pocket found a glass smoking device, according to charging documents. The report states the device contained suspected CDS residue and metal scouring pad material, which the officer described as commonly used as a makeshift filter for smoking illegal substances.

Additional paraphernalia was located in the center console, including burnt metal scouring pad material, according to the report.

A further search of the vehicle revealed a small brown purse-like container in the trunk with a needle and several small glassine baggies, including one that contained suspected CDS residue.

Charging documents state officers also found two black plastic containers with clear lids in the rear passenger area. One container, located on the rear passenger seat behind the driver, contained several small off-white rocks that appeared to be cocaine. Another container was found on the seat where Warden had been sitting and contained a white powdery substance that also appeared to be cocaine.

Inside a black leather purse on the front passenger-side floorboard, officers found bank cards bearing McQuay’s name, along with two glass smoking devices containing metal scouring pad material and suspected CDS residue, according to charging documents.

A Thermo Scientific TruNarc analyzer was used to test a sample of the suspected off-white rocks, and the result was positive for cocaine base, according to the report.

Charging documents state Manning was advised of his rights and agreed to answer questions. He acknowledged owning the vehicle and stated it was registered to him. He also admitted possessing the glass smoking device found in his jacket pocket and admitted using it to smoke cocaine, according to the report.

After Manning was transported to the Charles County Detention Center, his cruiser and search area were checked under agency policy. During that secondary search, officers reported finding another glass smoking device on the floorboard, which charging documents allege Manning had attempted to conceal.

Court records show Manning was released after posting a $2,000 unsecured personal bond. Warden was released after posting a $3,000 unsecured personal bond. McQuay was initially held without bond before being released on recognizance after a bail/bond review before Judge John P. McKenna.

A trial is set for July 7, 2026, in Charles District Court.

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