Dameron Man Charged After Suspected Cocaine Found In Shoe During Lexington Park Traffic Stop

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A Dameron man was charged after a St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputy reported finding suspected cocaine during a traffic stop in Lexington Park, according to court documents.

Benjamin James Gill, 41, of Dameron, is charged with possession of CDS, not cannabis.

The charge stems from a traffic stop that occurred around 3:50 a.m. May 21, 2026, in the area of Pegg Road and Three Notch Road in Lexington Park.

A St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputy reported observing a 2001 Hyundai Sonata traveling on Pegg Road. As the vehicle approached the intersection at Three Notch Road, the deputy observed a red traffic signal and saw the vehicle come to a stop before making a right turn onto Three Notch Road.

Court documents state the vehicle stopped beyond the painted stop pavement marking, with its right-side tires over the painted marking. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle pulled into a nearby business parking lot on Three Notch Road in Lexington Park.

While speaking with the driver, the deputy observed a rounded piece of copper Brillo with burnt residue on the front passenger floorboard, according to the statement of probable cause. The deputy identified the item as CDS paraphernalia commonly used as filter material in a glass smoking device to inhale or ingest crack cocaine.

The front-seat passenger was identified as Gill. All occupants were ordered out of the vehicle for a probable cause search.

During the search, the deputy reported Gill had a clear tied-off baggie containing a folded index card with a white powder substance inside his rubber shoe. The deputy identified the substance as suspected cocaine, according to charging documents.

The report also states the burnt copper Brillo was found directly beneath where Gill had been seated. Investigators determined Gill possessed the suspected cocaine found in his shoe.

Court records show Gill was released on his own recognizance on May 21.

A trial/officer scheduling hearing is set for July 30, 2026, in St. Mary’s District Court.

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