On January 1, 2010 at approximately 10:40 p.m., Deputy E Croyle was conducting an after hours patrol check of Lancaster Park in Lexington Park. Lancaster Park is posted with a sign notifying the public that the park closes at dusk.
Deputy Croyle passed a Cadillac with Mississippi registration heading out of the park after hours. Deputy Croyle stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Alfred Edward Lassiter, Jr., 45 of Vicksburg, Mississippi and passenger Onita Carter Lassiter, 46 of Lexington Park.
Deputy Croyle smelled a strong odor of burnt marijuana emitting from the vehicle as she spoke with the occupants. Deputy Croyle had the female passenger exit the vehicle for a probable cause search. During the search Deputy Croyle discovered suspected marijuana in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Deputy Croyle arrested both occupants and discovered suspected marijuana paraphernalia.
The couple was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.