On January 30, 2011 Benjamin Michael Johnston, 30 of California, Md.,arrived at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center to obtain information about a friend who had recently been arrested. The lobby of the detention center had other individuals waiting to conduct business with the District Court Commissioner.
Johnston approached the Commissioner yelling. Johnston’s behavior was disruptive and threatening so the Commissioner asked him to leave the detention center. Johnston refused. Cpl. Walker was at the detention center and stepped into the lobby to speak with Johnston. Johnston continued his disruptive behavior and Cpl. Walker asked him to leave.
Johnston walked to the parking lot but then immediately returned to the lobby claiming the detention center was public property and he had the right to stay. Johnston was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing.
