LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A Lexington Park man has been arrested on drug and firearm trafficking charges following an investigation that led to the seizure of more than $100,000 in cash, multiple bags of cocaine, and a loaded shotgun inside his residence.
On Feb. 6, 2025, detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Unit, alongside members of the Patrol Division and Criminal Intelligence Unit, executed search warrants related to an ongoing drug distribution investigation.
According to investigators, James Allen Chase, 65, was identified as the target of the investigation and was positively identified by detectives during surveillance. At approximately 10:30 a.m., law enforcement observed Chase leaving his residence and getting into a black Jeep Grand Cherokee parked nearby. Detectives followed Chase as he drove through his neighborhood before eventually leaving the area and turning onto Great Mills Road.
Detectives, who had search warrants for Chase’s body and vehicle, conducted a traffic stop a short distance away. Once Chase was detained, officers executed the search warrants.
During the search of his person and vehicle, detectives found more than 10 individual bags of cocaine, more than $600 in cash, and a cellphone believed to be used for drug transactions.
A subsequent search of Chase’s residence led to the discovery of multiple tied-off bags containing approximately three ounces of cocaine, discarded and unused packaging materials, a digital scale with cocaine residue, multiple phones, and more than $100,000 in U.S. currency.
Investigators also recovered a Harrington & Richardson 12-gauge shotgun in Chase’s bedroom. The shotgun was loaded with a live shell, and its hammer was cocked, appearing ready to fire immediately.
A presumptive field test later confirmed that the substance recovered was Schedule II cocaine. Detectives noted that the quantity and packaging of the drugs, combined with the large sum of cash and the loaded firearm, suggested Chase was in possession with intent to distribute and was using the firearm to protect his drug proceeds.
Chase was read his Miranda rights, which he waived, and allegedly admitted ownership of the cocaine, shotgun, and money. He reportedly told detectives that a large portion of the money came from drug sales over the past four to five years.
Chase was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, where he was held without bond following his initial court appearance on Feb. 7, 2025, before Judge James Tanavage.
He has been charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. He is also facing a firearm and drug trafficking charge, which carries a mandatory 20-year sentence. Court records show that he is further charged with possession of CDS proceeds from an offense, which carries up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, along with possession of CDS (not cannabis), which carries up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Chase remains in custody without bond, with his preliminary hearing scheduled for March 7, 2025, in St. Mary’s District Court.
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If he’s got $100K, then how much do the silent farmers who donate nothing to their community that they judge have? Y’all have all this money and can’t fund a transportation system. St Mary’s needs real saints. Y’all don’t value your community. If he’s the richest one, then you need to study him and match his hustle with legal, helpful community action.