PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office faced a busy day as deputies apprehended multiple individuals connected to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) activity in separate incidents across Prince Frederick. These arrests highlight the ongoing issue of drug-related crimes in the community, with charges ranging from possession and distribution of CDS to trespassing and inhalant misuse.
Cook and Patterson at the SureStay
Shortly after midnight, deputies patrolling the SureStay by Best Western—a known hotspot for CDS activity—observed suspicious behavior from two individuals in a black Ford Explorer. Kelcie Elizabeth Cook, 30, exited the vehicle and attempted to walk toward nearby woods, while Bryan Scott Patterson, 52, fled the scene in the vehicle.
Cook was detained and found with paraphernalia, including crack pipes and push rods, alongside 1.1 grams of suspected crack cocaine. Patterson, stopped after a brief vehicle chase, had 6.7 grams of suspected crack cocaine in his possession, along with $115 in cash and additional paraphernalia indicative of drug sales. The scale of Patterson’s alleged possession suggests intent to distribute, a felony under Maryland law that could result in up to 20 years of imprisonment and a $15,000 fine if convicted. Cook faces misdemeanor charges for CDS possession and paraphernalia, which carry penalties of up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines.
Both suspects were charged and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Patterson posted a $2,000 bond, while Cook was released on her own recognizance.
Safeway Dust-Up with Cook and Vredenburg
Later that day, deputies responded to the Safeway on W. Dares Beach Road following reports of suspicious activity. Cook and Harry Albert Vredenburg, 57, were observed inhaling from cans of dust cleaner. Vredenburg fled upon the deputies’ arrival, discarding an empty can, but was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Cook, who had been trespassed from the location earlier in the year, was arrested for trespassing and CDS-related offenses. Deputies seized four dust cleaner cans from the scene.
Vredenburg, who has a history of parole violations and drug-related offenses, faces charges for inhalant misuse, disorderly conduct, and failure to obey lawful orders. Each charge carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail and additional fines. Cook’s trespassing charge adds a possible 90-day jail term and a $500 fine to her mounting legal troubles.
A Pattern of Offenses
The December 11 arrests add to Vredenburg’s extensive criminal record. In August 2024, he was arrested in Dunkirk on a parole violation and found in possession of suboxone, a Schedule III controlled substance, without a prescription. His failure to appear in court for that case has resulted in multiple active warrants and added legal complications.
Legal Proceedings and Court Dates
Cook and Patterson have separate court dates scheduled for early 2025 in Calvert District Court. Cook faces trial on February 10 for trespassing and inhalant misuse, while Patterson has a preliminary hearing on January 10 for possession and intent to distribute CDS. Vredenburg’s trial for the December 11 incident is set for February 10, alongside other pending charges from earlier cases.
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I watched H.R. Pufnstuf as a kid but not interested in the new Huff n Puff.