CALIFORNIA, Md. — A St. Inigoes man was arrested on Sept. 7 after allegedly using his brother’s name to avoid a Maryland State Police warrant and after deputies reported finding suspected drug paraphernalia at a Sheetz gas station. Keith Arlington Yates, 38, of St. Inigoes, faces charges of fraudulent personal identification to avoid prosecution and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court records.
Police said the incident began around 9:53 p.m. on Sept. 7, when they responded to a suspicious person report at 22711 Three Notch Road in California. A witness reported seeing a man walking between the wood line of the Sheetz parking lot and a red SUV while carrying pocketknives and a machete. Deputies arrived to find a red 2022 Nissan Pathfinder with Maryland registration parked in front of the business with multiple occupants inside.
Court documents state that one passenger told Deputy First Class Jerew that the man in the back seat was their relative and had an outstanding warrant. The witness also advised that Yates frequently used his brother’s name when contacted by police. When Sgt. Alvey approached the suspect, police said he identified himself as his brother. However, Deputy Rodriguez recognized him from prior interactions and identified him as Keith Arlington Yates.
Authorities confirmed an active Maryland State Police warrant for Yates and verified his identity using previous booking photographs, according to court records. When confronted, police said Yates initially denied having a warrant and refused to exit the vehicle. After a brief standoff, Yates stepped out of the car and was taken into custody.
A search incident to arrest revealed multiple items of suspected drug paraphernalia, according to charging documents. Deputies reported finding a metal smoking device with burnt residue in Yates’ pants pocket, a metal scraper, another smoking device containing a copper filter and a cigarette container holding a small copper piece.
Court documents state Yates was read his Miranda rights at 10:20 p.m. and agreed to speak with investigators. Police said he admitted to smoking crack cocaine and claimed he was unaware of the warrant, adding he only knew about an upcoming court date. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center for processing.
Judge Karen Christy Holt presided over Yates’ bail review hearing on Sept. 9, where he was released on his own recognizance after initially being held without bond. He has been assigned a public defender and requested a speedy trial. Court records show a status hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16, with a trial date set for Oct. 23.
Under Maryland law, fraudulent personal identification to avoid prosecution carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $500 fine.
All proceedings will take place in St. Mary’s County District Court in Leonardtown. The State’s Attorney’s Office for St. Mary’s County is prosecuting the case.
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