St. Leonard Man Caught With Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine During Traffic Stop In Lexington Park

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A traffic stop near the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office District 4 Station led to the discovery of suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine packaged for distribution, according to court records.

Michael Gregory Pernell, 37, of Saint Leonard, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor drug charges following the April 29, 2026 incident in Lexington Park.

According to the statement of probable cause, a deputy was conducting proactive patrols in the parking lot of 21633 Great Mills Road — the location of the Sheriff’s Office District 4 Station — when a white Hyundai Elantra failed to come to a complete stop before entering Great Mills Road. The vehicle was stopped nearby, in the area of Lexington Park Elementary School.

During the stop, Pernell was asked to exit the vehicle. As the deputy returned toward the patrol car, a tied-off plastic baggie was observed on the ground in front of the vehicle where Pernell had just walked. The baggie contained approximately one gram of suspected fentanyl, according to the report.

A search of Pernell’s person allegedly uncovered another baggie of suspected fentanyl, nine individually packaged baggies of suspected crack cocaine, and a folded bill containing suspected fentanyl powder. Deputies also reported recovering cash, with several of the items falling from Pernell’s groin area during the search.

Authorities later searched the vehicle and reported finding a plastic baggie consistent with drug packaging and a digital scale with cocaine residue. Based on the quantity of suspected drugs, the packaging, and the presence of the scale, investigators said the evidence was consistent with distribution rather than personal use.

Pernell is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A bail review hearing was held April 30, 2026, before Judge Andrea R. S. Watkins in St. Mary’s District Court. Court records show he was released on recognizance, though a separate entry also indicates a hold without bond the same day.

A hearing is set for May 28, 2026 in St. Mary’s District Court.

Under Maryland law, possession with intent to distribute narcotics carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine per count, while misdemeanor possession charges can result in up to one year in jail.

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