LEONARDTOWN, Md. – A grand jury indicted Dayvon Maurice West, a Correctional Officer assigned to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center (SMCDRC), on theft and misconduct charges. On June 23, 2026, West was formally charged via criminal summons with theft of $1,500 to under $25,000, a felony, and misconduct in office.
In March, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID), in conjunction with the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, initiated an investigation after an incarcerated individual reported to SMCDRC personnel that cash was missing from their personal belongings when the property was returned following their incarceration.
During the investigation, evidence was obtained establishing probable cause that West took the money and concealed it on his person while processing the incarcerated individual’s personal belongings.
In accordance with St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office policy, the Office of Professional Responsibilities (OPR) initiated a concurrent administrative investigation. West was suspended with pay and removed from the workplace pending the outcome of the criminal and administrative investigations. Upon being served with a felony criminal charge, West stopped receiving pay in accordance with Maryland law.
Sheriff Steve Hall said, “Theft by any employee of this agency is a serious betrayal of public trust and will not be tolerated. Our badge does not shield anyone from accountability. When the evidence establishes probable cause that an employee has committed a crime, we will act decisively, support the criminal justice process, and hold that individual accountable under the law. While the actions of one dishearten, they do not diminish the honor with which the badge is worn by the hardworking men and women of our agency who work each day to honestly and faithfully serve our community.”
A copy of the press release from the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor can be found here.