The Crime Stories Southern Maryland Couldn’t Look Away From In 2025

CALIFORNIA, Md. — As 2025 comes to a close, crime and courts coverage remained a central focus for Southern Maryland readers. From violent crimes and high-speed pursuits to fraud schemes and unusual arrests, these stories highlighted the range of criminal incidents and legal proceedings reported across Southern Maryland in 2025.

Before we turn the page to 2026, The BayNet is looking back at the crime and courts stories that resonated most with readers this year. Based on total readership, the following articles stood out as the most-read crime-related stories of 2025.

Below, we count down the top crime & courts stories of the year:

10. Manhunt Underway: U.S. Marshals Seek Armed Fugitive Antwone Grooms Wanted In Charles County

Published: April 9, 2025
By: Charles County Sheriff’s Office
Link: https://thebaynet.com/manhunt-underway-u-s-marshals-seek-armed-fugitive-antwone-grooms-wanted-in-charles-county/

Summary: Authorities launched a manhunt in Charles County for an armed fugitive wanted on multiple arrest warrants. Officials warned the public that the suspect was considered dangerous and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

9. DUI Arrest Takes A Turn With Tumbles And Tirades, Officers Spat Upon

Published: March 4, 2025
By: BayNet Crime Desk
Link: https://thebaynet.com/dui-arrest-takes-a-turn-with-tumbles-and-tirades-officers-spat-upon/

Summary: A woman was arrested in Solomons on multiple charges after a suspected DUI crash and an allegedly combative encounter with deputies, including attempts to resist arrest and escape her handcuffs. Authorities said the incident escalated during transport to jail when she reportedly struggled with officers and spat on a deputy.

8. Maryland Bank Teller Pleads Guilty To Stealing More Than $250,000 From Clients

Published: April 4, 2025
By: U.S. Attorney Office, District of Maryland
Link: https://thebaynet.com/maryland-bank-teller-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-more-than-250000-from-clients/

Summary: A former Maryland bank teller pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft after stealing more than $250,000 from multiple customers through a scheme involving unauthorized cash withdrawals. Federal prosecutors said the fraud targeted several victims, including elderly account holders, and was carried out with the help of co-conspirators over several months.

7. Bloody Brawl in Front of Kids: Woman Tosses Clothes, Yells at 9-Year-Old Daughter, Both Adults Hospitalized

Published: Sept. 20, 2025
By: BayNet Crime Desk
Link: https://thebaynet.com/waldorf-domestic-violence-incident-facial-injuries/

Summary: A domestic violence incident in Waldorf resulted in two adults being injured and hospitalized after a chaotic altercation inside a home where children were present. Authorities responded to reports of an assault and found blood throughout the residence.

6. Fatal Shooting And Crash In Lexington Park Under Investigation; One In Custody

Published: Jan. 3, 2025
By: JB, Senior News Producer
Link: https://thebaynet.com/breaking-fatal-shooting-and-crash-shuts-down-liberty-street-near-pegg-road/

Summary: Police responded to reports of a shooting and a single-vehicle crash in Lexington Park, where one occupant was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. One person was taken into custody in connection with the incident, and authorities reported there was no ongoing threat to the public as the investigation continued.

5. Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Releases Weekly Wanted List

Published: Aug. 8, 2025
By: JB, Senior News Producer
Link: https://thebaynet.com/calvert-county-sheriffs-office-releases-weekly-wanted-list/

Summary: The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office released its wanted list, asking the public to assist in locating individuals sought on a range of charges. The warrants included offenses such as driving on a suspended license, child support violations, probation violations tied to theft, and a controlled dangerous substance distribution charge.

4. High-Speed Chase Hits 125 MPH In Calvert County; Woman Arrested With Suspected Cocaine

Published: March 31, 2025
By: Calvert County Sheriff’s Office
Link: https://thebaynet.com/high-speed-chase-hits-125-mph-in-calvert-county-woman-arrested-with-suspected-cocaine/

Summary: A driver was taken into custody following a high-speed pursuit in Calvert County that reached speeds of up to 125 mph and involved dangerous driving through busy areas. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia, leading to multiple criminal and traffic-related charges.

3. A Finale She Didn’t Expect: Woman’s Public ‘Performance’ At Planet Fitness Cut Short By Cops

Published: Aug. 7, 2025
By: BayNet Crime Desk
Link: https://thebaynet.com/a-finale-she-didnt-expect-womans-public-performance-at-planet-fitness-cut-short-by-cops/

Summary: A 47-year-old woman was charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct after allegedly masturbating on a hydro-massage bed at a Planet Fitness in Prince Frederick on July 24, 2025. She claimed she was “singing” when confronted, but deputies were called after employees reported the disturbance, and she was subsequently trespassed from the gym.

2. Sales Floor Scheme: Two Women Charged In Felony Theft At Waldorf Mall

Published: Dec. 19, 2025
By: The BayNet Staff
Link: https://thebaynet.com/sales-floor-scheme-two-women-charged-in-felony-theft-at-waldorf-mall/

Summary: Two women from Temple Hills were charged with felony theft after allegedly stealing over $1,500 worth of merchandise from Macy’s at St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf on December 12, 2025. The suspects, who reportedly used a baby stroller to conceal clothing and perfume, were caught by loss prevention.

1. Two Men Charged In $250K Gaming Fraud Scheme At Chesapeake Beach Restaurant

Published: Nov. 15, 2025
By: The BayNet Staff
Link: https://thebaynet.com/two-men-charged-in-250k-gaming-fraud-scheme-at-chesapeake-beach-restaurant/

Summary: Two Arizona men are charged with stealing more than $250,000 from a Chesapeake Beach restaurant by allegedly manipulating electronic pull-tab gaming machines using altered tickets. The scheme was uncovered after unusual payouts were reported, and both suspects now face multiple theft and computer fraud charges in Calvert County.

As we say goodbye to 2025, The BayNet thanks our readers for trusting us to deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive crime and courts coverage. We remain committed to keeping Southern Maryland informed as we head into the new year.

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