Two Arrested After Months-Long Drug Investigation In Charles County

INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Two people were arrested after a months-long narcotics investigation in Charles County led deputies to cocaine seizures during a traffic stop and searches at two homes.

Detectives with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office reported that the arrests followed a prolonged investigation targeting Persel Stephane Hughes in connection with suspected cocaine distribution in the Indian Head and Bryans Road areas. On Oct. 29, investigators obtained a search and seizure warrant linked to the case. The next day, Oct. 30, officers began surveillance of Hughes, which led to the stop of a Subaru on Route 210 near Chapmans Landing Road.

Cpl. David Garrison, the arresting officer, wrote that investigators observed a folded bundle of paper towels on the passenger-side floorboard beneath Hughes, who was seated in the front passenger seat. A K-9 unit alerted to narcotics, and detectives recovered suspected crack cocaine packaged in the paper towels. The substance from the vehicle weighed approximately 6.8 grams and field-tested positive for cocaine base, according to the report.

Investigators documented that Hughes had been staying at a residence on Delta Place in Indian Head, where deputies later executed the previously obtained search warrant. Inside, officers reported finding an additional 24.5 grams of cocaine base, along with Suboxone strips, digital scales, gloves, and packaging material commonly associated with distribution. A second search occurred at a home in Bryans Road as part of the same operation.

In total, about 31 grams of cocaine base were seized, with an estimated street value near $5,000, records show.

During the investigation, Shannon Marie Musgrove, the driver, allegedly told officers she had “a 10” in her purse — a slang term police described as referring to a small amount of crack cocaine. A subsequent search of her purse yielded approximately 0.5 gram of crack cocaine, consistent with that statement, according to charging papers.

When informed by officers that he had been under surveillance for several months, Hughes reportedly replied, “What took you so long?” investigators wrote.

Musgrove, 34, of Cobb Island, was charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute and released on a $200 unsecured personal bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. in Charles County District Court in La Plata.

Hughes, 60, of Washington, D.C., was charged with possession, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of drug-production equipment. He was released on recognizance the following day and is set for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 26 at 9 a.m. in Charles County District Court.

According to court filings, both arrests stem from the same investigation conducted by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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