MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Two men face drug and theft charges after a traffic stop in Mechanicsville allegedly uncovered suspected crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and property connected to an earlier theft.
Trent Allen Fowler, 35, of Waldorf, and Louis Eugene Messineo Jr., 31, of Mechanicsville, were each charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft valued between $100 and $1,500.
According to charging documents, a St. Mary’s County sheriff’s deputy observed a gray Chevrolet Equinox with a temporary Maryland tag leaving a house known to police for suspected drug activity at approximately 10:19 p.m. Aug. 2, 2026.
The vehicle was also known to investigators from a theft reported earlier that afternoon on Loveville Road. Deputies stopped it as it pulled into the Mechanicsville 7-Eleven.
Fowler was identified as the driver, while Messineo was seated in the front passenger seat.
As Messineo was removed from the vehicle, Fowler allegedly attempted to push something between his seat and the center console. A burnt Brillo pad and part of a glass smoking device were reportedly visible in the console.
After being advised of their rights, both men allegedly spoke with investigators about the earlier theft.
Charging documents state that Messineo told deputies he had been working a side job with the victim and claimed the victim became upset over $40. Messineo allegedly admitted forcing the victim out of the vehicle while knowing the victim’s belongings remained inside.
Fowler allegedly admitted driving away with the victim’s property and identified clothing inside the vehicle as belonging to the victim.
Police said the victim’s phone was found in the glove compartment. Camouflage shorts and a sports jersey were also recovered from the vehicle.
A search of the Equinox allegedly uncovered several suspected drugs and items associated with drug use.
Deputies reported finding tied bags containing white powder suspected to be crack cocaine, glass smoking devices with burnt residue and part of a soda can containing a substance suspected to be fentanyl.
The bottom of the can was burned, which investigators described as consistent with a method used to prepare fentanyl.
Police also reported finding two push rods, torn plastic bags and an additional white rock-like substance suspected to be crack cocaine on the front passenger-side floorboard.
An uncapped syringe and needle were also reportedly found near the passenger seat. Messineo allegedly told deputies the syringe belonged to him and that he used it for methadone.
Charging documents state that most of the suspected drugs and paraphernalia were within reach of the driver and front passenger seats.
Fowler allegedly told officers that the vehicle belonged to him. Court records also state that Fowler said the drugs and paraphernalia belonged to Messineo, while investigators reported that suspected drugs and related items were found in areas accessible to both men.
Fowler and Messineo were transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
Fowler was released Aug. 3 on a $250 unsecured personal bond. Messineo was released the same day on a $2,500 unsecured personal bond.
A trial for both men is set for Sept. 10 in St. Mary’s District Court.
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