CALIFORNIA, MD — In a significant ruling on drug-related charges, 42-year-old Laray Anthony Maddox of California, Maryland, received a 30-year prison sentence, with 11 years and 6 months of active incarceration, for his involvement in cocaine distribution. The sentencing followed his conviction on multiple charges stemming from two separate incidents in 2022 and 2023.
The St. Mary’s County Court ordered that the sentences for each incident run consecutively, indicating the severity of the offenses. Maddox was found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics and Controlled Dangerous Substance Possession Large Amount, among other charges.
The initial incident occurred on November 2, 2022, when St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated a report of an abandoned suspicious bag in a wooded area. The bag contained a box with approximately 158 grams of cocaine, later identified as Maddox’s property. Subsequently, on July 14, 2023, after observing Maddox in the same location, authorities conducted a search that yielded two kilograms of cocaine. Further searches at Maddox’s residence uncovered a substantial amount of cash and evidence indicative of narcotics distribution.
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling highlighted the importance of the case, stating, “Removing drug dealers from the streets of St. Mary’s County is paramount to our community’s safety and well-being.” Sterling underscored the danger posed by leaving such quantities of narcotics unsecured, particularly the risk to children and families.
The investigation, led by Lieutenant Brian Fennessey of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, was pivotal in bringing Maddox to justice. Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge, Chief of Narcotics, represented the state in prosecuting the case, emphasizing the collaborative effort in addressing drug distribution in the community.
Presiding Judge Michael J. Stamm delivered the sentence, marking a significant step in the local authorities’ ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes in Maryland.
