LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 2, 2024) – Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a concealed weapon inside the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center on Monday, September 30. The discovery prompted immediate action from law enforcement at the facility.
During the investigation, deputies recovered a makeshift weapon—a wooden knife—hidden within a cell. The individual occupying the cell, 46-year-old Demetrius Rashud Puifory, was promptly arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Puifory now faces charges of possession of a weapon while in confinement, as well as possession of contraband in a place of confinement.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that maintaining safety and security within the detention facility is a top priority. In a statement following the incident, the Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to protecting both the incarcerated individuals and staff at the center. Additional details regarding how the weapon was discovered or whether it posed an immediate threat were not disclosed.
This incident raises ongoing concerns about the challenges of keeping contraband out of correctional facilities, especially as inmates continue to find inventive ways to fashion weapons from everyday materials. Authorities have not yet confirmed if any procedural changes will be made in response to the discovery, but the Sheriff’s Office stressed that they are continuously working to uphold safety protocols.
As the investigation continues, Puifory awaits further legal proceedings related to the charges against him.
