LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Two 18-year-old men were arrested late Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a commercial burglary in progress at the 21000 block of Abell’s Wharf Road in Leonardtown. The incident, reported at approximately 10:30 p.m., led to the apprehension of Julian Alexander Moore and Matthew Eric Morris, both local residents, who now face charges of second-degree burglary and malicious destruction of property.
Deputies arrived at the scene and found Moore and Morris on the property. An investigation revealed that the suspects had unlawfully entered the commercial facility and caused damage to the premises. Surveillance footage corroborated the unauthorized entry and documented the property damage, providing key evidence in the case. Both individuals were arrested at the scene without incident and transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown for processing.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has charged Moore and Morris each with one count of second-degree burglary and one count of malicious destruction of property. These charges stem from their alleged actions during the burglary, which compromised the security and integrity of the commercial property. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover additional details about the incident, including any potential motives or prior planning by the suspects.
Authorities are seeking information from the public to assist with the investigation. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact Corporal Glen Knott #234 at 301-475-4200, ext. 2279, or via email at Glen.Knott@stmaryscountymd.gov. Alternatively, tipsters can reach Crime Solvers 24/7 by calling 301-475-3333 or texting 274637, typing “Tip239” in the message block, and selecting SEND to continue the conversation. “Note: Tip239 is case-sensitive and must be typed in the message block as shown. With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Moore and Morris, both 18, are currently awaiting further legal proceedings. The charges they face carry potential penalties under Maryland law, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and any prior criminal history. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize public safety and encourages community members to report suspicious activity promptly.
This burglary marks a notable incident in Leonardtown, where such crimes are relatively uncommon. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining security in the region, working closely with residents and businesses to prevent future occurrences. As the investigation progresses, authorities hope additional information from the public will clarify the circumstances surrounding the event and ensure justice is served.
