Thomas Patrick Raley, 40, of Leonardtown, was convicted on June 2, 2025, in Calvert County District Court of possession of fentanyl and theft under $100. Raley, a former paramedic, received a one-year sentence, suspended to 90 days, followed by three years of supervised probation. The conviction relates to an incident on July 13, 2024, when Raley tampered with fentanyl vials while employed at the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department.
On that date, Raley, working as a paid paramedic, removed fentanyl from three vials intended for patient care and used the drugs for personal purposes. The theft and misuse of the controlled substance led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. Raley is no longer employed as a paramedic in Calvert County. He also faces similar charges in St. Mary’s County, where he is currently incarcerated.
Investigations into Raley’s actions began after authorities identified discrepancies in the handling of controlled substances at the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department. According to a public health report, deputies arrested Raley following evidence of drug tampering across multiple EMS stations. The report detailed how Raley’s actions compromised patient safety by diverting critical medications. Further scrutiny revealed similar issues in St. Mary’s County, where Raley held a position as an EMS chief.
A separate investigation update linked Raley to fentanyl tampering in St. Mary’s County EMS operations. Authorities confirmed that Raley’s misuse of his role extended beyond Calvert County, prompting additional charges. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, with Raley’s current incarceration tied to these pending cases.
Raley’s conviction highlights ongoing concerns about the security of controlled substances in emergency medical services. The Calvert County court’s decision to impose a suspended sentence with probation reflects efforts to balance punishment with rehabilitation. However, Raley’s additional charges in St. Mary’s County suggest further legal consequences may follow.
The Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department has since implemented stricter protocols for handling medications, including enhanced inventory tracking and staff training. Local officials emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in EMS operations. The case has also spurred broader discussions about oversight in Maryland’s volunteer fire departments, particularly regarding the management of high-risk drugs like fentanyl.
Calvert County prosecutors presented evidence of Raley’s direct involvement in the theft, relying on records of the tampered vials and witness statements from colleagues. The court noted that Raley’s actions endangered patients who depended on timely access to pain management medications. The theft charge stemmed from the unauthorized removal of fentanyl, valued at under $100, from the department’s medical supplies.
Raley’s legal troubles in St. Mary’s County involve allegations of similar misconduct, though details of those charges remain under investigation. His prior role as an EMS chief in St. Mary’s County amplified concerns about his access to controlled substances across multiple jurisdictions. Authorities have not yet released a trial date for the St. Mary’s County case.
The case underscores the challenges of addressing opioid misuse within the medical field. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is tightly regulated due to its high potential for abuse. Raley’s conviction serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous safeguards to prevent diversion of such drugs. Local EMS agencies are now reviewing their policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
