LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A St. Mary’s County jury convicted Damauriae Myzuan Jones, 26, of Lexington Park, Maryland, on July 8, 2025, for distribution of fentanyl and distribution of a counterfeit narcotic, following a deadly overdose in December 2023. The verdict, announced by State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling, marks a significant step in addressing the county’s ongoing battle against fentanyl-related deaths.
The charges arose from an incident on December 21, 2023, when law enforcement responded to a call about an unresponsive woman in St. Mary’s County. Officers arrived to find the woman deceased. A toxicology report later confirmed fentanyl in her blood, and the medical examiner determined the cause of death as fentanyl intoxication. At the scene, investigators recovered a cut straw and pills resembling oxycodone, both of which tested positive for fentanyl, according to the Maryland State Police lab.
Investigators uncovered electronic payments and communications between the victim and Jones, indicating a narcotics transaction on the night of the overdose. These findings established Jones as the source of the fentanyl that led to the victim’s death. The prosecution highlighted the deceptive nature of the drugs, which were presented as oxycodone but contained the lethal substance fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is killing people in our community, and this case is yet another heartbreaking reminder,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “These deadly pills sold on the street are not prescribed by a doctor or regulated by the FDA. They are counterfeit drugs, ‘fakes’ that may look like prescription medications, such as oxycodone, but are laced with the deadly drug fentanyl.”
Jones, who remains in custody without bond, faces up to 40 years in prison at his upcoming sentencing. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge, Chief of the Narcotics Unit, representing the citizens of St. Mary’s County. The investigation was conducted by the Vice Narcotics Unit of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, with the Honorable Donnell Turner presiding over the trial.
The conviction underscores the legal system’s response to the fentanyl crisis, which has claimed numerous lives across Maryland. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than morphine, is often mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk of overdose. Law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to curb its distribution, focusing on both street-level dealers and larger trafficking networks. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has prioritized narcotics investigations, with the Vice Narcotics Unit playing a critical role in gathering evidence and building cases against distributors.
The case also highlights the challenges of prosecuting drug-related deaths. Prosecutors relied on forensic evidence, including the toxicology report and lab analysis of the recovered items, to link Jones to the crime. Digital evidence, such as payment records and communications, further strengthened the case, demonstrating the transaction that led to the fatal overdose. The jury’s decision reflects the weight of this evidence in proving Jones’ responsibility for the victim’s death.
St. Mary’s County has seen a rise in fentanyl-related incidents in recent years, prompting local authorities to enhance public awareness and enforcement strategies. The county’s law enforcement and judicial systems continue to collaborate to hold distributors accountable, with prosecutors seeking substantial penalties to deter further crimes. The maximum sentence of 40 years in this case signals a firm stance against those contributing to the opioid epidemic.
As the community awaits Jones’ sentencing, the case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by counterfeit narcotics. The St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office remain committed to pursuing justice in similar cases, aiming to reduce the toll of fentanyl on local residents.
