Waldorf, Md. – Charles County Sheriff’s Office officers arrested two men in connection with drug trafficking activities near businesses in the 300 block of Smallwood Drive, following a months-long investigation sparked by community complaints. The probe, initiated in June 2025 by the Neighborhood Enforcement Team, led to the identification of Diontay Hattix, 39, of Waldorf, as a suspect. On August 13, 2025, authorities observed Hattix and another individual, later identified as Domanic Marks-Wiggins, 28, of Washington, D.C., in what appeared to be a drug transaction in a nearby parking lot.
Following the observed exchange, officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle driven by Marks-Wiggins. He exited the car and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm handgun and cannabis. Marks-Wiggins, prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction for a crime of violence, faced charges including possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a firearm without a serial number, and related offenses.
Five days later, on August 18, 2025, officers executed a search warrant at Hattix’s residence on Tadcaster Circle in Waldorf. The search uncovered a large quantity of cannabis products packaged for distribution, currency, drug packaging materials, a handgun with an obliterated serial number, ammunition, and high-capacity extended magazines. Hattix, also barred from firearm possession because of a previous felony conviction, was arrested at the scene and charged with possession with intent to distribute cannabis, illegal possession of a firearm, and additional drug and firearm-related offenses. The Neighborhood Enforcement Team continues to investigate the case.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to address drug-related complaints in commercial areas. The Neighborhood Enforcement Team, a specialized unit within the agency’s Special Operations Division, focuses on proactive policing in response to community concerns about narcotics and associated crimes. Formed to target high-crime hotspots, the team conducts surveillance, investigations, and enforcement actions to disrupt illegal activities like those observed in this incident. In recent years, the unit has been instrumental in multiple drug seizures, including a March 2024 traffic stop that yielded drugs intended for distribution.
Waldorf, a census-designated place in Charles County with a population exceeding 80,000, has seen fluctuations in crime rates that underscore the need for such targeted operations. According to 2025 projections, the area’s overall crime rate stands at about 25.10 incidents per 1,000 residents, with property crimes comprising a significant portion. Violent crime rates in Waldorf are estimated at 1 in 237, higher than some neighboring communities, prompting increased law enforcement presence in commercial districts like Smallwood Drive. The 300 block, home to various shops and parking lots, has been a focal point for complaints about loitering and suspected drug deals, reflecting broader challenges in suburban areas bordering urban centers like Washington, D.C.
Marks-Wiggins has a history of legal issues, including a 2018 conviction related to armed robbery in Charles County, where he received an eight-year sentence after pleading guilty to robbery and a probation violation. That case involved similar elements of violence, aligning with his current prohibition on firearm possession. Hattix’s prior felony also stems from a conviction that disqualifies him from owning guns, though specific details of his background were not disclosed in the initial release.
The investigation began after multiple reports from residents and business owners about suspicious activities near the shops, illustrating the role of community input in law enforcement strategies. Officers from the Neighborhood Enforcement Team, often working undercover or in plainclothes, gather intelligence through tips, observations, and data analysis before moving to arrests or searches. In this instance, the process included monitoring suspects over several weeks, leading to the traffic stop and subsequent warrant.
Charles County Sheriff’s Office, established in 1658 as one of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agencies, oversees a jurisdiction of about 643 square miles, including Waldorf as its largest community. With more than 650 employees, the agency divides its operations into 11 divisions, emphasizing community-oriented policing to combat drug trafficking, which contributes to secondary issues like property theft and violence. Recent data indicates that drug-related arrests in the county have risen, with cannabis remaining a common substance despite Maryland’s legalization for recreational use in 2023, as distribution without proper licensing remains illegal.
For Southern Maryland residents, these drug arrests in Waldorf serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness between local commerce and public safety. Smallwood Drive, a busy thoroughfare lined with retail outlets, draws shoppers from across Charles County and neighboring areas, making it a potential target for illicit operations. The recovery of firearms in both arrests adds a layer of concern, given Maryland’s strict gun laws that prohibit felons from possession and require serial numbers on weapons.
Authorities encourage the public to report suspicious activities through non-emergency lines, such as the Charles County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 301-932-2222, to aid ongoing investigations. As the probe continues, additional charges or arrests could follow, depending on evidence analysis.
