WALDORF, Md. — Charles County Sheriff’s Office officers recovered a stolen firearm and a second handgun during a search warrant execution February 6, 2026, in the 3400 block of Tulip Tree Court, leading to charges against a 19-year-old adult and a 16-year-old juvenile in connection with a theft first reported in July 2025.
Investigators identified two suspects during the months-long probe into the stolen firearm. As officers conducted the warrant, they located the original stolen gun along with an additional handgun at the residence. Tareil Benjamin Moffitt, 19, of Waldorf, was arrested on the scene and charged with possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and other related offenses.
On February 9, 2026, a court commissioner ordered Moffitt released from the Charles County Detention Center on electronic monitoring, provided he satisfies eligibility conditions such as compliance with home detention rules and any other court-imposed restrictions.
The 16-year-old male, identified as a suspect in the initial theft, faced juvenile offense charges including the original theft of the firearm, illegal possession of a firearm, and additional related counts. In line with Maryland juvenile law, he was released to a parent following processing rather than detained.
This recovery stems from proactive investigative work by Charles County law enforcement to trace and retrieve firearms reported stolen in the community. Waldorf, a key population center in Southern Maryland’s Charles County, has seen ongoing efforts to address illegal firearm possession amid regional concerns over gun-related incidents and youth involvement in such cases. The dual recovery during the warrant service underscores the potential for multiple weapons linked to a single investigation.
Authorities have not released further details on the specific type of firearms recovered, their origins beyond the theft report, or any ballistic connections to other crimes. The case highlights the collaborative process between patrol, detectives, and the courts in handling firearm violations, including prohibited possessor charges that carry significant penalties under Maryland law. Moffitt’s release on monitoring reflects standard pretrial procedures for eligible defendants, balancing public safety with due process considerations.
The juvenile’s release to a parent aligns with state statutes prioritizing family placement and rehabilitation over detention for most non-violent youthful offenders. No additional arrests or related warrants were mentioned in the announcement. This incident adds to Charles County’s record of firearm recoveries through targeted warrants, contributing to broader public safety initiatives in the Waldorf area.