Centerline To Cell: Traffic Stop Leads To Meth Possession Arrest In Charles County

BRYANS ROAD, Md. — A Bryans Road man was arrested and charged with drug possession and multiple traffic violations after a traffic stop in Charles County led deputies to recover suspected methamphetamine, according to court records.

David Andrew Bernstein, 45, was taken into custody on Dec. 29, 2025, following a traffic stop near the intersection of Marshall Hall Road and Fenwick Road. Deputies with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office said the stop was initiated after observing the vehicle cross the center line and fail to obey traffic control devices.

According to charging documents, deputies identified Bernstein as the driver and determined he had active outstanding warrants. He was placed under arrest, and a search of the vehicle was conducted.

Police said deputies located multiple plastic baggies containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia. A field test of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. Authorities estimated the recovered drugs weighed approximately 2.5 grams and had an estimated street value of about $500.

Bernstein was advised of his rights and transported to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where he was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis, a misdemeanor under Maryland law. Additional traffic-related charges were also filed, including driving without the required license and authorization, knowingly driving an uninsured vehicle, failure to display a registration card, failure to obey traffic control devices, and failure to drive right of center.

Court records show Bernstein was initially held without bond following his arrest. A bail review hearing was held Dec. 30, 2025, in Charles District Court. Trial proceedings were initially scheduled for Jan. 29, 2026, and later reset for Feb. 17, 2026.

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