GREAT MILLS, Md. — A convicted felon on federal pre-release GPS monitoring was arrested this week after St. Mary’s County narcotics detectives and federal agents raided a residence and multiple vehicles, uncovering suspected cocaine, a ghost gun, and more than $1,300 in cash.
Daiquan Malik Barnett, 28, of Great Mills, was taken into custody on Feb. 26, 2025, when the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Unit, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), executed multiple search warrants on and near Baja Lane.
According to court records, Barnett, a repeat felony offender with past drug and firearm convictions, was out on federal pre-release GPS monitoring following a prison sentence for prior charges related to firearm possession and drug distribution.
During the raid, detectives located Barnett inside the residence and confirmed his identity using a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration photo. Investigators seized more than $1,300 in cash, multiple cell phones, and both used and unused packaging materials commonly linked to drug trafficking operations.
Authorities also searched multiple vehicles tied to the investigation, where they discovered several plastic bags filled with a white powdery substance and a loaded P90 firearm inside a backpack. Further examination revealed that the firearm was a privately made “ghost gun” without a serial number, making it unregistered in Maryland. The weapon was loaded with 16 rounds inside a 24-round magazine.
Narcotics field testing using the Chernek Handheld Narcotics Analyzer confirmed that multiple bags tested positive for cocaine, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. Another bag, containing approximately 70 grams of a white powdery substance, returned inconclusive results. Detectives noted in charging documents that, based on training and experience, similar inconsistencies often indicate fentanyl, another highly potent Schedule II drug. The quantity and manner of packaging were consistent with distribution rather than personal use, according to law enforcement officials.
Court records indicate that Barnett has a history of felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses, including a conviction for possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances in Prince George’s County Circuit Court on June 2, 2017, and a felony firearm possession conviction in United States District Court on July 15, 2021. After serving time in federal prison, Barnett was released under GPS monitoring as part of the federal pre-release program. His arrest on Feb. 26 places him in direct violation of his release conditions.
Barnett appeared for a bail review hearing on Feb. 27, 2025, before Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser, who ordered him held without bond. His next scheduled court appearance is a preliminary hearing on March 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s County District Court.
This investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scope of Barnett’s alleged drug trafficking operation.
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When are they gonna arrest the drug dealers at the pond on Charter Oak Drive in Waldorf?
GREAT JOB SMCSO & ATF! Judge Karen Chirsty Holt Chesser, this is what the law-abiding citizens need. The accused has a history and was let out with monitoring by the FEDS and still a big threat to the community. Thank you for caring about our safety.
Thank Goodness that Judge Chesser didn’t give him a bond. He’s clearly a menace to society and has shown he won’t change his ways. Some people should be held until their life is over. Never hurt society again from behind bars.
Agreed.
Agreed.
Yeah, Christy Chesser gets an around of an applause. All of the judges in St Mary’s County partake in the “catch and release” over and over again. She’ll revoke the bond until the wheeling and dealing behind doors that’s protocol call in every courthouse in every jurisdiction. None of them care. It’s all political and part of the political process. Revoke the bond and in 2 or 3 weeks an hotshot attorney from Anne Arundel County who has connections will secure a bond until the looming indictment comes to withdraw that bond .. ENDLESS JUDICIAL Trickery .