2023 photo
LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A Lexington Park woman has been charged with drug possession after deputies reported finding suspected cocaine and paraphernalia during a warrant arrest, according to court records. Nicole Rae Sheckels, 45, of Lexington Park, was arrested Sept. 2 and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy Travis Wimberly located Sheckels on Sheriff Miedzinski Way in Lexington Park while executing an outstanding warrant, charging documents state. Wimberly wrote that he recognized Sheckels from prior investigations and confirmed she had an active warrant.
During a search of Sheckels’ purse after the arrest, deputies found a blue plastic baggie containing a white powder suspected to be cocaine hidden in a cigarette pack, according to the probable cause statement. Investigators also reported finding a glass smoking device with burnt residue suspected to be cocaine residue. Cocaine is classified under Maryland law as a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance.
Under Maryland law, drug possession carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Paraphernalia possession carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $500 fine. Both charges are classified as misdemeanors.
Court records state that Sheckels was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, where she was served with the warrant and processed on the charges. She was released the same day on a $1,000 unsecured personal bond. Records show she initially waived her right to an attorney but later qualified for public defender representation.
In addition to the drug charges, court filings show Sheckels has a separate jury trial scheduled for November 2025 in a traffic case involving charges of driving without a license and failure to display her license to police on demand. That case, stemming from an April 15, 2025, incident, has been transferred to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court at her request for a jury trial.
Judge Joseph Michael Stanalonis is presiding over the circuit court traffic case, which is scheduled for trial Nov. 17-20, 2025. The drug possession case remains in district court with a trial scheduling hearing set for Oct. 23, 2025.
Public Defender Richard Raymond Gross Sr. represents Sheckels in the circuit court traffic case, while the St. Mary’s County Public Defender’s Office represents her in the district court drug case. State’s Attorney Alena Kirsten Mosier is prosecuting the traffic case, and the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office is handling the drug charges, court records show.
All proceedings are scheduled to take place in St. Mary’s County courts in Leonardtown.
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45? Damn!!!!!