Jason Anthony Hoover
Mechanicsville, MD—On April 13, Maryland State Police Cpl. Dawson responded to Lettie Dent Elementary School located at New Market Turner Road in Mechanicsville for the report of a suspicious subject who is possibly selling prescription controlled dangerous substances (CDS).
The suspect was described as a male wearing dark colored clothing and a gray baseball cap. The complainant stated the subject was heard having a conversation about the sale of CDS.
When Dawson arrived on the scene, he observed the elementary school was hosting various youth sports practices. Dawson was able to make contact with a bystander who advised Dawson that her husband who is an off-duty police officer was with the subject.
Dawson made contact with Lt. B. Voorhaar of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office who was on the scene and made aware of the possible crime. Voorhaar was standing with a man identified as Joel S. Mitchell, 30, Charlotte Hall. Dawson immediately observed Mitchell’s eyes were red and bloodshot with ‘pinpoint’ pupils.
According to charging documents, “Mitchell’s speech was slow and slurred, to which Mitchell even agreed that his speech was slurred.” Voorhaar informed Dawson he was walking down the path towards the front of the school when he was informed Mitchell was in the woods using CDS. Voorhaar informed Dawson before going into the woods Mitchell was observed counting out pills.
Mitchell was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled dangerous substance. During a secondary search at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, Mitchell was found in possession of an additional two suspected oxycodone pills. According to charging documents, “While interviewing Mitchell, Dawson was informed Mitchell was seen with a second suspect before Mitchell going into the wooded area beside the school.”
Dawson was informed the second suspect was observed with a large prescription pill bottle and appeared to be counting pills. According to charging documents, “the complainant also discovered the second suspect appeared to be holding playing cards.”
Dawson was informed that the second suspect returned to the scene. The second suspect was identified as Jason Anthony Hoover, 28, Charlotte Hall. Hoover was attempting to get a ride from an unrelated bystander and told Dawson he needed to retrieve his Under Armor bag.
According to charging documents, “while speaking with Hoover, Dawson saw a knife clipped on the inside of his right pants pocket. Dawson patted down Hoover’s right front pants pocket and immediately heard the sound of a large quantity of pills rattle within his pocket.”
Mitchell and Hoover were kept separated from each other and both advised of their Miranda Rights. Both Mitchell and Hoover verbally acknowledged they understood their rights.
Both Mitchell and Hoover elected to speak with Dawson on the scene without the presence of an attorney. Hoover admitted that he provided Mitchell with Alprazolam pills as compensation for driving him to the school.
Hoover was charged with CDS distrution on school propery, CDS possession with intent to distribute, CDS distribute other, and two counts of CDS possession not marijuana. Hoover at this time does not have a scheduled court date.
Hoover faces a maximum jail sentence of 62 years and/or a maximum fine of $131,000.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com