Police Seize Thousands In Cash And Amphetamines During St. Mary’s County Traffic Stop

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — What began as a routine late-night traffic stop outside a Lexington Park liquor store early Sunday morning escalated into a drug-related arrest after Maryland State Police reported signs of impairment, the discovery of prescription stimulants, and thousands of dollars in cash, according to charging documents. Paul Dewayne Dorsey, 46, of Lexington Park, faces multiple controlled dangerous substance (CDS) charges following the Jan. 11, 2026, incident along Maryland Route 235.

According to Maryland State Police, at approximately 1:50 a.m., a trooper observed a vehicle exiting the parking lot of an ABC Liquor Store and entering Route 235. Police reported the vehicle was traveling at approximately the posted 45-mile-per-hour speed limit before a traffic stop was initiated. The driver was identified as Dorsey.

During the stop, officers noted a strong odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from Dorsey’s breath, police records state. When informed of the reason for the stop, Dorsey allegedly appeared confused. Police further reported that when asked how much alcohol he had consumed, Dorsey again appeared confused and did not provide a clear response.

Police requested Dorsey’s driver’s license and vehicle registration. According to charging documents, Dorsey allegedly handed officers the vehicle registration and the vehicle’s owner’s manual. When officers reiterated that they were requesting his driver’s license, Dorsey allegedly stated that he had already provided it and pointed to the vehicle manual.

Police records show standardized field sobriety tests were conducted, which police allege Dorsey performed poorly. He was subsequently offered a preliminary breath test, which he agreed to take. The test reportedly indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18, more than twice the legal limit in Maryland.

Charging documents indicate Dorsey was placed under arrest, and a search incident to arrest was conducted. Police reported locating 10 pills wrapped in plastic in Dorsey’s right front pocket, along with cash in his back pocket. According to police documents, the pills were later identified as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Police documents show a subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly yielded more than $8,000 in cash and three bottles of alcoholic beverages. Dorsey was transported to a Maryland State Police barrack for processing.

Court records indicate Dorsey has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance not marijuana, possession of CDS paraphernalia, possession of CDS in a penal institution, possession with intent to distribute CDS, and maintaining a common nuisance for the distribution of controlled dangerous substances. He was released on his own recognizance on Jan. 12, 2026. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12, 2026.

Under Maryland law, a conviction for possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, including amphetamine-based medications, carries a maximum possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.

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