Leonardtown, MD — A man whose troubles started when he was stopped for texting while driving was sentenced Feb. 19 for heroin possession. Daniel Brian Evans, 28, of Piney Point (shown at left) was sentenced to six months in jail by Judge Karen Abrams after pleading guilty to possession of narcotics.
According to Senior States Attorney Joseph Stanalonis, the state agreed to a plea bargain in recommending the six months in jail in exchange for the guilty plea. The state guidelines for the charge are six months to four years. The judge imposed the four-year sentences but suspended all but six months and authorized work release.
According to the report by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and statements from Stanalonis at the sentencing hearing, Evans’ car was stopped in Great Mills on April 22, 2014 by Corporal Moritz who observed Evans texting while driving. A search of the car was made after the deputy detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The search revealed a baggie under the front console.
According to Stanalonis, at one point Evans attempted to eat the baggie, but a deputy grabbed and recovered it. Tests at the state police lab confirmed the baggie contained heroin.
Evans was represented at the sentencing hearing by public defender Gerald Riviello.
.Contact Dick Myers at news@thebaynet.com