SOLOMONS, Md. — A 56-year-old Illinois man was arrested in Calvert County after deputies discovered more than 14 ounces of cannabis during a traffic stop in Solomons, according to court documents.
Dominick Tarzia, 56, of Martinton, Illinois, is charged with possession of cannabis over the civil use amount, a misdemeanor under Maryland law.
According to charging documents filed in the District Court for Calvert County, the incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, in the area of HG Trueman Road and Dowell Road in Solomons. A Calvert County Sheriff’s deputy reported observing a black Jeep SUV bearing Illinois registration traveling southbound on HG Trueman Road.
The deputy noted that the driver placed both hands on the steering wheel upon noticing the marked patrol vehicle and later abruptly pulled into the parking lot of Solomon’s McDonald’s without patronizing the business. After checking the registration, the deputy identified Tarzia as the registered owner and conducted a warrant check through the Calvert County Emergency Communications Center.
Authorities advised the deputy that Tarzia had an outstanding warrant through the U.S. Marshal Service for narcotics instruments and was on probation or supervised release. When Tarzia attempted to leave the area, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot exit of 13300 HG Trueman Road.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies located approximately 14.4 total ounces of cannabis inside a backpack in the trunk. Court records state the cannabis was packaged in four vacuum-sealed bags and one open zip-top bag.
Tarzia was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center without incident. A detainer related to the U.S. Marshal warrant was placed with the detention center and the District Court commissioner.
Court records show Tarzia was released on his own recognizance on Feb. 1, 2026. A previously scheduled trial date of March 18, 2026, was canceled due to clerical error, and the matter is currently set for trial on March 19, 2026, in Calvert District Court.
Under Maryland law, possession of cannabis exceeding the civil use amount may carry criminal penalties, including potential incarceration and fines.
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Big whoop. Thank you for getting less than a pound of “illegal GanJah” off of the street as opposed to all of the tons of “legal GanJah” which is readily available at any dispensary. I feel safer.