The Charles County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 1 that investigators served search warrants at the homes of two students in connection with ongoing firearm investigations linked to St. Charles High School.
Authorities said that on April 29, a school resource officer recovered a firearm from the school and later executed a search warrant at the student’s residence. During this search, officers found a 3D printer believed to have been used to manufacture the polymer-style firearm discovered at the school. The device was seized as evidence for further examination.
In a separate incident on April 30, officials reported finding a fully automatic handgun in another student’s locker. A subsequent search of this student’s home led to the recovery of six additional firearms, ammunition, magazines, and various firearm accessories. Four of these firearms and all ammunition were located inside the juvenile’s bedroom; all weapons were found unsecured, and one had its serial number partially obliterated. Investigators are working to determine how these firearms were obtained by the juvenile.
All collected evidence is being processed as part of an active investigation that will be forwarded to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review regarding possible charges. The sheriff’s office said it continues close cooperation with school officials and partner agencies throughout these investigations.
“The Charles County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety and well-being of all students and staff,” according to an official statement from law enforcement leaders in charge of public information for this case.
The sheriff’s office has operated since its founding in 1658 under Nicholas Gwyther according to its official website. It has grown into Maryland’s largest full-service sheriff’s office with more than 600 sworn, corrections, and civilian personnel according to its official website. The agency manages facilities including district stations in Waldorf and Indian Head as well as headquarters opened in La Plata in 2000 according to its official website.
The department earned Flagship Status from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in 2011 according to its official website, reflecting what it describes as commitment “to enhancing community safety through superior performance, mutual respect, and innovative techniques” according to its official website.
