LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – Familiar face James William Blackiston, a 31-year-old resident of Lexington Park, Maryland, is once again immersed in a turbulent legal conflict after a series of events that culminated in both violent humiliation and serious drug charges. The unfolding of Blackiston’s case, as documented through multiple court records, serves as a sobering memo of how swiftly a life can be consumed by chaos and crime.
The Freshman: End of an Era
James William Blackiston’s encounters with the law began early. Born in May 1993, Blackiston faced his first major legal misfortune in 2013, at the age of 20, when he was identified by Vice Narcotics detectives as a distributor of marijuana in Lexington Park. In 2014, shortly before his 21st birthday, a search and seizure warrant executed at his residence uncovered quantities of marijuana, scales, and a handgun. He was charged with possession of controlled substances and weapon-related offenses.
2014-2017: Sophomoric Escalation
Following Blackiston’s initial indictment in 2014, additional charges mounted, including possession of controlled substances, intent to distribute narcotics, and maintaining a common nuisance related to drug activity. By 2017, these charges culminated in his conviction for distributing cocaine, which led to a prison sentence that resulted in his incarceration. Despite serving time, Blackiston’s involvement in criminal activities persisted.
2017-2024: Junior Level Tension
Between 2017 and 2024, he was indicted on multiple occasions, with charges including drug trafficking and possession. Notably, in 2022, Blackiston was convicted of identity fraud for using someone else’s personal identification to avoid prosecution. This conviction resulted in a six-month jail sentence.
By the time of his most recent arrest in August 2024, Blackiston had been known to local law enforcement for his repeated involvement in drug-related endeavors. It’s notable that his initial charges in 2014 came during a time when marijuana laws in Maryland were much stricter. Despite the state’s shift toward decriminalization and legalization in the years that followed, Blackiston’s continued involvement in more serious narcotics offenses ensured that his trajectory within the criminal justice system remained unchanged.
SENIOR INDICTMENT: August 8th | 2024
On August 8, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at James William Blackiston’s residence on Towey Ct. This operation was part of a larger, coordinated effort by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division to dismantle a broader network of drug-related activities. The search revealed a staggering cache of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), including over 1,000 grams of fentanyl, nearly 300 grams of cocaine, as well as methamphetamine, amphetamine, and controlled prescription medications. Additionally, officers seized $9,740 in cash, a digital scale, packaging materials, a shotgun, and four cellular phones. A concurrent search at a nearby residence in Lexington Park resulted in the recovery of further evidence linked to drug distribution.
The gravity of this operation was emphasized by Sheriff Steve Hall, who remarked, “This is the largest seizure of fentanyl ever made in St. Mary’s County. It points to the scope of the problem we face daily to keep our community safe from this dangerous and deadly substance. The investigation and seizure are a testament to the level of commitment our deputies have to continue this fight against crime.”
Blackiston, along with two other individuals, Jasmine Samaria Votra and Willis Matthews Brooks, were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including CDS Possession – Not Cannabis, Possession with Intent to Distribute, and CDS possession of a large amount (fentanyl). Brooks was additionally charged with possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.
The charges leveled against Blackiston are extensive and carry significant penalties, ranging from misdemeanors with a year in jail and fines to felonies that may lead to decades behind bars and substantial financial penalties. The sixteen-count indictment was formally stamped on August 18, 2024. He faces charges including possession of a large amount of CDS, multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute various narcotics, possession of counterfeit narcotics, maintaining a common nuisance related to narcotics, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, proceeds from CDS offenses, altering physical evidence, and multiple counts of CDS possession (excluding cannabis).
Detention Center Violence: August 23 | 2024
Awaiting further legal proceedings, Blackiston was held at St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. On August 23, 2024, just days after his arrest, Blackiston became involved in a violent altercation with another inmate, Deyonta Gross. According to a report by Shift Supervisor J. Rosada, the conflict arose within the minimum-security unit and was sparked by suspicions of theft among the inmates.
Gross, suspecting that Blackiston had stolen commissary items, confronted his cellmates. When Blackiston later entered the cell, Gross demanded that he find a new place to stay to avoid further theft. Tensions quickly escalated, and Gross attempted to depart the confrontation. Blackiston attacked him from behind, grabbing him by the neck, initiating a bitter fight.
Surveillance footage from the detention center captured the entire altercation. Blackiston, unprovoked, ran up behind Gross, striking and grabbing him in an attempt to assert dominance. However, Gross managed to break free, causing Blackiston to lose his balance and fall to the ground. In a fit of rage, Gross continued to strike Blackiston, landing multiple blows even after he had the opportunity to walk away.
Both inmates refused medical treatment after the fight. The officer’s statement indicates Blackiston was labeled the aggressor. Although Gross’s actions were arguably in self-defense, they were fueled by anger, causing him to lose control. Law enforcement read Gross his Miranda rights, indicating that he too was under investigation as a result of the incident.
This incident underscored the ongoing violence and tension that pervade life behind bars. In 2023, Maryland’s incarceration facilities reported a significant number of assaults, with a substantial increase in inmate-on-inmate violence. That year, over 1,000 incidents were reported by The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
The Broader Context: Crime, Recidivism, and Systemic Challenges
Blackiston’s case is a microcosm of larger issues faced by the criminal justice system. In Maryland, like many states, the rates of recidivism—where previously incarcerated individuals reoffend—are alarmingly high. Just two years ago, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services said the state had a recidivism rate of approximately 40% within three years of the report’s release.
Drug-related offenses are a significant contributor to these recidivism rates. In St. Mary’s County, where Blackiston’s legal issues are compounding, drug-related crimes have seen a consistent rise, with opioids like fentanyl playing a devastating role. The Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center reported that St. Mary’s County experienced a 12% increase in opioid-related fatalities over a 3 year period.
Individuals like Blackiston, who become entangled in the drug trade, often find themselves on a downward spiral where one criminal act leads to another, making rehabilitation increasingly difficult. This cycle is perpetuated by economic pressures, addiction, and the criminal environment itself, which demands continuous engagement in illegal activities to sustain income and especially status. Moreover, the criminal justice system’s focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation further entrenches individuals in this cycle, making it challenging to break free. Research shows that without effective support systems and interventions, the combination of financial demands and substance abuse significantly impairs judgment and increases impulsivity, leading to repeated incarcerations and deeper entrenchment in criminal behavior(Oxford Academic, National Institute of Justice).
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