The juveniles made statements about bringing firearms to school, and how they were too smart to be caught

On Friday, February 16, 2018, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding two male juveniles, who attend Leonardtown High School, who were overheard discussing a recent school shooting.

According to a concerned citizen, the juveniles made statements about bringing firearms to school, and how they were too smart to be caught. The Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and the School Resource Officer (SRO), immediately began an investigation into this matter, assisted by the St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS).

During the course of the investigation, information was learned one of the juveniles had access to numerous firearms, and made concerning statements and posts on social media. The investigation also yielded information which indicated someone associated to the juvenile had a Federal Firearms License (FFL). With collaboration from the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)-Baltimore Field Office, several search warrants were obtained. As a result of the search warrants, semi-automatic rifles, handguns and other weapons were seized, along with ammunition. The weapons were not secured from juvenile access as required by law.

Two arrests have been made in reference to this investigation; two male juveniles ages 15 and 16, of Leonardtown, were charged with Threat of Mass Violence, and a warrant has been issued for David William Fairfax, age 39, of Leonardtown, for the following charges; two counts of Reckless Endangerment, one count of Access to a Firearm by a Minor, and one count of Illegal Transfer of a Firearm.

