A 50-year-old Charles County man, Michael Gerard Benedict, has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses following a disturbing incident involving racial slurs and threats directed at his neighbors. The case has drawn attention to ongoing community safety concerns and issues of racial intimidation in the area.
Incident Overview
On April 4, 2025, deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint from residents on Cliffton Drive in Newburg, Maryland. According to authorities, Michael Gerard Benedict allegedly directed racial slurs at two Black men living nearby. The verbal altercation escalated quickly as Benedict reportedly threw sticks and other objects onto the victims’ property. Most alarmingly, Benedict threatened to burn their house down with the residents inside.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies located Benedict at his residence nearby. He provided a recorded statement acknowledging his use of racial slurs and the threats he made. Benedict cited frustration over loud music and the presence of motion-activated security cameras on his neighbors’ property as reasons for his aggressive behavior.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Benedict now faces 11 criminal charges, including multiple misdemeanors and felonies. Among the most serious are two felony counts of disarming a law enforcement officer, each carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. He is also charged with threatening arson—a felony offense punishable by a similar maximum sentence.
Additional misdemeanor charges include assault, racial intimidation, and threats, reflecting the gravity of the incident. Maryland’s hate crime statute may further enhance the penalties if Benedict is convicted, given the racially motivated nature of his threats.
The Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Benedict is represented by defense attorney Thomas Fabrian Matthews of Restoration Law LLC. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 20, 2025, at the Charles County Circuit Court.
Community Impact and Response
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding racial intolerance and neighborhood disputes escalating to criminal acts in Charles County. Local law enforcement emphasizes their commitment to protecting residents and holding offenders accountable for hate crimes and threats that jeopardize community safety.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or threatening behavior to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to ensure timely intervention.
Understanding Maryland’s Hate Crime Laws
Maryland law takes bias-motivated crimes very seriously. The state’s hate crime statute allows for enhanced penalties when offenses are committed based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected classes. Such laws aim to deter hate crimes and promote community harmony.
Reporting Crime in Charles County
If you witness or experience hate crimes or threatening behavior, it is vital to report them promptly to local authorities. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement in the area and can be contacted for assistance and to file reports.
Michael Gerard Benedict’s case serves as a serious reminder of the dangers of hate-driven actions and the legal consequences they carry. With multiple felony charges and a scheduled trial, the legal system is moving swiftly to address this racially charged threat and ensure justice for the affected residents.
As the case unfolds, community members and authorities alike remain vigilant to prevent similar incidents and foster a safer, more respectful neighborhood environment.
