Two Arrested After K-9 Unit Uncovers Drugs During Talbot County Traffic Stop

Talbot County, MD - On April 8, 2026, Deputies from the Talbot County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on a motor vehicle. The stop occurred on Howell Point Road near Ocean Gateway and was initiated due to a registration violation.

With the assistance of a TCSO K-9 Unit, deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, a controlled substance and related paraphernalia were located.

A routine records check was performed on the occupants of the vehicle. This check revealed outstanding arrest warrants for the driver, 64-year-old Richard Lee Clary Sr. of Federalsburg, MD, and a passenger, 43-year-old Christopher Michael Abbott of Hurlock, MD.

The District Court for Talbot County had previously issued an arrest warrant for Clary on September 29, 2025. He was charged with a violation of probation stemming from an original charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Additionally, a warrant for Abbott was issued on December 15, 2025, after he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing regarding a charge of driving without a license.

Following the stop, Clary and Abbott were transported to the Talbot County Central Booking facility. They were processed and held pending an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.