US Punjabi Shop Owner arrested for Profane Phone Calls

A US Punjabi shop owner was arrested for allegedly making several profane phone calls to St Mary’s County Emergency Communications Centre in Maryland.

Malak Singh was arrested on January 22, 2025, and charged with telephone misuse.

According to court documents, the calls involved obscene language and occurred despite repeated warnings from law enforcement.

At around 7:45 pm, deputies from the St Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at a tobacco and vape shop at St Mary’s Square, Great Mills Road.

Responding officer Deputy Geric said Singh was inquiring about “the reasoning behind President Trump’s actions involving 900 individuals”, possibly suggesting it was about Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Singh allegedly refused to give his name when he was told that the officer could not provide insight into the president’s actions.

Citing the smell of alcohol and glossy look in his eyes, Deputy Geric said:

“It was evident that [Singh] was highly intoxicated.”

Despite being asked if he needed police assistance, Singh declined, and the deputy left the store.

At 8:18 pm, the shop owner allegedly contacted the Emergency Communications Centre using profane and inappropriate language.

Deputy Geric returned to the vape store at 8:27 pm to warn the 57-year-old to stop making such calls, advising him that it could lead to criminal charges.

According to court documents, Singh called the Emergency Communications Centre four times.

He allegedly used obscene language and directed profanities at the call-takers.

After the warning from police, Singh made another call to the centre at approximately 8:45 pm., during which he reportedly called the call taker profane names.

Deputy Geric returned to Singh’s store at 8:45 pm and issued another warning, stating Singh would be charged if the calls continued.

At 8:54 pm, Singh called the centre again.

Deputy Geric then arrested Singh and transported him to the St Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Centre.

There, Singh was identified and charged with one count of telephone misuse under Maryland Criminal Law Statute CR.3.804(a)(3).

The statute prohibits the use of telephones to communicate obscene or inappropriate content.

On January 23, 2025, Singh appeared at St Mary’s County District Court for his initial appearance.

He waived his right to an attorney and was released on a $1,000 unsecured personal bond.

Singh faces one misdemeanour charge, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and/or a $500 fine.

His next court hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2025, in St Mary’s District Court.