BALTIMORE, MD – Dalonte Ray Jones, 21, of Annapolis, Maryland, is facing serious time after admitting he illegally possessed a stolen handgun. The guilty plea, entered today, confirms Jones knowingly broke the law, despite a rap sheet that should have kept him far away from firearms.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, along with FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno and Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson, announced the conviction. The bust went down November 11, 2024, when law enforcement raided Jones’ apartment. Inside, they found a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol stashed in his bedroom. It wasn’t just any gun; the firearm had been reported stolen in 2023.
The weapon was loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition in an extended 45-round magazine, a clear indication of intent. Adding insult to injury, DNA evidence linked Jones to the gun, along with three other individuals. A search of Jones’ iPhone revealed a disturbing collection of videos showing him flaunting various firearms, including the one found in his bedroom – a blatant disregard for the law.
Jones wasn’t a first-time offender. He already had two second-degree assault convictions under his belt – one from January 2023, and another from April 2023. He was actively on probation for the April assault when he was caught with the stolen handgun, demonstrating a pattern of criminal behavior and a complete lack of respect for the justice system. This wasn’t a mistake; it was a conscious choice.
Now, Jones is looking at a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge. Judge Brendan A. Hurson has scheduled sentencing for Monday, December 8, at 2 p.m. The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities.
Hayes commended the FBI and Annapolis Police Department for their relentless work on the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow is prosecuting the case. Those seeking more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office can visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. This case serves as a stark reminder that possessing a firearm while a convicted felon carries severe consequences, and those who choose to ignore the law will be held accountable.
RELATED: Annapolis Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession
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Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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