In a significant development for local law enforcement’s efforts to curb gun violence, Dalonte Ray Jones, a 21-year-old Annapolis resident, pleaded guilty on September 8, 2025, to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The plea, announced by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes alongside Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore Field Office Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno and Annapolis Police Department (APD) Chief Edward Jackson, stems from a November 2024 search that uncovered a stolen handgun in Jones’ possession.
The case unfolded on November 11, 2024, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jones’ apartment in Annapolis, Maryland. Inside his bedroom, officers discovered a Glock 17 semi-automatic handgun equipped with an extended magazine capable of holding 45 rounds of ammunition. At the time of the search, the magazine was loaded with 17 live rounds. Further investigation revealed the firearm had been reported stolen in 2023. Forensic analysis confirmed Jones’ DNA on the weapon, alongside traces from three other individuals.
A separate search of Jones’ iPhone, conducted under a warrant, provided additional evidence. Investigators uncovered multiple videos showing Jones handling various firearms, including the Glock 17 found in his apartment. These findings strengthened the case against him, as Jones was already prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.
Jones’ criminal history includes two convictions for second-degree assault, one in January 2023 and another in April 2023. At the time of the November 2024 search, he was on probation for the April conviction, making his possession of the firearm a direct violation of his probation terms. The guilty plea reflects his acknowledgment of knowingly violating federal law, which bars felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to reduce violent crime and gun violence. Strengthened in May 2021, PSN emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement and communities, strategic enforcement, and measurable outcomes to enhance public safety. In Annapolis, a city of approximately 40,000 residents within Anne Arundel County, such efforts are critical to addressing local concerns about illegal firearms, particularly in light of Maryland’s strict gun laws.
Jones now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson has scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. The severity of the potential penalty underscores the federal government’s commitment to enforcing firearm laws, especially for individuals with prior violent convictions.
The investigation highlights the coordinated efforts of federal and local agencies. U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the FBI and APD for their diligent work, noting the importance of removing illegal firearms from the community. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow is prosecuting the case, ensuring that the legal process moves forward with precision.
Maryland’s firearm laws are among the strictest in the nation, requiring permits for handguns and imposing harsh penalties for illegal possession, particularly by prohibited individuals like Jones. The discovery of a stolen firearm with an extended magazine raises additional concerns, as such accessories can increase the potential for harm in violent incidents.
This case also reflects broader challenges in Anne Arundel County, where law enforcement agencies have worked to address gun violence amid rising concerns about stolen firearms circulating in communities. According to a 2024 report by the Maryland State Police, stolen firearms often fuel illegal activity, making cases like Jones’ a priority for both state and federal authorities.
The guilty plea marks a step forward in holding Jones accountable, but it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to ensure public safety. As sentencing approaches, the Annapolis community will be watching closely, hopeful that such prosecutions deter future violations and contribute to safer neighborhoods.
