ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Jermaine Donte Mitchell, 44, of Annapolis, received a sentence of 15 years in prison with all but 10 years suspended, plus five years of supervised probation, in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court on December 22, 2025, for an armed robbery of a taxi driver in Severna Park.
Judge Michael Malone imposed the sentence following Mitchell’s conviction on November 6, 2025, after a two-day jury trial. The jury found Mitchell guilty of armed robbery, robbery, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and dangerous weapon: wear and carry with intent to injure. The case centered on an incident on May 1, 2025, when Anne Arundel County Police responded to a report of a robbery near Ritchie Highway and Earleigh Heights Road in Severna Park.
The victim, a 63-year-old taxi driver, picked up Mitchell from a hotel in the 100 block of Womack Drive in Annapolis for a trip toward Marley Station. During the ride near Ritchie Highway and Magothy Bridge Road, Mitchell argued with the driver about the fare amount. The driver offered to stop at the intersection if Mitchell paid the $40 fare. Instead, Mitchell produced what appeared to be a black handgun, struck the driver in the right temple with the firearm, and demanded the driver’s cell phone to prevent him from calling police. Mitchell exited the taxi without paying the fare and took possession of the phone.
The victim spotted a Prince George’s County Police vehicle at the intersection and immediately reported the armed robbery. Officers pulled into the parking lot of the Earleigh Heights Firehouse at 161 Ritchie Highway and followed Mitchell on foot as he walked away. When Mitchell realized police were nearby, he returned the cell phone to the victim. Additional plainclothes Anne Arundel County officers assisted in taking him into custody without incident.
Video footage from the area showed Mitchell placing an item near a white Ford Expedition in the firehouse parking lot. Officers recovered a black BB gun labeled “Glock 17” with a serial number from underneath the vehicle. The Anne Arundel County Police Evidence Collection Unit processed the firearm.
Assistant State’s Attorney Shane Nolan represented the state during the trial. Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess stated after the sentencing, “This is certainly the worst nightmare for taxi and rideshare drivers, to be attacked and robbed by a passenger. This defendant had a chance to pay the fare and exit the taxi, but chose to pistol-whip the driver and take his phone. The defendant will have plenty of time to reflect on his crime behind bars.”
The incident occurred in Severna Park, a community in northern Anne Arundel County known for its residential areas and proximity to major routes like Ritchie Highway, which connects Annapolis and Baltimore. Taxi and rideshare services operate frequently in the region, linking residents to destinations including shopping centers like Marley Station and nearby hotels. The case highlights risks associated with such services, particularly disputes over fares that escalate to violence.
Under Maryland law, armed robbery involves the use or apparent use of a dangerous weapon during a theft by force or threat, carrying potential penalties up to 20 years in prison depending on circumstances. The conviction here reflects the jury’s determination that the BB gun, resembling a real firearm, met the criteria for armed robbery charges. The sentence structure—suspension of five years and inclusion of probation—allows for possible early release under supervision while emphasizing incarceration for the violent nature of the offense.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department led the investigation, demonstrating quick response and coordination with nearby agencies. Initial reports from May 2, 2025, identified the suspect as a 43-year-old from Glen Burnie, but court proceedings confirmed him as Jermaine Donte Mitchell, 44, of Annapolis. The recovery of the BB gun via surveillance video proved critical in linking Mitchell to the weapon.
This prosecution aligns with efforts by the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office to address violent crimes affecting public safety in the county, including those targeting service workers. The outcome provides resolution for the victim and underscores the legal consequences for such acts in Southern Maryland communities.
