A 26-year-old man from California, Maryland, faces six charges after St. Mary’s County deputies responded to a reported assault involving a firearm in St. Inigoes early Tuesday morning.
Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a residence in St. Inigoes around 1:14 a.m. on April 14, 2026, following a call about an assault. The victim told investigators that after an argument, the male suspect pointed a firearm at him.
Investigators identified the suspect as Jordan Charles Danford, 26, of California, Maryland. Deputies took Danford into custody at the scene. During the arrest, they recovered an unserialized polymer 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a fully loaded magazine containing 25 rounds of ammunition.
Danford was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. He was charged with first-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, unlawful possession of an unserialized firearm, possession of a regulated firearm while prohibited due to an out-of-state protective order, possession of ammunition while prohibited, and use of a high-capacity magazine in the commission of a felony.
Following a District Court appearance on April 16, 2026, Danford was released on personal recognizance pending trial.
The case highlights ongoing concerns in Southern Maryland about prohibited firearm possession and unserialized “ghost guns,” which lack traceable serial numbers and have appeared in several recent St. Mary’s County arrests. Law enforcement continues to prioritize these investigations to enhance public safety in residential areas like St. Inigoes, a small community on the southern tip of the county known for its quiet neighborhoods and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office officials have not released additional details about the argument that led to the incident or the victim’s condition, citing the active nature of the case. The protective order referenced in the charges stems from out-of-state proceedings, according to the charging documents.
This arrest adds to a series of firearm-related cases handled by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in recent months. Similar recoveries of unserialized handguns have occurred during traffic stops and raids in the county, underscoring challenges posed by privately made firearms that evade traditional tracking methods.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. The office continues routine patrols in St. Inigoes and surrounding communities to deter violent confrontations and illegal weapon possession.
The charges carry significant potential penalties under Maryland law, particularly those involving firearms in violent crimes and high-capacity magazines. Court proceedings will determine the final outcome as the case moves forward in the District Court.
No injuries were reported in the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
