Dalonte Ray Jones, a 21-year-old resident of Annapolis, Maryland, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The plea was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, along with officials from the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office and the Annapolis Police Department.
According to court documents, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jones’ apartment on November 11, 2024. Officers found a Glock 17 semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine in his bedroom. The magazine had the capacity to hold 45 rounds and was loaded with 17 live rounds at the time of discovery. Investigators determined that the firearm had been reported stolen in 2023 and found DNA from Jones as well as three other individuals on it.
Further investigation included searching Jones’ iPhone under a warrant, which revealed several videos showing him holding various firearms, including the one seized during the search.
Jones was aware that his previous felony convictions prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. His prior record includes two second-degree assault convictions from January and April 2023. At the time he possessed the handgun, he was on probation for his most recent conviction.
Jones faces up to 15 years in federal prison for this offense. Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Brendan A. Hurson on December 8 at 2 p.m.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a collaborative initiative among law enforcement agencies aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through community partnerships and focused enforcement strategies. More information about PSN can be found on the Department of Justice website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach
U.S. Attorney Hayes acknowledged the efforts of both the FBI and Annapolis Police Department in investigating this case and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow for prosecuting it.
For additional details about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and its community resources, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md
