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 announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office and Chief Edward Jackson of the Annapolis Police Department.
According to information presented in court, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jones’ apartment on November 11, 2024. During the search, officers found a Glock 17 semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine capable of holding 45 rounds; it was loaded with 17 live rounds at the time. The firearm had been reported stolen in 2023 and contained DNA from Jones as well as three other individuals.
Investigators also searched Jones’ iPhone under warrant and discovered several videos showing him holding different firearms, including the weapon recovered during the apartment search.
Jones admitted he was aware that his previous felony convictions prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. His record includes two convictions for second-degree assault—one in January 2023 and another in April 2023. At the time he possessed the handgun involved in this case, Jones was on probation for his most recent conviction.
He 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.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies and community organizations across multiple levels. More details about PSN can be found on justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
“U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and APD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who is prosecuting the case.”
