LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — On Sept. 20, 2025, Deputy Melton of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jathaniel Doniel Whitaker, 24, of Lexington Park, after a traffic stop allegedly revealed a firearm and ammunition in his possession, despite his status as a convicted offender prohibited from carrying weapons.
According to deputies, the traffic stop occurred near Three Notch Road and Expedition Park Drive after Deputy Melton observed a vehicle being operated without a front license plate and with a cracked windshield. Whitaker, the sole occupant, was contacted during the stop. Deputies reported seeing a live round of rifle ammunition in plain view near the gear shifter and a box of .40 caliber handgun ammunition on the passenger-side floorboard.
A records check, according to the sheriff’s office, confirmed that Whitaker was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to a 2022 conviction in St. Mary’s County. He remains on probation for that offense. After receiving confirmation, deputies placed Whitaker under arrest. A cursory search allegedly revealed a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun tucked into his waistband. Deputies said the firearm contained a magazine loaded with 10 rounds and that the magazine was inserted into the handgun with no round chambered.
Whitaker was charged with multiple offenses, including illegal possession of ammunition, prohibited possession of a firearm, possession of a handgun in a vehicle, possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle, possession of a handgun on his person, and possession of a loaded handgun on his person.
If convicted, he faces a range of penalties under Maryland law: illegal possession of ammunition is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine; prohibited possession of a firearm is a felony carrying up to 15 years in prison, with a possible mandatory minimum of five years in some cases; and the handgun-related charges carry up to five years in prison and fines up to $2,500 each.
Whitaker was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. The case has been forwarded to Circuit Court, with a hearing date to be scheduled.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
When guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns. No need for more gun laws, simply enforce with harsh penalties for those criminals with guns.
What? We need tougher ‘Gun Control’ laws to keep law abiding citizens from owning firearms, while people like this will surely abide by the newer laws too.