LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A Hollywood woman is facing child abuse and assault charges after deputies say she allegedly struck a juvenile relative multiple times with a belt and later brandished a loaded firearm during a domestic incident.
According to charging documents filed in St. Mary’s County District Court, deputies responded on May 12, 2025, to a residence on Willows Road in Lexington Park to assist Child Protective Services with an assault investigation. Upon arrival, law enforcement observed raised welts on the arms of the juvenile victim, who reported being struck repeatedly on May 10 by a relative with whom she resides.
Court records identify the suspect as 61-year-old Antoinette Mitchell of Hollywood. During the follow-up investigation, officials learned that Mitchell allegedly attempted to strike the juvenile again the following day. When another adult in the household intervened, Mitchell reportedly retrieved a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P .22-caliber rifle and pointed it toward them, making contact with the barrel and causing visible injury to his ribcage.
Deputies later recovered the firearm from Mitchell’s bedroom. She was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
Mitchell has been charged with first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree child abuse by a custodian and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. First-degree assault carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Each second-degree assault charge is punishable by up to 10 years and/or a $2,500 fine. Child abuse by a custodian is a felony punishable by up to 15 years. The firearms-related charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.
At a bail review hearing held May 13 before Judge James Tanavage, Mitchell was ordered held without bond. Additional protective orders have since been issued through the civil court system, including no-contact conditions and firearm surrender requirements. A final protective order hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2025.
Mitchell is scheduled to appear again in St. Mary’s County District Court for a preliminary hearing on June 17, 2025, in Courtroom 2. The case remains open.
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Grandma ain’t puttin’ up wid it!