LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A Lexington Park man is facing an assault charge after authorities said a basketball game inside the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center turned physical, according to charging documents.
Carlonte Antoine Knott, 34, of Lexington Park, was charged with second-degree assault on an inmate.
A deputy responded on May 4, 2026, to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center on Baldridge Street in Leonardtown for a reported assault between inmates.
According to charging documents, a corrections officer showed the deputy video footage of the incident involving Knott and another inmate. The video showed several inmates playing basketball in the recreation area before the incident, the report states.
In the minutes before the confrontation, Knott and the other inmate could be seen talking aggressively to each other, according to the charging documents.
The incident allegedly began after the other inmate had possession of the ball and ended a confrontation by approaching Knott. The report states Knott wrapped his arm around the other inmate in an apparent attempt to get the ball.
After the play, both men approached each other again, according to charging documents. Authorities alleged Knott shoved the other inmate and punched him in the face with a closed fist.
The deputy wrote that corrections officers showed him photos taken after the incident, which showed redness on the left side of the other inmate’s face where he was allegedly struck.
A hearing is set for June 18, 2026, at St. Mary’s District Court.
Under Maryland law, the listed charge carries up to 10 years of incarceration and up to $2,500 in fines if Knott is convicted.
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