LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – In a dramatic series of events over recent days, St. Mary’s County law enforcement detained Jerod Adam Taylor, 39, following a series of investigations involving alleged domestic violence and the discovery of an extensive arsenal of illegal firearms at his Lexington Park residence.
On November 7, 2024, police responded to a call from 20618 Goddard Road, where a domestic assault was reported. The victim reportedly sustained injuries after an altercation with Taylor. According to the victim, Taylor physically confronted her during an argument over groceries, at one point pushing her into a chair, pinning her against a wall with his arm, and allegedly throwing her to the floor, causing damage to a vacuum cleaner. The victim showed officers signs of injury, including redness on her neck and a swollen finger, indicating potential physical harm.
Upon contacting Taylor, who had fled the residence prior to police arrival, officers confirmed his identity through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Taylor refused to meet with law enforcement in person, reportedly due to fear of arrest, and admitted during the phone conversation to having pushed the victim. This initial encounter was just the beginning of a series of escalations leading to his arrest.
Following the domestic incident, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Taylor’s residence on November 8, 2024, based on information regarding his possession of firearms, despite a prior prohibition due to previous convictions for Assault in the Second Degree and illegal firearm possession. The search revealed a startling stockpile, including 3D-printed “ghost guns,” numerous rifles, shotguns, and other weapons, some modified with fully automatic firing capabilities.
The inventory included several 3D-printed semi-automatic rifles and handguns, a .357 revolver, an AK-47, and various other firearms. Large-capacity magazines, including 74 “auto sears” (commonly known as “switches”) for modifying firearms, were also recovered. Over 1,300 rounds of ammunition, suppressors, 3D printers, and tools for manufacturing firearms were found on the premises. The sheer volume and modification of these weapons presented significant concerns for public safety, leading the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to issue a statement emphasizing the gravity of the findings. Officers noted that some firearms had been modified for fully automatic firing, while others qualified as short-barreled rifles, further compounding the severity of the charges.
Days after the discovery, Taylor was apprehended by law enforcement. His charges now span a wide array of serious offenses, including assault in the first and second degree (stemming from the initial domestic incident), numerous counts related to firearm possession such as illegal possession of ammunition, possession of unregistered rifles and shotguns, and possession of assault weapons, as well as violations involving modified firearms, including rapid-fire trigger activators and detachable magazines exceeding 10 rounds.
Under Maryland law, the penalties for these charges are severe, with potential decades-long prison sentences attached to convictions for first-degree assault and firearms charges.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Taylor’s evasion of police and the discovery of his weapon stockpile prompted an intensified search, culminating in his arrest. The public was notified of the search, and authorities thanked community members for their vigilance during the manhunt. Law enforcement emphasized that the presence of ghost guns and illegally modified firearms highlights growing safety concerns within the community.
Taylor has been booked and is currently held pending trial, with bail information yet to be disclosed. This case underscores the potential risks associated with unregistered firearms and domestic violence situations, drawing attention to law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal weapon manufacturing and enforce court-ordered restrictions on gun ownership. As the case proceeds, the community awaits further updates on the legal outcomes stemming from these charges.
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Great Job LEO’s and all involved catching the accused. With the violent nature of the charges and his history, I hope they keep him in pretrial confinement. Jaymi Sterling and your very capable staff, it’s your turn to bring justice for the law-abiding citizens. Judges your job is to ensure a fair trial. Fair to the accused and fair to the law-abiding citizens. When/if the accused is found guilty the sentence will reflect your commitment to protect the law-abiding citizens.
You mean I can just print guns? What the hell have I been buying them legally for then?
I knew that guy when I lived in Maryland. He was always aggressive and a bully. He has napoleon syndrome but he’s not small.