Great Mills Man Faces Robbery Charge, Two New Assault Cases After Jail Incidents

GREAT MILLS, Md. — A Great Mills man charged in a robbery and assault case on Fox Chase Drive is now facing two additional charges after investigators reported he struck one correctional officer and spat in another officer’s face while being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

James Donelle Pinkney, 53, of Great Mills, was initially charged with robbery, second-degree assault, theft of less than $100, rogue and vagabond, disorderly conduct and three counts of malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000.

Those charges stem from an incident reported at approximately 9:06 a.m. July 1, 2026, in the 45900 block of Fox Chase Drive.

Charging documents state deputies responded for an assault in progress and found several people outside. Pinkney initially reported that nothing had happened and provided little information about why officers had been called.

Investigators later learned Pinkney had been standing near a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse when he allegedly slammed an open door, causing a small dent. The vehicle’s owner reported that she did not know Pinkney and had told him she did not want any problems.

Pinkney then allegedly walked to the rear passenger side of the Chevrolet and struck it, causing additional damage.

Charging documents state Pinkney later confronted another man and struck him in the face before the man left the area prior to deputies’ arrival.

Pinkney then allegedly approached an older man who was walking outside with a cup of coffee. The man reported that Pinkney continued moving toward him, shoved him, knocked the coffee from his hand and pushed him again.

The man entered his 2000 Buick, but Pinkney allegedly kicked the driver’s door, opened it and shoved the man while he was seated inside.

Investigators reported Pinkney then reached into the center console and took a pack of cigarettes valued at approximately $20. When deputies arrived, Pinkney was smoking a cigarette. After hearing the man report that Pinkney had taken the pack, Pinkney allegedly returned it.

Pinkney was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

In the first case, charging documents state a correctional officer attempted to return Pinkney to a holding cell after Pinkney refused to cooperate during a mandatory shower intake.

Pinkney allegedly stopped in the doorway and refused to enter the cell. When the officer placed a hand against the center of Pinkney’s chest to move him backward, Pinkney allegedly struck the left side of the officer’s face near his eye.

The impact knocked off the officer’s glasses and dislodged a lens. Investigators observed redness and a slight welt near the corner of the officer’s eye.

When asked why he struck the officer, Pinkney allegedly laughed and made a derogatory remark about the officer before declining to provide any further statement.

In the second case, correctional officers were helping Pinkney out of a restraint chair when he allegedly began spitting toward them.

Charging documents state saliva struck the right side of one officer’s face. Other officers who were present reported that no saliva landed on them.

Pinkney allegedly remained uncooperative and continued demanding items but did not provide a reason for spitting on the officer.

Pinkney was charged in each new case with second-degree assault involving a correctional employee.

He was held without bond July 3. Judge James Tanavage continued that status following a July 6 bond review in St. Mary’s County District Court.

A preliminary hearing in the original robbery case is set for July 30, 2026. Trials in the two correctional officer assault cases are set for Aug. 3, 2026, in St. Mary’s County District Court.

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