Honduran Man Arrested After Trooper Says He Gave False Names During Traffic Stops In St. Mary’s County

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A Honduran man living in Middle River was charged after Maryland State Police say he gave false names during traffic stops in St. Mary’s County to avoid prosecution.

Mario Jose Fuentes-Mendez, 25, of Middle River, was charged with fraud for using personal identifying information to avoid prosecution following a June 4, 2026, traffic stop.

According to charging documents, the case began with a previous traffic stop on Dec. 27, 2025, when a trooper issued a citation to a driver accused of operating a vehicle on a highway without the required license and authorization. The person cited did not appear in court, and a bench warrant was later issued.

On June 4, a Maryland State Police trooper stopped a black Chevrolet Colorado after observing that the truck’s third brake light was not illuminating.

Charging documents state the driver provided a name but did not have a driver’s license or any form of identification. The driver also provided an address in Middle River.

After receiving that information, the trooper compared the driver to body camera footage from the December traffic stop and confirmed the active warrant remained in place, according to charging documents.

The driver was taken into custody for the warrant.

During transport, Fuentes-Mendez allegedly told the trooper that both names he had provided during traffic stops were false and that Mario Jose Fuentes-Mendez was his actual identity.

Charging documents state Fuentes-Mendez admitted giving false names during both traffic stops to avoid paying citations. He allegedly told the trooper he had previously been stopped elsewhere in Maryland and received about $4,700 in fines, and did not want to face more financial loss.

Authorities said Fuentes-Mendez later admitted one of the identities belonged to a cousin who lives in Honduras and that he decided to provide another fictitious identity to avoid additional penalties.

At the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, fingerprinting did not immediately identify Fuentes-Mendez because he had not been fingerprinted before, according to charging documents. Investigators later confirmed his identity using a photograph of his Honduran passport.

Court records show Fuentes-Mendez was released after posting a $500 unsecured personal bond on June 5.

A trial is set for July 16 in St. Mary’s County District Court.

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