Romance On Hold: Girlfriend Accused In Overnight Vehicle Takeaway

DUNKIRK, Md. — A Dunkirk woman is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after Calvert County sheriff’s deputies say she took a vehicle without permission overnight and was later found driving it near her residence, according to court records.

Margaret Virginia Donaldson, 47, was arrested Dec. 21, 2025, following an investigation that began earlier that afternoon with a missing vehicle report in the Apple Way and Jonathan Drive area, charging documents filed in Calvert County District Court show.

According to a statement of probable cause filed by Deputy N. Morgal, the vehicle’s owner reported that his 2008 Dodge Caravan had been taken sometime during the night of Dec. 20 into the early morning hours of Dec. 21 without his permission. The owner told deputies Donaldson, identified as his girlfriend, had last been in possession of the vehicle and failed to return it as expected.

The owner further advised deputies that he attempted to contact Donaldson multiple times by phone without success and later learned the vehicle was no longer parked where it had been left. He told investigators he believed the vehicle may have been driven into Prince George’s County before returning to Calvert County.

Deputies entered the vehicle into law enforcement databases as stolen and continued checking the area. While gathering additional information near Apple Way, Deputy Morgal observed a silver Dodge Caravan matching the description of the missing vehicle and initiated a traffic stop as it turned onto Jonathan Drive.

Donaldson, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, exited the van and was taken into custody without incident, court records state. Investigators allege she did not have authorization to use the vehicle and that its estimated value was approximately $5,000.

During the encounter, Donaldson acknowledged she had been driving the vehicle and told deputies she did not possess a valid driver’s license, according to charging documents. The vehicle was recovered and returned to its owner.

Donaldson was charged with unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, and felony theft valued between $1,500 and $25,000. She was also cited for driving without a valid license.

Court records show Donaldson was initially ordered held without bond following her arrest. At a bail review hearing on Dec. 22, a judge granted her release on a $10,000 unsecured personal bond.

Donaldson is scheduled to appear in Calvert County District Court on Feb. 11, 2026.

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