LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Donell Davonne Rothwell, 54, of Lexington Park, faces multiple charges following an investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office linking him to a series of vehicle break-ins and fraudulent transactions across several locations in St. Mary’s County.
Rothwell, who authorities described as demonstrating a pattern of evasive behavior and non-cooperation with law enforcement, was apprehended and is currently held without bond pending his trial scheduled for May 20, 2025, in the St. Mary’s District Court.
Deputies initiated their investigation after responding to multiple calls involving vehicles broken into across California and Lexington Park areas. On March 25, deputies responded to a break-in on Chestnut Road in Lexington Park, where victims reported stolen items totaling approximately $600, including cash, debit cards, identification documents, and a concealed carry permit.
Surveillance footage from a nearby Sheetz convenience store in California captured Rothwell using a stolen Navy Federal Credit Union debit card at the store’s lottery machine around the time unauthorized transactions were reported, authorities said.
Investigators then connected Rothwell to several additional incidents:
- March 26: A Honda Pilot parked near Three Notch Road was broken into. Stolen bank cards were fraudulently used at Lex Liquors and Slim Chickens. Surveillance footage at Slim Chickens showed Rothwell wearing distinctive white tennis shoes with yellow heels—matching prior footage.
- March 31: A Volkswagen Jetta parked at a Pow Wow Place residence was broken into. Victims reported stolen wallets, IDs, and debit cards. Immediate transaction alerts traced charges to the same Sheetz lottery machine. Surveillance again showed Rothwell, wearing the same shoes.
- April 5: A Jeep Wrangler was broken into on Woodlawn Drive in California. The victim reported theft of valuable property and prescription medication, estimating damages and stolen items totaling $360. Surveillance captured Rothwell making fraudulent lottery ticket purchases using stolen credit cards. Though he attempted to conceal his identity with a hoodie, deputies identified him through Motor Vehicle Administration records and body-worn camera footage from earlier unrelated police interactions
Rothwell was located on April 5 at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where he was already in custody on unrelated matters. When asked for his address, he provided a known false location—21994 Spring Valley Court—which authorities confirmed was vacant.
Court records show Rothwell was also served a bench warrant for failing to appear in court on April 2, further indicating noncompliance with judicial procedures.
Rothwell currently faces 24 misdemeanor charges, including theft, rogue and vagabond, credit card theft, fraudulent transactions, and malicious destruction of property. Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to 18 months in jail and substantial fines.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities encourage any additional victims or witnesses to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Rothwell remains in custody without bond following a hearing before District Court Judge Karen Christy Holt Chesser on April 7.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
I’m glad they caught him. At the same time, I wonder why people keep leaving valuables in their vehicles. Don’t think “it will never happen to me.”