Suspended Jail Term For Man Who Exposed Himself To Children Draws Community Concerns

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Dalton Matthew Locklar, 28, of Hollywood, was convicted on Nov. 3, 2025, of two counts of indecent exposure related to an incident reported on May 20, 2025, at Chancellors Run Park in Great Mills.

According to police records, deputies and troopers responded after multiple 911 callers reported that a man was allegedly exposing himself near children. Responding officers identified Locklar, who appeared intoxicated and had his pants unzipped at the time of the encounter, according to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

Court documents state that three witnesses reported that their children had alerted them to Locklar’s alleged behavior at a pavilion area within the park. Officers documented signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of alcohol on Locklar’s breath. Locklar was detained without incident and later charged.

During the Nov. 3, 2025, court proceedings, prosecutors presented witness accounts, police documentation, and statements made during the investigation. Locklar ultimately entered guilty pleas to two counts of indecent exposure.

Following his conviction, Locklar was sentenced to a three-year term of incarceration, fully suspended, along with three years of supervised probation and conditions that include home detention. Maryland law allows for a maximum penalty of up to three years of incarceration and a fine for indecent exposure.

Several parents and witnesses who were present for the sentencing later spoke with reporters and shared their reactions to the outcome. One parent stated that they were “taken aback” by the suspended sentence and felt that the court appeared to focus on the defendant’s future prospects more than the impact on the children involved. Another attendee described the sentencing as “a disappointing message to families,” noting that some young witnesses had been hesitant to return to the park following the incident, according to their account.

Some parents also said they felt that alcohol use was weighed too heavily as an explanation for the defendant’s behavior. One attendee stated that, in their view, alcohol “should not lessen someone’s responsibility,” especially in incidents involving minors. Others expressed concerns that the sentence could discourage victims and families from participating in court proceedings in future cases.

Court attendees also described emotional impacts on their children and families, reporting anxiety, discomfort returning to the park, and distress related to the courtroom process. According to individuals present, victim impact statements were submitted to the court, and several parents expressed relief that their children did not have to testify due to Locklar entering a plea.

Locklar remains on supervised probation under the terms ordered by the court.

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