Carlonte Antoine Knott, a 34‑year‑old resident of Lexington Park, Maryland, was arrested and charged with second‑degree assault after a confrontation that erupted during a recreational basketball game at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.
The Altercation Unfolds
According to a corrections officer who presented the footage to a deputy, the incident began with Knott and another inmate playing basketball. Tensions rose when the second inmate approached Knott after gaining possession of the ball, leading to an aggressive exchange. The video shows Knott wrapping his arm around the fellow inmate in an attempt to reclaim the ball, after which both men moved toward each other again.
The situation escalated when Knott allegedly shoved and punched the other inmate, causing visible redness on the left side of the victim’s face. Photographs taken after the incident corroborated the injuries, and the footage was later reviewed by law enforcement.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Knott’s case is scheduled for a hearing on June 18, 2026, in St. Mary’s District Court. If convicted of second‑degree assault under Maryland law, he could face up to ten years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,500. The charge reflects the seriousness with which the jurisdiction treats violence within correctional facilities.
The incident has sparked discussion among local officials and community members about safety protocols inside detention centers. While the facility has not released a formal statement, the case underscores the need for vigilant oversight to prevent similar altercations among inmates.