Fugitive with Violent Warrants Apprehended

Charles County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Marshals capture wanted man in West Virginia

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Charles County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service, have apprehended a 40-year-old fugitive from Mississippi who was wanted on multiple violent crime warrants across several jurisdictions. Brandon Gerald Jernigan was arrested in Martinsburg, West Virginia on January 29, 2026 and has been extradited back to Charles County, Maryland where he is being held without bond.

Why it matters

The arrest of this violent fugitive is an important public safety win for the Charles County community, as Jernigan had active warrants for armed robbery, assault, and other serious offenses. The multi-agency cooperation between local and federal law enforcement highlights the resources dedicated to tracking down dangerous suspects who have evaded justice.

The details

Jernigan was wanted by the Charles County Sheriff's Office since October 2023 on charges including armed robbery, assault, and firearms violations. He failed to appear in court in March 2025, leading to a bench warrant being issued. Investigators developed information that Jernigan was staying in Martinsburg, West Virginia, prompting a joint operation between the U.S. Marshals Service, Charles County Sheriff's Office, and local West Virginia law enforcement to locate and apprehend him on January 29, 2026.

  • On October 18, 2023, an arrest warrant was obtained by the Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) charging Jernigan with armed robbery, firearm use during a felony crime of violence, first-degree assault, theft and numerous firearm‑related offenses.
  • In March 2025, a bench warrant was issued for Jernigan when he failed to appear in court.
  • On January 26, 2026, the CCSO Fugitive Warrant Unit and U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested Jernigan in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
  • On January 29, 2026, Jernigan was extradited to Charles County, Maryland and is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.

The players

Brandon Gerald Jernigan

A 40-year-old fugitive from Jackson, Mississippi who was wanted on multiple violent crime warrants across several jurisdictions.

Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)

A law enforcement agency in Charles County, Maryland that obtained the initial arrest warrant for Jernigan and coordinated his apprehension with federal authorities.

United States Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF)

A federal law enforcement task force that assisted in locating and arresting Jernigan in West Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“The arrest of this violent fugitive is an important public safety win for the Charles County community, as Jernigan had active warrants for armed robbery, assault, and other serious offenses.”

— Diane Richardson, Media Relations (ccso.us)

What’s next

Jernigan will remain in custody at the Charles County Detention Center as he faces prosecution for the outstanding charges against him.

The takeaway

This case highlights the collaborative efforts of local and federal law enforcement agencies to track down and apprehend dangerous fugitives who have evaded justice, underscoring the resources dedicated to public safety in communities like Charles County.