Maryland Man Avoids Prison After Exposing Himself To Children At Park

Parents in St. Mary’s County are speaking out after a man who exposed himself to kids at a local park avoided prison time.

What’s Happening: Dalton Matthew Locklar pleaded guilty to exposing himself near children at Chancellors Run Park in Great Mills on May 20. A judge sentenced him to three years in prison on Nov. 3, but then suspended the sentence, meaning he will not go to jail. Instead, he must stay on probation for three years and remain under home detention.

What’s Important: Multiple children told their parents that Locklar was behaving inappropriately at a pavilion area in the park. Deputies found him drunk with his pants unzipped when they arrived around 7 p.m. Three witnesses confirmed what their children reported.

Catch Up Quick: The incident happened on a Tuesday evening at Chancellors Run Park on Chancellors Run Road. Multiple 911 callers reported a man exposing himself near children. Some parents tried to hold him until police arrived. Officers documented signs of heavy drinking.

The Big Picture: A suspended sentence means the judge gives prison time but allows the person to serve probation instead of going to jail. If Locklar violates his probation rules, he could still be sent to prison. Maryland lawmakers passed the stricter law last year specifically to better protect children from indecent exposure incidents. The law also triggers investigations that could revoke security clearances for those convicted.

The Sources: St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County court records.