A man convicted of burglarizing hotel rooms in downtown Baltimore has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple burglary and theft charges. Prosecutors said the defendant targeted guests at the Marriott Hotel on South Eutaw Street between December 2025 and February 2026.
Jamal Gardner, described by police as a “serial burglar,” pleaded guilty last month to three counts of first-degree burglary, three counts of fourth-degree burglary, one count of theft involving $1,500 to $25,000, and two counts of theft involving $100 to $1,500.
According to CBS News Baltimore, Gardner received a 60-year sentence on Oct. 22, with all but 24 years suspended.
As part of his release conditions, Gardner must serve five years of supervised probation, complete a drug treatment program, and stay away from the hotels he burglarized.
Investigators Say Hotel Guests Returned to Ransacked Rooms
Prosecutors said Gardner broke into guest rooms at the Marriott Hotel on South Eutaw Street in downtown Baltimore during a series of burglaries spanning several months.
According to investigators, Gardner used a tool to force his way into hotel rooms and stole cash, clothing, electronics, and jewelry.
Guests reportedly returned to find their rooms ransacked and personal belongings missing. Investigators said victims were shown a photograph of Gardner, but they told police they did not recognize him and had not authorized him to enter their rooms.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Gardner entering the hotel through a sixth-floor stairwell and later returning to the stairwell carrying items he had allegedly stolen, according to investigators.
Police also recovered some of the stolen property at Gardner’s home when he was arrested.
Baltimore Prosecutor Highlights 13 Additional Pending Cases
Gardner continues to face 13 other pending cases involving similar alleged conduct, according to prosecutors.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said the sentence reflects the seriousness of targeting hotel guests and entering their private rooms without authorization.
“This sentence sends a clear message that targeting hotel guests and violating the sanctity of their rooms carries serious consequences,” Bates said.
Bates also pointed to Gardner’s other pending cases, saying they highlight what prosecutors consider a continuing pattern of criminal behavior.
“This Defendant’s 13 other pending cases involving similar conduct underscore a persistent pattern of criminal behavior that demands accountability,” Bates said.
The 24-year prison term follows Gardner’s guilty pleas in the hotel burglary case. The 13 additional cases remain pending.
