Joshua Christian-Stanley Jackson, a 21-year-old social media influencer from Prince Frederick, Maryland, found himself in hot water on March 5, 2025. Arrested in St. Mary’s County, he faced charges of second-degree arson, second-degree malicious burning, malicious destruction of property, and making a false 911 call. This latest development came just days after his release from the Charles County Detention Center, where he was held on similar charges related to a commercial building fire in Newburg on February 22.
A Pattern of Deception Unveiled
The arrest of Jackson shed light on a troubling pattern of behavior that spanned multiple incidents in Southern Maryland. In addition to the St. Mary’s case, he was also linked to a Feb. 14 arson at a vacant home in Chaptico and a false 911 report in Hollywood late last year. The allegations against Jackson suggested a disturbing trend of exploiting emergency services for social media content.
In Chaptico, investigators determined that Jackson had set fire to the exterior of an unoccupied residence on Maddox Road late in the evening on February 14, 2025. Not only did he ignite the blaze, but he also placed the initial 911 call reporting the fire—a tactic that mirrored his actions in Charles County. There, he admitted to starting a fire at a vacant commercial property to film firefighters for profit on social media. The parallels between the two cases raised concerns about Jackson’s intentions and methods.
Escalating Charges and Ongoing Investigation
As authorities delved deeper into Jackson’s activities, they uncovered further evidence of his deceptive practices. In late 2024, he was accused of making a false 911 call in Hollywood, reporting a nonexistent motor vehicle accident on Three Notch Road. The call, deemed baseless upon investigation, appeared to be another ploy to capture emergency responders on video for monetization. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and fire marshals collaborated to connect Jackson to this incident, highlighting his repeated attempts to manipulate emergency services for personal gain.
Jackson’s arrest in St. Mary’s County marked a significant development in the ongoing investigation into his activities. The Office of the State Fire Marshal, responsible for probing arsons and related crimes across Maryland, indicated that additional charges could be forthcoming as they continued to explore potential connections to Jackson in Calvert County. With his history of alleged arson and deception in Southern Maryland, the authorities were keen to unravel the full extent of his involvement in regional incidents.
The impact of Jackson’s actions extended beyond mere property damage. The Maddox Road fire, while contained, caused visible damage to the exterior of the vacant home, underscoring the potential dangers of his reckless behavior. Moreover, the false Hollywood call diverted emergency responders from legitimate emergencies, posing a risk to public safety and service integrity. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, tasked with upholding safety standards and investigating arson cases, prioritized Jackson’s case due to its implications for the community at large.
As Jackson awaited further court proceedings in St. Mary’s County, the authorities remained vigilant in their pursuit of justice. His next appearance in court had yet to be scheduled as of March 5, 2025, leaving many questions unanswered about the extent of his actions and their impact on the region. The investigation into Jackson’s activities served as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of exploiting emergency services for personal gain.
David M. Higgins II, an award-winning journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth, has closely followed the developments in Jackson’s case. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, Higgins brings a unique perspective to the story, shedding light on the human side of a troubling saga that has captured the community’s attention.
