Glen Burnie Man Faces Child Porn, Sexual Assault Charges

Many children trust adults such as teachers and bus drivers. When these people engage in crimes that harm the children they are entrusted with, it can be a shock to the victims and the community as a whole.

The driver of a church van is facing numerous sexual assault and child porn charges for engaging in offenses against a victim, a 13-year-old girl. The incidents began on December 19. The two had met while the girl was riding on the church transportation van. On four occasions, the 44-year-old man from Glen Burnie sexually assaulted the girl. He also took sexually explicit photos of her on several occasions.

On January 5, police received reports of alleged sex offenses occurring on Juliana Circle West in Annapolis. The man was arrested on January 9 near his Glen Burnie home. He now faces 19 criminal charges. They include four counts of fourth-degree sexual contact, four counts of felony third-degree sex offense, four counts of second-degree assault, and possession and distribution of child pornography. The man is currently at Jennifer Road Detention Center. He is being held there without bond. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer against the man, who is from El Salvador and allegedly in the United States illegally.

Child Porn Laws in Maryland

Under Maryland Code Section 11-208, child pornography involves possession of images or videos of children in sexually explicit situations. A child refers to a minor under the age of 16 years old. Sexually explicit situations refer to a state of sexual excitement, any type of sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse. Penalties include a $2,500 fine and five years in prison for a first offense.

Subsequent offenses may result in higher fines and more prison time. Also, many child porn offenses, such as distribution, are prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, elevating the penalties even further. In these situations, a person can potentially spend the rest of their life in prison and face six-figure fines.

A child porn investigation typically begins before a suspect even knows they are being investigated. Because they are caught unaware, they could face a search warrant on their home, car and other possessions at any time. Once they know they’re the target of an investigation, their first step should be to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can defend their legal rights.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Adults should avoid having sexual contact with children, as sex crimes against children are punished harshly. Child porn and sexual assault are often charged as felonies, which can impact your life in many ways.

You won’t be able to successfully fight these charges on your own. Contact the Glen Burnie child pornography attorneys at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. as soon as you find out you are being investigated. He can provide you with a solid defense. Schedule a free consultation today. Fill out the online form or call (410) 774-5987.

Resource:

baltimoresun.com/news/crime/ac-cn-glen-burnie-sex-offenses-20200110-2otnk75lafbkjhmffdttpxax3a-story.html

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/maryland-man-gets-20-years-in-prison-for-child-porn-charges/