Former Maryland High School Worker Convicted of Sex Crime Against Student

A former Safety and Security Assistant at a Maryland high school was recently convicted of a sex crime against a minor student who attended the school. He will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life under Maryland’s rules regarding sex offenses. The 22-year-old defendant was convicted of sexual abuse of a minor following a 2-day bench trial. The defendant faces a maximum of 25 years behind bars for the abuse. In this article, the Maryland sex crimes attorneys at Schlaich & Thompson will discuss child sex abuse charges under Maryland law.

Sexual abuse of a minor charges in Maryland 

• 3-602 of the Maryland criminal code defines the crime of sexually abusing a minor. Under Maryland law, courts will consider any illicit or offensive touching of a minor to be child molestation. This crime is commonly associated with sex crimes involving minors. Child molestation is often interchanged with child sexual abuse charges.

Child sexual abuse specifically refers to any instance in which an individual has permanent or temporary care or custody of a child; or someone who has responsibility for supervision of a child. This includes parents and teachers or any household family member. In the case mentioned above, the high school security officer was tasked with overseeing the well being of the children. In other words, he had a form of care or custody over the children when he unlawfully lured a student into a sexual situation.

Penalties for sexual abuse of a minor in Maryland 

The crime of sexual abuse of a minor is a felony punishable by a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Under Maryland law a person may be charged with both the crime of  sexual abuse of a minor and the actual sex offense constituting the abuse; and if convicted, a sentence may be imposed for both the sexual act and the crime of sexual abuse of a minor.   For example, a person who has responsibility for the supervision of a child who violates their duty by having sexual contact with the child may be charged with both sexual offense in the third degree and sexual abuse of a minor.  If convicted of both counts the defendant faces possible sentences of 10 years and 25 years, which may be imposed consecutively.

Anyone convicted of a sexual offense involving a child also has to register as a child sex offender, possibly for life.

Talk to a Maryland Sex Crimes Attorney Today 

Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered represent the interests of those charged with sex crimes in the state of Maryland. Call our office today to schedule an appointment and we can begin preparing your defense to these charges immediately.

Source:

wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/former-chopticon-high-school-worker-convicted-of-sex-crime-against-student/65-605b236b-0ff4-40f4-80c8-eae2f0dcdf87