Frederick, Md. (DG) – A Thurmont man will spend nearly two decades behind bars after being sentenced in Frederick County Circuit Court for using a victim’s personal information to solicit sexual encounters online and violating probation.
Forty-four-year-old John Davis was sentenced Friday to a total of 19 years in the Maryland Department of Corrections. The sentence includes 10 years to be served for a conviction related to using personal identifying information to encourage another to commit a sexual crime, along with an additional consecutive 10-year term for violating probation tied to a prior assault involving the same victim. Portions of the sentence were suspended.
The case stems from a January 2024 investigation by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office into fraudulent Craigslist postings that impersonated the victim. Authorities say Davis created ads offering the victim for sexual services, listing her full name, photos, home address, and phone number, while encouraging individuals to come to her home at any time. The posts were traced back to Davis through payment records linked to his credit card.
As a result, the victim received numerous harassing messages and calls from individuals responding to the ads. Investigators also obtained Ring camera footage in which Davis admitted to creating the posts.
During sentencing, the court heard a victim impact statement outlining ongoing fears for personal safety and concern that the victim’s information could still be circulating online. The victim also expressed worry about the potential danger posed to her child.
A judge described the crime as severe and indicated the sentence reflects concerns about public safety. Prosecutors emphasized the misuse of technology to target and intimidate the victim as a key factor in the case.
Following his release, Davis will be required to serve five years of supervised probation, including no contact with the victim, mandatory mental health treatment, psychological counseling, and a psycho-sexual evaluation.
By: Dianah Gibson
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