Frederick, MD (JK) – A Frederick County man has been sentenced to more than 35 years in prison following convictions tied to a domestic assault and attempts to influence a witness while awaiting trial.
On Tuesday, Frederick County Circuit Court Judge Julia A. Minner sentenced 44-year-old Jessie Vangenewitt to 35 years and 270 days in the Division of Corrections. The sentence followed convictions for first-degree assault, violations of a protective order, violation of pretrial conditions, and influencing or intimidating a witness. Vangenewitt was credited with 196 days already served while awaiting trial.
The case began on October 26, 2025, when Frederick City Police officers were called to the area of 999 West Patrick Street for a reported domestic assault. According to investigators, the victim told officers Vangenewitt strangled her and struck her in the face multiple times. Police observed visible injuries, and the victim was transported to Frederick Health Hospital for treatment.
Authorities said that after his arrest, Vangenewitt repeatedly contacted the victim from the Frederick County Adult Detention Center by phone and text message in an effort to influence her testimony ahead of trial. Prosecutors said those communications violated court orders prohibiting any contact with the victim.
Following a two-day bench trial held April 15 and 16, 2026, the court found Vangenewitt guilty of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, two counts of violating a protective order, violation of a pretrial condition, and intimidating or influencing a witness.
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