PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — Hunter Lee Kirby, 27, of Prince Frederick, was handed a 35-year prison sentence on Thursday, with a mandatory 10 years of active incarceration, following his conviction on charges of distributing child pornography and sexual abuse of a minor. The ruling was delivered by Judge Andrew S. Rappaport at the Calvert County Circuit Court.
The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to Kirby’s illegal activities in July 2023 after receiving a cyber tip about his involvement in accessing and sharing child pornography. A subsequent court-approved search warrant allowed authorities to seize several electronic devices from Kirby. Examination of these devices confirmed the presence of multiple child pornography images, leading to his arrest.
Further investigations revealed more severe offenses, including the unlawful sexual touching of a minor female. The details of the victim’s identity remain protected due to her age and the nature of the crimes.
Following his prison term, Kirby is slated for five years of supervised probation. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to monitor and mitigate any future risk he might pose.
The prosecution, led by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca N. Cordero, emphasized the severity of Kirby’s actions and the importance of the legal consequences as a deterrent to similar crimes. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to tackle the exploitation of minors and the dissemination of illegal materials online.
