LA PLATA, MD—On Thursday, Charles County Circuit Court sentenced Joseph John Bonaiuto, Jr., 56, of Waldorf, to eight years in prison following his guilty plea to charges of first-degree assault and fourth-degree sexual offense. Post-release, Bonaiuto will undergo five years of supervised probation and must register as a Tier I sex offender for 15 years, according to State’s Attorney Tony Covington.
The legal proceedings stem from an incident on December 26, 2023, when police were called to Bonaiuto’s residence for a welfare check initiated by his brother. The officers found Bonaiuto’s significant other appearing distressed and learned that Bonaiuto had engaged in a harrowing confrontation involving a firearm.
The investigation detailed that on Christmas night, Bonaiuto had a dispute with the victim. After a brief walk, he returned, retrieved a firearm, and engaged in a threatening act by unloading the weapon, placing it to both his and the victim’s heads, and pulling the trigger. He then forced the victim into further compliance under duress, culminating in a sexual assault.
Bonaiuto later disclosed elements of the assault to his daughter, who informed other family members, leading to police involvement. During his arrest, Bonaiuto admitted to his actions, describing himself in derogatory terms and acknowledging the severity of his behavior towards the victim.
In court, the Assistant State’s Attorney advocated for a stringent penalty, emphasizing the need for accountability given the severe and prolonged nature of Bonaiuto’s actions. Judge Donine Carrington Martin, before handing down the sentence, highlighted the enduring harm inflicted on the victim over several hours.
Bonaiuto was ultimately sentenced to seven years for the assault and an additional year for the sexual offense, with the terms to run consecutively. This decision comes after pleas from the prosecution for a significantly longer sentence reflecting the gravity of the offenses.
