LA PLATA, Md., June 6, 2025 — Charles County Circuit Court Judge Makeba Gibbs sentenced Thoraz Xavier Smallwood, 39, of Waldorf, to 15 years in prison on June 4, 2025, for sexually abusing a minor and second-degree assault. Smallwood, who pleaded guilty to the charges on January 13, 2025, faces five years of supervised probation upon release and must register as a lifetime Tier III Sex Offender. Violating probation could result in an additional 20 years of incarceration.
The investigation began on June 6, 2023, when a Charles County Sheriff’s Office detective interviewed the juvenile victim, who reported multiple instances of sexual assault by Smallwood. According to court records, Smallwood met the victim when she was 7 or 8 years old, establishing a father-figure role in her life. He began grooming her and later resided with her. When the victim was 14, Smallwood engaged in sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with her over the course of a year at various locations in Charles County. The victim disclosed the abuse to her mother, who alerted authorities.
During the sentencing hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie requested a 25-year sentence, describing Smallwood’s actions as “abhorrent.” Beattie emphasized the betrayal of trust, stating, “This was a relationship that [Smallwood] changes, perverts, and uses to take advantage of the victim. – There is no greater injury that you can place on a child than to take on a [father-figure] role and ruin it for them.” Judge Gibbs, addressing Smallwood before sentencing, called him “a very dangerous person” and noted the “harm was beyond extreme.” She added that he left “a path of destruction not only for the victim herself but also her family.”
Smallwood’s sentence includes 25 years for sexual abuse of a minor, with all but 15 years suspended, and 10 years for second-degree assault, fully suspended, to run consecutively. The lifetime sex offender registration requires regular reporting and compliance with strict regulations.
The case highlights the Charles County Sheriff’s Office’s role in responding to reports of child abuse. The victim’s disclosure to her mother prompted a swift investigation, leading to Smallwood’s arrest and conviction. Authorities encourage victims of abuse to report incidents to law enforcement or trusted adults to ensure justice and support.
Charles County State’s Attorney Tony Covington announced the sentencing, underscoring the judicial system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals. The court’s decision reflects the severity of Smallwood’s actions and the lasting impact on the victim and her family. Support services, including counseling and advocacy, are available in Charles County for victims of sexual abuse to aid in their recovery.
