St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced on October 15, 2025, that Crosby Dawson, 42, of Leonardtown, received a 65-year prison sentence with 35 years of active incarceration for sexually abusing and raping a child under age 14. The court also ordered lifetime sexual offender supervision and lifelong sex offender registration. The crimes occurred between 2022 and 2023 in St. Mary’s County.
A jury convicted Dawson of all charges after a multi-day trial in September 2024. The case centered on repeated sexual abuse and rape of a minor. Sterling highlighted the victim’s role during the announcement. “The child provided crucial evidence to the investigators, which led to the successful prosecution of this case,” Sterling said. “I am amazed by the young victim’s incredible courage to confront the abuser. Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community is among our office’s highest priority.”
Maryland Sentencing Guidelines suggested 30 to 54 years in prison. Prosecutors requested the maximum 65 years, above the range. Circuit Court Judge Joseph M. Stanalonis imposed the full term, with 35 years active. Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Mimi Zhuravinsky, chief of the Special Victims Unit, presented at the hearing for St. Mary’s County residents.
Detective Kortnie Marsch of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. Nichole Moneymaker from St. Mary’s County Child Protective Services Division and Child Advocacy Center staff provided key support. Their collaboration ensured evidence collection and victim assistance aligned with state protocols.
Prosecutors in St. Mary’s County follow a structured process for child sexual abuse cases. Upon a report to Child Protective Services—mandated under Maryland Family Law Article, Section 5-704—investigators screen within 24 hours. High-risk cases, like this one, trigger immediate response. The multidisciplinary team, including law enforcement, social services and medical experts, interviews the child using forensic techniques at the Child Advocacy Center in Leonardtown.
Evidence from the center includes recorded interviews admissible in court per Maryland Rule 5-802.01. Physical exams, if needed, occur at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, following national SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) standards. Sheriff’s detectives then build the case file, forwarded to the State’s Attorney’s Office within 30 days for charging decisions. In Dawson’s case, the multi-agency effort yielded the September 2024 trial.
Sentencing followed Maryland Rule 4-342, allowing deviations from guidelines for aggravating factors like victim age and abuse duration. Judge Stanalonis, appointed in 2018 after 20 years as a prosecutor, reviewed a presentence investigation report detailing Dawson’s prior record—none noted—and victim impact statements. Lifetime supervision under Maryland Code, Correctional Services Article, Section 11-723, includes GPS monitoring and quarterly polygraphs post-release.
Community resources aid recovery. The Center for Hope in Leonardtown offers free counseling to 200 child victims annually. Pax River Naval Air Station’s Family Advocacy Program supports military families, overlapping with 25% of county cases. Reporting remains anonymous via the Sheriff’s tip line at 301-475-4200, with 24/7 response.
This case underscores St. Mary’s commitment to swift justice. From initial report in 2023 to sentencing in 2025, the process spanned 24 months—below the state average of 28—ensuring accountability. Residents can access victim services at the Advocacy Center or call 301-475-8842 for support.
