LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Robin Maudie Barahona Gonzalez, 37, of Lexington Park, received a 40-year prison sentence with 35 years of active incarceration on November 18, 2025, in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for sexual abuse of a minor and multiple counts of child pornography possession. Judge Joseph M. Stanalonis also ordered lifetime registration as a sex offender.
St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced the sentencing, which followed a 2022 investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Detective Andrew Burgess served as lead investigator, while Assistant State’s Attorney Zachary Varda handled prosecution.
The court imposed the following terms, all to run consecutively:
- Sexual abuse of a minor: 25 years in prison.
- Possession of child pornography: 5 years in prison with 5 years active incarceration.
- Possession of child pornography: 5 years in prison with 5 years active incarceration.
- Possession of child pornography: 5 years in prison, fully suspended.
The total executed time amounts to 35 years, with an additional 5 years suspended.
“This Defendant’s repeated and egregious acts against a child are among the most serious and disturbing crimes we prosecute,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “This sentence delivers justice for the victim and protects other children from future harm.”
Under Maryland law, sexual abuse of a minor by a household or family member carries a maximum penalty of 25 years incarceration. The charge applies when an individual in a position of authority or custody engages in sexual molestation or exploitation of a child under 18. Possession of child pornography, classified as a misdemeanor per image or video in many cases, can lead to up to 5 years per count, with courts often imposing consecutive terms for multiple violations to reflect the volume of material.
Lifetime sex offender registration requires individuals convicted of certain tier III offenses, including sexual abuse of a minor, to report regularly to law enforcement, provide DNA samples, and face public disclosure of their status through the Maryland Sex Offender Registry. This measure aims to monitor high-risk offenders and alert communities.
The case originated from a 2022 probe that uncovered evidence of ongoing abuse and illicit materials. Gonzalez faced initial charges including second-degree rape and multiple pornography counts, stemming from acts alleged over several years. Prosecutors in St. Mary’s County prioritize such cases through specialized units that coordinate with sheriff’s detectives and child advocacy services to build evidence while supporting victims.
St. Mary’s County Circuit Court handles felony prosecutions, where judges determine sentences within statutory guidelines after reviewing presentence investigations and hearing arguments. Consecutive sentencing, as applied here, allows maximum accountability when multiple distinct offenses occur.
Background on Maryland’s Framework
Maryland classifies sexual abuse of a minor as a felony when committed by parents, guardians, or household members, reflecting the breach of trust involved. Courts frequently impose the statutory maximum in cases with prolonged or repeated conduct. Child pornography possession penalties escalated in recent years, with lawmakers increasing maximums to deter distribution and collection.
The St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by Jaymi Sterling since her 2022 election, maintains a focus on victim-centered prosecutions in child exploitation matters. The office collaborates with the sheriff’s vice/narcotics division for investigations involving digital evidence and forensic interviews.
Lifetime registration applies to tier III offenders, the most serious category, requiring quarterly reporting and internet identifier disclosure. Noncompliance can result in additional felony charges.
This sentencing aligns with Maryland’s emphasis on protecting minors through stringent penalties and monitoring.
