A St. Mary’s County bench trial resulted in the conviction of Collin Andrew Hixson, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, on December 22, 2025, for sex abuse of a minor and second-degree assault. State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced the verdict following proceedings before the Honorable Joseph Stanalonis in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court in Leonardtown.
The convictions stem from an incident in May 2025 where Hixson, who was an overnight guest, abused his access to a child victim. The child escaped the attack and sought help, leading to Hixson’s apprehension, prosecution, and conviction. Sterling stated, “The Defendant, who was an overnight guest, abused his access to a child. The child courageously escaped the attack and sought help, which lead to the Defendant’s apprehension, prosecution, and conviction. Our office remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from predators who seek to exploit and harm them.”
Under Maryland law, sex abuse of a minor is a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, particularly when involving exploitation by someone in a position of trust or access. Second-degree assault, a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances, carries a maximum of 10 years. Hixson faces a combined maximum sentence of 35 years. He remains held without bond pending a sentencing hearing.
Assistant State’s Attorney Zachary Varda prosecuted the case on behalf of St. Mary’s County residents. Lead investigators were Detective Andrew Burgess and Deputy Austin Edelen of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
Hixson was previously indicted by a St. Mary’s County grand jury in August 2025 on related charges, including second-degree assault, fourth-degree sexual offense involving a minor, and sexual abuse of a minor by a household or family member. An arrest warrant was issued by Judge Joseph Michael Stanalonis, and Hixson was arrested on September 1, 2025, followed by a bail review hearing. A jury trial had been scheduled for December 15-19, 2025, but the case proceeded as a bench trial before Judge Stanalonis.
This case aligns with ongoing efforts in Southern Maryland to address sexual offenses against children. For instance, recent convictions in the region have included lengthy sentences for similar charges, such as a 40-year term imposed in November 2025 for sexual abuse of a minor and child pornography possession in St. Mary’s County.
Maryland’s legal framework for sex abuse of a minor, found in Criminal Law Article Section 3-602, defines the offense as engaging in sexual molestation or exploitation of a child under 18 by a parent, family member, household member, or someone with temporary or permanent custody or responsibility. Convictions often result in significant incarceration, mandatory sex offender registration, and other restrictions.
