Centreville, Md. — Authorities arrested a 46-year-old Edgewater man on Feb. 19, 2026, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor reported six months earlier in Queen Annes County. Jeremy Saadeh faces two counts of fourth-degree sexual offense involving sexual contact and two counts of second-degree assault following an investigation by the Queen Annes County Sheriffs Office. Deputies took Saadeh into custody in Anne Arundel County after obtaining an arrest warrant, and he was initially held without bond before being released on his own recognizance.
The case began on Aug. 17, 2025, when deputies received a report of the sexual assault. Investigators determined sufficient evidence existed to charge Saadeh, who police say inappropriately touched the minors breast and placed his hands under her waistband. Saadeh plans to plead not guilty, according to reports. The sheriffs office has not released details on the victims age, the exact location of the incident, or the relationship between Saadeh and the minor, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Queen Annes County Sheriffs Office urged anyone with information to contact Det. B. Williams at 410-758-0770, ext. 1984, or via email at bwilliams@qac.org. The anonymous tip line is available at 410-758-6666. As with all defendants, Saadeh is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Court records indicate no prior criminal history for Saadeh in Maryland, though details remain limited pending trial. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 2026 in Queen Annes County District Court, where prosecutors will present evidence to establish probable cause. If the case advances, it could move to circuit court for further proceedings.
In Maryland, fourth-degree sexual offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine per count, while second-degree assault carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $2,500 fine per count. These charges fall under Marylands criminal law article, which defines sexual contact as intentional touching of intimate areas without consent for sexual gratification or abuse.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address crimes against minors in rural Eastern Shore communities. Queen Annes County, with a population of about 50,000, reported 15 similar offenses in 2025, according to state crime statistics. Sheriffs offices across Maryland have increased focus on such cases following legislative changes in 2024 that enhanced penalties for offenses involving vulnerable victims.
Saadeh, a resident of Edgewater in Anne Arundel County, was apprehended without incident. No additional charges have been filed as of March 8, 2026. The investigation remains active, with authorities seeking public assistance to strengthen the case.
Community leaders in Queen Annes County emphasized the importance of reporting suspected abuse promptly. Local resources, including the counties victim services unit, provide support for those affected by such crimes.
Prosecutors from the Queen Annes County States Attorneys Office will handle the case. No statements have been issued by Saadehs defense counsel at this time.
This incident occurs amid broader discussions on child protection in Maryland, where lawmakers have pushed for expanded background checks and mandatory reporting requirements. Statewide, sexual assault reports involving minors rose 12% from 2024 to 2025, per Maryland State Police data.
As the case proceeds, updates will be available through court filings and official releases from the sheriffs office.