LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Terry Joe Hahn, 44, of Hollywood, on March 9, 2026, following a detailed probe into allegations of child pornography possession.
The case began on February 22, 2026, when deputies responded to a tip reporting possible pornographic images of children stored on Hahn’s phone. Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Division launched a forensic analysis of the device, which confirmed the presence of multiple such images depicting juveniles across different age groups.
Armed with those findings, detectives obtained and executed an arrest warrant at Hahn’s residence on March 9. Authorities reported that Hahn was taken into custody without any resistance or incident. He now faces two counts of possession of child pornography under Maryland law.
The arrest highlights the effectiveness of public tips in prompting swift law enforcement action against serious offenses involving the exploitation of minors. Child pornography possession carries significant penalties in Maryland, reflecting the state’s strong stance on protecting vulnerable children from digital exploitation.
The investigation continues, with detectives actively pursuing any additional leads or evidence. Sheriff’s Office officials stressed the importance of community involvement in such cases, noting that early reporting can prevent further harm and aid in building strong cases.
Detective Allison Mattera leads the ongoing probe and encourages anyone with further details to reach out directly. Contact information includes her phone at 301-475-4200, extension 8124, or email at Allison.Mattera@stmaryscountymd.gov.
For those preferring anonymity, multiple secure channels exist through the Sheriff’s Office partnerships. Tipsters can text “SMCSO” followed by a space and the information to 847411. Online submissions are available via the official website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips. The free SMCSO app, downloadable from Google Play or the Apple App Store, allows direct tip submission. Anonymous phone tips can also go through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.
Crime Solvers maintains complete confidentiality—no names required—and offers potential cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest or resolution.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in an era of widespread digital device use. Law enforcement agencies in Southern Maryland, including the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, routinely handle cyber-related crimes against children through specialized units and forensic tools. Such efforts aim to disrupt possession and distribution networks that harm minors.
No additional background on Hahn or prior related incidents appeared in approved sources. The charges remain allegations at this stage, and the court process will determine outcomes. The Sheriff’s Office provided these details in an official release dated March 9, 2026, underscoring transparency in active cases.
Southern Maryland communities benefit from proactive sheriff’s offices that prioritize child protection through education, rapid response to tips, and collaboration with state and federal partners when needed. Residents play a key role by reporting suspicions promptly and responsibly.