LEONARDTOWN — A West Virginia man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 10 years and 302 days of active incarceration, for sexually abusing a minor while staying as a houseguest in a St. Mary’s County home.
State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced the sentencing on June 16, 2026. Collin Andrew Hixson, 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was convicted in December 2025 following a one-day bench trial on charges of sex abuse of a minor and second-degree assault.
“The Defendant was welcomed into a family’s home and, in a significant breach of trust, used that opportunity to victimize a child,” Sterling said. “This predatory behavior represents a profound violation of a child’s boundaries and sense of safety that exploited both the child and the trust placed in him.”
The Maryland Sentencing Guidelines recommended between 7 and 13 years of active incarceration. The State requested 35 years in prison with 30 years active, along with mandatory lifetime sexual offender supervision and registration.
The Court imposed the following:
- Sex abuse of a minor: 25 years in prison, with 10 years of active incarceration
- Second-degree assault: 5 years in prison, with 302 days of active incarceration
The total sentence is 30 years in prison with 10 years and 302 days of active incarceration, plus lifetime sexual offender registration and lifetime supervision.
Assistant State’s Attorney Zachary Varda prosecuted the case. Detective Andrew Burgess and Deputy Austin Edelen of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office served as lead investigators. The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided.
Incidents involving the sexual abuse of minors in home settings can have lasting effects on victims and families. St. Mary’s County residents are reminded that any suspected child abuse should be reported immediately to authorities.
Local law enforcement and the State’s Attorney’s Office continue to prioritize the prosecution of such cases to protect children and hold offenders accountable.
Residents who suspect abuse or need resources for victims can contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office or appropriate child protective services.
