FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 18 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SECOND-DEGREE SEX OFFENSE AND TWO COUNTS OF THIRD-DEGREE SEX OFFENSE OF TWO MINORS
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 28, 2025
FREDERICK MAN TO SERVE 18 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR SECOND-DEGREE SEX OFFENSE AND TWO COUNTS OF THIRD-DEGREE SEX OFFENSE OF TWO MINORS
Frederick, MD – Today in Frederick County Circuit Court, Judge Joanie Raymond-Brubaker sentenced 67-year old Donald Bernard Brooks to serve 18 years in the Division of Corrections for one count of Second-Degree Sex Offense and two counts of Third-Degree Sex Offense of two minors. The Defendant pleaded guilty in both cases.
On July 15, 2024, Frederick Police received a call from an adult male victim who asked to remain anonymous regarding a sexual offense committed on him by the Defendant. The victim told police when he was seven years old, the Defendant (36 years old at the time of the incident) sexually assaulted him in the home of a family friend. The Victim remained silent until he turned 18, when he told his mother about the incident. His mother contacted the police at that time, however the victim did not wish to proceed with an investigation. On July 15, 2024 the victim contacted the police after learning that the Defendant was babysitting minor children.
On August 5, 2024, a female victim called Frederick Police after she saw the news of the Defendant’s arrest. She told police the Defendant sexually abused her multiple times when she was seven years old inside the family home where the Defendant resided. The Defendant was 21 years old at the time of the incident. The Victim initially told her mother after the last incident who elected not to notify authorities but did not allow the minor victim to go over to the Defendant’s residence any more.
Investigators became aware of three additional Victims, however charges were not filed as they were either unable to be fully identified or elected not to proceed with a criminal investigation.
State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “This is really a story of courage. The courage for these victims to come forward many years later to make sure that this abuse did not happen to anyone else is truly admirable.”
During the Plea and Sentencing Hearing, Victim #1 addressed the Court in a Victim Impact Statement: “This is healing for me. He ruined my whole life. It replayed in my head over and over; so many nightmares.” Victim # 2 also told Judge Raymond-Brubaker: “No one should have to give a statement like this. He was like family to me. He used every opportunity to abuse me.”
Probationary conditions will include five years of supervised probation upon release, no contact with the victims, no contact with any minor child and additional electronic and internet monitoring.
Chief Assistant State’s Attorney, Special Victims Unit, Lindsey Carpenter represented the State of Maryland.
####
Press Contact:
Jacqueline Rottmann
Court Media Relations Officer
301-600-2972
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
