FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2017

PRESS RELEASE

Michael and Heather Martin Plead Guilty to Child Neglect

FREDERICK- Husband and wife Michael Martin and Heather Martin, both age 34, of Ijamsville, Maryland each entered an Alford plea of Guilty to 2 counts of Child Neglect involving two minor children. The Honorable Theresa M. Adams imposed a total of 10 years imprisonment as to each defendant and suspended those terms in their entirety. Thereafter, the defendants will each serve 5 years of supervised probation. Conditions of probation include restrictions on videotaping the minor children and posting any images on social media.

On April 19, 2017, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services began an investigation into possible mental abuse of 2 minor children. Sources brought to the attention of authorities a number of “You-Tube” videos depicting the children being berated and ridiculed. The Defendants were charged after psychological evaluations of the children confirmed mental injury.

The State was represented by Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Lindy Angel.

J. Charles Smith, III
State’s Attorney for Frederick County, Maryland