MIDDLETOWN MAN TO SERVE OVER 35 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT, VIOLATIONS OF PROTECTIVE ORDER, VIOLATION OF PRETRIAL CONDITIONS, AND INFLUENCING OR INTIMIDATING A WITNESS

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 13, 2026

MIDDLETOWN MAN TO SERVE OVER 35 YEARS IN THE DIVISION OF CORRECTIONS FOR FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT, VIOLATIONS OF PROTECTIVE ORDER, Violation of Pretrial Conditions, AND INFLUENCING OR INTIMIDATING A WITNESS

 

 

Frederick, MD –  Yesterday, in Frederick County Circuit Court, the Honorable Julia A. Minner sentenced 44-yr-old Jessie Vangenewitt to serve, 35 years and 270 days in the Division of Corrections for First Degree Assault, Violations of Protective Order, Violation of Pretrial Conditions, and Influencing or Intimidating a Witness.  The Defendant will receive credit for 196 days of time served pending trial.

On October 26, 2025, officers with Frederick City Police were dispatched to the area of 999 West Patrick Street, in Frederick for a report of a domestically related assault.  The officers made contact with the victim who reported Jessie Vangenewitt strangled her and struck her in the face multiple times.  The officers observed injuries on the victim, and she was taken to Frederick Health Hospital to receive further care.

After the assault, the Defendant continued to call and text the victim from the Frederick County Adult Detention Center in an attempt to influence her testimony at trial.  Those communications violated the Court’s orders not to contact the victim.

After a two-day bench trial, on April 15 and April 16, 2026, the Court found the Defendant guilty of First-Degree assault, Second-Degree Assault, two counts of Violating a Protective Order, Violation of a Pre-trial Condition, and Intimidating or Influencing a Witness.

At sentencing, Judge Julia Minner stated, “This Defendant continues to be a threat to the victim and to the community.”

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated, “Strangulation is a very serious form of assault. It is often overlooked and misunderstood. Today’s result is a great example of a changing tenor in the community, and we believe the Court’s sentence reflects the gravity of this case.”

Assistant State’s Attorney, Will Grove, Domestic Violence Unit, represented the State of Maryland.

Press Contact:

Jacqueline Rottmann

Media Relations Officer

301-600-2972

100 West Patrick Street

Frederick, Maryland  21701

 

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