THURMONT MAN TO SERVE 19 YEARS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION TO ENCOURAGE ANOTHER TO COMMIT A SEXUAL CRIME; VIOLATION OF PROBATION
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 20, 2026
THURMONT MAN TO SERVE 19 YEARS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR USE OF PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION TO ENCOURAGE ANOTHER TO COMMIT A SEXUAL CRIME; VIOLATION OF PROBATION
Frederick, MD – Today, in Frederick County Circuit Court, The Honorable Julia Martz-Fisher sentenced 44-year-old John P. Davis to 20 years in the Department of Corrections, with all but 10 years suspended following a guilty plea for Use of Personal Identifying Information to Encourage Another to Commit a Sexual Crime. The Defendant will receive credit for 221 days already served. The Defendant was also sentenced to 10 years to be served consecutively for violating his probation. The Defendant was on probation for assaulting the same victim and received credit for 461 days already served.
In January 2024, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Deputies investigated fraudulent Craigslist posts that had been made advertising the victim for sexual services. The victim reported to police that the Defendant created two Craigslist posts which impersonated her and encouraged anyone interested to come to her home “anytime” and have sex with her for money. These posts included photos of her face, her full name, her age, her home address, and her phone number. The posts were paid for with the Defendant’s credit card. The victim received numerous harassing text messages and phone calls from individuals who expressed interest in her advertised “services.” A witness provided Ring video to the police which showed the Defendant confessing that he had made the posts.
The Victim Impact Statement was read by Assistant State’s Attorney, Carly Gibson. The Victim expressed concern that though the posts had been removed from Craigslist, her information and images may still be on the internet somewhere. She also detailed her concern for the safety of her child, saying “The postings could have resulted in any type of criminal coming to my home.”
During sentencing, Judge Martz-Fisher stated: “This is hideous. You need a significant change in whatever it is your mindset is…. The public is not safe with you walking the streets.”
State’s Attorney Charlie Smith said, “No one should have to live in fear because someone chose to misuse technology to target them. The defendant’s actions invaded the victim’s privacy, dignity, and sense of safety. The sentence imposed today reflects the gravity of that behavior and our commitment to protecting members of this community from exploitation and intimidation.”
Upon release, the Defendant will serve five years of supervised probation with all standard conditions. Special conditions include no contact with the victim, psychological counseling, mental health treatment and a psycho-sexual evaluation.
Assistant State’s Attorney Carly Gibson represented the State of Maryland. The case was investigated by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.
Press Contact:
Jacqueline Rottmann
Court Media Relations Officer
301-600-2972
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
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