LEONARDTOWN, MD (December 22, 2025) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Collin Andrew Hixson, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was convicted of sex abuse of a minor and second-degree assault stemming from a May 2025 incident.

 

Following a bench trial before the Honorable Joseph Stanalonis, Hixson was convicted of the following offenses:

•                  Sex abuse of a minor (maximum penalty of 25 years in prison); and

•                  Second-degree assault (maximum penalty of 10 years in prison).

 

“The Defendant, who was an overnight guest, abused his access to a child. The child courageously escaped the attack and sought help, which lead to the Defendant’s apprehension, prosecution, and conviction,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Our office remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from predators who seek to exploit and harm them.”

 

Hixson remains held without bond pending a sentencing hearing where he faces a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison.

 

Assistant State’s Attorney Zachary Varda prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

 

Detective Andrew Burgess and Deputy Austin Edelen of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators.

 

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.