LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 30, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that William Francis Dixon, 53, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, was sentenced to 53 years in prison for attempted kidnapping, armed robbery, and dangerous weapon charges.
“This was a predatory and horrifying attack by a convicted felon with a demonstrated history of extreme violence against women on an innocent victim who was a complete stranger to him,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling.
On March 17, 2025, Dixon targeted a woman after seeing her at a shopping center and followed her vehicle to her child’s school bus stop. While she waited for her child, Dixon, armed with handcuffs and a knife, attempted to kidnap her by dragging her towards his vehicle. The victim fought back, escaped to her car, and called 911, providing a detailed description of the attack and her assailant. Following an investigation, officers identified and located Dixon. A subsequent search of his home led to the recovery of the victim’s personal belongings.
Dixon was previously convicted for a brutal 1994 offense in which he stabbed a St. Mary’s County woman approximately 50 times with a screwdriver, raped her, and left her for dead. The victim survived. Dixon was subsequently sentenced to LIFE in prison, with 40 years of active incarceration. He was released with good time credit after serving just under 25 years.
“With this new sentence, the Defendant will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. This victim and the previous victim, along with every potential victim, are now safe from him,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “I want to sincerely thank the detectives, the incredible prosecution team, and especially our office’s Evidence Review Unit. I am certain these results would not have been possible without their endless hours of investigation, dedication, and brilliance.”
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier and Assistant State’s Attorney Holley Hickman prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
Detective Andrew Burgess of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.
The Honorable Timothy J. Doory presided over the case.
