LORENZO BUGGS FOUND GUILTY IN WICOMICO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR AND OTHER CHARGES

Wicomico County, MD - On February 4, 2025, 37-year-old Lorenzo Buggs from Mardela Springs, Maryland, was found guilty of multiple charges including Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Third-Degree Sexual Offense, two counts of Fourth-Degree Sexual Offense, two counts of Second-Degree Assault, Sexual Solicitation of a Minor, and Inducing a Victim from Reporting a Crime by a Wicomico County jury.

The verdict was delivered after a two-day trial presided over by Chief Judge Kathleen L. Beckstead and Associate Judge Phillip T. Cronan. Sentencing was deferred pending receipt of a mandatory presentence investigation and mental health assessment.

Buggs' crimes were committed in the summer of 2024, against a minor who was under fifteen years old. Buggs further attempted to prevent the victim from reporting the abuse to the authorities, which however turned out to be unsuccessful.

Commenting on the verdict, the Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes commended the victim's immense courage in testifying against Buggs.

SA Dykes said, "The trust that is broken when a child is sexually abused is not easily restored. Abusers rely upon the secretive nature of these heinous offenses to escape detection and prosecution. This survivor showed incredible bravery by stepping forward."

The investigation was conducted by a team led by Detective D. Schultz of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. They were supported by Child Protective Services, members of the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center, and other members of the Sheriff's Office. SA Dykes also praised the efforts of Senior Assistant State's Attorney Michael Calabrese who prosecuted the case.