Wicomico County, MD – On March 2, 2023, after a two-day jury trial presided over by the Honorable S. James Sarbanes, Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, Qwenda Jones, aged 39, was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Rape in the Second Degree, Sexual Offense in the Second Degree, and related offenses.
Sentencing was deferred pending receipt of a mandatory Pre-Sentence Investigation and mental health assessment. Jones will remain in custody pending sentencing.
From October of 2012 through October of 2014, Jones, along with her boyfriend at the time, Orlando Hill, sexually abused Jones’ minor child. The victim was between 9 and 10 years of age at the time of the offenses.
In November of 2022, Hill was tried and convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Sexual Offense in the Second Degree, and related offenses in connection with these acts and is likewise currently pending sentencing.
Wicomico County State’s Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes said, “When a parent sexually abuses their own child, it is an indescribable act of evil. The victim in this case exhibited strength and courage in disclosing the abuse and testifying at trial against the defendant. The jury’s considered verdict of guilty as to all charges is a testament to the victim’s bravery.”
SA Jamie L. Dykes commended Sgt. J. Pruitt of the Maryland State Police, who was the lead investigator, and Child Protective Services for their work in the investigation. SA Dykes also commended Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Calabrese, who prosecuted the case.