LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 13, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Jeffery Francis Pappaianni, 34, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, was convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses on a pregnant woman.
On March 16, 2026, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Mechanicsville for a reported incident. While speaking with deputies, the victim disclosed that Pappaianni had assaulted her during a previous domestic violence incident on February 22, 2026. The victim reported that Pappaianni punched her multiple times in the face, fracturing her nose, and then proceeded to kick and punch her in the stomach while she was nine months pregnant. Pappaianni assaulted the victim in the presence of her two minor children.
After a two-day trial, a St. Mary’s County jury found Pappaianni guilty of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and committing a crime of violence against a pregnant person. The jury found that these acts were committed in the presence of minors, which carries an additional penalty that can be imposed at sentencing.
“Domestic violence can be devastating, leaving victims feeling trapped, isolated, and unsure of whether they can safely come forward. In this case, the victim endured a brutal assault while nine months pregnant and did not report the incident until after she gave birth,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “No victim should ever feel that they must endure abuse in silence, and no one should have to fear for their safety in their own home. I commend this victim for finding the strength to contact law enforcement, testify at trial, and ultimately seek justice for herself and her children.”
Pappaianni remains held without bond pending sentencing, where he faces a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison.
Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Pettersen, Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, and Assistant State’s Attorney Zachary Varda prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.
Corporal Dianne Hersh of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.
The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.
