James Maynard Jr, Coercing Minor for Child Porn, Maryland 2024

A Boonesboro man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for coercing a 14-year-old girl to produce child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher handed down the 150-month sentence to James Maynard, Jr., 53, who was found guilty of coercion and enticement of a minor in order to produce and distribute child pornography.

According to court documents, Maynard used a social media account to meet the 14-year-old girl, identified as Victim 1, in November 2019. He initially claimed to be a 52-year-old man, but his conversations with the victim became increasingly sexual.

Maynard asked Victim 1 to send him nude photographs of herself, which she did using her tablet computer. He made numerous sexually explicit comments about her genitals and what he wanted to do to her, and persuaded her to take and send him more photos.

Maynard also sent images of his penis to Victim 1, who began to feel upset and tried to delete the images. She asked a trusted adult for help, and City of Frederick Police Department detectives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation initiated an investigation.

Forensic analysis of Maynard’s cell phone and computer revealed evidence of his online activities, including an image of Victim 1. Maynard initially claimed he thought Victim 1 was 19-years-old, but later admitted he knew she was 14.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the FBI and the City of Frederick Police Department for their work on the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation.

Maynard was also ordered to pay $5,729.24 in restitution to Victim 1 and register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

This case is a reminder of the importance of online safety and the need for vigilance in protecting our children from predators like Maynard.

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