Joppa resident Edwin Richard Hunt, 43, has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to charges of rape and sexual solicitation of a minor. The sentencing took place on Friday. Hunt was found guilty of one count of second-degree rape, one count of sexual solicitation of a minor, and one count of production of child pornography. He has been sentenced to 40 years in prison with 20 years suspended.
The case began when a 13-year-old girl contacted the Frederick Police Department to report the rape. The victim revealed that she had met Hunt online and had engaged in sexual intercourse with him. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County stated that Hunt had initiated sexually charged conversations with the minor and sent explicit images. He also asked the victim to create a pornographic video of herself.
Detectives discovered that Hunt had traveled to meet the victim for sexual purposes on at least two occasions. The first instance was an attempt to provide the victim with explicit items, while the second was to sexually assault her in her own home.
The rape occurred on January 18. Hunt reestablished contact with the victim the following day, expressing his desire to meet her again.
State’s Attorney Charlie Smith emphasized the importance of protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse, both online and in person. He commended the bravery of victims who come forward and reaffirmed the commitment to their safety. The statement concluded by pledging continued collaboration with other agencies to combat such reprehensible behavior.
