A former Baltimore County Public Schools building services worker was convicted yesterday in Baltimore County Circuit Court of a sex offense involving a 17-year-old student and walked out with a largely noncustodial sentence. Circuit Judge Dennis M. Robinson Jr. handed down a one-year jail term but suspended it in full, ordered three years of supervised probation, and required the defendant to register as a sex offender for 15 years. Prosecutors told the court they leaned on surveillance footage and electronic messages gathered during a Crimes Against Children investigation to make their case.
Conviction And Sentencing In Towson
According to The Baltimore Banner, 30-year-old Donovan Michaud of Dundalk was found guilty on charges tied to an inappropriate relationship with a student at Overlea High School. The circuit court denied Michaud's motion for an acquittal and, when Judge Robinson asked if he wanted to address the court, Michaud replied "no," the outlet reports. The judge kept any jail time fully suspended but imposed probation and the sex offender registration requirement as part of the sentence.
How Investigators Built The Case
Detectives began investigating last year after a co-worker reported seeing the employee enter a classroom with the student, according to reporting by WBAL. That reporting states a social worker reviewed the student's laptop, and investigators, using a search warrant, obtained Discord messages. Prosecutors also introduced surveillance video in court. The initial charges filed last summer were later elevated to a Circuit Court indictment after the state reviewed the charging documents.
Inside The Courtroom: Prosecutors, Defense And The Teen
Assistant State's Attorney Zarena Sita told jurors "this is a crime" and said the student later regretted being involved and initially believed the relationship was consensual, according to The Baltimore Banner. Defense attorney Chris Luber told the court his client "makes no excuses and takes full responsibility" and expressed regret about the situation. Court filings and local reporting indicate Michaud has been removed from his position with Baltimore County Public Schools.
The Law Behind The Verdict
Maryland's statute describing a sexual offense in the fourth degree covers a range of conduct, including sexual contact by a person in a position of authority over a student, and generally treats the offense as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine, with tougher penalties for repeat offenders, according to the state statute text. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services classifies fourth-degree sex offenses as Tier I registerable crimes, which typically carry a 15-year registration period for people convicted in the state. Registration requires periodic in-person check-ins and other reporting rules while the term remains in effect.
What Happens Next
The Baltimore Banner reports Michaud will be supervised while on probation and must comply with the court's registration and treatment conditions. Baltimore County Public Schools cooperated with investigators and made support resources available to students and families after the case surfaced, according to local reporting. Authorities are still asking anyone with information to contact the Baltimore County Crimes Against Children Unit. The case will remain on the county docket throughout Michaud's probation and any related compliance hearings.
