A twisted Craigslist scheme has landed a Thurmont man behind bars for nearly two decades. On Friday, 44-year-old John P. Davis was sentenced to 19 years in prison after admitting he used a woman’s personal information to drum up sexual encounters online, directing strangers to her home and turning her life into a nonstop harassment nightmare.
Prosecutors said Davis created multiple bogus Craigslist ads using the victim’s name, photos, phone number, and home address, encouraging people to show up at her house. The posts triggered a wave of disturbing calls and messages that left the woman and her child in constant fear for their safety.
Sentence and judge's remarks
Judge Julia Martz-Fisher handed down a 20-year sentence with all but 10 years suspended, along with a consecutive 10-year term for violating probation. In total, the sentencing package leaves Davis with 19 years to serve after credit for time he has already spent in custody.
From the bench, Martz-Fisher did not mince words. She called Davis’ conduct “hideous” and told him, “The public is not safe with you walking the streets,” according to WJLA.
Case docket details
Court records show Davis’ guilty plea was entered in Frederick County Circuit Court under case number C-10-CR-25-000006. The plea hearing took place on March 20, 2026, before Judge Martz-Fisher in Courtroom 5.
The Frederick County Circuit Court docket also notes that the case was heard alongside a related probation violation matter, reflecting Davis’ additional exposure that helped drive the lengthy sentence, according to the Frederick County Circuit Court docket.
Investigation and evidence
The case grew out of a Frederick County Sheriff’s Office investigation launched in January 2024 after reports surfaced about disturbing Craigslist postings impersonating the victim. Investigators found the ads listed the woman’s full name, photos, home address, phone number, and age, and invited strangers to come to her home “anytime.”
According to prosecutors, the ads were traced back to Davis. Authorities told investigators the postings were paid for with Davis’ credit card, and video evidence captured him admitting that he created them, according to WJLA.
Court orders and victim safety
Davis pleaded guilty to using personal identifying information to encourage another person to commit a sexual crime, prosecutors said.
As part of the sentence, the court imposed strict no-contact conditions to protect the victim, ordered Davis to undergo mental health treatment and psychological counseling, and required a psycho-sexual evaluation. Once he is released from prison, Davis will be on supervised probation for five years.
