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, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported disturbance at a residence in Mechanicsville. The woman told deputies that Pappaianni assaulted her during a previous domestic violence episode on February 22, 2026. The woman said that Pappaianni beat her in the face many times, breaking her nose, and then kicked and punched her in the stomach while she was nine months pregnant. Pappaianni assaulted the lady in front of her two little children.
Following a two-day trial, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Pappaianni of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and committing a crime of violence against a pregnant person. The jury determined that these crimes were committed in the presence of minors, resulting in an additional penalty that can be imposed during sentencing.
“Domestic violence can be devastating, leaving victims feeling trapped, alienated, and unsure whether they can safely speak up. “In this case, the victim suffered a brutal assault while nine months pregnant and did not report it until after she gave birth,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “No victim should ever feel compelled to endure abuse in silence, and no one should have to fear for their safety in their own homes. I applaud this victim for having the courage to call law authorities, testify at trial, and finally seek justice for herself and her children.”
Pappaianni is being held without bond pending sentencing, where he faces a maximum term of 50 years in jail.
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 people of St. Mary’s County.
Corporal Dianne Hersh of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the primary investigator.
The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the proceedings.
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