LA PLATA, MD — Adam Marks, 37, was sentenced on April 2, 2025, to five years in prison for four counts of soliciting child pornography, according to Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County. Marks will also be required to register as a Tier II sex offender upon release.
Marks pleaded guilty on March 17, 2025, to soliciting inappropriate images from a 12-year-old boy he met through a video game community chat room.
Case Background
According to court documents, the victim initially contacted police at the Waldorf District Station on April 26, 2024, reporting that an individual—later identified as Adam Marks—had repeatedly asked him for explicit images.
The investigation revealed that Marks was posing as a female gamer, convincing children to reach out privately. He exchanged phone numbers with the boy and, once contact was established, began sending text messages requesting explicit content. Despite the boy asking Marks to stop, the suspect persisted and even threatened to share the boy’s phone number with others to harass him if he didn’t comply.
The boy’s mother noticed suspicious behavior and, upon questioning him, learned of the disturbing interactions. She immediately contacted the authorities.
Sentencing Remarks
At the sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Ed Stickles told the court, “This act could have easily progressed, so the State has significant concerns about the protection of the community.”
Judge H. James West condemned the defendant’s behavior, stating:
“It is shameful that a mother has to be so worried about their children and their participation in kids’ games. What’s even worse is that her worry was correct.”
Marks will serve his sentence in Maryland state prison and remain on the sex offender registry following release.
