LEONARDTOWN, Md. – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Jonathan Salazar-Martinez, 20, of Lexington Park, Maryland, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison, with 15 years to serve, for a first-degree assault involving a firearm. The incident was domestically-related and occurred shortly after Salazar-Martinez was released from a prior jail sentence for a misdemeanor assault.
Within 24 hours of his release, Salazar-Martinez tracked down the same victim from the earlier assault, followed her to a friend’s house, and discharged a firearm during this new confrontation.
“Repeat offenders must face serious consequences,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “This sentence ensures a period of safety for the survivor of domestic violence and hopefully empowers her to break free from this destructive cycle.”
The State had requested the maximum sentence of 45 years in prison, while Maryland’s Sentencing Guidelines suggested a sentence between 8 and 12 years. The Court ultimately imposed a sentence above the recommended guidelines:
First-degree assault: 25 years, with 10 years to serve.
Use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime: 20 years, with 5 years to serve.
The total sentence of 45 years includes 15 years in prison.
Deputy Taylor-Lynn Kril of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office served as the lead investigator in the case. Assistant State’s Attorney Zachary Varda prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County. The Honorable Amy Lorenzini presided over the trial.
