FREDERICK, MD – A Frederick man has been sentenced to serve 19½ years in state prison after pleading guilty to first-degree assault, witness intimidation, possession of child pornography, and violation of probation, the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
In Frederick County Circuit Court, Judge Julia Minner handed down the sentence to 39-year-old Johnathan Robert Spacil, who entered guilty pleas to all charges last month.
The sentence includes an additional 25 years suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation. Upon release, Spacil will be required to register as a Tier I sex offender for life and comply with COMET supervision.
Domestic assault sparked investigation
According to court documents, deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence call on February 5 after a woman reported being choked and assaulted by Spacil earlier that day. The victim, who phoned police from a Sam’s Club bathroom, told investigators the incident had occurred at their home.
Deputies found visible injuries, including red marks on her face and neck, and arrested Spacil at the scene. While in custody, prosecutors said he attempted to manipulate the victim into avoiding cooperation with law enforcement.
Pattern of abuse and disturbing discovery
Over the following months, the victim reported additional prior assaults. Detectives later uncovered multiple images of child sexual abuse on Spacil’s cellphone, involving victims under nine years old.
At sentencing, the victim delivered a statement describing her recovery and resolve to move forward, while prosecutors emphasized the importance of accountability in domestic violence cases.
State’s Attorney Charlie Smith praised the outcome, noting that “true accountability for an offender” comes when victims feel safe enough to participate in the process.