Lothian Man Charged with Sexually Abusing Two Minor Children Enters Alford Plea

A 38-year old man from Lothian has entered an alford plea, in a case for which he was charged with sexually abusing two young children.

In June 2019, a detective from the Anne Arundel County Police Department was alerted by the Department of Social Services that Joshua Keith Eanes, of Dutch Drive in Lothian, had been indicated in a child sex abuse investigation, according to court documents.

One of the victims reportedly admitted to writing a statement saying that Eanes had been abusing her and warned that something 'really bad' would happen if she told anyone.  Further investigation revealed that one other child disclosed she was also being sexually abused by Eanes.  Investigators believe the abuse of both children occurred in and/or around the same Anne Arundel County residence, which Eanes was an occupant, between August 25, 2013 and June 6, 2019.

Police subsequently issued a warrant for Eanes' arrest and charged him with several offenses, including two counts of sex abuse of a minor, third degree sex offense, fourth degree sex offense and misdemeanor assault.

On Friday, January 3, Eanes entered an alford plea to the third degree sex offense charge. An Alford plea allowed Eanes to maintain his innocence; yet admitting that the evidence was likely enough to convict him had he went to trial.

The Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Table lists a 3rd degree sex offense as a class-five felony that carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Eanes will likely remain held at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for February 27 before Circuit Court Judge Laura Ripken.