State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Shawn Michael Clarke, 44, of Leonardtown, Maryland, was sentenced to 15 years in prison with 8 years of active incarceration for offenses stemming from an October 2025 domestic violence incident.

In May 2026, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Clarke of second-degree assault and motor vehicle theft following a two-day jury trial.

“It takes tremendous courage to come forward and seek help when experiencing domestic violence, and the victim demonstrated great strength in confronting her abuser,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Our office will continue working to ensure victims are heard, supported, and protected, and that those who commit these offenses are held accountable.”

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Pettersen, Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Deputy Nathaniel Morrison of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Amy Lorenzini presided over the case.