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Davon Natrell Stewart, who was tasked with keeping students safe, has been convicted following a two-day bench trial of sexual abuse of a minor after he was caught with a 15-year-old from Chopticon High School, where he worked.
Stewart, while employed as a Safety and Security assistant at the school, prosecutors say that he inappropriately touched the child on at least one occasion.
His undoing came when Stewart was caught meting with the girl outside of school, where there was reported sexual contact between the two.
Stewart was arrested in June and later indicted in St. Mary's County Court on the sexual abuse charge. He has been held at the County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown since his indictment.
"The remarkable courage and bravery of this young survivor throughout the investigation and trial means that Stewart will finally be held accountable for his actions," State's Attorney Jaymi Sterling said. "Schools should be a safe space for our children, without anxiety or fear of abuse.
"(His) use of his position to exploit a minor child and violate that safe space is especially heinous. I'm hopeful that the conviction in this case will allow the victim and victim's family the ability to begin healing from his actions and deliver a sense of justice."
Stewart will face up to 25 years in prison and will be required to register as a Tier III sexual offender for the rest of his life when he is released.
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