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Michael Anthony Simpson, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree assault and violating a protective order and was sentenced to a combined 50 years with all but 10 years suspended.
He will also serve five years of supervised release upon his release, the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office announced.
On Sept. 14 last year, officers from the Frederick Police Department were called to the Woodspring Suites hotel at Ballenger Center to investigate a reported domestic assault.
Upon arrival, officers were advised by a woman that Simpson strangled her that day in the hotel, as well as the day before on their drive to Frederick.
Prosecutors said that Simpson’s victim addressed the court and “advocated for the sentence that was ultimately imposed,” while detailing her fear of her attacker and her “long journey toward understanding the impact that the cycle of domestic violence had on her.”
“Unfortunately, we see cases of strangulation on a daily basis, and assaults by strangulation are a huge risk factor toward future lethality,” Domestic Violence Unit Chief Brett Engler stated.
“It is critical that victims know that there are resources in the community to help them, and that the State’s Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly with our agency partners to hold offenders accountable for their actions–with serious consequences where appropriate.”
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