61°
Forest Hill resident Kareem Anthony Parker was found guilty earlier this summer following a near weeklong trial regarding the rape of a then 18-year-old girl in a wooded area behind her family home near the Rock Spring Swim Club in Bel Air last summer.
On Aug. 12, prosecutors announced that Parker was sentenced to life with all but 50 years to serve, with the judge citing his victim's "extensive injuries and the defendant’s deceptiveness in his initial interview with law enforcement."
They had requested life in prison, with all but 86 years to serve.
Prosecutors say that on Aug. 6, 2023, Parker met the girl after the pair communicated through Instagram messages for several weeks leading up to the assault.
"Testimony showed that when the victim tried to end the relationship in the woods that day, Parker pushed her to the ground, causing her to black out," according to officials.
"When the victim regained consciousness, she found her pants halfway down her legs and was experiencing pain in her genitals."
The girl rushed home and advised her mother what happened, who reported the incident to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.
Her injuries were described by doctors as "traumatic and extensive."
DNA evidence taken at Harford Memorial Hospital identified Parker as the suspect.
According to prosecutors, Parker initially denied any sexual contact with the girl, but later admitted to "fact-checking" her, which they say "was not consistent with the location or amount of injuries observed and described by the nurse."
The judge also "described the tone of the social media messages in this case as the 30-year-old grooming the 18-year-old victim for sex.
"The Judge further noted the callousness of (him) leaving the victim alone and undressed in the woods."
Parker was convicted following a six-day trial of third-degree sexual offense, first- and second-degree rape.
"Sexual assault cases of any kind are some of the most challenging cases we present before the court due to the sensitive nature of the facts and often complicated circumstances," State's Attorney Alison Healey stated.
"This case was particularly heinous, and I commend the victim for her courage in confronting her abuser in open court by testifying to ensure that justice was served.
"No person should ever experience the kind of violation that she suffered in this case."
At the conclusion of the hearing, Healey stated that "It is my sincere hope that this significant sentence will give the victim in this case some peace in knowing that justice has been served.
"Today, Harford County is a safer place with Kareem Parker behind bars for decades to come.”
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Walkersville and receive free news updates.
