Digital Trail: Calvert Man Charged In Child Exploitation Investigation

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Calvert County man is facing a sweeping set of felony and misdemeanor charges after Maryland State Police investigators allege he repeatedly promoted and possessed child sexual abuse material over several months in 2025, according to court records.

Joshua Sanville, 32, of Prince Frederick, was arrested following an investigation by the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit, led by Trooper Zachary Sarver of the Prince Frederick barrack, charging documents show. Authorities allege the offenses occurred on numerous dates between May 26 and Sept. 5, 2025.

Sanville is charged with nine felony counts of promoting or distributing child sexual abuse material and nine misdemeanor counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The felony charges are filed in Calvert County Circuit Court, while the misdemeanor counts are pending in District Court.

Investigators allege Sanville used multiple online accounts across different digital platforms to send, share, and retain illegal material depicting minors. Court records indicate the investigation involved extensive analysis of electronic evidence, including account activity, file transfers, and digital identifiers linked to Sanville.

The charging documents outline a pattern of alleged activity occurring on at least nine separate dates, with investigators documenting repeated instances of both possession and distribution. Authorities did not release identifying details about any victims and noted that all materials referenced in court filings were handled in accordance with legal and evidentiary standards.

An arrest warrant was issued on Dec. 15, 2025, and served on Sanville on Dec. 19, court records show. He was initially ordered held without bond following his arrest. During a bail review hearing on Dec. 22, Calvert County District Court Judge Robert B. Riddle Jr. set bond at $20,000.

Sanville is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 16, 2026, in Calvert County District Court. Additional hearings are expected as the felony charges proceed in Circuit Court.

Maryland State Police emphasized that investigations involving crimes against children often span months and require coordination between digital forensics specialists and prosecutors.

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