ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Former St. Mary’s County Commissioner John E. O’Connor pleaded guilty last week to two counts of willfully filing false Maryland tax returns with the intent to evade payment of taxes due while he campaigns to return to the county commission.
O’Connor entered guilty pleas Aug. 11, 2026, in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court to charges involving his 2023 and 2024 tax returns, according to court records.
Judge Richard Trunnell accepted the pleas.
The criminal case was brought by the Maryland State Prosecutor and involved returns filed with the Comptroller of Maryland.
The first count states that on or about April 15, 2024, O’Connor willfully filed a false return for tax year 2023 with the intent to evade payment of a tax due.
The second count makes the same allegation involving his 2024 return, filed on or about April 15, 2025.
Both charges are misdemeanors.
The charging document lists a maximum possible penalty of 10 years on each count.
Court records show O’Connor waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded guilty to both counts during the Aug. 11 hearing.
His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2027, in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Running For County Commissioner Again
O’Connor previously served on the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, including during the board’s 2018-2022 term. County government records identify him as one of the five sitting commissioners in 2022.
He later ran for St. Mary’s County sheriff in the 2022 Republican primary, receiving 2,227 votes, or 18.63% of the vote.
O’Connor is now seeking a return to county government as the Republican candidate for Commissioner District 3. Maryland State Board of Elections records show he filed for the seat in September 2025 and remains an active candidate.
Official 2026 primary results show O’Connor ran unopposed in the Republican primary and received 4,833 votes. Democrat Joshua Kyte also advanced unopposed from his party’s primary, setting up the District 3 contest for the general election.
The guilty pleas come less than three months before voters are scheduled to decide the District 3 commissioner race.
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