LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — A St. Mary’s County grand jury has returned a multi-count indictment against 71-year-old Jimmy Arnold Mendenhall of Lexington Park, charging him with multiple felony sex offenses and child abuse stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred between the mid-1990s and early 2000s.
Court documents allege that Mendenhall sexually abused two children known to him over a period of several years. The indictment includes charges of child sexual abuse by a family member, third-degree sex offenses involving minors under 14, fourth-degree sex offense, and continuing sexual abuse of a minor — a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
According to prosecutors, the charges stem from incidents involving two victims, both of whom were under the age of 14 at the time. The abuse allegedly occurred repeatedly over several years inside a private residence in Lexington Park. Due to the victims’ young ages and the extended timeline, the State has stated it is unable to provide exact dates.
The indictment outlines at least five counts, including two counts of child sexual abuse by a family member, two third-degree sex offense counts involving separate victims, and one count of fourth-degree sexual offense. The most serious charge — continuing sexual abuse of a minor — alleges that the abuse occurred over a period of at least 90 days and included multiple acts.
Mendenhall was taken into custody on June 3 following the issuance of an arrest warrant signed by Judge Joseph Michael Stanalonis. He appeared for a bond review hearing on June 4, with Judge Stanalonis presiding. As of this report, the case remains open and Mendenhall is awaiting trial.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky on behalf of the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. Pretrial hearings are scheduled to continue through the fall, with jury selection set to begin Oct. 14, 2025, in Circuit Court before Judge Amy Lorenzini.
Due to the sensitive nature of the charges and to protect the privacy of the individuals involved, the names of the alleged victims are being withheld.
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