UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A Prince George’s County jury has convicted a District Heights man of four counts of first-degree child abuse after a months-long trial that detailed disturbing accounts of violence against his children.
Prosecutors said 35-year-old Rishaud Terrell Dickens repeatedly assaulted four of his children, leading to charges that stemmed from a 911 call in February 2024. Investigators from the county’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit uncovered evidence of abuse dating back several years, according to court filings.
On Sept. 26, State’s Attorney Tara Jackson announced the conviction in Prince George’s County Circuit Court. Dickens was found guilty on four counts of first-degree child abuse and faces up to 25 years for each, a potential maximum of 100 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Nicholas Rattal.
The children’s mother, 32-year-old Tierra Sherrae Kelly of Temple Hills, entered a guilty plea that same day to 11 counts of second-degree assault. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, leaving her exposed to as much as 110 years in prison. Her sentencing is also set for Jan. 16 at 1:30 p.m.
“This case is heartbreaking and infuriating,” Jackson said in a statement. “A parent’s most basic responsibility is to love, protect and care for their children, not to inflict harm upon them. This conviction holds these parents accountable for that betrayal.”
Court records show Dickens’ case moved slowly through the system, with multiple hearings postponed before the trial began in September. Defense attorney Allison Heldreth represented Dickens, while Assistant State’s Attorneys Ashley Elias and Devon Loerch led the prosecution. Kelly was initially represented by public defender Margaret Dawson before later retaining attorney William Gibbs.
Dickens remains held in custody, while Kelly is free under court-ordered release conditions until sentencing. Jackson praised her team and law enforcement partners for their persistence, saying her office will continue to aggressively prosecute child abuse cases. “No child should ever suffer at the hands of the people they depend on the most,” she said.
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