Mechanicsville man convicted of assaulting pregnant woman

Jeffery Francis Pappaianni, 34, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, has been convicted by a St. Mary’s County jury on multiple charges related to the assault of a woman who was nine months pregnant. The convictions include first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and committing a crime of violence against a pregnant person.

Prosecutors stated the assault occurred on February 22, during which Pappaianni punched the victim in the face, breaking her nose, and kicked and punched her in the stomach. The incident took place in the presence of the victim’s two minor children. The assault was reported to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on March 16 after deputies responded to a separate incident at the residence.

Pappaianni is currently held without bond. He faces a maximum potential sentence of 50 years in prison. The jury also determined the crimes were committed in the presence of minors, a factor that allows for additional prison time during sentencing.