Former Sudlersville Commissioner Sentenced for Theft

Queen Anne's County, MD - Jonathan Keith Griffith, a former Sudlersville town commissioner, was sentenced Tuesday in the Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County, Maryland. He had already pleaded guilty to stealing funds from the Town of Sudlersville and today was his sentencing.

Judge C. Lynn Knight gave Griffith a twenty year sentence. Fifteen years will be served in the state prison system, with five more years suspended. Once released, he will serve five years of supervised probation.

The court also ordered Griffith to pay $336,881.11 in restitution to Queen Anne's County. Those payments will be handled through Parole and Probation and will start after he is released from prison. The court waived his fines and most fees, aside from $185 in court costs, so more money can go toward restitution.

Griffith is also barred from entering the town limits of Sudlersville once he is released. The court noted that any available assets he has could be used toward the restitution, as allowed by law.

The case began after Queen Anne's County took over ownership and operation of the Town of Sudlersville's water and sewer system in 2025. A financial audit done during that process turned up suspicious banking activity. The matter was quickly sent to the Queen Anne's County State's Attorney's Office, which handled the criminal investigation.

"Queen Anne's County remains committed to protecting public resources and maintaining the trust placed in us by our residents," said County Administrator Todd Mohn. "When concerns were identified during the acquisition process, the County acted promptly by referring the matter for criminal investigation. We appreciate the work of the Queen Anne's County State's Attorney's Office and law enforcement throughout this case."

The court acknowledged that full restitution could take many years to collect. Any payments Griffith makes will go to Queen Anne's County to help recover the public funds that were taken.

County officials say no further comment will be made on this matter.