Easton man sentenced to home detention for child abuse, assault

TALBOT CO., Md. – A Talbot County judge has sentenced a man convicted of child abuse to home detention.

We’re told Earl Kautz was convicted of first degree child abuse and other related charges on March 28th. Despite Maryland Sentencing Guidelines and the State’s Attorney’s recommendation of 12 to 25 years in prison, Kautz was sentenced to ten years with all suspended but five years of home detention, meaning Kautz will not do any time in jail or prison.

The three-day trial centered around allegations that Kautz abused a 1-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl. The trial reportedly included eyewitness testimony of the 13-year old and her mother, as well as expert medical testimony by the Medical Director of Pediatric Urgent Care Services at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Evidence showed that the 13-year-old was interviewed by the Talbot County Department of Social Services in May 2023. Following the interview, a boy, who was 18-months-old at the time, was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital for a skeletal survey, which revealed healing fractures in both of the child’s tibias. Experts deemed the fractures highly indicative of non-accidental injuries.

Witnesses also testified to seeing Kautz shaking the child on multiple occasions in 2022, and observing bruising on the child’s body. The 13-year-old also testified that Kautz had picked her up in a fit of rage and shoved her against a wall.

Kautz was found guilty on all charges, including two counts of first degree child abuse, one count of second degree child abuse, two counts of second degree assault, and one count of reckless endangerment. Additionally, Kautz was sentenced on charges of possession of child pornography.