Howard Co. Man Sentenced To Prison For Sexually Abusing Stepdaughter

HOWARD COUNTY, MD —A 64-year-old Columbia man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the sexual abuse of his stepdaughter. Terrance Diggs pleaded guilty in Howard County Circuit Court Monday to sexual abuse of a minor and second-degree sex offense.

On Jan. 12, 2021, an officer from the Howard County Police Department spoke with the victim who
reported being sexually abused by her stepfather, Diggs, when she was a young girl. The abuse
occurred between the ages of 8 to 16 years old, according to court documents. The victim claimed she was not in a psychologically or emotionally safe place to discuss the trauma associated with these events until recently. The incidents occurred almost 20 years ago, court documents revealed.

The victim indicated the sexual abuse would occur when her mother was away from home. It continued several times a week for several years, starting when she began to live with Diggs in
Howard County. The victim ultimately ran away from home at the age of 16, the court shared.

Witnesses were identified who confirmed Diggs had admitted to them that he had sexually abused his stepdaughter.

On Jan. 13, 2021, Diggs was arrested. In a statement he gave to police, Diggs admitted having
inappropriate contact with the victim. Upon release from prison, Diggs will be under 5 years of supervised probation. He must also refrain from having any contact with the victim, have no unsupervised contact with minors, participate in sex offender treatment and register as a Tier III sex offender for the remainder of his life.

“Even though justice in this case was delayed, it certainly wasn’t denied,” said State’s Attorney Rich Gibson. “It took an incredible amount of courage for this victim to come forward and re-live the traumatic events that occurred at the hands of the only man she thought of as a father. We are pleased with the outcome of this case and hope it encourages those who may be reluctant to come forward, no matter how much time has passed.”