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A former top Maryland state official who served as deputy state secretary under two Republican governors has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of child sexual exploitation following a sting operation that also uncovered the alleged real-world sexual abuse of a teenage victim in California.
Luis Borunda is the Former Maryland Deputy State Secretary Accused of Child Sexual Exploitation who entered his guilty plea on July 6, 2026, to the first and most serious count of his federal indictment — sexual exploitation of a child. The conviction could result in a 30-year prison sentence, and Borunda will be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox is scheduled to determine the final sentence on September 21, 2026. Sentencing guidelines in this case place him at the maximum 30-year mark, though guidelines are recommendations and the final sentence rests with the court.
The case began nearly three years ago when Fort Meade agents, posing online as a 13-year-old girl, lured Borunda to a park in Anne Arundel County for sex. That sting operation triggered a broader federal investigation, which revealed that Borunda had also traveled to California that same summer to meet and sexually abuse a real teenager. He was also found to be in possession of nearly 2,000 explicit images and videos of child sexual abuse material, resulting in additional child pornography counts alongside the sexual exploitation charge to which he pleaded guilty.
The factual information above was sourced from foxbaltimore.com as of July 16, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a person who held a position of significant public authority is convicted of child sexual exploitation, survivors and their families may have significant civil legal options beyond the federal criminal process. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Maryland sexual abuse attorney Aaron Blank about the civil legal avenues that may be available in cases involving child sexual exploitation by a public official.
Paul Amess: Aaron, when a person who held a position of public authority is convicted of child sexual exploitation, what civil legal options may be available to survivors and their families?
Aaron Blank: Cases involving the sexual exploitation of a child by someone who held a position of public authority carry serious civil implications. Survivors may have civil claims against the individual convicted, and depending on the circumstances, there may also be questions about whether any institution or public entity had knowledge of warning signs and failed to act. Federal law also provides specific rights for victims of child sexual exploitation, including the right to seek restitution, which families should explore with an experienced attorney.
Paul Amess: In cases where federal investigators discovered that an accused individual had traveled to another state to sexually abuse a real victim, what does that mean for the scope of civil legal options available?
Aaron Blank: The fact that alleged conduct occurred across multiple jurisdictions can expand the civil legal landscape significantly. Survivors in each jurisdiction where abuse allegedly occurred may have independent civil claims available to them under the applicable laws of that state. Families should speak with an experienced attorney to understand what options may apply to their specific circumstances regardless of where the alleged abuse took place.
Paul Amess: What would you say to a survivor in Maryland or elsewhere who was allegedly victimized by someone in a position of public authority and is considering their legal options?
Aaron Blank: Please speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Federal convictions can provide a strong foundation for civil claims, and time limits still apply. An initial consultation is completely confidential and free of charge — no survivor should have to navigate this process alone.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of child sexual exploitation or abuse by any individual in Maryland, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Maryland sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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