Order Ignored, Again and Again: 73-Year-Old Accused Of Repeatedly Defying Protective Order In Assault Case

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — On Nov. 16, 2025, Edward John Cognazzo, 73, of Lexington Park, was arrested on 31 counts of violating a protective order in two separate cases. According to court records, these charges stem from an earlier case involving two open counts of second-degree assault reported on Oct. 23, 2025, which resulted in a court-issued protective order.

According to police reports, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) responded to a call alleging that Cognazzo was inside the protected party’s residence, in violation of the active court order prohibiting contact.

Deputies reported that upon arrival, the front door of the residence was open and Cognazzo was observed on the staircase inside the home. The individual who requested assistance also reported allegedly receiving multiple phone calls from Cognazzo in violation of the order. Deputies detained Cognazzo without further incident and charged him with 19 counts of violating a protective order.

According to police records, additional charges were filed earlier that same weekend. On Nov. 15, 2025, Cognazzo was charged with 12 counts of violating the same protective order after SMCSO responded to a separate complaint at a Lexington Park residence. Court documents state that Cognazzo allegedly arrived at the location to retrieve medication reportedly left on the porch, but remained on the property and allegedly continued calling the protected party for approximately 15 minutes.

A separate police report filed on Nov. 13, 2025, alleges that Cognazzo entered the same residence, began arguing with the protected party, and took their phone before throwing it to the ground. Deputies noted that Cognazzo had left the scene before they arrived. Records indicate that additional phone calls were documented beginning on Oct. 29, 2025, the date the final protective order was formally served and set to remain in effect through April 2026.

According to court documents, the initial assault complaints were made regarding incidents on Oct. 20 and Oct. 23, 2025. Police reports state that on Oct. 20, a verbal altercation occurred during which Cognazzo allegedly attempted to take the protected party’s phone and scratched their right wrist. On Oct. 23, deputies responded to a second reported verbal altercation after Cognazzo allegedly attempted to take the phone again. When he realized the individual was on the phone, Cognazzo reportedly went downstairs, laid on the ground, and claimed to be experiencing a medical emergency. Emergency services were called. Deputies arrived and detained him without further incident.

Cognazzo is scheduled to appear in court in December on the pending charges. Under Maryland law, each count of violating a protective order carries a maximum penalty of 90 days of incarceration and/or a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense, with enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses. Second-degree assault carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a $2,500 fine.

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