23-year-old Owings Mills man charged with child sex abuse

In Baltimore County as in any other courtroom, both the prosecution and the criminal defense of child sexual abuse charges can be difficult. In most cases there are only two people who know what may, or may not, have happened. An adolescent witness or victim of a crime may not be reliable or have a clear understanding of events.

Recently it was reported that a young firefighter has been accused by Baltimore County authorities of sexual assault of a 14-year-old. In addition, the 14-year-old who was allegedly assaulted has also stated that the 23-year-old Owings Mills man sexual assaulted another 14-year-old boy and that the boy witnessed the assault. These are very serious criminal charges.

The first 14-year-old boy claimed that he was sexually assaulted by the 23-year-old when the man was living at the boy’s home. The boy further claims that he witnessed the 23-year-old sexually abusing the other 14-year-old, while at the other boy’s home. The relationship, if any, between the two 14-year-old boys was not reported.

The 23-year-old is facing five felony counts: sexual abuse of a minor, fourth-degree sexual offense, second-degree assault, third-degree sexual offense and sodomy.

The initial investigation by Baltimore County officers has indicated that the alleged abuse took place between May 1 and June 1 of this year. The investigation is ongoing.

The 23-year-old is reported as being a Baltimore County Fire Department firefighter and an active volunteer firefighter with the Lansdowne Volunteer Fire Department. Both fire departments have suspended him until the criminal charges are adjudicated.

Source: WBAL TV, “Owings Mills firefighter faces child sex charges,” Oct. 1, 2012

At our Baltimore criminal defense law office we represent individuals charged with felony sexual assault charges or other sex crimes similar to those mentioned in this post.