Deputy Faces Child Sex Abuse Charges In Anne Arundel

Last updated Thursday at 1:35 p.m.

PASADENA, MD — A sheriff's deputy was arrested on child sexual abuse charges in Anne Arundel County, police announced Thursday.

Officers identified the suspect as 42-year-old Anthony Nickoles of Pasadena.

Cpl. Nickoles has worked for the Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office for 19 years, the office told Patch.

The sheriff's office said it immediately suspended Nickoles without pay after his arrest.

Authorities alleged that the abuse happened in 2016 and didn't involve the deputy's role as a law enforcement officer.

The sheriff's office notified the Anne Arundel County Police Department of the allegations on March 3, kickstarting the investigation.

Detectives said they applied for charges Wednesday via the Anne Arundel County Court Commissioner.

Officers said the court commissioner's office issued a warrant charging the suspect with sexual abuse of a minor, sexual offense in the third degree, sexual offense in the fourth degree (two counts) and assault in the second degree (two counts).

Detectives from the Child Abuse Unit said they took the suspect into custody without incident later that day in Annapolis.

The Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office, Office of Professional Compliance is cooperating with the Anne Arundel County Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division.