Former Harford County Detective Indicted On Sexual Exploitation Of A Child Charges

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A federal grand jury has indicted a former 27-year veteran detective with the Harford County Sheriff's Office and charged him with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child sexual abuse material.

According to the 10-count indictment, from May 2017 thru October 2024, Ryan Christopher Hall, 50, of Woodstock sexually abused two minor children. Authorities discovered that Hall had installed cameras to produce child sexual abuse material and possessed child sexual abuse material.

In October 2024, Hall was arrested on more than 20 charges of child sexual abuse and the production and possession of child pornography, according to the Carroll County State's Attorney. On Oct. 8, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office notified the Harford County Sheriff's Office that Hall was a suspect in a criminal case. Hall’s law enforcement powers were immediately suspended with pay, and he was removed from the workplace, the department said.

Videos and images were obtained from cameras installed by Hall in the bedroom and bathroom of a residence, many of which contained the two sexual abuse victims, the state’s attorney for Carroll County said in a statement. Prosecutors said Hall possessed "many thousands of images and videos of child pornography." There is no indication that Hall used Harford County Sheriff's Office equipment for illegal activities or while he was on duty, the office said.

Detectives from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office arrested Hall, 50, of Woodbine, in Harford County on Oct. 22. Hall’s police powers were suspended and he was suspended without pay at that time. Hall was most recently assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau.

If convicted, Hall faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each count of sexual exploitation of a child. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.

Hall’s initial appearance in federal court is set for March 19.