Crime & Safety
FBI Launches Investigation into Child Sex Abuse at Fort Meade
Fort Meade officials said the alleged abuse involved a civilian worker who left the installation in September of 2012. The FBI launched the investigation in August.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into allegations of child sexual abuse by a former worker at the Fort Meade Youth Center.
The civilian worker was banned from the installation and has not worked there since September of 2012.
It was not immediately clear when the child abuse occurred, but Fort Meade spokeswoman Mary Doyle said the FBI informed base officials of the investigation in August. The investigation was just made public Friday. A spokesman for the FBI in Baltimore declined to comment.
The man who allegedly carried out the abuse worked at the youth center from February 2005 to September of 2012.
In the wake of the abuse allegation, the Secretary of the Army directed a review of all youth programs to ensure proper oversight and review. This is separate from an earlier review of background checks at Army youth centers, Doyle said.
The Fort Meade Youth Center primarily offers services and activities for children in grades 6 through 8 but has programs for children of all ages, Doyle said. The center employs about 20 workers, all of whom are required to go through training related to recognizing and preventing sexual abuse. The man accused in this case likely went through that training prior to being hired, Doyle said.
"He went through a background check and there was nothing that presented any reason for us to believe he would do anything like this," Doyle said.
Fort Meade sent a letter to parents on the installation informing them of the allegation and encouraging them to call a 24-hour hotline to report any other incidents and to get more information.
"We want to ensure that any potential victims and their families are receiving the proper service and support they need," Doyle said. She also said the hotline will be used to assist investigators.
In an interview in September, Fort Meade Installation Commander Col. Brian Foley said dedicating resources to the youth centers on base was one of his top priorities.
"That's been an immediate priority, and without question I'll be sustaining effort in this area," he said at the time.
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