Child Sex Abuse, Kiddie Porn Charges Filed Against Harford County Sheriff's Deputy

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A senior deputy with the Harford County Sheriff's Office has been 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 sheriff's office that Senior Deputy Ryan Christopher 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.

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.

Investigators said Hall, a 27-year detective, confessed to the sexual abuse of two minors, to installing cameras for the production of child pornography and to the possession of countless other child sexual abuse images.

“We hold our agency members to the highest standard of integrity. Any abuse of power or breach of public trust is taken very seriously. I find it both personally and professionally disappointing that someone within our ranks would break that trust and be accused of such heinous acts and crimes. My thoughts go out to the victims in this case. I hope they are able to begin the long healing process now that these charges have been filed," said Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler.

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."

Hall has been charged with two counts of sex abuse of a minor, two counts of continuing course of conduct with a child, 10 counts of child pornography filming in sex act, 10 counts of possession of child pornography, and two counts of visual surveillance of a private area, according to prosecutors.

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 Oct. 23.