Former school staff member charged with multiple counts of sex abuse of a minor

A former staff member at the Charles H. Hickory, Jr. School is facing numerous charges related to sexual abuse of minors. Ronald Neverdon, 78, has been charged with multiple counts, with allegations involving at least 69 victims during his tenure at the all-boys detention facility, which was in operation from the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s.

The Baltimore County Police were alerted to the situation in April 2024. Court documents indicate that Neverdon, who held a supervisory role, is accused of abusing his authority to exploit vulnerable young men whom he was supposed to support. Allegations suggest he committed heinous acts in various locations within the facility, including his office, gym, and even the boys’ living quarters.

In addition to incidents occurring on the premises, the complaint asserts that Neverdon also took victims to his home for the purpose of sexual abuse. Furthermore, he allegedly manipulated his position of power to extort compliance from the victims, even going so far as to bribe them.

Representatives for the victims have criticized the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) for failing to fulfill its mission of providing safe environments for youth. They assert that the DJS has not adequately protected the children in its care, undermining its responsibility to create safe communities.

The reported offenses took place between 1976 and 1988. Authorities encourage anyone who may have been a victim of Neverdon to come forward, urging them to contact the police or Child Protective Services for assistance.