A former staff member of the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse of minors and third-degree sexual offenses. Ronald Neverdon, 78, is accused of abusing children in his care between 1976 and 1988 while employed at the Baltimore County youth detention facility.
The charges against Neverdon come after an extensive investigation by Baltimore County Police, which was prompted by reports of sexual abuse submitted to the authorities in April 2024. Victims of the abuse, some of whom have come forward as adults, allege that they were assaulted while detained at the facility.
The Abuse and Investigation
Neverdon worked at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, a juvenile detention center in Towson, Maryland, where he had access to vulnerable children. Authorities say that during his time at the school, Neverdon used his position of power and trust to exploit minors. Investigators have been gathering evidence from the victims and have identified multiple incidents of sexual abuse during the time frame in question. The alleged assaults took place in various parts of the facility, including private rooms and areas out of the sight of other staff.
Court documents reveal that the abuse was systematic, with victims reporting that Neverdon exploited his authority and manipulated them into silence. The abuse continued unchecked for years, and survivors claim that Neverdon used intimidation tactics to prevent them from speaking out. Many survivors say they were reluctant to report the abuse at the time due to fear of retaliation or not being believed.
Impact of the Allegations on the Community
The case has reverberated throughout the Baltimore area, where residents and former staff members of the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School are grappling with the disturbing allegations. The Hickey School has been at the center of a number of abuse cases over the years, drawing public concern and calls for reform in juvenile detention facilities statewide.
Survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention facilities often face additional barriers when seeking justice. The stigma surrounding their status as minors in the system, combined with a lack of resources and institutional failures, makes it difficult for them to report abuse or hold those responsible accountable. The case against Neverdon highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure that juvenile detention centers are held to the highest standards of care and accountability.
Institutional Failures and Calls for Reform
Advocates for juvenile justice reform and victims’ rights have long criticized the state’s handling of sexual abuse cases within juvenile facilities. The Charles H. Hickey Jr. School has faced multiple allegations of abuse over the years, and this latest case further underscores the need for systemic change within the state’s juvenile detention system.
Rep. Sean Hornbuckle, a vocal advocate for children’s rights in the juvenile system, expressed frustration with the state’s failure to address the root causes of the abuse. “We cannot continue to allow children to be placed in institutions where they are supposed to be protected, only to be preyed upon by those entrusted with their care,” he said. “This case shows just how far we need to go to ensure safety and justice for every child.”
Helping Survivors and Legal Representation
At Helping Survivors, we understand the deep and lasting impact that abuse in juvenile detention centers can have on victims. We specialize in supporting survivors of sexual abuse, particularly in settings like juvenile detention and foster care, where young individuals are especially vulnerable to exploitation and mistreatment.
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse in a juvenile detention center, such as the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, Helping Survivors is here to offer support and legal representation. Our team of experienced attorneys has helped numerous survivors seek justice and hold institutions accountable for their failures to protect vulnerable children.
Sexual abuse within juvenile detention facilities should never be ignored, and survivors deserve a voice in the legal process. Helping Survivors can guide you through the legal system, providing the support and resources necessary to seek justice and ensure that abusers are held accountable. Reach out today for a confidential consultation.
