BEL AIR, MD—A Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been indicted on theft and forgery charges, officials said Wednesday. Shawn Forton, 40, was suspended without pay after a grand jury indicted him on July 16.

The charges stem from allegations that were investigated by the Criminal Investigations Division and the Office of Professional Standards. A female victim told police that Forton forged a check in her name for an undisclosed amount and deposited it into his personal bank account. The two knew each other outside of Forton’s employment at the Harford County Detention Center.

The case was prosecuted by the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office.

“We expect the highest level of integrity from all Agency members as it is the backbone to ensuring public trust,” Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said. “Although this case has yet to be adjudicated, it is deeply disappointing that an individual entrusted with confidence has been accused and charged with breaching that trust. Such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within my Office.”

Fenton has been employed with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office since August 14, 2006. He was suspended with pay on July 10 and his suspension was modified due to the severity of the charges. The investigation remains active and anyone with information is asked to call Lt. Brandon Underhill of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office at 410-638-4480.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.