Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Assault & Child Abuse

A suspended Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputy has been arrested on charges of 2nd degree assault and 2nd degree child abuse. Maryland State Police arrested 39 year old Deputy Christopher Barrs of Newark after a criminal investigation by State Police and the Department of Social Services. Sheriff Matt Crisafulli says his office began an internal investigation at the same time that the criminal investigation was started. Barrs was serving as a part time deputy assigned to the Civil Division when the investigation began – he was hired in December of 2010, but his police powers were suspended on June 13, 2019. He remains on suspension pending the outcome of the internal investigation and the outcome of the criminal charges.

In a statement released Tuesday, Sheriff Crisafulli said:

“I take these charges very seriously and I applaud the diligence and care taken by both the Maryland State Police and the Department of Social Services. It’s important that everyone knows that the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office values transparency and sharing critical information with the public. While I cannot comment further, as it could jeopardize the investigation, I fully believe that the community deserves to know when a member of this agency has been charged with a crime.”