Ronald P. Neverdon, an 80-year-old former juvenile detention worker, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing nearly a dozen boys incarcerated in Baltimore County’s juvenile justice system. Neverdon pleaded guilty to 11 counts of child sexual abuse, with his misconduct spanning an 18-year period.

Neverdon held positions at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School and worked as a substitute teacher, where he exploited his authority by offering special privileges in exchange for sexual acts. Originally, he faced 117 charges related to the abuse.

Baltimore County Circuit Judge Robert Cahill Jr. condemned Neverdon’s actions as “monstrous” and rejected requests for home detention, citing the severity of the crimes despite Neverdon’s advanced age and health concerns. Following his prison term, Neverdon will serve five years of supervised probation but is exempt from sex offender registration requirements because the offenses occurred before the enactment of current registry laws.

The case drew attention to broader issues within Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services, which is currently subject to at least 70 civil lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse. These claims have surged since the state eliminated the statute of limitations for filing such cases.

The criminal investigation began in spring 2024 after six former detainees reported abuse, prompting additional victims to come forward. One victim, identified as E.C., detailed the long-term effects of the abuse, including struggles with addiction and imprisonment. Judge Cahill acknowledged his familiarity with E.C.’s case, noting his own role in sentencing the individual and expressing empathy for the challenges faced.

During the sentencing hearing, members of Neverdon’s family and religious community spoke in his defense, but the judge remained resolute in imposing a custodial sentence.