Former Wicomico deputy indicted on rape charges of 5 victims

Kristian Jaime, Salisbury Daily Times
·2 min read

NOTE: This report has been updated with more information on additional victims and charges from the county state's attorney's office.

Steven Abreu, the former Wicomico County Sheriff's Deputy facing rape and false imprisonment charges, was officially indicted Tuesday. The number of victims had increased to five since the time of his arrest.

Abreu, 30, was originally scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Wicomico County District Court on Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. prior to the case being transferred to the county's Circuit Court.

Among the charges on which he was indicted by Assistant State Attorney Patrick Gilbert were nine counts each of rape in the first- and second-degree, multiple counts of false imprisonment, multiple counts of sexual contact while a person is in law enforcement custody and 14 counts of misconduct in office. He faces a total of 50 charges as of Tuesday.

“Our community has every right to expect the highest level of professionalism and respect when interacting with law enforcement officers,” Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Dykes. said in a news release Wednesday. “We are committed to holding accountable those that betray their oath and abuse the authority of their badge.”

If convicted, Abreu faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward, according to Wednesday's press release.

The case is being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

RELATED: Wicomico deputy arrest on rape charge: What we know

BACKGROUND: Wicomico Sheriff's deputy faces rape charge; woman was in his custody

Abreu, who was terminated immediately after the complaint was received and substantiated, had been employed with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office for less than one year. Abreu was held without bond, according to court filings from Oct. 31. An initial appearance has been scheduled for Dec. 16, in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim, or has information concerning these charges, is asked to contact Detective Christine Kirkpatrick of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4898.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ex-Wicomico sheriff's deputy indicted on rape charges of five victims