Child Neglect Investigation Results in Five Arrests

From the desk of Sheriff Bryson Meyers: 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 

On September 21, 2026, Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, Patrol Deputies, and Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division executed a search warrant along Ginseng Springs Lane in McHenry as part of a child neglect investigation. 

The investigation was conducted as a joint effort involving Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, Child Protective Services Investigators with the Department of Social Services, and the Garrett County State’s Attorney’s Office. 

As a result of the investigation Detectives arrested the following individuals: 

• Carl Micheal Moats, 42 years old, McHenry – 3 counts of Child Neglect & 3 counts of Contributing to the Condition of a Child. 
• Christina Lynn Moats, 26 years old, McHenry - 3 counts of Child Neglect & 3 counts of Contributing to the Condition of a Child. 
• John Patrick Sheckels, 49 years old, McHenry -3 counts of Child Neglect & 3 counts of Contributing to the Condition of a Child. 
• John Patrick Sheckels Jr, 27 years old, McHenry -3 counts of Child Neglect & 3 counts of Contributing to the Condition of a Child. 
• Chrystal Joy Sheckels, 59 years old, McHenry- 3 counts of Child Neglect & 3 counts of Contributing to the Condition of a Child. 

All five individuals were arrested and transported to the Garrett County Detention Center, where they are currently being held pending bond hearings. 

Three minor children were placed in the care and custody of the Department of Social Services.

 Sheriff Meyers stated: “I would like to thank the Detectives, Child Protective Services, and the Garrett County State’s Attorney’s Office for their dedication, professionalism, and hard work throughout this investigation. This case required a coordinated effort among multiple agencies, and each individual involved demonstrated an unwavering commitment to carrying out their responsibilities and protecting the children involved. Their thorough investigative work, collaboration, and determination were critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of these children. I commend everyone involved for their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and for their continued dedication to seeking justice and holding those responsible accountable.”