From the desk of Sheriff Bryson Meyers:
During the months of April-May 2025, Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Investigators with the Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services, and the Garrett County State’s Attorney’s Office conducted a joint investigation relating to a sexual offense.
As a result of the investigation, Detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging John Lewis Smith Jr, 47 years old, Deer Park, with 2 counts of Second-Degree Rape, 3 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and Third-Degree Sexual Offense. On May 22, 2025, deputies arrested Smith on the strength of the arrest warrant. Smith was transported to the Garrett County Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond. Sheriff Meyers stated, “This investigation is an example of the cooperative effort between the Detectives, Child Protective Services, and the State’s Attorney’s Office. I commend the investigators and allied agencies for their dedication and work, helping protect the children of Garrett County.”