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Veteran Easton Police Sgt. Jason Dyott was sentenced to four years of incarceration, with all but six months suspended, followed by three years of probation for "awful" and "embarrassing" conduct, according to a judge in Easton.
"The judge found that regardless of the applicable guidelines, there were several reasons for departure from the guidelines when sentencing (Dyott) in this matter, stating several times that the behavior was 'awful' and 'well beyond an embarrassment.'"
According to court documents, in November 2022, Dyott began talking to his first teenage victim on Snapchat, allegedly leveraging his position in the Easton Police Department to engage in a sexual relationship with her, sending multiple photos that contained sexually provocative language and depicted him in his police uniform.
On Nov. 13, 2022, Dyott was on duty, and while on duty and in uniform, met with the teen and made out with her in his police vehicle.
"After Sergeant Dyott became aware of an investigation being conducted pertaining to his sexual contact with one or more high school students, he conducted the following internet searches on his personal cell phone, among others: 'legal consent sex age in md' and 'Maryland Child Pornography Penalties,'" prosecutors said.
It was further alleged that Dyott engaged in a second relationship with a teen through his department-issued phone, sending similar photos of himself dressed in uniform, including one instance where he was accused of picking up the second girl from an area home and having sex with her inside the patrol vehicle.
The Office of the State Prosecutor argued that the guidelines for the crime of Misconduct in Office have increased, effective as of Friday, Nov. 1, "meaning that the increase in the sentencing guidelines for the crime of misconduct in office would be applicable to Sgt. Dyott.
"The Office of the State Prosecutor advocated an increase to the guidelines for misconduct in office in front of the Maryland Sentencing Commission last year."
Dyott had been with the Easton Police Department since June 2008.
"Law enforcement officials in positions of trust must be held accountable for their wrongful actions, so that public faith in their agency, and government authority, can be preserved," State's Attorney Charlton Howard stated. "We appreciate the judge’s careful consideration of this case."
Following news of the charges levied against Dyott, a department spokesperson issued a statement advising that the agency is aware of the charges that led to him being suspended as the investigation into the allegations continues.
"Every member of the police department is disheartened and very disappointed in the allegations and the resulting charges," they stated. "However, we want to assure everyone that the actions of Jason Dyott do not reflect the standards and commitment towards public safety and service by the other men and woman of this agency.
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