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Senior Deputy Shawn Forton, 40, who was assigned to the Harford County Detention Center, is facing charges following complaints from a member of the community about forgery, prompting an investigation into the officer.
Investigators say that detectives spoke with a woman, who knew Forton away from his work with the department, who alleged that the deputy forged a check in her name for an undisclosed amount of money and deposited it in his personal bank account.
Forton was indicted on a felony charge of theft over $1,500, and multiple forgery charges on Tuesday, July 16. He's been suspended without pay after initially being suspended with pay on Wednesday, July 10.
Officials say that his suspension was modified "due to the severity of the charges."
Forton has been working as a Correctional Deputy with the sheriff's office since August 2006.
“We expect the highest level of integrity from all Agency members as it is the backbone to ensuring public trust," Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said.
"Although this case has yet to be adjudicated, it is deeply disappointing that an individual entrusted with confidence has been accused and charged with breaching that trust.
"Such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within my Office.”
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