Easton PD officer charged with misconduct in office following investigation

EASTON, Md. – An Easton Police Sergeant has been charged with two counts of misconduct in office.

The Office of the State Prosecutor announced on Thursday that Sergeant Jason Dyott, who has served with the department since 2008, used his departmental cell phone to communicate in a sexual manner with several teenagers and students at local high schools in Talbot County.

According to the charging document, in approximately November 2022, Sergeant Dyott began communicating with the first teenage victim via Snapchat, allegedly leveraging his position as a police officer to engage in a sexual relationship with the teen. He reportedly sent several photos containing sexually provocative language and depicted him in his police uniform. On November 13, 2022, while on duty and in uniform, Sergeant Dyott allegedly met with this victim and made out with her in his police vehicle.

After learning of an investigation being conducted pertaining to his sexual contact with one or more high school students, Dyott reportedly used his personal cell phone to conduct multiple internet searches, including “legal consent sex age in md” and “Maryland Child Pornography Penalties.”

The charging document also alleges that Sergeant Dyott began communicating with another female teen that same month, using his departmental cell phone, sending her photographs of himself posed in his police uniform. It is reported that on November 11, 2022, Sergeant Dyott picked up this teenage victim from a residence and engaged in sexual intercourse with her inside of his patrol vehicle.

The Easton Police Department says Sgt. Dyott has been on suspension since the allegations occurred. Captain Gregory Wright says they are very disappointed in the allegations and reassures the public that this is not representative of the caliber of officers that they have working at the department.

A hearing has been scheduled for an initial appearance on the charges April 24.