Anne Arundel County Sheriff's deputy Anthony Nickoles, 42, has been charged with multiple offenses related to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, with the county's police department confirming his arrest on Wednesday. Nickoles is being held without bail at Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, FOX Baltimore reported.

The charges include sexual abuse of a minor as well as two counts, each of third and fourth-degree sexual offenses and second-degree assault. The Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office fully cooperates with the active investigation. Nickoles, who served the county for 19 years, has been suspended without pay, "The actions of one individual do not reflect the dedication and professionalism of the men and women who serve our community with honor," Sheriff Everett L. Sesker stated. In addition to Sesker's office providing support at the onset and throughout the investigation, CBS News Baltimore reported.

The alleged abuse began when the 11-year-old victim, who is Nickoles’ stepdaughter, moved in with him. According to authorities, the girl reported instances of being called "sexy" by Nickoles, and having her breasts squeezed. Another incident involved Nickoles berating her after she was crying, calling her a "sissy" for showing her distress, findings that are outlined in the charging documents, WMAR-2 News detailed.