Detention Center Chaplain Fired After Assault, Sex Offense Charges

BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ) -- A 59-year-old Harford County Detention Center chaplain has been charged with second degree assault, fourth degree sex offense and misconduct in office.

Officials from the Harford County Sheriff's Office, which has terminated Reverend Kennis Rolle, Sr., say allegations of inappropriate conduct were made against him on March 8.

"The sheriff was extremely upset with this situation. That's a very trusted position," said Maj. William Davis, Harford County Sheriff's Office.

They say detectives spoke with two of Rolle's alleged victims, 31-year-old and 26-year-old female inmates, who claimed Rolle touched them inappropriately at counseling sessions in the Chaplain's office of the detention center.

It involved unwanted and unwelcome hugs, kisses and touches of the face, hair and backside during the fall of 2014 and again between December 2015 and February of this year.

"We placed him in a position of trust to be able to counsel the prisoners and give them assistance, give them hope and give them spiritual guidance. And to violate that trust is just horrific," said Davis.

Rolle, of Middle River, has been a Harford County Sheriff's Office Chaplain since September 2012.

Anyone who has any information pertaining to this case, or who feels they may have been a victim, is encouraged to call Detective Christopher Maddox of the Harford County Sheriff's Office, Criminal Investigations Division at 443-409-3551.

"He could use his authority to either scare them so they wouldn't come forward and things of that sense. That's what makes this so much worse," said Davis.

Rolle turned himself into the Harford County Detention Center Wednesday and was released on a $50,000 bond.

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