LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Charles County Sheriff’s Officer David Moats, 26, was arrested on March 20, 2025, in St. Mary’s County and charged with second-degree assault after allegedly attacking a relative. Moats, a 1½-year veteran, was suspended with pay by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) pending criminal and internal investigations.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic assault call at a Mechanicsville residence around 8:03 p.m. on March 20, per court documents. Deputy Blaine Gaskill’s charging documents state Moats admitted to using a butter knife to unlock a door, retrieving his dog, and arguing with the victim. He claimed the victim pushed him downstairs, which he said caused his fall. A female witness contradicted this, telling deputies she saw Moats push the victim against a wall. Deputies noted swelling and redness on the victim’s left elbow; EMS transported the victim to a hospital.
Moats faces a misdemeanor charge of second-degree assault under Maryland statute CR.3.203, with a maximum penalty of 10 years or a $2,500 fine. A domestic violence case (D-043-FM-25-811774) filed the same day in St. Mary’s County District Court issued a temporary protective order, valid through March 26, 2025, barring abuse, contact, and firearm possession. Moats was held without bond initially but released on recognizance on March 21 after a bail review. His trial is set for May 8, 2025.
The CCSO’s Office of Professional Responsibility began an administrative probe. Moats’ attorney, Sarah Freeman Proctor of Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, PA, entered an appearance on March 21. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has not released further incident details, directing inquiries to their office.
