HYATTSVILLE, MD (May 21, 2025) – The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit has charged John Inman, a 61-year-old retired firefighter from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with sexually assaulting a junior firefighter in the 1990s. Inman, who retired from the Prince George’s County Fire Department in 2017, faces charges including second-degree rape and child abuse-custodian.
The investigation began in July 2024 after the police department received allegations of the assaults, which occurred between 1991 and 1996. During that period, Inman, then a paid firefighter, allegedly assaulted the victim multiple times when the victim was between 13 and 17 years old. The incidents took place at various locations, including Inman’s home and the Hyattsville Fire Station on Belcrest Road.
On May 12, 2025, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Inman. He surrendered to authorities on May 17, 2025. The charges stem from the Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit’s investigation, which uncovered evidence of the repeated assaults over the five-year span.
Police are seeking additional information from the public to aid the ongoing investigation. Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have been victimized by Inman or has relevant details about the case. Individuals can contact the Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit at 301-772-4930. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Solvers at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Tipsters should reference case number 24-0035619.
The Prince George’s County Police Department emphasized the importance of community cooperation in resolving cases involving vulnerable victims. The investigation remains active, and detectives are working to determine if there are additional victims or witnesses who can provide further insight.
The charges against Inman carry significant legal consequences, reflecting the severity of the alleged crimes. Second-degree rape and child abuse-custodian charges are prosecuted under Maryland law to address offenses against minors by individuals in positions of trust or authority. The case highlights the police department’s commitment to pursuing justice in historical abuse cases, even decades after the incidents occurred.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward to assist detectives in building a comprehensive case. The police department has made multiple channels available for reporting, prioritizing accessibility and anonymity for those who wish to remain unidentified.
