Maryland State Police arrested an Annapolis man Tuesday in connection with the sexual abuse of a juvenile victim in Queen Anne’s County.
Dustin Moss Burket, 52, of Annapolis, faces charges of second-degree rape, abuse of a minor, fourth-degree sexual offense, and second-degree assault. He was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center without bond.
The Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division, Eastern Region, opened its investigation into Burket on April 3. The Office of the State’s Attorney in Queen Anne’s County convened a grand jury. Evidence from the investigation was presented, and the grand jury returned an indictment against Burket.
According to a preliminary investigation, the alleged activities between Burket and the juvenile victim occurred last summer and this spring on the property of the Eastern Shore Cheer Academy in Stevensville. Burket is the owner and operator of the academy.
The academy, located in Stevensville, offers tumbling, stunting, and cheer programs for youth. Stevensville is a community in Queen Anne’s County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Burket resides in Annapolis, which is in neighboring Anne Arundel County.
The charges are allegations. Burket has not been tried or convicted.
Investigators urge anyone who believes they were a victim or knows someone who was to contact Sergeant Dadds at brian.dadds@maryland.gov or 410-758-1101 ext. 4719. Callers may remain confidential.
This investigation is active and ongoing.
The arrest follows standard procedure for cases involving allegations of sexual offenses against minors in Maryland. The Criminal Enforcement Division, Eastern Region, handles major investigations across the state’s Eastern Shore counties, including Queen Anne’s. Grand juries in Maryland review evidence in secret and determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
Queen Anne’s County Detention Center is the primary facility for holding individuals charged with serious offenses in the county pending court proceedings. Bond decisions are made by judges based on factors including the nature of the charges and public safety considerations.
The case remains under active investigation by state police and the Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. Court proceedings will take place in the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County.
