Editor’s Note, March 23, 1:54 p.m. — Maryland State Police issued a correction to the age of the child involved in the case. The story has been updated to reflect that updated information.

PIKESVILLE, Md. (DC News Now) — A deputy from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has been charged with second-degree child abuse, according to a statement from the Maryland State Police.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region were instructed to conduct an investigation into the deputy at the behest of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services.

The alleged assault involved a 6-year-old child. The incident reportedly took place on March 21.

“When we were notified by Child Protective Services yesterday,” said Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, “I immediately had to hand the investigation over to the Maryland State Police so there is no apparent conflict.”

Following an investigation, the deputy was charged and arrested. He was later transported to an adult detention center for booking.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that the deputy charged is 29-year-old Allan Mandujano of Jefferson, Md.

Mandujano was previously in law enforcement in Prince Georges County, Md., and joined FCSO in June of 2021. He was assigned to a patrol unit.

“By all accounts for the year and a half he’s been here, he’s been a very good deputy,” said Sheriff Jenkins. “He’s been a good man to many, knowledgeable all the way around. This is really surprising that he has been charged.”

Maryland State Police are conducting the investigation into this case.

“It’s early in the investigation,” said Sheriff Jenkins. “I don’t know any of the details or any of the facts but he’s been here a year and a half. He’s done a tremendous job for us, and we’ll see how it plays out. It is really unfortunate.”

Sheriff Jenkins said his department is made up of “highly trained professionals in law enforcement” and “the actions of one deputy should not reflect” on his entire operation.

Mandujano was booked at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center and the state’s attorney’s office is reviewing the charges against the deputy.