Sex abuse case against Baltimore County gym teacher dropped

Prosecutors dismissed nearly two dozen charges against Roger Myers, who had worked at the school district for 30 years

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Baltimore County prosecutors have dropped nearly two dozen charges against a public school gym teacher, Roger Myers, who was accused of sexually abusing two students. Myers, who taught physical education at Deep Creek Middle School in Essex, Maryland, had been facing 11 felonies and 11 misdemeanors, including six counts of sexual abuse of a minor and 12 sex offenses. The case was dismissed less than a month before Myers was scheduled to go to trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and sensitive nature of allegations of sexual abuse against teachers, and the challenges prosecutors can face in bringing such cases to trial. The dismissal raises questions about the strength of the evidence and the decision-making process in the prosecutor's office.

The details

According to court records, Myers worked at Baltimore County Public Schools for almost 30 years, teaching at both middle and high schools. He was arrested on May 30, about a month before his retirement was scheduled to begin, after Baltimore County Police Detectives spoke to more than a dozen students who reported inappropriate behavior by Myers, including suggestive or racist remarks about the kids' bodies and personal lives. Several students also called him "creepy" and rude. Myers was also accused of sexually abusing two female students during the school day.

  • Myers was arrested on May 30, 2026.
  • The case against Myers was dismissed on February 9, 2026, less than a month before he was scheduled to go to trial.

The players

Roger Myers

A public school gym teacher at Deep Creek Middle School in Essex, Maryland who was accused of sexually abusing two students. He worked at Baltimore County Public Schools for almost 30 years.

Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger

The state's attorney who oversaw the prosecution of the case against Roger Myers.

Zarena Sita

The prosecutor who was leading the case against Roger Myers in circuit court.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and sensitive nature of allegations of sexual abuse against teachers, and the challenges prosecutors can face in bringing such cases to trial. The dismissal raises questions about the strength of the evidence and the decision-making process in the prosecutor's office.