Retired Prince George's County, MD, Firefighter Walks Free after Admitting to Sexually Abusing Teens
“You don’t care at all. I wish I hadn’t taken this plea.”
That's what Prince George's County Judge Gladys Weatherspoon told a former firefighter who admitted to sexually assaulting four boys in the 1990s in the Hyattsville station.
In exchange for pleading guilty to four offenses, including felonies, John Inman walked out of court as his entire 45-year sentence was suspended, WTOP reported.
The teen victims were junior members of the fire department when Inman performed sexual acts on them in the fire station, at his house and in a classroom at the University of Maryland.
Two of the four victims spoke during the hearing. But, the retired county firefighter remained stone-faced and didn't look at them.
One victim ripped a group of retired firefighters, which included a current Maryland State Police trooper, who attended to support his abuser, a reporter noted.
“I hope you see your victims’ faces every night. Hell has a special place for you.”
When Inman’s lawyer started reading statements of praise from a list of people including some who didn't attend, victims who had already poured out their hearts were left bewildered.
Inman, who refused the opportunity to speak during the hearing, was ordered to register as a sex offender and placed on supervised probation for five years. The entire 45 year prison sentence was suspended.
Remaining silent didn't sit well with the judge, who second-guessed her decision to accept the plea deal.
Her apology to the victims was the only one they received.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.

