Four Charged with Abusing Vulnerable Adult and Animal Cruelty in Garrett County

Four people face charges of abusing a vulnerable adult and animal cruelty. According to the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office during the month of September, Deputies  and Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, began an investigation at a residence located along Railroad Street, in Jennings, relating to Animal Neglect and Vulnerable Adult Abuse.

On October 1, 2021, Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office Animal Control, Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigator, and Uniform Patrol Deputies executed a search warrant at the residence along Railroad Street.

As a result of the search warrant over 30 animals were recovered that had been neglected or maltreated, along with other evidence relating to the investigation.

On October 12, 2021, arrest warrants were obtained and the following individuals were arrested and charged with the following offenses:

Kearstin Marie Warnick, 20 years old, Jennings, MD, Third Degree Sex Offense, Fourth Degree Sex Offense, Assault Second Degree, 4 counts of Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Aggravated Animal Cruelty, and 74 counts of Animal Neglect.

Eric John Moser, 28 years old, Jennings, MD, Conspiracy to Commit Third Degree Sex Offense, Conspiracy to Commit Second Degree Assault, 4 counts of Vulnerable Adult Abuse, Aggravated Animal Cruelty, and 74 counts of Animal Neglect.

Janelle Elaine Richards, 26 years old, Jennings, MD, Conspiracy to Commit Third Degree Sex Offense, Conspiracy to Commit Second Degree Assault, 4 counts of Vulnerable Adult Abuse, and 72 counts of Animal Neglect.

Gary Allen Spencer Jr, 31 years old, Jennings, MD, 2 counts of Vulnerable Adult Abuse, and 72 counts of Animal Neglect.

Deputies were also assisted by the Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services Division, and removed a Vulnerable Adult from the residence.

Warnick, Moser, Richards, and Spencer are all currently being held in the Garrett County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.