A 36-year-old man is facing a felony charge following an incident involving a girl under 12 during a gathering in Woodland Heights. Officers were called to the 1000 block of Wagoner Drive at around 6:20 p.m. on Saturday after the situation escalated into a report of a disorderly group at the suspect's own home.
According to New Castle County Police, the gathering was taking place at the victim's residence.
Police allege that, during a conversation at the gathering, the man made a sexually suggestive comment to the girl and then touched her over her clothing. The department said she was alarmed and immediately told a family member. The police account describes the alleged contact; the allegations have not been adjudicated.
The girl reported what happened immediately to a family member, per the same account. The suspect, meanwhile, had already left the gathering and returned to his own residence. The victim's family and others then went to his home, and that confrontation is what triggered the 911 call describing a disorderly group — the same call that brought officers to the scene Saturday evening.
Arrest Also Tied to a Prior Court Order Violation
Once on scene, officers determined the man was also in violation of a court order connected to a separate, unrelated incident from July, the department's report notes. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters for processing.
He now faces one felony count of Unlawful Sexual Contact in the Second Degree and one misdemeanor count of Breach of Release tied to the July court order violation, the department's report states.
Delaware law classifies unlawful sexual contact in the second degree as a class F felony when intentional sexual contact involves someone under 18. The law also defines first-degree unlawful sexual contact as a class D felony when the victim is under 13. The police announcement lists a second-degree charge but does not explain the charging rationale.
No additional details about the suspect's identity, the victim, or any further court proceedings have been made public. Police have not indicated whether any additional charges or updates are expected as the case moves through Justice of the Peace Court 3.
The department’s decision not to identify the man reflects a state law approved in July 2026. House Bill 59 bars law-enforcement agencies from releasing or publishing an adult charged with a crime’s name or photograph unless the person is charged with a felony and disclosure is necessary to protect public safety. Police cited the law in explaining why they withheld identifying details.
The arraignment and bail decision are an initial step in Delaware’s court process, not a felony trial. The state’s Justice of the Peace Court conducts initial appearances and sets bond in criminal cases, and may act as a committing magistrate for any crime. Its ordinary criminal trial jurisdiction covers certain misdemeanors but excludes felonies.
