Dover man arrested again after more victims come forward in child sex abuse case
DOVER, DE – A 56-year-old Dover man already facing charges for sexually abusing a child has been arrested a second time after three more alleged victims were identified during an ongoing investigation spanning nearly two decades.
Thomas Kennedy, of Dover, turned himself in to police on Thursday after investigators obtained a second warrant in connection to previously unreported sexual offenses that allegedly took place between 1998 and 2014, according to the Dover Police Department.
Kennedy was initially arrested on July 30 after being charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust. At that time, detectives indicated that additional victims might exist. Further investigation led to the identification of three more victims, prompting new charges and Thursday’s arrest.
He now faces a total of 16 additional charges, including two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust, 13 counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact Second Degree, and one count of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor.
Following his arrest, Kennedy posted a $16,500 secured bail and was released. All charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred within the City of Dover. The identities of the victims have not been released due to the sensitive nature of the case.
Police emphasized the difficulty many victims face in coming forward and encouraged any additional victims or individuals with knowledge of the case to speak with investigators.
Kennedy remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Points
- Thomas Kennedy, 56, of Dover, was arrested Thursday for new child sex abuse charges involving three additional victims
- The alleged abuse occurred between 1998 and 2014 and includes 16 new charges
- Kennedy was released on $16,500 secured bail pending further legal proceedings