Newark- Delaware State Police arrested 22-year-old Elijah Thomas of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, on sexual assault charges resulting from the continuous sexual abuse of a child, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper.
Pepper said on October 6, 2020, Delaware State Police responded to the Quality Inn Motel located at 65 Geoffrey Drive in Newark, attempting to locate Thomas, who was wanted out of Pennsylvania. Upon arrival, troopers found Thomas in a motel room with a 13-year-old female. Through investigative measures, troopers discovered Thomas was involved in an on-going sexual relationship with the juvenile. Thomas was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the following crimes:
Rape 3rd Degree (3 counts- felony)
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (felony)
Thomas was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to Gander Hill on $240,000.00 cash bail.
The 13-year-old victim was turned over to a family member.
Pepper said due to the sensitive nature of the incident and out of respect to the victim, only limited information is being released.