On December 28, 2025, the Laurel Police Criminal Investigative Unit was dispatched to TidalHealth Hospital in reference to a reported sexual assault involving a 7-year-old female victim. Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined the assault occurred at the victim’s residence.
Officials said as a result of the investigation, Ricardo Desir, 40, of Haiti, was identified as the suspect. On January 16, 2026, an arrest warrant was drafted and approved. Officers from the Laurel Police Department responded to Desir’s residence, where he was taken into custody without incident. He was transported back to the police department, where he was charged with Rape Second Degree – victim less than 12 years of age (Class B Felony)
Desir was arraigned on the charge and issued $60,000.00 cash bail only. He was subsequently transported to Sussex Correctional Institution.
