New Castle County Police are investigating a sexual solicitation case police said Saturday.
Officials said early this morning, May 5, 2023, at approximately 12:40 in the morning patrol officers were conducting proactive patrol in Glasgow Park. Patrol officers observed a vehicle enter Glasgow Park via the entrance closest to the intersection of Pulaski Highway and Route 896. A vehicle stop was conducted due to New Castle County Parklands being closed between dusk and dawn.
Patrol Officers contacted the vehicle operator, 48-year-old Stephen Gregory of Newark and a white female, later discovered to be a 14-year-old minor, in the front passenger seat. When the Patrol Officers asked Gregory for his license and registration they observed Gregory nervousness, officials said. The officers ask Gregory about his business within the park with the minor. He began to provide vague answers and continued to be nervous according to police.
Gregory told police that he and the minor are friends and were driving around to find a place to talk. He stated that he and the minor recently met via an online dating site police said. Due to his vague answers and nervous behavior the officers detained him for further investigation.
Detectives from the Division of Police: Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation.
In an interview Stephen advised that he met with the minor with the intentions of having sexual intercourse which was supported by a new, unopened box of condoms found in his possession police said.
Stephen was charged with one felony count of Sexual Solicitation of A Child Under 18 to Engage in Prohibited Sexual Act and Park During the Hours of Darkness without Permission in a County Parkland.
