In July of last year Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged 47-year-old John Arnold with multiple counts of rape.
Officials said in July 2024, The New Castle County Division of Police was alerted to a sexual assault against a child that occurred in the 2200 block of Thomas Road in the community of Fairfax. Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit were notified and assumed the investigation.
During the investigation, detectives learned that a 5-year-old victim reported that John Arnold had inappropriate sexual contact with her on multiple occasions police said Friday. Detectives also discovered that John Arnold was an Emotional Support Therapist for the Brandywine School District. Officials said at the time that currently, no evidence indicates that any students from the Brandywine School District were victims according to police.
John Arnold was taken into custody on Thursday, July 11, 2024, and then transported to the New Castle County Police headquarters where he was charged.
Arnold now faces a lengthy prison sentence after pleading no contest to two counts of Rape 2nd Degree. John Arnold will be sentenced later this year and faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison.
“Nothing matters more than protecting our kids,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Our prosecutors will never hesitate to stand up and protect our youngest, most vulnerable victims. This sentence can’t undo the trauma that the victim suffered – but it ensures that the perpetrator, who will now spend most of his remaining life in prison, can’t harm anyone else.”
“The announcement of this sentencing is a crucial step in bringing this suspect to justice and providing some measure of closure for the victim,” said Chief of New Castle County Police Col. James Leonard. “This outcome reflects the victim’s resilience and strength in coming forward and the hard work and dedication of our officers, investigators, victim advocates, and partners in the criminal justice system. We remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for survivors and ensuring the safety of our community.”