MIDDLETOWN, DE — A home security camera review has led to the arrest of a Maryland man now facing multiple serious felony allegations following a months-long investigation by the New Castle County Division of Police.
Detectives said the investigation began earlier this month after a parent in Middletown noticed an unfamiliar male captured on their home surveillance system entering a vehicle parked in front of the residence. Further review of the footage prompted concern and led police to identify the individual as Stephen Scott, 37, of Elkton, Maryland. Authorities allege the footage showed Scott had been in contact with a 15-year-old female who lived at the home.
Because of the nature of the allegations, the case was referred to detectives with the Criminal Investigations Unit. According to police, investigators determined that Scott allegedly began communicating with the juvenile in October 2025 through a social media messaging platform. Detectives allege the online contact developed into ongoing conversations and ultimately led to multiple sexual interactions between October and December 2025.
The Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team was assigned to locate Scott. With assistance from the Maryland State Police, officers located him on Wednesday, December 17, at a residence in the 1300 block of Stone Gate Boulevard in Elkton. Police said Scott was taken into custody without incident.
On Friday, December 19, Scott was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was formally charged with eight felony counts of rape in the third degree involving a victim under the age of 16, one felony count of sexual solicitation of a child using an electronic device, and one felony count of unlawful sexual contact in the second degree.
Scott was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $1,000,000.00 cash bail.
Authorities stressed that the charges stem from allegations outlined in a criminal investigation. Any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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