Wicomico Co. Man Arrested For Child Pornography

(SALISBURY, MD) – Maryland State Police criminal investigators today arrested and charged a Wicomico County man with distribution and possession of child pornography.

The suspect is identified as Richard E. Rathel, 66, of Salisbury, Md.  He is charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and three counts of possession of child pornography.  He was transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center for processing and an initial appearance before a court commissioner, where he was ordered to be held without bond.

The three-month investigation by members of the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division began when investigators received a tip regarding potential child pornography files being uploaded from the Internet.  The investigation identified an address and State Police investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence.

This morning, State Police investigators served the search warrant at what was learned to be the suspect’s home.  During the service of the search warrant, evidence was obtained that led to the suspect’s arrest and the charges placed against him today.  Electronic equipment recovered at the home will be submitted to the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit digital forensics laboratory for further analysis.

The investigation is continuing.

Richard Rathel