On December 17, 2025, a 37-year-old Elkton, Maryland resident was taken into custody after police linked him to a series of alleged sexual assaults against a 15-year-old girl in Middletown, Delaware.
## Investigation Begins After Security Footage
The investigation was triggered when homeowners at the Middletown residence reported a suspicious figure on the property’s home-security camera. Police reviewed the footage and identified the individual as Stephen Scott, 37, who had been living in Elkton, Maryland.
## Contact Through Social Media
Investigators say Scott began contacting the teenage girl over social media in October of the same year. Over the next three months, he allegedly maintained communication and engaged in multiple sexual interactions with the minor.
## Arrest and Immediate Custody
Scott was arrested at his Elkton home without incident on the evening of December 17, 2025. He was taken into custody by local law enforcement and later transferred to the Howard Young Correctional Institution.
## Charges Filed
He faces at least eight counts, including rape, sexual solicitation of a child, and unlawful sexual contact. The charges stem from the alleged abuse that spanned from October through December 2025.
## Bail Denied and Detention
Scott was unable to secure $1,000,000 in cash bail. As a result, he remains in custody at the correctional facility pending further legal proceedings.
## Community Reaction
Residents of both Elkton and Middletown have expressed shock and concern over the case. Local authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
## Legal Context
The case highlights the seriousness of sexual offenses involving minors and the stringent bail requirements for such crimes.
## Key Takeaways
– Stephen Scott, 37, arrested on December 17, 2025, faces eight rape-related charges.
– Allegations involve abuse of a 15-year-old Delaware girl over three months.
– Scott remains in custody after failing to post $1,000,000 bail.
The arrest underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect minors and enforce strict penalties for sexual crimes.
