Wicomico County man faces total of 228 child sex charges, including rape. All to know.

Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times
·2 min read

The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation that has led to a total of 228 child sex charges being filed against a Wicomico County man.

Here's what we know so far.

In February 2024, a thorough investigation commenced, led by detectives from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s OfficeCriminal Investigation Division in collaboration with the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center. The focus of theinvestigation centered on allegations of sexual abuse of a minor child by James Arthur Thompson, 64, listed as being from Fruitland and Delmar, Maryland.

Subsequent findings from the investigation uncovered deeply concerning evidence of prolonged abuse perpetratedby Thompson against the minor over the span of several years.

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On April 15, the culmination of investigative efforts led to the presentation of findings before a grandjury in Wicomico County. As a result, Thompson has been formally charged with a total of 228 offenses, including:

  • Sex abuse of a minor

  • Rape in the first degree

  • Rape in the second degree

  • Sex offense in the second degree

  • Sex offense in the third degree

  • Sex trafficking-explicit performance

  • Sex trafficking-take/cause

  • Sexual solicitation of a minor

  • Cause another to engage in sex act-threat

  • Cause another to engage in sex production-threat

  • Stalking

  • Electronic communication: harass a minor

  • Telephone misuse: obscene

  • Camera surveillance of private area with prurient intent

  • Child porn-film in sex act

  • Child porn-minor as sex subject

  • Possession of child pornography.

It should be noted that Thompson is currently a registered sex offender. Currently, Thompson is in custody at the Wicomico County Detention Center, held without bond. His initial appearance before the Circuit Court of Wicomico County is scheduled for May 10.

Anyone with information can contact Det. Chaffey at 410-548-4891 ext. 238

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: 228 child sex charges filed vs. Wicomico County man. All to know.