(Newark, DE 19702) New Castle County Division of Police is currently investigating a sexual solicitation case.
Early this morning, May 5th, 2023, at approximately 0040 hours patrol officers were conducting proactive patrol in Glasgow Park. Patrol officers observed a vehicle enter Glasgow Park via the entrance closest to the intersection of Pulaski Highway and Rt. 896. A vehicle stop was conducted due to New Castle County Parklands being closed between dusk and dawn.
Patrol Officers contacted the vehicle operator, Stephen Gregory a 48 year old male from Newark, DE, and a white female, later discovered to be a 14 year old minor, in the front passenger seat. Patrol Officers asked Stephen for his license and documents required when operating a motor vehicle at which point Patrol Officers observed Stephen to be showing signs of nervousness. Patrol Officers began to ask Stephen about his business within the park with the minor at which point Stephen began to provide vague answers and continued to be nervous.
Stephen initially advised that he and the minor are friends and were driving around to find a place to talk. Stephen stated that he and the minor recently met via an online dating site. Due to Stephen’s vague answers and nervous behavior Patrol Officers detained Stephen for further investigation.
Detectives from the Division of Police: Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation.
In an interview Stephen advised that he met with the minor with the intentions of having sexual intercourse which was supported by a new, unopened box of condoms found in Stephen’s possession.
Stephen was charged with one felony count of Sexual Solicitation of A Child Under 18 to Engage in Prohibited Sexual Act and Park During the Hours of Darkness without Permission in a County Parkland.
Detective Ashlee Starratt is the lead investigator for this incident and can be reached at (302) 395-2745 or via e-mail at Ashlee.Starratt@newcastlede.gov. Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation can contact the New Castle County Division of Police at the non-emergency number (302) 573-2800 or via messenger on Facebook. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 (847-3333 or submit a tip online at www.delawarectimestoppers.com
Gregory, Stephen (48)
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