Smyrna Man Arrested for Sexual Offenses That Occurred at Dover Karate Academy Parking Lot 10-7-14

Incident #: 50-14-20766  Date/Time:  October 6, 2014

Location: Kaizen Karate Academy, 155 Commerce Way, Dover, DE

Narrative:
A 33-year-old Smyrna man was arrested on October 6th after it was learned that he was having sexual encounters with a 14-year-old girl.  Harold Philhower, of Smyrna, was charged with a 3rd Degree Rape, 3 counts of possession of child pornography, and a single count of endangering the welfare of a child and is currently being held at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $81,500 Secured Bond.  Detectives learned that Philhower was potentially involved in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old female through an anonymous tip.  Detectives conducted an investigation and learned that Philhower would meet the 14-year-old victim outside of the Kaizen Karate Academy and on at least one occasion, performed sexual acts on the victim.  It was also learned that Philhower and the victim met several times and had inappropriate contact at the same location.  The 14-year-old victim is a student at the karate academy.  Philhower’s spouse was an instructor at the academy at the time of the incidents.  It was later learned in the investigation that Philhower also received multiple nude images of the victim through a social media account.

At this time, detectives do not believe there are other victims in this case.  However, parents of children enrolled in the karate academy should discuss the matter with their children.  If parents are concerned their child was a victim, they should contact 302-736-7139 and speak with Detective Streadwick of the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Officer Releasing Information:  Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer