Dover Man Arrested for Rape of Juvenile
Incident Number: 50-22-25352
Date/Time: Between Friday, December 24, 2021 and Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Location: Location not released to protect victim, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Norman Merritt, a 33-year-old Dover man, for Rape after learning of a sexual relationship he had with a minor between December of 2021 and July of 2022. On August 15th, 2022, Dover Police detectives were contacted by a member of the victim’s family after the child disclosed the incident to them. An interview was conducted with the victim at which time it was determined that Merritt had performed sexual acts with the child on at least two occasions at a Dover residence. The location of the residence is being withheld for protection of the victim.
Through an investigation, detectives were able to determine that Merritt had engaged in sexual acts with the child on several occasions between December 24, 2021 and July 13, 2022. Merritt turned himself in to Dover Police on August 17, 2022.
Merritt was committed to SCI on $363,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Rape Second Degree (2x)
-Rape Third Degree (4x)
-Unlawful Sexual Contact Second
Dover, DE
If you wish to provide information on this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance. You can contact the Victim Services Unit at 302-736-7134 or by email at: Diane.Glenn@cj.state.de.us
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