Police: Salisbury man arrested, charged for child pornography

SALISBURY, Md. – On Tuesday, Maryland State Police criminal investigators arrested and charged 66-year-old Richard Rathel, of Salisbury, with distribution and possession of child pornography. Police say the three-month investigation began when investigators received a tip regarding potential child pornography files being uploaded from the internet.

Through the investigation, police were able to identify an address, and officials were able to obtain a search warrant for Rathel’s home. Officials say the evidence was obtained Tuesday morning that led to Rathel’s arrest. Electronic equipment recovered from Rathel’s home will be sent to the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit digital forensics laboratory for further investigation.

Rathel was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and three counts of possession of child pornography. He was taken to the Wicomico County Detention Center and appeared before a court commissioner, where he was ordered to be held without bond.

Police add that the investigation is ongoing.