Trappe man facing multiple charges after sexual assault investigation

31-year-old Gregory Edward Fries

TRAPPE, Md. – A Trappe man is facing multiple charges after a sexual assault investigation.

The Talbot County Sheriff’s Offce (TCSO) Criminal Investigations Division have arrested 31-year-old Gregory Edward Fries. TCSO says in September, detectives were notified about a sexual assault that happened inside a home in Trappe in July.

Investigations revealed that Fries had brought an adult female victim back to the residence, where he sexually and physically assaulted her. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant, charging Fries with several criminal offenses.

Friday, Fries was arrested in Easton without incident. He was taken to Talbot County Central Booking facility for processing, and an initial appearance before a Talbot County District Court Judge.

Fries is charged with first and second degree rape, third degree sex offense, fourth degree sexual contact, first and second degree assault, and reckless endangerment.

Update Friday May 26th:

It has now been learned that Gregory Fries has passed away before the trail concluded.  The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Fries lawyer, Thomas Maronick Jr released the following Statement, “I am devastated at the sudden death of my client Gregory Fries and offer my condolences to his family, especially his two children. This had been a very difficult, emotional, and hard-fought trial and the jury had been unable to come to a verdict after their first day of deliberations and was preparing for their second day. We felt confident going into the deliberations and this news was a shock to everyone involved. I sincerely appreciate the work of Judge Kehoe who was a superb jurist to have in trial to all sides, his staff and Specially-Assigned Assistant State’s Attorney Seth Giller who fought vigorously for his side, as I did for Mr. Fries. There is no one involved with this trial who wanted this ending. It is truly heartbreaking.” end quote.