Delaware News

Former school counselor faces lengthy prison term for child rape 

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, March 18, 2025


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A Fairfax man faces a lengthy prison sentence after pleading no contest to two counts of Rape 2nd Degree. John Arnold will be sentenced later this year and faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison.

“Nothing matters more than protecting our kids,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Our prosecutors will never hesitate to stand up and protect our youngest, most vulnerable victims. This sentence can’t undo the trauma that the victim suffered – but it ensures that the perpetrator, who will now spend most of his remaining life in prison, can’t harm anyone else.”

Arnold was arrested in July 2024 following an investigation by the New Castle County Police Department. At the time of his arrest, Arnold was employed as an emotional support therapist in the Brandywine School District. The victim in the case is not a student in the Brandywine School District.

“The announcement of this sentencing is a crucial step in bringing this suspect to justice and providing some measure of closure for the victim,” said Chief of New Castle County Police Col. James Leonard. “This outcome reflects the victim’s resilience and strength in coming forward and the hard work and dedication of our officers, investigators, victim advocates, and partners in the criminal justice system. We remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for survivors and ensuring the safety of our community.”

The DOJ and NCCPD are seeking other potential victims given the nature of the allegations and the defendants’ professional history. Anyone with information may contact NCCPD Detective Daniel Watson at (302) 577-5293.

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Former school counselor faces lengthy prison term for child rape 

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | News | Date Posted: Tuesday, March 18, 2025


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center

A Fairfax man faces a lengthy prison sentence after pleading no contest to two counts of Rape 2nd Degree. John Arnold will be sentenced later this year and faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison.

“Nothing matters more than protecting our kids,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “Our prosecutors will never hesitate to stand up and protect our youngest, most vulnerable victims. This sentence can’t undo the trauma that the victim suffered – but it ensures that the perpetrator, who will now spend most of his remaining life in prison, can’t harm anyone else.”

Arnold was arrested in July 2024 following an investigation by the New Castle County Police Department. At the time of his arrest, Arnold was employed as an emotional support therapist in the Brandywine School District. The victim in the case is not a student in the Brandywine School District.

“The announcement of this sentencing is a crucial step in bringing this suspect to justice and providing some measure of closure for the victim,” said Chief of New Castle County Police Col. James Leonard. “This outcome reflects the victim’s resilience and strength in coming forward and the hard work and dedication of our officers, investigators, victim advocates, and partners in the criminal justice system. We remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for survivors and ensuring the safety of our community.”

The DOJ and NCCPD are seeking other potential victims given the nature of the allegations and the defendants’ professional history. Anyone with information may contact NCCPD Detective Daniel Watson at (302) 577-5293.

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.