AARON VANGORDER WAS CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR, THIRD DEGREE SEXUAL OFFENSE, AND RELATED OFFENSES

Wicomico County, MD - On December 20, 2023, following a two-day trial, a Wicomico County jury, presided over by the Honorable Kathleen L. Beckstead, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, convicted Aaron Vangorder, 33 years of age, of Delmar, Delaware, of two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, two counts of Sexual Offense in the Third Degree, two counts of Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree, three counts of Assault in the Second Degree, and Sexual Solicitation of a Minor. 

Sentencing was deferred pending receipt of a mandatory pre-sentence investigation and mental health assessment. Vangorder's pre-trial release was revoked and he was taken into custody pending sentencing.  In July of 2023, Vangorder sexually abused a minor who was under the age of 13.

Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes said, "It is a horrific thing when a child is sexually abused by someone in a position of trust and care. The betrayal inherent in these crimes is immeasurable and inflicts long-lasting harm upon the survivors. The survivor in this case showed extraordinary bravery for promptly reporting the crimes, and for testifying at trial. Because of the survivor's courage and the jury's thoughtful and considered verdict, justice has been delivered."

SA Jamie L. Dykes commended Detective D. Schultz of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, who was the lead investigator, Child Protective Services, and members of the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center for their work in the investigation. SA Dykes also commended Senior Assistant State's Attorney Michael Calabrese, who prosecuted the case and advocated for justice.