News Releases

Gaithersburg Man Arrested for Child Sex Offenses

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 4, 2025

Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) have arrested and charged a Gaithersburg man with multiple sex offenses involving a child and are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, a female child was at the Quince Orchard Library with a parent and reported that she had been inappropriately touched by a man later identified as 49-year-old Charles Newton Townsend IV. First District officers identified Townsend on Wednesday, July 30.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed library surveillance footage that showed two separate interactions between Townsend and children, raising further concern. Based on the evidence gathered, detectives obtained an arrest warrant on Tuesday, August 22.

On Monday, August 29, Townsend was arrested and charged with two counts of fourth-degree sexual contact, and two counts of second-degree assault.

Townsend is currently being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he is being held without bond.

SVID detectives believe there may be additional victims. Parents whose children may have visited the Quince Orchard Library are encouraged to speak with them and contact detectives with any information.

Anyone with information or who believes their child may have had contact with Townsend is asked to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.

 

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Release ID: 25-422
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: arrest , assault , sexual-offense