Delaware State Police
News Release

Laurel Man Jailed on Sexual Assault Charges

Released Thursday, January 22, 2009

Laurel – The Delaware State Police have concluded a five-month search for a 21-year-old Laurel man wanted in connection to a sexual assault that occurred in 2004.

Last evening at approximately 7:15 pm, troopers who were actively searching the Laurel area for Keith I. Baldwin, located him in the parking lot of Lakeshore Wine and Spirits (30728 Sussex Hwy) and took him into custody without incident.

Baldwin was wanted for several charges stemming from an incident that was reported to police in August of ’08 that implicated him in a sexual assault of a then 5-year-old Laurel girl.

The investigation revealed that on June 12, 2004, Baldwin, 17 years of age at the time, was attending a party at a residence on Susan Beach Rd in Laurel. The victim, who is currently 9 years old now, was also at the party. She informed detectives that Baldwin lured her into a bathroom and proceeded to sexually assault her. Afterward, Baldwin allegedly threatened to kill the girl if she told anyone.

Arrest warrants were obtained for Baldwin on August 26, 2008 for the offense and police have been searching for him since. After Baldwin’s arrest, he was formally charged with Rape First degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Unlawful Imprisonment and Terroristic Threatening. He was remanded to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of a $309,000 cash bail.