Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Dwayne Pearson, former Deputy Fire Chief for the Belvedere Fire Company, for rape and related charges after accusations of a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female.

In September 2022, the Delaware State Police Troop 2, Criminal Investigations Unit, received information that a Belvedere firefighter was having sex with a minor. Detectives investigated and determined that the minor and Pearson had engaged in an apparent sexual relationship from July 2022 until August 2022.

Earlier this month, a warrant was obtained for Pearson’s arrest. On January 12, 2023, Pearson turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was charged with the following crimes:

• Rape 2nd Degree (Felony)
• Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Unlawful Sexual Contact 2^nd Degree Have Contact with a Person under 18 years of Age (Felony)

Pearson was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $92,000 cash bond.

Pearson is no longer a member of the Belvedere Fire Company. Any questions regarding his volunteer membership status should be directed to the Belvedere Fire Company.

Due to the nature of the charges, the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, only limited information will be released.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who believes they have information regarding the additional criminal activity of Pearson to please contact Detective M. Conway by calling 302-365-8446. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 011323 1500

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