August 22, 1995|By Shanon D. Murray | Shanon D. Murray,Sun Staff Writer
3/8 TC Howard County police are continuing their four-month investigation of a Columbia man accused of fondling four young women in county parks while posing as a professional photographer, and they are seeking information from other possible victims, they said yesterday.
Police said they arrested Richard Charles, 28, of the 8800 block of Flowerstock Row at his home Aug. 12 in connection with the investigation after the four women, between the ages of 15 and 21, said they had been fondled by a man who posed as a photographer.
The first victim contacted police in May.
"We still think there are even more victims out there," said Sgt. Steven Keller, a police spokesman.
Mr. Charles, who also is known to use the name Jenky George, is being held in the Howard County Detention Center in lieu of a $20,000 cash bond. He is charged with one count of third-degree sex offense and four counts of fourth-degree sex offense.
A third-degree sex offense is a felony punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison. A fourth-degree sex offense is a misdemeanor punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Police said a man who identified himself as a professional photographer to the women arranged to meet them at Centennial Park in Ellicott City or Hopewell Park in Owen Brown village for photo sessions.
He told them the photographs he took would be sent to modeling agencies, police said.
During the photo sessions in the parks, the bogus photographer fondled the victims while appearing to adjust their clothing, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to call Detective Robert Castor of the sex crimes unit at (410) 313-3200.
