EASTON — In February, detectives with the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigations Division, initiated a sex offense investigation. They learned that a 24-year-old adult male was traveling from the western shore of Maryland to meet a 14-year-old juvenile in the Trappe area.

The investigation revealed that the adult male met the 14-year-old juvenile through an online social media application. Detectives learned that the two were engaged in a sexual relationship. The adult male suspect was identified as a 24-year-old resident of the 100 block of Jill Lane, Laurel, Anne Arundel County.

On March 10, detectives, along with members of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, executed a search and seizure warrant at the suspect’s residence. Detectives also had an arrest warrant through the Talbot County District Court and ultimately arrested the man without incident.

He was transported to the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. He was later brought to the Talbot County Detention Center for booking and processing, where he will be brought before the Talbot County District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance.

Kyle Elio Ripper was charged with the following criminal charges related to this incident:

· Third Degree Sex Offense
· Fourth Degree Sex Offense
· Second Degree Assault
· Possession of Child Pornography
· Child Porn Solicit Subject
· Second Degree Assault
· Attempted Third Degree Sex Offense
· Attempted Fourth Degree Sex Offense

Anyone with information related to Mr. Ripper is asked to contact Corporal Aita of the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigations Division, at 410-822-1020 ext. 8113.