Church Member Arrested for Molesting 4 Girls in 1980's: Cops

A Delaware man was arrested Thursday after police say a woman came forward claiming he had sexually assaulted her and three others when they were children back in the 1980's.

A Delaware man was arrested Thursday after police say a woman came forward claiming he had sexually assaulted her and three others when they were children back in the 1980's.

Police say Richard Bellingham, 57, of Wilmington met the victims through their affiliation with the Church of Our Savior in Concord Township, Delaware County. The church operated from the 1970’s until 2004. Police say Bellingham molested four underage girls between 1981 and 1988.

Credit: Pennsylvania State Police

The 39-year-old victim was sexually assaulted by Bellingham between the ages of 9 and 15, according to police. Investigators say the 34-year-old victim was sexually assaulted by Bellingham when she was 5-years-old. The 38-year-old victim was allegedly sexually assaulted by Bellingham between the ages of 8 and 14. Finally a 33-year-old victim was sexually assaulted by Bellingham between the ages of 4 and 5, according to investigators.

Police say the sexual assaults took place in various locations throughout Delaware County as well as New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

Bellingham was arrested and charged with indecent assault and corruption of minors. He was arraigned with bail set at $100,000 cash. He is currently in Delaware County Prison.
 

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