New Castle County Police Arrest Man in Devastating Child Rape Case; Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges
NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE – The New Castle County Police Department has arrested Santos Aguilar-Aguilar, age 34, in connection with a deeply disturbing child rape case that spans multiple years and includes multiple felony counts. The arrest follows a lengthy investigation that began in June 2024, after new information was brought to light regarding repeated acts of sexual abuse.
Investigation Timeline and Allegations
According to law enforcement officials, the case centers on allegations that Aguilar-Aguilar sexually assaulted a known minor acquaintance—beginning when the victim was approximately five years old and continuing until they were about seven.
The Criminal Investigations Unit of the New Castle County Police took over the case last year and launched a detailed investigation. Detectives uncovered evidence that between 2017 and 2019, Aguilar-Aguilar repeatedly raped and sexually abused the child on multiple occasions. The case came to a head when the now-older victim, supported by family and child advocacy experts, was able to provide critical details that led detectives to issue an arrest warrant.
Despite an active warrant being issued in April 2025, authorities were initially unable to locate Aguilar-Aguilar. The fugitive remained at large for two months, prompting concern and intensified efforts to track him down.
That search ended on June 12, when Aguilar-Aguilar was apprehended and taken into custody by New Castle County Police. Details regarding the arrest location and circumstances have not yet been released, though police confirmed that he resisted arrest at the time of his capture.
List of Charges
Aguilar-Aguilar now faces a slew of serious charges, including multiple felonies related to the sexual abuse of a child:
- 3 counts of Rape in the First Degree
- 1 count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
- 1 count of Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust – First Degree
- 1 count of Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust – Second Degree
- 1 count of Unlawful Sexual Contact with a Person Under 13 Years of Age
- 1 count of Resisting Arrest
These charges reflect not only the repeated nature of the abuse but also the breach of trust committed by Aguilar-Aguilar, who was known to the child’s family. Authorities have emphasized that such acts are among the most heinous crimes investigated by law enforcement.
Current Status
Aguilar-Aguilar is currently being held without release at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington. A $4,000,000 cash-only bail has been set, reflecting the extreme seriousness of the allegations and the suspect’s previous efforts to evade capture.
Prosecutors are expected to pursue the case vigorously, with multiple felony charges that could result in a life sentence if Aguilar-Aguilar is convicted on even a fraction of the counts against him.
Community Response
The case has sent shockwaves through the New Castle County community. Advocates for child welfare are urging families to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of abuse, no matter how long ago incidents may have occurred.
“This case is a chilling reminder of the silent suffering many victims endure for years,” said one local child advocacy expert. “But it also shows the importance of coming forward and the ability of law enforcement to bring justice, even after time has passed.”
Police Encouragement to Come Forward
The New Castle County Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information related to this case or other instances of suspected abuse to come forward. Victims are reminded that it is never too late to speak out.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to the New Castle County Police Department or through Delaware Crime Stoppers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-292-9582 or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. Help is available.