Man Accused Of Inappropriately Touching Kids At MoCo Library

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Gaithersburg man is facing charges after authorities said he inappropriately touched at least two children at a Montgomery County library.

Charles Newton Townsend IV, 49, was arrested last week and charged with two counts of fourth-degree sexual contact and two counts of second-degree assault following the incidents, Montgomery County police said in a news release.

According to police, on July 24, a girl was at the Quince Orchard Library with a parent and reported that she had been inappropriately touched by a man later identified as Townsend.

During the investigation, detectives reviewed library surveillance footage that showed two separate interactions between Townsend and children. Based on the evidence, detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest on Aug. 22.

Townsend was taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he is being held without bond.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Parents whose children may have visited the Quince Orchard Library are encouraged to speak with them and contact detectives with any information.

Anyone with information or who believes their child may have had contact with Townsend is asked to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.