Hampton Man Arrested On Sexual Assault And Manufacturing Of Child Sexual Abuse Images Charges

HAMPTON, NH — A man from Hampton was arrested this week on sexual assault and manufacture of child sexual abuse images charges, according to Hampton police.

The arrest of Stephen L. Hopping Jr., 54, of Towle Avenue in Hampton on Tuesday, was the result, Police Chief Alex Reno said, of a “lengthy investigation into the manufacturing and distributing of child sexual abuse images.” He faces “several felony level charges” after a search of Hopping’s home earlier this month.

“As a result of the investigation,” Reno said, “investigators alleged that Hopping sexually assaulted a minor child. It is believed that the minor child in this case was known to Hopping. It is also alleged that Hopping manufactured sexual abuse images of a minor child.”

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Hampton Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the process for requesting the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports.

Hopping was arrested Tuesday, held on preventative detention, and scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday on aggravated felonious sexual assault, felonious sexual assault, and manufacture of child sexual abuse images charges, all felonies. He pleaded not guilty and was released Wednesday, Reno said, adding, the case remained under investigation.

Police were assisted with their investigation by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Georgetown, Massachusetts, Police Department, and the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Hampton Police Department at 603-929-4444. Anonymous tips can be made through the Crimeline for the Hamptons at 603-929-1222.

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