Princess Anne Man Charged With Sexually Abusing Child
Princess Anne, MD - The Somerset County Sheriff's Office has arrested Travis Carpenter, 38, of Princess Anne, Maryland and has charged him with several felony charges connected to a child sexual abuse investigation.
Detectives received a report on July 15, 2026, alleging that Carpenter had sexually abused a juvenile, which launched an immediate investigation.
The investigation included interviews with the victim and witnesses. Detectives also worked closely with the Somerset County Child Advocacy Center and the Somerset County Department of Social Services.
Based on the evidence gathered, detectives applied for criminal charges through the Somerset County District Court. A District Court Commissioner reviewed the request and issued an arrest warrant for Carpenter.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Carpenter had left the state of Maryland. His information was shared with the Maryland State Apprehension Team and other law enforcement agencies.
On July 28, 2026, Carpenter was located and arrested in Accomack County, Virginia. The Accomack County Sheriff's Office took him into custody on the Somerset County warrant.
Carpenter waived extradition and Somerset County Sheriff's Office detectives brought him back to Maryland on July 30, 2026.
After his return, investigators interviewed Carpenter before his initial court appearance. He was charged with solicitation of a minor, sex offense in the third degree, sex offense in the fourth degree involving sexual contact, child abuse in the second degree, and sexual abuse of a minor.
Following his initial appearance, Carpenter was committed to the Somerset County Detention Center. He remains there pending further court proceedings.
Sheriff Ronnie Howard thanked everyone involved in the investigation. He said, "Protecting children remains one of the highest priorities of the Somerset County Sheriff's Office. Cases involving the sexual abuse of children require a coordinated effort, and we are grateful for the assistance provided by our law enforcement and community partners. Their professionalism and dedication were instrumental in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion."
The Somerset County Sheriff's Office also thanked the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, the Maryland State Apprehension Team, the Somerset County Child Advocacy Center, and the Somerset County Department of Social Services for their help.
Because this case involves a juvenile victim, no further information about the victim or the investigation will be released.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Somerset County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division at (410) 651-9225.
Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.
