Man Used Dating App To Lure Male Victims In Rapes, Armed Robbery, Carjackings: Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A 26-year-old Brandywine man has been using dating apps, including Tinder, to commit crimes against numerous other men, including raping a victim at gunpoint, Prince George's County authorities said.

Rodney Richardson has been charged with rape, kidnapping, handgun offenses, armed robbery and multiple additional charges by the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office. He also has been charged in connection with an armed robbery that happened earlier this month in Brandywine.

On Feb. 12, detectives were notified of a sexual assault that happened Feb. 10 in Brandywine. A report said Richardson met the victim on a popular dating app. The two men agreed to meet in Brandywine at a church before going to the victim's house. Once at the house, Richardson tied the victim's hands, told him to lay down in the trunk and assaulted him, the sheriff's office said.

During that encounter, Richardson raped the victim at gunpoint, Fox 5 reported. He then drove the victim to his bank and forced him to take out money. Police said Richardson watched the victim throughout the night, before forcing the man the next day to drive to a bank and withdraw more than $4,000 for Richardson.

In a separate case, the detectives charged Richardson with an armed carjacking that happened Feb. 2 in Brandywine. Investigators said Richardson met that victim on a dating app. When the men met in person, Richardson carjacked the victim at gunpoint and took his phone and wallet.

Detectives obtained a warrant for Richardson's arrest and he was taken into custody Feb. 13.

According to investigators, Richardson used a fake name on Tinder to set up the meetings with his victims, Fox 5 reported.

If anyone has information regarding Richardson, they are asked to call detectives at 301-772-4908. Callers wanting to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto a mobile device.) Refer to case number 23-0008863.