Child Care Worker, Coach Charged With Sexually Abusing Girl

SILVER SPRING, MD — Police are asking parents to talk to their children about sexual abuse after a Chevy Chase Terrace man who worked with children was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor Friday.

Thomas Henry Ridges, 38, is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact twice with the same female victim, once when she was 14-years old and again two years later. Ridges worked at Horizon Child Care and as a paraprofessional educator at Montgomery County Public Schools around the time the abuse took place, police said. He also coached the Springbrook High School boys' junior varsity basketball team.

Ridges was arrested Friday in Beltsville by Montgomery County Police's Special Victims Investigations Division. He faces two charges of sexual abuse of a minor and a fourth-degree sexual offense charge related to inappropriate touching and conversation with a juvenile female.

Police say Ridges first met the victim at Horizon Child Care, where he worked. On July 20, 2018, Ridges allegedly offered the 16-year-old girl a ride home from the Horizon facility in Silver Spring. Ridges did not take her home, police said, but instead drove around while asking the girl inappropriate questions.

Police say Ridges asked the girl if she remembered a time when she was 14-years-old and attending Horizon's summer camp program. Police allege Ridges told the victim that he had touched her in a private area during the camp and that it was purposeful. The victim originally believed the touching was accidental.

Authorities said Ridges attempted to begin a sexual conversation with the girl and asked her inappropriate questions about her previous sexual encounters and whether or not she drank alcohol while he parked in front of a liquor store. He also asked her to send naked photographs of herself to him via phone and propositioned the victim to engage in sexual acts with him during the car ride, police said.

A warrant was obtained, and Ridges was arrested Beltsville. He has since been released on bond.

Police are concerned the suspect might have had made inappropriate contact with other minors and ask parents of children who attend Horizon Child Care, Inc. or who have had contact with Ridges to talk to their kids about possible interactions with Ridges. Parents who believe their child has been victimized are asked to contact Special Victims Investigations Division detectives at 240-773-5400.

Image via Montgomery County Police Department