Thomas Kennedy, 56, Dover YMCA Swim Coach and Local Ministry Worker, Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse by Dover Police

The Dover Police Department filed charges after a juvenile, some personally known to Kennedy, reported being inappropriately touched in July 2026.

August 7, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 7, 2026

The Dover Police Department arrested Thomas Kennedy following an investigation into the sexual abuse of a child.

Thomas Kennedy, 56, is a dedicated coach, mentor, and community servant born in 1969.

As a seasoned diving and swim coach, Thomas spent years helping young athletes both on the diving board and in life.

Thomas Kennedy: Swim Coach And Ministry Worker Arrested On Child Abuse Charges

On Wednesday, July 30, 2026, Thomas Kennedy, a 56-year-old swim and diving coach and ministry volunteer from Dover, Delaware, was arrested in connection with serious allegations of child sexual abuse.

The Dover Police filed charges after a juvenile, some personally known to Kennedy, reported being inappropriately touched in July 2026.

This arrest was registered under incident number 50-25-27378.

Upon executing the arrest, Kennedy was taken into police custody, processed at the Dover Police Department, and thereafter held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,000 secured bail.

He faced two charges, sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust and unlawful sexual contact in the second degree.

Thomas Kennedy was arrested at the age of 56. (Source: )

However, authorities have not disclosed specifics, such as the precise timing or location of the alleged contact, or the details of other possible victims, to protect the identity of the juvenile involved.

The Dover Police Department stated that they have received indications suggesting there may be additional victims in this case.

They have urged that if anyone has been a victim or has any information related to the case, they should come forward and contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111.

Kim Petters from Magnolia, Delaware, took to her official handle and urged people to contact Dover PD if anyone has become a victim. She wrote,

I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart that this post is necessary, however, it is. I ask that if your son or daughter was near this man, you need to sit down with them and ask if he touched them inappropriately. If the answer is yes, please contact the Dover PD, as more victims have come forward. Please don’t mistake thinking your kids were safe with him, they were not. He was a swim coach at the Dover YMCA and worked in local ministries as well as in the mental health arena. Talk to your kids. “The Dover Police Department has arrested Thomas Kennedy, 56, of Dover, following an investigation into the sexual abuse of a child.”

In the comment section, social media users also raised their concerns. Clint Brothers wrote,

This is why we need the death penalty

Dave Jones, who works at HVACR Business Consulting, commented,

Pathetic. Hope he gets what he deserves in prison!!!😡

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Kennedy is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
  • Beyond the swim deck, Thomas is active in local ministry work.

  • Check other Articles on

Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

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