Image source: Mugshot of former Delaware swim coach Thomas Kennedy, arrested twice on child sex abuse charges, courtesy of the Dover Police Department.
Summary:
- Thomas Kennedy, of Dover, DE, was re-arrested on child sex abuse charges after additional victims came forward.
- He worked at several youth-serving organizations, including the YMCA, the Siegel Jewish Community Center, and the Maple Dale Country Club.
- Authorities are asking any other victims to come forward.
- If you or your child were harmed by Thomas Kennedy, you may have a civil case against the institutions that employed him.
Criminal Investigation Into Thomas Kennedy
Thomas Kennedy, 56, a longtime swim instructor and youth minister from Dover, Delaware, has been re-arrested on multiple counts of child sexual abuse.
Officials say the alleged sexual abuse of multiple boys occurred over a 15-year period.
According to Delaware Online, a “review of court documents found that investigators claim Kennedy was able to abuse young boys – the youngest being 11 – because of access he had to children and their families as a swim coach and youth adviser in different parts of Delaware.”
Initial Arrest in July 2025
In July 2025, a child reported to the Dover Police Department that Thomas Kennedy had inappropriately touched him that month. Investigators determined that Kennedy knew the victim and obtained warrants for his arrest.
Police arrested Kennedy on July 30, 2025. He was subsequently charged with sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust and unlawful sexual contact in the second degree.
Re-Arrest and Additional Charges
Soon after his first arrest, “three men arrived at separate times to the Dover police station to report Kennedy had sexually assaulted them when they were boys.” (Delaware Online)
According to the Dover Police, “On Thursday, September 25th, 2025, Kennedy turned himself in.” He was charged with two more counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust, thirteen counts of unlawful sexual contact in the second degree, and one count of sexual solicitation of a minor. The charges stem from alleged incidents that took place between 1998 and 2014.
Kennedy was released after posting bail and is awaiting trial. He faces a total of 18 felony charges.
Trust Betrayed
Kennedy worked “as a swim instructor at multiple YMCA facilities, the Siegel Jewish Community Center, and Maple Dale Country Club between 1997 and 2020, and as a youth minister in the Dover area during the years of 1998 to 2009.” (Delaware.gov)
Kennedy held positions that placed him in direct contact with children who looked to him for guidance. The allegations against him suggest that he exploited that access and authority to abuse those under his supervision.
When someone in a position of trust uses their authority to commit abuse, it is a profound betrayal with lasting harm for victims and their families.
These cases underscore how critical accountability and oversight are in preventing abuse and protecting the most vulnerable.
Police and Prosecutors Seek Additional Victims
Dover Police have encouraged anyone who may have been harmed to contact investigators, stating, “The Dover Police Department recognizes the strength and bravery of the victims who came forward, knowing how difficult it is to speak out about such painful experiences. We urge anyone else who has been affected to come forward, so their voice can be heard and justice can be pursued.”
The Delaware Department of Justice echoed that request, encouraging anyone with information about the case to reach out.
If you or a loved one were harmed by Thomas Kennedy, you can contact Master Corporal Ryan Schmid at Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us.
Accountability Beyond the Criminal Case
Cases like this demonstrate how abuse can occur when institutions fail to maintain proper oversight. Kennedy’s lengthy employment at multiple youth facilities raises questions about what hiring or monitoring practices were in place and whether earlier warning signs were missed.
If organizations fail to conduct proper background checks or implement adequate policies to protect minors, they can be held civilly liable for the harm that occurs when predators are given access to children.
Civil action allows survivors to seek justice and compensation for what they have endured, while also exposing systemic failures and helping to prevent future abuse.
Support for Survivors
Survivors of child sexual abuse often carry the effects of trauma long after the abuse ends. Speaking out can be difficult, but it can also be a vital part of healing.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of sexual abuse in Delaware and across the nation.
If you or your child were harmed by Thomas Kennedy or by another trusted adult in a position of authority, our team is here to listen and help.
You deserve justice.
Our consultations are free and completely confidential.
Contact us today.
