Durham police yesterday said a 24-year-old male is facing multiple charges after meeting two young females on social media and engaging in inappropriate relationships with them.
Richard Durante, age 24, of no fixed address, met a 15-year-old female on social media in early 2020 and began an inappropriate relationship with her. He was also engaged in a separate, inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old female starting in October 2018, which continued into March 2020, said a police news release.
Durante has been charged with: Sexual Assault x2; Sexual Interference x2; Luring a Person Under 16 Years of Age by Means of Telecommunication x2 and three counts of Breach of Release Order. He was held for a bail hearing.
Police investigators have asked parents to be mindful of social media activity and talk to your children about the dangers it poses.
Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Briese of the DRPS Sexual Assault Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5323.