Dundalk Man Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse; Faces 15 More Charges

UPDATE (6:36 p.m.) A 50-year-old Dundalk man was sentenced Tuesday to 48 years in prison for two counts each of child abuse and third-degree sex offense. The convictions stem from incidents that occurred in Aberdeen between 2000 and 2002.

Ralph George Matthews Jr. was sentenced by Judge Stephen M. Waldron of the for abusing a girl when she was 5 and 6 years old. The victim, now 15, reported the incidents to her mother. The victim said additional abuse occurred in Baltimore County in 2002.

Matthews, who was being held at the Harford County Detention Center, still faces charges in Baltimore County. His last known address was in the 7800 block of Harold Road in Dundalk. He will be transferred to the state Division of Corrections.

The Aberdeen Police Department and Harford County Child Advocacy Center investigated the case, and Matthews was convicted in Harford County on Feb. 28.

Det. Cathy Batton, Baltimore County police spokeswoman, said Matthews will still be held accountable for 15 related charged in Baltimore County. His next court date in the Circuit Court of Baltimore County is scheduled for May 31, according to online records.

In Baltimore County, Matthews is charged with sex abuse of a minor, attempted second-degree rape, two counts of second-degree sex offense, third-degree sex offense and unnatural or perverted practice, related to events from Jan. 1, 2004 to April 15, 2009. He is charged with sex abuse of minor, second-degree sex offense and unnatural or perverted practice related to events from April 16, 2007 to April 15, 2008, and sex abuse of a minor, attempted third-degree sex offense, two counts of third-degree sex offense, fourth-degree sex offense and unnatural or perverted practice related to events from April 16, 2009 to December 31, 2009.