Culpeper, VA—The Culpeper Police Department has charged a Culpeper man with five felony counts of carnal knowledge of a child between 13 and 15 years of age.

On September 23^rd, 2026, the Culpeper Police Department received information that a 25-year-old man had engaged in sexual activity with a juvenile.  Following interviews and a thorough review of digital and electronic evidence, Culpeper Police detectives identified and charged Jacob Ritchie, 25, of Culpeper.  Detectives determine the offenses occurred over the past year and involved a juvenile known to Ritchie.

To protect the juvenile’s privacy, the department will not release the victim’s identity or further details about the circumstances of the case. Detectives are continuing to gather statements and review more evidence, and additional charges may follow. 

Deputy Chief Nick White said, “Protecting children in our community is one of our most important responsibilities.  Coming forward took tremendous courage, and our hearts are with this young person and their family.  We are committed, along with the Culpeper Victim and Witness office, in making sure they have the support they need as this case moves forward.  I’m grateful to our detectives for moving quickly and thoroughly.  If you know of a child who is being harmed or exploited, please reach out to us.  You will be taken seriously, and you can remain anonymous.”

Anyone with information about this case, or any case involving the exploitation of children, is asked to contact the Culpeper Police Department by calling the non-emergency line at (540) 727-7900, in person, or anonymously through the department's tip line at crimewatch.net/us/va/culpeper-county/culpeper-pd. Tips may also be submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline at https://report.cybertip.org.

Ritchie is being held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail.

Attached Photo: Jacob Ritchie, 25 of Culpeper.