Hampton Police Arrest 54-Year-Old on Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Image Charges

October 22, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

HAMPTON, N.H. — The Hampton Police Department reports the arrest of Stephen L. Hopping, Jr., 54, of Hampton on multiple felony-level offenses following a lengthy investigation related to the manufacturing and distribution of child sexual abuse images.

According to the department, on October 21, 2025, officers executed an arrest warrant at a residence on Towle Avenue in Hampton. As part of the underlying investigation, investigators alleged that Hopping sexually assaulted a minor child who was known to him. It is also alleged that Hopping manufactured sexual abuse images of a minor child. Hopping was taken into custody without incident at the time of the search warrant service.

Charges listed by Hampton Police:

• Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault

• Felonious Sexual Assault

• Manufacture of Child Sexual Abuse Images

Police state that Hopping was held on preventative detention and arraigned at the 10th Circuit – Hampton District Court on October 22, 2025. At arraignment, a plea of Not Guilty was entered, and Hopping was released on Personal Recognizance. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2025.

The department reports that it was assisted in the investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Georgetown, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office. The case remains under investigation and, according to the release, will be prosecuted by the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office.

Members of the public who may have information related to this incident are asked to contact the Hampton Police Department at 603-929-4444. Anonymous tips can be made through the Crimeline for the Hamptons at 603-929-1222. The department notes that updates and announcements are available on its social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @HamptonNHPD).

This article reflects only the facts provided by the Hampton Police Department, including the arrest date and location, alleged conduct under investigation, charges, custody and court status, investigative partners, and the scheduled hearing date. No additional investigative details were included in the department’s release.

Credit: Hampton Police Department