When Prince George’s County detectives announced in early 2023 that they had charged 26‑year‑old Rodney Richardson of Brandywine with rape, kidnapping, handgun violations, armed robbery and related offenses, the story initially resembled a routine crime brief. But the way investigators say he located his victims — through dating apps used for quick, no‑strings‑attached meetups — has turned the case into a sobering example of how hookup culture can place people in dangerous situations.
A Case Built on Two Separate Encounters
According to Prince George’s County police, the first encounter happened on February 2, 2023, when Richardson allegedly used a dating app to arrange a meeting with an adult male in Brandywine. Detectives report that once they met in person, Richardson pulled a gun, stole the man’s car, phone and wallet, and fled.
A second incident emerged eight days later, when another adult man agreed to meet Richardson after matching with him on a dating app. Investigators say that during this encounter, Richardson raped the victim at gunpoint, then forced him to withdraw money from a bank before escaping. The victim reported the assault two days later, and detectives from the Sexual Assault Unit used app records and other evidence to identify Richardson and secure arrest warrants.
Authorities charged him with rape, kidnapping, handgun offenses, armed robbery, carjacking and a range of related counts. Police publicly urged any additional victims — particularly those who may not have reported assaults involving dating‑app meetups — to contact the Sexual Assault Unit.
Hookup Culture and the Risks of Rapid Intimacy
Dating apps themselves are not responsible for violence; the responsibility lies solely with perpetrators. Yet this case illustrates how the fast‑paced, anonymous nature of app‑based hookup culture can provide opportunities for individuals who intend harm. Richardson allegedly used false names on at least one profile, lowering his accountability and making it difficult for victims to vet whom they were meeting. Both encounters quickly moved to private settings, creating high‑risk situations within minutes of first contact. In each case, detectives say the suspect gained control of the victim’s transportation and phone — leaving them isolated and limiting their ability to call for help.
Research shows that this dynamic is not unique. One study noted that a measurable share of acquaintance rapes now occur during first‑time meetings arranged through dating apps, and that male victims appear at disproportionately higher rates in app‑related cases compared with other forms of acquaintance assault.
Across the country, police departments have reported similar patterns, including incidents where predators allegedly treated dating platforms as places to seek out potential victims.
Why Male and LGBTQ+ Victims May Be Especially Vulnerable
In this case, all known victims are men, which aligns with a broader trend: male and LGBTQ+ survivors often face unique obstacles when reporting sexual violence. Some fear not being believed or worry about inadvertently outing themselves to family or employers. Others avoid sharing details of their meetups with friends, reducing the chance that someone checks in on them or knows where they were headed. Experts note that men are generally less likely to report sexual assault or seek medical care, a reality that can embolden repeat offenders who assume their victims will remain silent.
These concerns were part of why Prince George’s County police took the unusual step of directly urging additional victims to come forward.
Safety Messages From Investigators and Advocates
Major Zachary O’Lare of the Prince George’s County Police Department emphasized that people using dating apps should tell a trusted friend where they are meeting, when they expect to return and how to reach them. He also encouraged people to maintain control of their own transportation and to use app‑based safety tools where available.
Advocates stress that no set of precautions can prevent assault, and victims are never at fault. But they note that meeting in public, keeping a phone accessible, maintaining control over your own exit, and paying attention to red flags in early conversations can reduce risk in situations where strangers meet quickly and privately.
A Broader Conversation About Responsibility
The Brandywine case forces a larger discussion about how communities, platforms and individuals navigate hookup norms. Some experts argue that dating apps should strengthen identity‑verification tools or better detect accounts under law‑enforcement investigation. Others say society must work harder to support male and LGBTQ+ survivors, who remain underrepresented in victim‑support systems.
While hookups and dating‑app meetups are now a normal part of life, the allegations surrounding this case demonstrate how easily a match on a screen can turn dangerous when someone with harmful intentions takes advantage of the speed and privacy these platforms create. Most encounters are safe — but the risks become clearer when stories like this one come to light.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, confidential help is available through local crisis centers or national hotlines such as the U.S. National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) at 800‑656‑HOPE (4673) or via online chat.
