Bond denied for owner-operator of Fast Feet Sports Academy in Powhatan accused of sexually assaulting six children
VENN
POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The owner-operator of Fast Feet Sports Academy in Powhatan County who is facing 18 child sex charges has been denied bond.
On Friday, April 11, 50-year-old Joseph Edward Parker was denied bond in Powhatan County Circuit Court in connection to 12 counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child under the age of 13 and six counts of taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory role.
The charges relate to allegations of the sexual assault of six girls between 9 and 12 years old.
During the hearing, the judge stated that Parker's bond was denied not due to flight risk but because he is reportedly a danger to the community.
Forty-three character letters were presented in support of Parker.
The investigation reportedly began when two ten-year-old girls came forward with allegations against Parker.
Parker is slated to appear in court next on June 10.
The sports academy closed on March 28. The Virginia Department of Education previously said it was investigating it as "a potential illegal operating child care program."
