Powhatan sports academy said to close amid sexual allegations against owner
VENN
POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Affiliates of the Fast Feet Sports Academy in Powhatan County told 8News the academy will close on Friday, March 28.
This comes amid an ongoing court case the owner, Joseph Edward Parker, 50, of Powhatan, is involved in after being indicted of six charges by a grand jury:
- Four counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child under the age of 13.
- Two counts of indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory role.
According to court documents, all offenses are dated for Sept. 3, 2024.
Court records also indicate Parker has been coaching in the community for 20 years.
"Somebody in that circumstance needs to be taken to court and prosecuted to the full extent of the law," said Janna Moore, of Powhatan. "That's something unthinkable—just very unthinkable for somebody to take advantage of a young child in that manner."
8News approached the sports academy and was met with a parent who said he was a volunteer and confirmed the academy would be closing on Friday.
When asked if a manager was available to speak with news outlets to confirm this, 8News was told that, unfortunately, no one was available.
Parker is due in court on April 8.
