Howard County man charged with sexually abusing teen he employed

BALTIMORE -- An Ellicott City man has been charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy whom he employed at his trash hauling business, according to Howard County Police.

Joshua Duerk, 54, is charged with sexual abuse of a minor and third and fourth-degree sex offenses.

"The victim was a 16-year-old male who the suspect employed at his small business," Howard County Police spokesperson Seth Hoffman said.

Duerk turned himself in on August 23 and is being held on a $100,000 bond at the Howard County Detention Center. 

Police said the incident occurred at Duerk's home in Ellicott City on August 16. 

Duerk's attorney said in a statement that, "[his] client has been fully cooperative with this investigation from the very beginning. It is important to remember that the presumption of innocence is a foundational component of our criminal justice system."

Duerk was also a volunteer coach at Centennial High School from 2007 to 2010 and is known to attend athletic events at the school regularly. 

The allegations

Detectives opened an investigation on August 17. They said Duerk owns a small bulk trash removal business in Howard County and has employed teens in the past. 

The teens often slept over at Duerk's home in Ellicott City the night before their shift where they were essentially groomed, according to court documents obtained by WJZ.

The 16-year-old slept over at Duerk's home after watching a movie, according to documents. At one point, investigators said Duerk inappropriately touched the teen and then bought him a $20 gift card the next morning.

"Police began an investigation on August 17 and ultimately charged the suspect with sexual abuse of a minor in third and fourth-degree sex offenses," Hoffman said.

Charging documents indicate that Duerk also made inappropriate contact with the teen's younger brother, who requested a $200 gift card to "call it even," according to court documents.