Howard County man charged with sexually abusing teen employee
BALTIMORE -- An Ellicott City man has been charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy whom he employed, according to Howard County Police.
Joshua Duerk, 54, is charged with sexual abuse of a minor, and third- and fourth-degree sex offenses.
Duerk turned himself in on August 23., and is 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.
The events of August 16, according to police
Detectives opened an investigation on August 17. They said Duerk owns a small, bulk trash removal business, and has employed teens in the past.
The teens would often sleep over at Duerk's residence before the day of their shift, where they were essentially groomed, according to police.
On the night of August 16, the 16-year-old boy recalled sleeping in the bed with Duerk. The boy told police that he hadn't always slept with Duerk, but as he started to trust him more he went from sleeping on a pullout couch to Duerk's bed.
While the boy's back was turned, Duerk made multiple attempts to touch the boy inappropriately, according to police To avoid further escalation the boy said he turned on his stomach, pretending to be asleep, which prevented Duerk from continuing.
According to investigators, the morning after the incident, Duerk asked the boy if he was mad or disappointed with him. This led the boy to believe that Duerk knew he was awake during the alleged assault.
After the conversation, Duerk purchased a Google Play gift card and gave the 16-year-old $20 cash.
History with victim's family
The mother and father of the victim reported that their three other sons also worked with Duerk. Two are juveniles and two are adults.
The family first met Duerk after he attended the teenage boys' lemonade stand multiple times during the summer.
Duerk was also a volunteer coach at Centennial High School from 2007-2010 and is known to attend athletic events at the school regularly.
Detectives are asking for any additional victims or anyone who may have information to come forward by contacting police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov.
