Howard County man charged with sexual abuse of teenage employee

BALTIMORE – An Ellicott City man has been charged with sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy who worked at his garbage collection company, Howard County police said.

54-year-old Joshua Duerk is accused of sexual abuse of minors and third and fourth degree sexual offenses.

“The victim was a 16-year-old male who was employed at the suspect's small business,” said Howard County Police spokesman Seth Hoffman.

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

According to police, the incident occurred on August 16 at Duerk's home in Ellicott City.

Duerk’s lawyer said in a statement: “[his] The client has cooperated fully with this investigation from the beginning. It is important to remember that the presumption of innocence is a fundamental part of our criminal justice system.”

Duerk was also a volunteer coach at Centennial High School from 2007 to 2010 and is known to regularly participate in school sporting events.

Investigators are asking any additional victims or anyone who may have information to contact police at 410-313-STOP or [email protected].

The allegations

Detectives began the investigation on August 17, saying Duerk owned a small bulk waste disposal business in Howard County and had employed juveniles in the past.

Court documents obtained by WJZ show that the teenagers often stayed at Duerk's home in Ellicott City the night before their shift and were essentially groomed for their sexual orientation.

According to the documents, the 16-year-old stayed overnight at Duerk's house after a movie. Investigators say Duerk touched the teen inappropriately at one point and bought him a $20 gift card the next morning.

“Police began their investigation on August 17 and ultimately charged the suspect with third- and fourth-degree sexual abuse of a minor,” Hoffman said.

Charging documents say Duerk also made inappropriate contact with the teen's younger brother, who asked him for a $200 gift card to “settle the bill,” court documents say.