Two teenagers reported that they were sexually assaulted while at work as part of the District’s Summer Youth Employment Program in the past week, and a staff member of the city’s employment agency is facing charges.
One incident happened at the agency’s headquarters on the 4000 block of Minnesota Ave. NE on Wednesday; the other happened at Anacostia Senior High School on Friday, officials said.
Recommended Stories
Officer Anthony Clay, a D.C. police spokesman, said 54-year-old Thomas Nelson is charged with second-degree touching of a minor by a person in authority in connection with the Wednesday incident.
Officials said at a news conference Friday that Nelson worked for the District’s Department of Employment services and has been placed on administrative leave.
The incident at the southeast high school happened Friday, when a girl was inappropriately touched by a contractor, authorities said. No one has been arrested.
“These alleged acts are extremely alarming, disappointing and reprehensible,” Mayor Vincent Gray said in a statement. “We take very seriously any allegations of improper conduct and criminal acts against our youth.”
The summer employment program began on Monday.