Joey Duvall Wise, 28, of Annapolis, was charged Thursday evening with second-degree rape, second- and third-degree sex offenses, and sexual solicitation of a minor, among other offenses, according to court records.
“There was no force involved, but somebody under the age of 16 is unable to consent,” said police spokesman Officer Hal Dalton, adding that Wise did not claim to be in a relationship with the girl.
Wise, if convicted, could face up to 50 years in prison for the rape and sex offense charges, according to state sentencing guidelines.
Police had been investigating the allegations since Aug. 5, when the girl’s father approached club staff members to report that he had heard rumors in the neighborhood about the incident.
The father and staff members substantiated the claim before contacting police, Dalton said.
“We are deeply concerned about this allegation and subsequently we reported it to police and are working with them through their investigation,” said Reggie Broddie, chief professorial officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
“As a result of the investigation, the employee has been terminated and barred from any access to the Boys and Girls Club.”
Broddie said club policy requires that all prospective employees undergo a criminal background check and Wise “had a clear record,” which was confirmed through court records.
Wise had been employed by the organization for about a year and was working at another location before the Annapolis club opening, Broddie said, declining to disclose which other club employed Wise.
The girl told police she and Wise had sexual intercourse around 11 a.m. July 29 on the club’s premises on the 400 block of Captain’s Circle.
The club had been operating minimally until its grand opening July 30, during which the Annapolis police participated, Dalton said.
Club staff members told police Wise admitted to them that he engaged in sexual activity with the girl, but denied they had intercourse.
Wise is being held at the Anne Arundel Detention Center on Jennifer Road in lieu of a $175,000 bond.
cpeirce@baltimoreexaminer.com
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