A well-known Philadelphia skateboarding coach has been convicted of sexual assault against children after pleading no contest to offenses involving six victims. In a press release, District Attorney Larry Krasner detailed how the convicted coach, Rodney Watkins, would scout for local talent at area skateboard parks and then recruit kids to join his skateboard club, Powerfulnailya.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for sexually-based offenses against minors, it is critically important to seek legal counsel. These are very serious charges, but legal counsel could help you preserve both your freedom and reputation. Call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today!

A Fixture at Local Skate Parks

Before his arrest and conviction, Rodney Watkins was a well-respected figure at local skate parks, where he was known as “the Ancient.” Watkins lured his victims by posing as a mentor who could help them improve their skateboarding. After gaining their trust, Watkins would often accompany them on trips to skateboard competitions in states throughout the northeast, including New Jersey, New York, and Maine.

Multiple Allegations from Former Victims

Watkins was arrested in 2022 after two adults informed the Special Victims Unit of the Philadelphia Police that he sexually assaulted them in 2011 and 2012. Both accusers were minors when the incidents occurred. Five more adults came forward and accused Watkins of assaulting them while they were minors.

Conviction

Watkins subsequently pleaded no contest to three counts of involuntary deviant sexual intercourse with a child, one count of aggravated indecent assault of a person younger than 14, three counts of corruption of minors, and two more counts involving unlawful contact with minors.

Have You Been Charged with Crimes Against Children in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania takes allegations of sexual offenses against children very seriously. If someone accuses you of this crime, here are a few things you can expect:

• Investigation: The legal authorities where the accusation was made will launch a formal investigation. This investigation may include interviews with the police or visits by the police to question your friends, family, and co-workers. It may also include physical searches of your premises and the seizure of your electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, computers, tablets) to review them for incriminating evidence.
• Formal charges: If the police uncover what they believe to be compelling evidence a crime was committed, you may be arrested and formally charged with a crime or crimes.
• Arraignment: After you're arrested, you will be arraigned. This is where the charges against you will be entered into the record, and where you will be given the opportunity to plead “guilty” or “not guilty.” Arraignment is also where the judge decides whether to grant you pre-trial release and determines your bail amount.
• Pre-trial and Trial: During this time, the prosecutor builds their case against you, and your defense attorney will craft your defense. You may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lower penalty, or the case will go to trial.
• Trial: If you're found not guilty of the charges, the case is over. However, if you're found guilty, the penalties for sexually-based offenses involving a minor in Pennsylvania can range from several decades of incarceration all the way up to life in prison. If you're released, you may be required to register as a sex offender.

You Have the Right to a Defense

Sex crimes against children are a hot-button issue that raises emotions for police, prosecutors, judges, and the public. No matter what, however, you have the right to legal representation. If you're arrested or charged with offenses against minors, the sooner you seek legal counsel, the sooner they can begin crafting a strong defense. You don't have to navigate the criminal justice system by yourself.

Call the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or reach out to us online. We're standing by to defend your rights, fight for your good name and help you through the legal process. Our mission is simple: to represent you and work for the best possible outcome in your case.