PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The founder of Powerfulnailya, a youth skateboarding club in Philadelphia, has been charged with raping and sexually assaulting children.
The alleged victims say this happened almost 10 years ago when they were 11 and 12, respectively.
According to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Rodney Watkins, now 52, invited the young boys into his home for sleepovers, where they say the abuse occurred. The victims also say abuse took place in a hotel room during an out-of-state skateboarding trip.
One of the alleged victims was a member of a team Watkins sponsored. The other was not, but he was invited to travel with them. They say Watkins offered them meals and gifts.
They also say they met Watkins at different city playgrounds where skateboarders gathered.
Authorities ask anyone else with information to contact the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251, or call the anonymous tip line at 215–686-TIPS.