Montgomery County Youth Center Employee Raped Teen: DA

A Philadelphia man has been arrested for the alleged rape of an 18-year-old female resident at the Montgomery County Youth Center for dependent youth in Eagleville, authorities announced Thursday.

The Montgomery County District Attorney said that Joel Springer, 34, will be charged with rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, institutional sexual assault and unlawful restraint.

Springer, who was employed as a youth and family advocate at the 12-bed shelter, raped the girl twice on Saturday, Aug. 27, the DA said.

Authorities said that the teen was walking through the shelter with Springer to get ice, according to the victim's statement. They then entered an empty classroom where the first alleged rape took place, according to the DA.

The pair then left the building and then soon returned to the juvenile courtroom at the center. Springer allegedly shoved the teen to the ground and sexually assaulted her again.

Many of the residents at the youth center are housed there because they are awaiting hearings which occur at the adjoined courtroom.

Springer failed to make $500,000 bail and was sent to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 9.

The youth center is located on 540 Port Indian Road in Eagleville.

Image via Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.