Philly Skateboarding Club Founder Accused Of Raping Young Boys

PHILADELPHIA — The founder of a Philadelphia skateboarding club has been charged with rape and sexual assault of minors, according to authorities.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Rodney Watkins, 52, is charged with felony rape of a child, felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, felony unlawful contact with a minor, and related crimes.

Watkins, the founder of Powerfulnailya skateboarding club, is accused of committing the crimes in 2011 and 2012 when two victims were 11 or 12 years old.

The DA's office said both victims reported the rapes and sexual assaults as adults.

Both described meeting Watkins when they were minors at playgrounds in Philadelphia where skateboarders congregate, and of being told that he owned a skateboarding equipment company called Powerfulnailya that sponsored youth skateboarding teams.

The victims said they interacted with Watkins at place such as POPS Skatepark at Trenton and Hazzard streets, Whitehall Skatepark at Torresdale Avenue and Wakeling Street, and Paine’s Park near the Art Museum.

Watkins is also alleged to have traveled with the teams to skateboarding competitions in New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Maine.

Watkins is alleged to have provided meals and travel for members of the Powerfulnailya-sponsored skateboarding teams, as well as friends of team members.

One complainant was a member of a skateboarding team. The other was not a member, but was invited to travel with the team and was also offered meals and gifts from Watkins.

The assaults are alleged to have occurred at Watkins’ home during sleepovers and in a hotel room during an out-of-state trip.

The DA's Office and Philadelphia Police Department are encouraging members of the public who are aware of information relating to Watkins to contact the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251 or call the PPD anonymous tip line at 215-686-8477.

Watkins was ordered to have no unsupervised contact with minors. Authorities also requested Watkins be ordered to stay away from skate parks.