Sex Abuse Of Minor Charged Against Softball Coach In Anne Arundel County: Police

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A softball coach from Anne Arundel County was accused of trying to have inappropriate relationships with juvenile high school girls, police said Tuesday.

Officers identified the suspect as 47-year-old Donald Joseph Powell of Davidsonville.

Authorities said Powell, also known as DJ, was charged with:

• Sex abuse of a minor
• Fourth-degree sex offense-position/person of authority
• Second-degree assault

Investigators think there could be more victims, and they urged anybody with information to come forward.

Police said they launched the investigation in December 2023.

Officers said Powell, who was not employed by Anne Arundel County Public Schools, attended softball practice at Annapolis High School in hopes of becoming a coach for the team.

He spent two days with the team at practice until a player reported his behavior to Anne Arundel County Public Schools, authorities said.

Police don't think any wrongdoing happened at the school practices.

Officers said Powell was barred from attending school-related events while the investigation ensued.

Authorities said they met with high school-age females who reported being targeted by Powell.

Police said one "high-school-aged female" reported that she met Powell through South River Youth Athletics, where he volunteered as a softball coach.

"Powell pursued her, showing up at her home and the home of one of her friends when she was there," the Anne Arundel County Police Department said in a Tuesday press release. "During one encounter, Powell allegedly sexually assaulted the female."

After witness interviews and evidence analysis, officers said they applied for and received charges from the Office of the State's Attorney.

Detectives from the Anne Arundel County Police Child Abuse Unit and the Fugitive Apprehension Team said they arrested Powell last Friday.

"Due to the patterns of behavior exhibited by Donald Powell, investigators believe there may be other young women whom he may have targeted and victimized," the police department said in its release. "We ask that parents speak with their children and that anyone with any information regarding Donald Powell or 'DJ' please contact investigators."

Anybody with information can call (410) 222-4733. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing (410) 222-4700.