Montco Youth Center Employee Charged With Raping Teen

NORRISTOWN, PA. (CBS) – A man employed as a youth and family advocate at a youth center in Montgomery County has been charged with raping a teenage resident.

An investigation revealed that Joel Springer, 34, raped an 18-year-old victim twice, while she was a resident at the youth center's 12-bed shelter.

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In one of the incidents the suspect allegedly pushed the victim to the floor in an unoccupied room before sexually assaulting her.

According to the shelter's website, "the primary objective of the Youth Center is to provide for the physical and emotional well-being of all residents in a safe and secure environment."

The Philadelphia native has been charged with rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, institutional sexual assault and unlawful restraint.

Springer was arraigned Wednesday night. Bail was set to $500,000.