Former D.C. Youth Rehabilitation Services Employee Convicted of Sexually Abusing Teen in His Care

A former employee of the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) has been convicted on multiple counts of sexually abusing a teen who was under his care. Kelvin Powell, aged 63, from Temple Hills, Maryland, was found guilty by a jury in the D.C. Superior Court, according to an announcement made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

The jury verdict came after a single day of deliberation, which followed an eight-day trial. Powell was convicted of sixteen counts, including four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a ward, four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of minor, four counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a ward, and four counts of second-degree sexual abuse of minor. In a statement obtained by the U.S. Department of Justice, D.C. Superior Court Associate Judge Rainey Brandt has scheduled the sentencing for September 5.

During his time at DYRS, Powell held the position of Youth Development Representative (YDR) at the Youth Services Center (YSC). This facility is tasked with the detention of young individuals pending charges for delinquent acts. As a YDR, he was responsible for the care and custody of these juveniles. The exact nature of the abuse was not detailed in the public statement made by the U.S. Attorney's office, but the multiple counts paint a harrowing picture of repeated violations.