ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — Anne Arundel County Police have arrested a former volunteer softball coach accused of sexually assaulting young girls on the team. Donald Joseph Powell,47, is being charged with sex abuse of a minor, fourth-degree sex offense-position/person of authority, and second-degree assault.
In December 2023, Powell began to engage in inappropriate relationships with high school girls, this behavior alerted police.
Powell, who was not employed by Anne Arundel County Public Schools, attended softball practice at Annapolis Senior High School in an attempt to secure a position as a coach for the team. Powell spent two days at practice until one of the team’s players reported his unusual and inappropriate behavior to Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Investigators met with teen girls allegedly targeted by Powell. One of the teen’s reported that Powell volunteered as a softball coach at South River Youth Athletics and that’s how the two met. The girl told police he showed up at her home and once at her friend’s house while she was there. During one of these encounters, Powell sexually assaulted a girl.
Powell was arrested on April 26, following witness interviews and evidence obtained through the course of an investigation. Police are now searching for additional victims whom he may have targeted.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 410-222-4733.