Former Baseball Coach Accused of Rape

ORIGINAL July 1, 2021 2:49 p.m.

Baltimore County detectives have arrested a former coach on charges of second-degree rape and sex abuse of a minor.

According to the young victim, the abuse occurred roughly two years ago, while 33-year-old Melvin Tucker III was coaching baseball with the Arbutus Recreational League. The young athletes knew Tucker as “Coach Joe."

Detectives with the Baltimore County Crimes Against Children’s Unit have reason to believe there are other children Tucker may have targeted and sexually abused.

Anyone with information can contact detectives at 410-307-2020. If you have been a victim of a sexual assault, there is help available for you 24-hours a day.

You can call the police non-emergency line at 410-887-2222 or contact any one of these resources:

Turn Around 24-hour hotline: 443-279-0379
Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County: 410-828-6390
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Greater Baltimore Medical Center SAFE nurse: 443-849-3323