Group Home Staffer Accused Of Indecent Liberties With Girl In His Care

Manassas VA

06 June, 2022

5:01 PM

Description

BRISTOW, VA — An employee at the Youth For Tomorrow facility for at-risk youth in Bristow was arrested on Friday after he was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Police said the girl was a resident at the facility. Authorities identified the man as 38-year-old Dennis James Heflin. Police said Heflin worked at the campus in a custodial role. Patch contacted Youth For Tomorrow to ask what Heflin's duties are at the group home, but has not heard back. Heflin is charged with one count of indecent liberties by a custodian, a class 6 felony. His court date is pending and he was arrested on a $25,000 unsecured bond. If convicted, Heflin could face up to five years in prison. In its report, the Prince William County Police Department said detectives began an investigation in March. At that time, a resident at the Youth For Tomorrow campus told staff members that Heflin and the 16-year-old victim were involved in an inappropriate relationship. Detectives with the Special Victims Bureau determined Heflin had an inappropriate relationship with the child between Jan. 1 and March 11, while Heflin was working at the Youth For Tomorrow campus in a custodial role. Youth For Tomorrow is a residential program in Bristow that offers treatment group homes, crisis intervention counseling, and therapeutic mentoring. Youth For Tomorrow's campus also offers programs for victims of sex trafficking and abuse, according to the organization's website. Authorities said they are still looking to speak with anyone who may have more information about the investigation. Anyone with more information can call the police department's tipline at 703-792-7000. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673. In Prince William County, ACTS offers several local services for victims.