WEST OCEAN CITY — A West Ocean City business owner had additional charges filed against him this week after two more child sex abuse victims came forward with information about alleged incidents several years ago.
On Dec. 3, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) detectives began an investigation into a suspected online child solicitation case in West Ocean City. WCBI detectives made contact with a suspect, later identified as David Edward Weatherholtz, 55, owner of the O.C. Jamboree in West Ocean City and also a guitar instructor.
During the investigation, WCBI detectives identified themselves as a 13-year-old juvenile male. Over the course of the next two weeks, Weatherholtz allegedly engaged in sexually explicit conversations and made numerous references to other sexual encounters he had with underage boys. Weatherholtz made arrangements to meet the alleged juvenile and was taken into custody by WCBI detectives.
Following the arrest in December, two more alleged victims have come forward with information about alleged incidents several years ago. One victim told detectives when he was a juvenile several years ago, Weatherholtz brought him to his West Ocean City home under the guise of giving him music lessons.
Once the victim was at the home, Weatherholtz allegedly sexually assaulted the victim and told the juvenile he would not take him home unless he performed certain sexual acts. As a result, Weatherholtz was charged additionally last week with sex abuse of a minor, second-degree assault, perverted practice, fourth-degree sex offense, sodomy and false imprisonment.
On Thursday, WCBI detectives announced yet another victim had come forward with similar allegations against Weatherholtz. The victim told detectives when he was a juvenile his parents hired Weatherholtz as a music teacher. Weatherholtz developed a relationship with the juvenile and suggested to the parents that he become the victim’s manager and mentor. Under that guise, the victim was repeatedly lured to Weatherholtz home where he was allegedly sexually assaulted on numerous occasions.
After two more alleged victims came forward over the last week, Weatherholtz was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held on a $250,000 bond. Based on comments Weatherholtz has made to detectives, it is believed that there may be additional unidentified victims.
Anyone with more information is urged to contact WCBI Detective-Corporal Alex Kagan at 410-632-1111 or [email protected].