Group Home Employee Charged with Rape

Middletown, DE - Delaware State Police have arrested a Lincoln, DE woman and charged her in connection with the rape of a 17 year old resident of a Middletown area group home.

The investigation into the incident began on Friday, September 4, 2015, after troopers responded to a group home located in Middletown, DE, for the report of a subject who had run away. Upon their arrival, troopers were informed that a 17 year old male resident of the home had voluntarily left the facility at approximately 9:40 p.m. that evening and had not returned. Through interviews and other investigative means, it was learned that the male resident was possibly involved in an inappropriate relationship with an employee of the home, Joniequa Macklin, 32, of Lincoln, DE, which is believed to have begun in July of this year.

On September 19, 2015, troopers received information that Macklin and the male resident were possibly together in a home located in the 100 block of Bright Way, Milford, DE. Troopers responded to the residence and were able to take Macklin into custody as she attempted to flee from the home in a vehicle. The 17 year old male victim also fled from the home on foot, however, he returned a short time later.

Joniequa Macklin was arrested and charged with 10 counts of Rape 4th Degree, Interference with Custody, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Reckless Endangering 2ndDegree, Knowingly Abusing a Resident, Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust, Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, and Driving While Suspended. She was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Delores Baylor Correctional Institution for lack of $86,600.00 secured bail.

The 17 year old male victim was turned over to authorities from the Prince George’s County Maryland Division of Social Services.

Due to the sensitive nature of this incident, specific details will not be released so as to protect the victim.