Counselor accused of helping youth flee Loudoun center

A counselor at the Loudoun County Youth Shelter helped a 17-year-old boy with a criminal history flee the Leesburg facility for juveniles March 19, gave him narcotics and allowed the boy to stay at his residence, said Kraig Troxell, spokesman for the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

Daniel W. Bolden, 23, of Leesburg, was charged Wednesday with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after he allegedly encouraged the teenager to flee and arranged a rendezvous to drive him to the counselor's home.

The sheriff's office announced the arrest Friday.

The county website describes the shelter on Meadowview Court as a short-term site for youth ages 12 to 17 who cannot stay at home and are referred by the courts, family service or mental health agencies.

The teenager was located by a Loudoun deputy on Sunday during a traffic stop on Route 7 near Belmont Ridge Road. After the traffic stop, the teen revealed the alleged scheme and counselor's help, the sheriff's department said.

The teenager is being held at the Loudoun County Juvenile Detention Center.

Bolden was released on bond by a Loudoun County Magistrate.

-- Mary Pat Flahertyl