PALMER TWP., Pa. — An exchange student host has been arrested and charged for crimes linked to “sexually charged behavior” directed against a high school student.
Andrew Wolke, 53, of Palmer Township, is charged with third-degree felony counts of corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor; a second-degree misdemeanor count of indecent assault; and a summary charge of harassment.
According to Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta, township police on Monday received a call from Bethlehem Catholic High School reporting a student’s complaint concerning Wolke, who is a "host father" for exchange students at the school.
The student filed a complaint regarding Wolke’s “sexually charged behavior,” the district attorney said.
Police say they are investigating "several incidents." Wolke is accused of conducting an inappropriate relationship with high school-age foreign exchange students, was a host to them, and often had students in his residence, according to police.
Shortly after 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, the Palmer Township Fire Department was dispatched to Wolke’s residence for a fire.
Wolke was the only person home at the time of the fire, and he was taken to the hospital with injuries, according to a news release from state police and township police.
The state police fire marshal determined the fire started in a second-floor bedroom, according to the release.
Wolke was arraigned by District Judge Nicholas Englesson on charges connected to the student. Bail was set at $100,000 pending a Dec. 3 preliminary hearing.
The investigation by state and township police is ongoing, authorities said.
“Given that the matter involves a child, no further information will be released at this time,” Baratta said in a statement.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation — or who may have been a victim of Wolke, according to authorities — is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police at 610-861-2026 or Palmer Township Police Department Detective Brian Strong at bstrong@palmerpd.org or 610-253-5844 ext. 1208.
