The Second Blessing resale store serves Houston families in need as part of the Christian-based West Houston Assistance Ministries. It's so well-respected that the county's community supervision program even sends people here for community service. But now store manager, Willie Duckworth, is accused in a sex scandal.
"I can't elaborate on that," a store worker said. "You're talking about employment verification. I can't even do that either.
Police say Duckworth, 56, offered to give one of his employees community service hours she never served in exchange for sex. Court documents allege Duckworth even showed up at a Red Roof Inn across the street from the resale shop in order to have sex with her.
Then, prosecutors claim Duckworth lied under oath about what happened. He's now been charged with official oppression and aggravated perjury.
Duckworth has bonded out of jail, but didn't answer the door when we knocked. His neighbors, though, are shocked by the arrest.
"He was a good guy. I always respected him," said neighbor Brandon Andrus. "He was a friend of mine's father."
Investigators say they learned of the alleged sex exchange plan when the victim came forward. The county's community supervision program is no longer partnering with Second Blessing.
"It's an abuse of power because people in authority sometimes get that position just for the power they have over others," said neighbor Peggy Truly. "It shouldn't be exercised like that."
Duckworth has worked for KTRK-TV in the past. He is due in court in the next 48 hours.
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