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Andrew Wolke, 53, is charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Felony 3: Corruption of Minors – Defendant Age 18 or Above.
- Felony 3: Unlawful Contact with Minor – Sexual Offenses.
- Misdemeanor 2: Indecent Assault of a Person Less Than 16 Years of Age.
- Summary: Harassment – Subjecting Another to Physical Contact.
Wolke, who regularly hosted foreign exchange students, is accused of maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a high school exchange student in Northampton County, according to the Palmer Township Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP). Authorities said Wolke frequently hosted exchange students at his residence on Country Side Court.
The alleged incident occurred during a party at Wolke's home on Saturday, Nov. 16, where witnesses, including several students and at least one adult, described his behavior as "clearly inappropriate," according to an affidavit of probable cause. Witnesses reportedly attempted to intervene to stop Wolke.
Authorities allege that Wolke sent secret text messages to the exchange student, who was not staying with his family, asking to meet in secret and drove the student home after the party, acting inappropriately during the car ride, the affidavit states.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, at approximately 5:17 p.m., the Palmer Township Fire Department responded to a fire at Wolke’s residence. Wolke was the only person in the home at the time and was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital for injuries, police said.
An initial investigation by the PSP Troop M Fire Marshal revealed that the fire originated in a second-floor bedroom. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Wolke was arraigned in the early hours of Thursday, Nov. 21, and his bail was set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 9:30 a.m.
The Palmer Township Police Department, PSP Troop M Fire Marshal, Troop M Forensic Services Unit, PSP Belfast Station, and other agencies are assisting in the investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about this case or who believes they may have been a victim to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at (610) 861-2026 or Palmer Township Detective Brian Strong at bstrong@palmerpd.org or (610) 253-5844 ext. 1208.
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