POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Following the arrest of the owner-operator of a sports-based childcare program in Powhatan on charges of child sex crimes, the Virginia Department of Education said it is investigating the business, which was potentially being operated illegally for over a year. Accor ding to Fast Feet Sports Academy's website, the business reportedly offered "before and after school multi-sport programs." The website further detailed that it is "not a daycare of babysitters," but rather "an opportunity to be exposed to and get involved with multiple sports." Virginia law allows that some child day programs, including "competitive sports programs," are not required to be licensed and are considered exempt from licensure. According to the Virginia Department of Education, those that are exempt must file a "Statement of Exemption" with the superintendent of public instruction of the department before beginning operations. On March 14, 2024, 8News received a press release from Powhatan County Economic Development that announced that the sports academy would move to a new location at 2140 Carter Gallier Blvd and celebrate with a grand opening event. Over a year later, the business has shuttered its doors after its owner-operator, 50-year-old Joseph Edward Parker, was charged with four counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child under the age of 13 and two counts of indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory role. Following these charges, the Virginia Department of Education said its Office of Child Care Health and Safety was aware of the situation and had initiated an investigation of "a potential illegal operating child care program." When 8News asked the department for licensing, inspection records or other documents pertaining to Parker and/or the business, the department said it would not release any additional information due to the investigation. "Because this is an active investigation, the department will not release any additional information at this time," a spokesperson said. 8News has reached out to Powhatan County officials for comment. ...read more read less