Image sources: On the left, Joshua Werkman; prior to becoming Nathan Mitchell, courtesy of Notinerd. On the right, Nathan Mitchell heads into his preliminary hearing for child sex abuse crimes, courtesy of Rob McGraw & Butler Eagle.
The recent arrest of Nathan Werkmen Mitchell on child sexual abuse charges has raised urgent questions about how predators can exploit positions of trust to gain access to children.
Criminal Charges Against Nathan Mitchell
Mitchell, 51, has long presented himself as a trusted community figure: an EMT and firefighter who was involved with youth football and baseball programs. He is now accused of abusing three boys under the age of 13.
The case began on August 24, 2025, when a report was made to authorities. The Pennsylvania State Police opened an investigation and conducted forensic interviews with the boys. Mitchell was arrested on September 6, and the criminal complaint against him was filed on September 8.
Mitchell now faces 16 criminal charges in Butler County, Pennsylvania, including sexual assault by a sports official, indecent assault without consent of the other, indecent assault of a person substantially impaired, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children.
Disturbing Allegations From the Criminal Complaint
According to court documents, “two of the boys said [the abuse] started about three years ago.” (CBS Pittsburgh) The abuse of the third victim reportedly began more recently.
The affidavit outlines chilling accounts of abuse, alleging that Mitchell touched the victims inappropriately during sleepovers at his home. Two of the boys said he gave them melatonin before bed. According to reporting by WPXI, “one of those boys questioned whether the substance was actually melatonin, and the other recounted being hesitant to take the hormone, but said Miller insisted he should.”
According to the affidavit, one of the victims also said that “Mitchell often tells him ‘I love you,’” which made him uncomfortable. (WPXI-TV)
Adding to the disturbing picture, “Mitchell would state ‘I was snuggling you the whole night and you weren’t giving me any snuggles.’” (WPXI)
Mitchell allegedly saved one child’s name in his phone “with heart emojis” and used coded language such as “FLU” (freaking love you) and “SNS” (Sending Nate Snuggles) when texting victims. (WPXI) He also once insisted that one victim keep his phone’s location on, according to court records.
Mitchell was held in the Butler County Prison on $500,000 bail, which he was unable to post.
At his preliminary hearing on September 10, 2025, Trooper Amelia Russin said that Mitchell “has four other Childline reports incriminating him.” (Butler Eagle)
From Hollywood to Pennsylvania
Before relocating to Adams Township in Butler County, Pennsylvania, Mitchell lived under a different name. He was formerly known as Joshua Nathan Werkman of California, where he established himself in the entertainment industry. During that time, Werkman managed child actors, including Disney Channel stars Cole and Dylan Sprouse, and produced two of their movies. He also worked as CEO of Merimark Entertainment.
The Sprouse twins were not victims in this case. However, Mitchell’s proximity to them highlights how he positioned himself in a trusted role working with children. By presenting himself as a manager and producer, he created opportunities to be close to children and families who believed he was a legitimate industry professional—a pattern that mirrors the trusted positions he later assumed in Pennsylvania.
In 2008, Werkman pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of child molestation and furnishing alcohol to a minor in California. He was also required to register as a sex offender.
After completing probation, “he got his case dismissed in 2011 and then petitioned for a certificate of rehabilitation and pardon in 2020.” (WPXI) He also legally changed his name to Nathan Werkman Mitchell, a step that effectively obscured his past, allowing him to pass background checks for both the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police, requirements for his role as an EMT.
Evasion of Megan’s Law Registries
Despite his prior conviction, Mitchell does not appear on either Pennsylvania’s or California’s Megan’s Law registries. Megan’s Law requires certain individuals convicted of sexual offenses to register as sex offenders. The registries are searchable public databases meant to help communities stay informed.
Although Mitchell was initially required to register following his 2008 conviction in California, the case was dismissed, which may explain why his name no longer appears on either state’s registry.
If the current allegations against him are proven true, they suggest a disturbing pattern of repeat behavior — evidence that Mitchell, formerly Werkman, may be a serial predator who was able to hide past misconduct through legal maneuvers.
Community Roles and Youth Sports Involvement
Mitchell’s carefully constructed identity allowed him to embed himself in trusted community roles.
He spent about two and a half years working part-time for Quality EMS in Mars, PA, before being removed from his position on September 6, 2025.
He also worked as a firefighter/EMT with the Adams Area Fire District. After his arrest, the district placed him on leave. As of September 8, 2025, “Mitchell remains a member of the fire district, but his affiliation will be reevaluated following the conclusion of an internal investigation.” (WPXI)
Mitchell’s work in youth sports placed him in regular contact with minors. According to WPXI-TV, “court records confirm at least one of the alleged victims is in a sports program Mitchell was involved in.”
Mitchell was previously a board member of Brad-Mar-Pine Baseball, a youth sports program in Wexford, PA.
According to multiple parents, Mitchell worked with M.A.R.S. Youth Football and Cheer for the past few seasons. The program is operated by Mars Area Recreational Sports, an independent community league, and is not affiliated with the Mars Area School District. The Mars Area Recreational Sports board announced on Friday, September 5, that Mitchell was banned from the organization after they were made aware of the allegations against him.
While the board stressed that no misconduct was reported during official events, Mitchell’s ability to access children through the program raises ongoing concerns.
Liability and Accountability
The allegations may not involve official program activities, but that distinction alone does not eliminate the organization’s duty of care. Youth leagues are responsible for how they supervise adults in positions of authority and how they respond to concerns. If Mars Area Recreational Sports ignored warnings, failed to set appropriate safeguards, or allowed Mitchell unchecked access to children, it could still face liability for negligent supervision.
This case underscores a painful reality: predators often deliberately seek out positions that make them appear trustworthy and give them access to children. To parents, Mitchell appeared to be a trusted adult in the community. In reality, the positions he held may have enabled the abuse he is now accused of.
The Path Forward for Survivors
While prosecutors pursue criminal charges, civil law offers another avenue for survivors to seek justice. Civil lawsuits allow survivors to:
- Recover compensation for therapy, medical treatment, and other costs of healing
- Hold negligent organizations accountable for failing to protect them
- Push for stronger safeguards in organizations like youth programs
These lawsuits can play a critical role in changing the culture of silence that often surrounds abuse.
Contact Us
At Andreozzi + Foote, we have decades of experience representing survivors of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
We investigate how institutions failed to protect those in their care and fight to ensure that they are held accountable.
If you or someone you know was harmed by Nathan Werkman Mitchell (formerly Joshua Werkman), or experienced abuse in a youth sports program, confidential help is available.
Our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
