Patrick Riddick, a longtime academic advisor at Norfolk State University and a well-known gospel music director in Hampton Roads, was charged with rape and forcible sodomy of a helpless victim in connection with an incident alleged to have occurred on September 18, 2025. The 48-year-old turned himself in to law enforcement after the charges were filed and is due back in court on December 16, 2025.1WAVY-TV. Norfolk State University Academic Advisor Charged With Sex Crimes
The Charges and What They Mean
Riddick faces two felony counts: rape and sodomy of a helpless victim by force.1WAVY-TV. Norfolk State University Academic Advisor Charged With Sex Crimes Under Virginia law, the “helpless victim” language points to a specific circumstance. Rape under Va. Code § 18.2-61 covers sexual intercourse accomplished through a victim’s physical helplessness, meaning the person was unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate unwillingness. Forcible sodomy under Va. Code § 18.2-67.1 applies the same framework to other sexual acts.2Virginia Code Commission. Code of Virginia, Title 18.2, Chapter 4, Article 7
Rather than being arrested, Riddick surrendered to police after charges were filed.3Yahoo News. Norfolk State University Academic Advisor Charged With Sex Crimes The victim has not been identified in court records or news coverage, and the relationship between the victim and Riddick has not been disclosed publicly.
Penalties He Faces if Convicted
Each of the two charges is punishable by five years to life in a state correctional facility.4RAINN. Virginia Crime Definitions A conviction on both counts could carry consecutive sentences, though any sentence would be set by the court.
Case Status and Court Date
Riddick’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 16, 2025.1WAVY-TV. Norfolk State University Academic Advisor Charged With Sex Crimes Available reporting does not say whether he was granted bond after turning himself in, nor has any plea or trial date been reported. The case remains pending.
Norfolk State University’s Response
Court documents identify Riddick as an academic advisor at Norfolk State, where he had worked for 20 years. Asked about the case, a university official said the school had “no comment” and does not speak on personnel matters.1WAVY-TV. Norfolk State University Academic Advisor Charged With Sex Crimes The university has not publicly said whether Riddick was suspended, placed on leave, or terminated following the charges.
Who Patrick Riddick Is
Beyond his university job, Riddick was widely known in gospel music. He holds a Bachelor of Music in vocal music from Norfolk State and founded the 50-plus voice choir D’vyne Worship in 2001, an outgrowth of a young adult choir he led at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach.5Praise Richmond. Patrick Riddick and D’vyne Worship Release “Jesus Is With Me” The group signed with Hezekiah Walker’s HezHouse Entertainment and released the single “Jesus Is with Me” in 2022, and its work has drawn Billboard chart placement and Stellar Awards recognition.6CCM Magazine. Patrick Riddick and D’vyne Worship Release “Jesus Is With Me” Riddick also held music leadership roles in the Church of God in Christ denomination and served as an assistant choral director to Ricky Dillard’s New Generation Chorale.