Mountain Top, PA – A jury in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, has found Theron Roberts, 41, guilty of sexually assaulting a student while serving as band director at Crestwood High School. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, marking the end of a trial that exposed a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Band Teacher Convicted of Sexually Assaulting Student
Roberts was convicted on multiple counts, including felony institutional sexual assault, felony corruption of minors, and two misdemeanor counts of indecent assault.
Victims Recalls Details of Grooming and Sexually Abuse by Band Director
The case against Roberts revealed a troubling progression of inappropriate conduct. The victim first encountered Roberts in seventh grade, and over several years, Roberts gradually escalated his sexual advances. He touched the victim’s thigh during private lessons, made comments about the victim’s personal relationships, and inappropriately touched the victim’s uniform near intimate areas. The assault reached its peak when the victim was in tenth grade. Roberts reportedly pulled the student into a secluded alcove, groped their buttocks, and threatened them to maintain silence.
Prosecution and Sentencing of Accused Abuser
Deputy Attorney General Julia van Leeuwen and Senior Deputy Attorney Lauren Eichelberger led the prosecution. Attorney General Michelle Henry commended the jury’s attentiveness and praised the victim’s bravery in confronting their abuser in court. Roberts is scheduled for sentencing on September 27, 2024.
Legal Rights and Accountability in Teacher-Student Sexual Abuse Cases
When cases of sexual abuse by teachers come to light, they often leave communities reeling and raise critical questions about student safety in schools. The recent conviction of Theron Roberts, a former band director at Crestwood High School in Pennsylvania, has brought these issues to the forefront once again. To better understand the legal landscape surrounding such cases, we spoke with Guy D’Andrea, a seasoned Pennsylvania child sex abuse lawyer. In this interview, D’Andrea offers valuable information on the legal options available to victims and explains how negligent parties can be held accountable. His insights provide a roadmap for victims and their families navigating the complex aftermath of sexual abuse in schools.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Mr. D’Andrea, what legal options are available for students who have been sexually abused by teachers?
Guy D’Andrea, Esq.: Victims of sexual abuse by teachers have several legal avenues. They can pursue criminal charges, as we’ve seen in the Roberts case. Additionally, civil lawsuits can be filed against the perpetrator and potentially the school district.
Banville: How can negligent parties be held accountable in these situations?
D’Andrea: School districts can be held liable if they failed to properly screen employees, ignored warning signs, or didn’t respond appropriately to reports of misconduct. This could include inadequate background checks or failure to investigate complaints.
Banville: What advice would you give to victims or their families?
D’Andrea: I urge victims to come forward and report abuse to law enforcement. It’s also advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in handling sexual abuse cases. There are often time limits for filing civil claims, so acting promptly is important.
Support and Legal Assistance for Victims of School Sex Abuse
If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual abuse by a teacher, know that you are not alone. Legal options are available to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. Our experienced team is here to provide the support and guidance you need. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal rights.
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Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
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