Former high school band leader in Pennsylvania convicted of sexual assault

HARRISBURG, PA — A Luzerne County jury has found Theron Roberts, 41, a former Crestwood High School band director, guilty of sexually assaulting a student, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced. Roberts was found guilty of institutional sexual assault, enticement of a minor and two counts of indecent assault dating back to 2019.

Sentencing against Roberts is scheduled for September 27. The conviction is based on allegations that he abused his position of power to gain the trust of a student before attacking her. “The defendant abused his position of power and invested time to win over the student and gain her trust before attacking her,” said Attorney General Henry. He praised the jury for considering the seriousness of the case and acknowledged the victim’s courage in confronting her abuser in court.

According to witnesses, Roberts initiated inappropriate contact with the victim in seventh grade and increased his advances over time. This included touching the student’s thigh during private lessons, making comments about the student’s personal life, and eventually physically assaulting the student in a secluded area of ​​the school. Roberts also threatened the victim to keep quiet about the incident.

The case, which highlighted serious abuses of power in educational institutions, was led by Assistant Attorney General Julia van Leeuwen and Senior Assistant State Attorney Lauren Eichelberger, who underscored the ongoing fight against sexual misconduct and the importance of holding authority figures accountable.

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