Former Scranton officer charged with rape, sexual assault of several students
Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2025 7:45 pm
https://fox56.com/news/local/former-scr ... l-students:
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A former Scranton police officer has been charged with sexually abusing several students.
Stephen J. Carroll, 49, was charged by Pennsylvania State Police on Friday with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, official oppression, institutional sexual assault and other related offenses following an investigation into incidents dating back to 2009.
Pennsylvania State Police allege in court documents that Carroll drugged, sexually assaulted and had inappropriate communication with multiple students as a Scranton police officer serving as a school resource officer for the West Scranton High School.
The alleged assaults happened at Carroll’s home and at West Scranton High School. At least five victims are mentioned throughout the incidents.
According to authorities, recent interviews and the collection of evidence led to the filing of charges this week. Carroll is facing 49 charges including rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, corruption of minors and related counts.
Carroll was arrested Friday morning and arraigned. Bail was set at $500,000. His preliminary hearing will be on Jan. 3, 2025.
“This public servant took an oath to protect his community and was specifically assigned to look out for the well being of students — instead he used his position of authority to groom and sexually assault multiple teenagers. This collaborative investigation uncovered a pattern of abuse that spanned years. I thank the grand jurors who listened to many hours of testimony; their time and effort led to these charges. We will continue to prosecute this case and our efforts to hold this accused predator accountable.”
— Attorney General Michelle Henry
“The safety and well-being of our children and students are our highest priority, and any violation of that trust is both deeply disturbing and unacceptable. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and that those in positions of authority are held to the highest standards of conduct. I commend the members of our Bureau of Criminal Investigation for their diligent work during this investigation.”
— Pennsylvania State Police Captain James Cuttitta, Director of the Special Investigations Division with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation