Nine-Year Pattern of Abuse Uncovered at West Scranton High School
Pennsylvania authorities arrested former school resource officer Stephen J. Carroll on December 20, charging him with 46 criminal counts related to the sexual assault of five students at West Scranton High School. The 49-year-old ex-Scranton police officer allegedly drugged and assaulted students between 2009 and 2017, with four victims being underage at the time. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office revealed Carroll used social media to orchestrate sexual encounters and obtain explicit materials from students, with assaults occurring both at his home and on school grounds.
5 Key Points
- Former SRO Stephen J. Carroll faces 46 criminal counts, including three counts of rape.
- Alleged abuse spanned from 2009 to 2017, targeting five students, four of whom were minors.
- Carroll allegedly drugged victims before committing sexual assaults.
- Attacks occurred at both West Scranton High School and Carroll’s residence.
- Bail is $500,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 3.
Former Officer Used Social Media and Drugs to Target Students
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office charged Carroll with 46 criminal counts after investigators uncovered his systematic approach to targeting students. Carroll allegedly used social media platforms to initiate contact with students, arrange meetings, and solicit explicit materials. The investigation revealed Carroll drugged several victims before assaulting them at both West Scranton High School and his private residence. State officials launched the probe after victims came forward with new evidence detailing the repeated abuse. The grand jury heard extensive testimony documenting Carroll’s pattern of using his position to access and groom students.
Nine-Year History of Abuse While Serving as School Officer
Carroll maintained his position as a school resource officer at West Scranton High School from 2009 through 2018, during which he allegedly assaulted five students. Four of the victims were under 16 years old at the time of the assaults. Attorney General Michelle Henry condemned Carroll’s actions, stating, “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.” Carroll continued working for the Scranton Police Department until 2022, four years after leaving his school position.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed After Grand Jury Investigation
The 46-count criminal complaint includes three counts of rape, involuntary deviant sexual intercourse with forcible compulsion, sexual assault, corruption of minors, official oppression, and institutional sexual assault. Prosecutors specifically highlighted charges related to victims under 16 years old. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office credited grand jurors who “listened to many hours of testimony” leading to the arrest. Carroll remains in custody on $500,000 bail while awaiting his January 3 preliminary hearing. Investigators continue examining evidence for potential additional victims during Carroll’s tenure at the school.
FAQ
Q: What are my options if I or a loved one has experienced sex abuse?
A: If your family has been affected by sex abuse, legal options may be available. Contact our legal experts to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review.
Q: What is the period of the alleged assaults?
A: The alleged assaults occurred between 2009 and 2017.
Q: How many victims have been identified?
A: Officials identified five victims, four of whom were underage at the time of the assaults.
Q: When did Carroll stop working at the school?
A: Carroll stopped working as a school resource officer in 2018.
Q: What are the main charges against Carroll?
A: Carroll faces 46 criminal counts, including three counts of rape, involuntary deviant sexual intercourse, sexual assault, and corruption of minors.
Q: Where did the alleged assaults take place?
A: The assaults allegedly occurred at both West Scranton High School and Carroll’s private residence.
Citations
Rock, Amy (December 23, 2024). Scranton SRO Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Students for Years, Officials Say. Campus Safety Magazine. https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/news/scranton-sro-drugged-sexually-assaulted-students-for-years-officials-say/165361/
