Former Pennsylvania School Resource Officer Charged with Rape of Five Students

Decade-long Investigation Reveals Pattern of Abuse at West Scranton High School

A former Scranton police officer faces multiple felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting five students while serving as a school resource officer at West Scranton High School. Stephen J. Carroll, 49, stands accused of committing sexual crimes against minors between 2009 and 2017, with four victims under 18 years old. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office filed charges last week following recent interviews and evidence collection. Carroll’s alleged crimes occurred at both the school premises and his private residence.

5 Key Points

• Pennsylvania Attorney General charged former officer Stephen J. Carroll with rape, statutory sexual assault, and multiple related felonies.
• Investigation revealed five victims, including four minors, over eight years.
• Alleged assaults occurred at West Scranton High School and Carroll’s private residence.
• Carroll served as a school resource officer until 2018 and remained with the Scranton Police Department until 2022.
• A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 3, 2025.

Criminal Investigation Details Multiple Victims

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced multiple felony charges against Stephen J. Carroll on December 23, 2024, following a comprehensive investigation into alleged sexual assaults at West Scranton High School. The criminal complaint details a pattern of predatory behavior spanning eight years, with Carroll allegedly targeting students while serving as their school resource officer. Investigators documented evidence of graphic text messages sent to multiple victims, with one confirmed 16-year-old student receiving explicit communications. The investigation revealed Carroll allegedly used his position to isolate students in various locations throughout the school building, including his private office, where several assaults reportedly occurred. Prosecutors noted the investigation gained momentum after recent victim interviews corroborated long-standing allegations against the former officer.

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Law Enforcement Career and School Position

Carroll’s tenure as a school resource officer at West Scranton High School ended in 2018, though he continued serving with the Scranton Police Department until 2022. During his time at the school, Carroll maintained regular contact with students through his official duties, which prosecutors say he exploited to establish inappropriate relationships with multiple victims. The criminal complaint describes a pattern of grooming behavior, where Carroll allegedly used his authority to gain students’ trust before escalating to sexual assault. Pennsylvania State Police Captain James Cuttitta emphasized the betrayal of public trust, stating, “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.” School district records show Carroll interacted with hundreds of students during his employment, leading investigators to encourage any additional victims to come forward.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, working in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, filed multiple felony charges against Carroll, including rape, involuntary deviant sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, and official oppression. The charges reflect the severity of Carroll’s alleged abuse of power, with each count of rape carrying potential decades-long prison sentences. Prosecutors plan to present evidence of systematic abuse during Carroll’s preliminary hearing, scheduled for January 3, 2025, including testimony from multiple victims and documentary evidence spanning nearly a decade. The investigation combines both historical allegations dating to 2009 and newly uncovered evidence, with prosecutors noting that Carroll’s position of authority may have initially discouraged victims from coming forward. State police have established a dedicated hotline for additional victims or witnesses to report information related to the case.