PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A former piano teacher from Bucks County has been sentenced to decades in prison for molesting his students.
Timothy Shay, 51, of Plumstead Township, had been giving private piano lessons since the late 1990s when he was arrested last February.
After being convicted of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old and corruption of minors, Shay was sentenced on Tuesday to 18-54 years in prison. He will also be listed as a registered sex offender for life.
Officials say four victims delivered impact statements in court, and two more submitted written statements, which were read aloud.
Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney Kristin McElroy commended the victims who came forward for their bravery, as well as investigators for their efforts.
“One victim who had — this occurred back in the ‘90s — sort of had his moment, and he went to the Middletown Township Police,” said McElroy. “From there, I really give the credit to law enforcement, Detective Beck, who did an incredible job of sort of peeling away to find other students.”
Officials said the first victim who came forward told investigators the abuse happened between 1998 and 2003. Those lessons took place at the victim’s home, and the abuse escalated over the years.
Other victims came forward with similar accounts, telling investigators Shay would massage them inappropriately as “warmups” for their lessons, and that Shay told them to keep those massages secret.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office says 18 victims have been identified, but they say there may be more. Anyone with additional information should contact the district attorney’s office.
