SCRANTON, PA — A Lackawanna County jury has found 50-year-old Stephen J. Carroll, a former Scranton Police school resource officer (SRO), guilty on 29 of 30 criminal counts following a four-day trial marked by emotional testimony from survivors.
The convictions include charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, and unlawful contact with minors.
Key Details from the Trial & Investigation:
- Timeline & Location: Investigators with the Pennsylvania State Police and Office of Attorney General showed that Carroll abused his position of authority while serving as the SRO at West Scranton High School between September 2009 and November 2017.
- Pattern of Abuse: Witnesses, now in their 30s, testified about drinking alcohol at Carroll’s West Mountain home—which one victim referred to as "the tavern"—while they were high school students. Prosecutors presented evidence that Carroll drugged multiple victims before committing sexual assaults. Testimony also revealed that at least one incident occurred on school grounds while Carroll was in uniform.
- Courtroom Medical Episode: As the verdict was being delivered, Carroll suffered an apparent medical emergency, prompting officials to clear the courtroom. He was transported from the Lackawanna County Courthouse by ambulance to a medical facility for treatment.
Following the verdict, Judge Michael J. Barrasse revoked Carroll's bail. Defense attorneys confirmed they intend to file an appeal, maintaining that the allegations were driven by alternative motives. A formal sentencing date will be scheduled by the court at a later time.
