St. Stanislaus Priest Allegedly Grabbed Man's Genitals in Ymca Locker Room: Cops

By Tony Di Domizio
Patch
January 18, 2014

http://lansdale.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/st-stanislaus-priest-allegedly-grabbed-mans-genitals-at-ymca-sauna-cops


Father John Roebuck, 64, of Lansdale, denied the allegations when confronted by North Penn YMCA staff, police said. Roebuck turned himself in on Friday after a warrant was issued Monday.

Former St. Stanislaus parochial vicar Father John Roebuck has been arrested Friday and charged with indecent assault without consent and harassment after allegedly grabbing a man's genitals in the locker room at North Penn YMCA, after they both had just used the sauna on the evening of Dec. 15, police said.

Roebuck, 64, of Lansdale, has been placed on administrative leave and relieved of his duties at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, per the Archdiocese.

The Archdiocese called Roebuck's alleged actions "deeply troubling."

The investigation began Dec. 16, 2013, when the alleged victim, an adult man, reported to police that he was in the locker room of the YMCA around 7 p.m., when he met Roebuck in the sauna, police said. The two had a brief conversation, police said.

A short time later, the alleged victim was using the sink in the locker room. Suddenly, Roebuck was standing behind him, police said.

The alleged victim began to leave the sink area, when Roebuck extended his hand to say goodbye, police said.

While shaking hands, the man allegedly felt Roebuck's other hand grabbing his genitals, police said.

The man went to YMCA staff to report what had allegedly taken place in the locker room, police said.

An employee confronted Roebuck, who was still in the building, and asked him about the allegations, police said. Roebuck denied anything had occurred in the locker room, police said.

Detectives with Lansdale Police were contacted, who identified Roebuck as a suspect, police said.

On Dec. 19, Roebuck was interviewed by police about the alleged incident.

On Monday, an arrest warrant was issued for Roebuck, police said.

Roebuck turned himself in to Lansdale Police on Friday.

Roebuck is free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Roebuck was arraigned Friday afternoon before District Judge Albert Augustine in Skippack, per court records. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. in Augustine's court.

Lansdale Police commended the exceptional cooperation by the staff at North Penn YMCA during the investigation. 

Roebuck was assigned to St. Stanislaus on July 16, 2013 from parochial vicar at Saint Thomas the Apostle in Chester Heights.