Priest Accused of Groping Man at Ymca Locker Room

By David Chang
NBC 10
January 19, 2014

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Priest-Accused-of-Groping-Man-at-YMCA-Locker-Room-241069411.html


A Pennsylvania priest was arrested on Friday after he allegedly groped a man inside a YMCA locker room.

Police say Father John Roebuck, 64, of Lansdale, was at the North Penn YMCA back on December 15 around 7 p.m.

Roebuck approached another man inside the sauna and the two talked briefly, according to investigators. Police say Roebuck then followed the man into the locker room a short time later. As the man began to leave, police say Roebuck extended his hand to say goodbye. Roebuck then allegedly grabbed the man’s genitals with his other hand.

Police say the alleged victim reported the incident to the YMCA staff. An employee confronted Roebuck and questioned him but Roebuck denied the accusations against him, according to investigators.

Roebuck met with detectives on December 19 and was interviewed about the alleged incident. After an investigation, police issued a warrant for Roebuck’s arrest. Roebuck surrendered to police on Friday and was arraigned with bail set at $50,000 unsecured. He is charged with indecent assault without consent and harassment.Roebuck is a parochial vicar at Saint Stanislaus in Lansdale. He has been placed on administrative leave by the Philadelphia Archdiocese.