Fomer 'house parent' accused of sexual assault

We Are Central PA
July 26, 2016

http://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/fomer-house-parent-accused-of-sexual-assault

Ebensburg, Cambria County, Pa.

A former 'house parent' for Bishop Carroll Catholic School's international exchange program is accused of sexual assault.

John Thornberry, 28, is facing several charges after two international exchange students said he inappropriately touched them.

Ebensburg Police say they were informed on February 9, 2016 that an incident had occurred and upon investigating the found the initial incident happened back in December of 2014.

The Altoona-Johnstown Diocese operates an international exchange student program and provides dormitory-style living for the students involved on Bishop Carroll High School's campus. Thornberry was hired in August of 2014 and passed all clearances mandated. As a house parent, he lived on campus and would help with homeworks, transportation and keeping account of the exchange students.

Victim one told police that Thornberry touched his penis and he knew that he had previously touched another student, victim two. Victim two, a former student, said Thornberry said he wanted to see his penis and had tried to touch him when he was alone in his room. Victim two said he was about to fight off Thornberry. Victim two now attends a different high school in the United States.  Police say they believe there is a third victim, but are unable to reach him because of returning to his native country.

Thornberry told police he never touched the students in a sexual manor, but did tickle them on their ribs to 'break the ice'.

Thornberry is awaiting preliminary arraignment. He faces charges of Institutional Sexual Assault, Criminal Attempt, Indecent Assault, Corruption of Minors, and Endangering the Welfare of Children.

The school released the following statement on their website Tuesday.

An issue has developed at Bishop Carroll that I want to bring to your attention. You may have already heard about this in the media.

On February 9, a student enrolled in Bishop Carroll’s Aquinas International Program made an allegation regarding a live-in house parent, which warranted an immediate call to law enforcement.

Upon hearing the allegation, the police were immediately contacted.

As a result of the allegation, the house parent was suspended from his position and removed from campus on February 9, and has not been permitted to return to campus since that time while police conducted a full investigation.

Our first priority at Bishop Carroll is the safety of every student at all times; and, we are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

The live-in house parent role is limited to the International Program at Aquinas Hall, however in the hiring of all faculty, staff, and coaches, and assigning of volunteers, Bishop Carroll carefully follows Pennsylvania Department of Education mandates, which require multiple clearances and background checks. Bishop Carroll also requires individuals in these roles to complete the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown’s Youth Protection Training Program. This employee had all of the required clearances and completed all of the training programs.

Importantly, we moved with speed to remove the individual from the school. After the allegation was made and before the employee was scheduled to come on duty that day, the police were involved and the employee was suspended and removed from the premises. Thus, while several months have passed since this incident occurred, any potential danger to our students was eliminated by the immediate removal of the employee from the school premises, and the issue was in the hands of law enforcement and proper authorities.

We understand you may have questions and concerns. Please understand that we will share as much information as we are permitted. If you do have specific questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to address them.
Sincerely,

Jerome A. Stephens, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer