Fugitive human trafficker from Alabama arrested in New York

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Theron Roberts, a former band director at Crestwood High School, was sentenced to six to 23½ months in prison for sexually assaulting a student in 2019, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Friday. In addition to the prison sentence, Roberts, 41, must register for life under Megan's Law.

Roberts was convicted by a jury in June of institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors and two counts of indecent assault. According to court testimony, Roberts developed a relationship with the victim when the student was in seventh grade and continued to make sexual advances throughout the student's high school years.

“This verdict ensures that the defendant is held accountable for his predatory behavior and blatant abuse of his position of authority,” Henry said.

The assaults occurred during one-on-one instruction, during which Roberts touched the student inappropriately, made comments about her romantic relationship, and assaulted the student in a private area of ​​the school and threatened her to keep quiet.

Roberts was released on $25,000 unsecured bail pending an appeal, which his defense says it plans to pursue.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY – A 25-year-old man wanted on human trafficking charges in Alabama was arrested in New Rochelle on September 25, according to local police. Nana K. Gyapong of McLeansville, North Carolina, was arrested by New Rochelle investigators and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

Gyapong was wanted on a full extradition warrant from Jefferson County, Alabama, on two counts of first-degree human trafficking. Authorities received information that Gyapong was in the New Rochelle area and was in the parking lot of LA Fitness at 75 Nardozzi Place.

Gyapong was arrested without incident and charged as a fugitive from justice under New York State Criminal Procedure Code.

He remains in custody awaiting extradition to Alabama.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has announced the closure of northbound lanes on Route 18 this evening, Monday, September 30, as part of an ongoing road construction project in East Brunswick, Middlesex County. will begin.

Starting at 8 p.m. tonight and every evening through Friday, the left and center lanes will be closed between Hillside Avenue and West Ferris Street. The closures will last until 6am each morning to allow for re-marking of the road and the installation of barriers in the left lane. At least one lane will remain open overnight and two lanes will be available during the day.

A long-term left lane closure is planned for Saturday, October 5, at 6 a.m. This closure, which will last approximately one year, is necessary for the installation of drainage lines, main gas work, curb improvements and minor repairs. During this time, at least two lanes will remain open and access to local businesses and side streets will remain.

This work is part of an $86.1 million state-funded project that includes repaving, drainage improvements and intersection improvements along four and a half miles of Route 18. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026.

Drivers are urged to drive carefully through the work area and expect delays. For real-time traffic updates, visit 511NJ.org.