A high school marching band volunteer was arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted two 15-year-old girls.
Steven Fitzgerald, 24, served as a volunteer Band Technician for the Norristown Area High School Marching Band back in 2010, according to investigators. During his time there, Fitzgerald allegedly texted and Facebook chatted with a 15-year-old member of the band in an attempt to start a sexual relationship with her.
Police say Fitzgerald eventually arranged a time to meet with the girl after school in May of 2010. Fitzgerald allegedly picked up the girl along with her 15-year-old friend and drove them in his car to an abandoned parking lot. While in the parking lot, Fitzgerald sexually assaulted the first girl, drove to another location and sexually assaulted the second girl, according to investigators.
Last week, police say Fitzgerald contacted both female victims in an attempt to meet with them and engage in further sexual acts.
Credit: Montgomery County D.A.
Police say an investigation led to Fitzgerald’s arrest. He is charged with statutory rape, sexual assault, corruption of minors and other related offenses. He was arraigned on Tuesday with bail set at $100,000. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 31 at 12 p.m. as well as June 7 at 10:15 a.m. according to a court document.
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NBC10 spoke with former band member who told us Fitzgerald helped with the marching band's choreography as a volunteer.
"He was a very good teacher," said Vince Danilla, a 2011 Norristown High School graduate. "We were all close with each other and we're all still friends. It's just a shame to hear about. He really did keep to himself. I really didn't expect anything of this stature to happen."
The Norristown Area School District released the following statement in response to Fitzgerald's arrest:
We are troubled and saddened by the inappropriate interactions and conduct that this individual is alleged to have had with students. The Norristown Area school District is working very closely with the District Attorney’s office and law enforcement officials regarding this issue. We would further ask that parents and guardians carefully monitor their students Facebook and other social media network activities.
