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Timothy James Shay, 49, of Plumstead Township, was arrested and arraigned on Friday, Feb. 14, on four counts each of indecent assault of a child under 13 and corruption of minors. Magisterial District Judge John T. Galloway set his bail at $1 million, 10 percent, and he was sent to the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
The assaults happened between 1998 and 2003 while Shay was giving lessons in Langhorne, Middletown Township, and Newtown Township, according to investigators. Despite the time gap, authorities say Shay has continued teaching students for years and believe there may be more victims.
Shay used his role as a piano teacher to initiate inappropriate contact with students by, according the DA:
- Massaging their wrists and forearms, claiming it would help them play better.
- Moving to couches and other furniture to expand the massages to their chests, abdomens, and groin areas.
- Reaching into students’ pants and making skin-to-skin contact.
- Telling students not to speak about the "warmups."
One victim said he was molested between 30 and 50 times, while others recalled similar abuse over several years, investigators said.
The case was investigated by Middletown Township Detective John Beck and Newtown Township Detective Nicholas Moffet. Prosecutors urge anyone with information or additional victims to contact Detective Beck at 215-750-3872.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy and First Assistant District Attorney David E. O’Beirne are prosecuting the case.
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