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Anthony DePanicis Jr., 59, was charged with misdemeanor corruption of minors after troopers from PSP Kiski Valley investigated claims that he repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with a minor between August 1991 and 1994, authorities said.
DePanicis was 25 years old and a part-time Vandergrift police officer when he allegedly befriended the victim. Investigators said the abuse continued almost weekly for three years, until the victim turned 17. The encounters reportedly took place at his home in Oklahoma Borough.
DePanicis remained with the Vandergrift Police Department until September 2024, retiring nearly three years after he suffered a career-ending shoulder injury during an arrest. He then took a job as a security officer at Homer-Center School District in Indiana County.
Following his arrest, Homer-Center fired DePanicis immediately, Superintendent Ralph Cecere Jr. confirmed in a public statement.
“We want to assure our students, parents, staff, and the entire community that this matter is entirely unrelated to our school, our students, and our operations,” Cecere said, adding that the district is fully cooperating with state police.
Court records show DePanicis was arraigned on Thursday, Feb. 22, and released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. His preliminary hearing before District Judge Cheryl J. Peck-Yakopec is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. on April 1.
DePanicis has retained defense attorney Duke George Jr. and has not yet entered a plea, according to court filings.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Pennsylvania State Police.
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