Alabama human trafficking fugitive arrested in New York

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Theron Roberts, a former band director at Crestwood High School, was sentenced to six to 23 1/2 months in prison for sexually assaulting a student in 2019, the attorney general announced Friday. Pennsylvania, Michelle Henry. In addition to the prison sentence, Roberts, 41, will have to 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 toward her throughout her high school years.

“This sentence ensures that the defendant will be held accountable for what constitutes predatory behavior and a blatant abuse of his position of authority,” Henry said.

The assaults took place during one-on-one lessons, during which Roberts touched the student inappropriately, made comments about their romantic relationship, and assaulted the student in a private area of ​​the school, threatening to keep silence.

Roberts was released on $25,000 unsecured bail pending an appeal, which his defense said he 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 apprehended by New Rochelle detectives and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

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

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

He remains in custody, awaiting extradition to Alabama.

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced that lane closures on Route 18 northbound will begin this evening, Monday, September 30, as part of an ongoing roadway project in East Brunswick, in Middlesex County.

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

A long-term closure of the left lane is expected to begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 5. This closure, which will last approximately one year, is necessary for drainage installation, gas line work, curb improvements and repairs to the central reservation. During this period, at least two lanes will remain open and access to local businesses and side streets will be maintained.

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

Motorists are encouraged to drive cautiously through the work zone and anticipate delays. For real-time traffic updates, visit 511NJ.org.