'Wolf in sheep's clothing': Piano instructor accused of sexually abusing students in Bucks County
BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (WPVI) -- A piano instructor is being accused of sexually abusing students in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Officials said the alleged abuse spans several years and began over 20 years ago in the late 90s to early 2000s, with the youngest victim being just five years old when it occurred.
Bucks County officials announced charges on Friday against 49-year-old Timothy James Shay, from Doylestown. He is facing several counts of indecent assault involving children under the age of 13, as well as the corruption of minors.
The allegations involve abuse that police believe occurred while he was giving piano instructions to children in their Bucks County homes. Shay allegedly began each session with what he called a "warmup" that progressed to touching the boys inappropriately.
A cyber tip by a mandated reporter directed investigators to the alleged abuse, according to officials.
"All of the boys in this case were incredibly young, with the youngest being just 5 years old when the sexual abuse occurred. What is especially concerning is that the abuse for all four victims occurred on multiple occasions," Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said during a press conference.
The victims, who are now adults, are said to be from Middletown and Newtown townships.
Schorn said the victims from the two communities did not know each other, adding that "their account of victimization is so eerily similar and that just speaks volumes as to what occurred and the pattern."
One victim described having been victimized more than 30 to 50 times as a child, Schorn said.
Shay allegedly used Facebook to solicit more lessons and taught at a location in Doylestown.
"This individual was a wolf in sheep's clothing," Schorn said, adding, "We will not abide by sex offenders using our children for their own sexual gratification."
Neighbors in Plumstead Township say the 49-year-old mostly kept to himself. "Definitely an odd character. Didn't say much."
Schorn said that Shay was teaching as recently as a week ago, adding that they fear there may be more victims.
"It's not uncommon at all for children to not report abuse until late in adulthood and that's why the statute of limitations in Pa. was expanded to someone's 50th birthday. Because we all know and see too often, that's when disclosures happen," Schorn said. "The grooming is so effective in these cases that the children don't understand what is happening is wrong. And when they do, there is a shame and stigma associated."
Police are encouraging Shay's former students and parents who hired him to come forward.
He was arraigned on February 14 and his bail has been set at $1 million.
