MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Police arrested a horse trainer on March 10 on charges of sexually assaulting a teenage student.
Troy Roberto, 55, of Hewitt, was arrested by Det. Sgt. Jim Arnesen, Sgt. Matt Ambrosi and Lt. Steve Bittman of the Mendham Township Police Department.
Roberto faces charges of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of child sexual abuse materials and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office were notified in early March of alleged inappropriate behavior between Roberto, an equestrian trainer, and a victim.
An investigation determined that Roberto sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions since December in Mendham Township.
The victim was 16 years old at the time.
Roberto allegedly sent and received sexually explicit photographs to and from the victim.
Roberto worked as a horse trainer and riding coach locally and throughout the tri-state area.
He was charged with three counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child for possession of child sexual abuse materials, one count of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance and one count of third-degree certain persons not to possess ammunition.
Police executed a search warrant on Roberto’s vehicles.
Roberto, a convicted felon, was charged with certain persons not to possess firearms or ammunition.
He was transferred to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he is being held pending future court proceedings under the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendham Township Detective Bureau at 973-543-2584.
