(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: June 18, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, after a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Robert Allen Tanner was convicted of sex crimes against a juvenile boy.

The case initiated in February, 2023, when the juvenile boy reported to a school aid that TANNER, with whom he is related, committed various sex acts on him.  The aid reported this to Childline prompting a CYS caseworker to meet with the child at the school. 

Throughout the two day trial, the school aid, CYS caseworker, forensic interviewer, family advocate and an expert on child abuse disclosure testified before the jury. 

The minor child also testified and told the jury that, when he was left in TANNER’S care when he was 8 or 9 years old, TANNER would perform oral sex on him, touch the child’s penis with his hand and TANNER’S own penis, and put the child’s penis on his butt.  The child was unable to describe the number of times this occurred but related that it occurred more than once. 

Trooper Eric Thompson, formerly in the crime unit at the Pennsylvania State Police – Lewis Run barracks, interviewed TANNER and investigated the case.  TANNER also testified.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. 

TANNER was convicted of Rape of a Child under 13 (2 counts) – Felony 1; Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse of a Child under 13 (2 counts) – Felony 1; Statutory Sexual Assault – 11 or more years older than victim (2 counts)- Felony 1; Incest of a Minor (2 counts)- Felony 2; Endangering Welfare of a Child – course of conduct- Felony 3; Endangering Welfare of a Child (2 counts)-Misdemeanor 1; Corruption of Minors -Felony 3; Indecent Assault – course of conduct/indecent contact by touching intimate parts – Felony 3; Indecent Assault of a Child (2 counts)- Misdemeanor 1; and Indecent Assault of a Child under 16 and offender 4 or more years older (2 counts)- Misdemeanor 2.

TANNER was ordered to undergo an assessment by the Sexual Offender Assessment Board to determine if he meets the definition of sexually violent predator.  An assessment  is required under Pennsylvania law for anyone convicted of sex offenses.  Because the Board has 90 days to complete its assessment, sentencing was scheduled for November 7^th. 

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer advised her intention to seek sentencing enhancements provided for in the sentencing code for Rape on a victim under 13 and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse on a victim under 16. These enhancements provide for a lengthier sentence than the guidelines provide for in Pennsylvania. 

TANNER has remained incarcerated since he was charged by Trooper Thompson and, following the verdict, his bail was increased from $300,000 to $500,000.

If you suspect child abuse, please call Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.