Morris county equestrian coach charged with sexual assault of 16-year-old

The charges follow an investigation into alleged abuse and explicit communications in Mendham Township.

Morris County, NJ – A 55-year-old horse trainer from Hewitt is facing multiple felony charges after investigators allege he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old student and exchanged explicit images with the minor over several months. The case has drawn attention across Morris County’s equestrian community, where the defendant worked as a riding coach.

Troy Roberto was charged following a joint investigation by the Mendham Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Officials say the alleged incidents occurred on multiple occasions beginning in December and continued into early this year.

Details of investigation and charges

According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, authorities were first notified in March of “allegedly inappropriate behavior by the defendant, who is an equestrian trainer, and the victim.” The investigation determined that Roberto “sexually assaulted the victim, who was 16-years-old at the time” on multiple occasions in Mendham Township.

It is further alleged that Roberto “sent and received sexually explicit photographs to and from the victim.”

As a result, Roberto faces three counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Additional charges include third-degree endangering the welfare of a child for possession of child sexual abuse materials, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and third-degree certain persons not to possess ammunition.

Arrest, evidence, and detention

Roberto was arrested in Atlantic County on March 10. Authorities said that following his arrest, he was found in possession of “six Alprazolam pills without a proper prescription.”

A court-authorized search of his vehicle led to the discovery of “36 rounds of ammunition,” according to the prosecutor’s office.

He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he remains detained under the Criminal Justice Reform Act pending future court proceedings.

Officials said the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at 973-285-6200.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office stated, “The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.”

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