A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 4th on a single misdemeanor charge of corruption of minors filed against a Vandergrift man who was employed as a security officer in the Homer-Center School District. Anthony Depanicis was charged by state police investigators from the Kiski Valley station for an incident which is alleged to have occurred on August 1st, 1991.
Details of the crime have not been released. Depanicis is a former municipal police officer in Vandergrift and the conduct for which he is charged is alleged to have occurred there. State police emphasize that no criminal activity took place at Homer-Center School District or involved anyone there.
Depanicis is free on $10,000 unsecured bond. His hearing March 4th will be before District Judge Cheryl J. Peck-Yakopec.
Homer-Center superintendent Ralph Cecere says that upon learning of Depanicis’s arrest, the district immediately terminated his employment. Cecere issued the statement below:
The Homer-Center School District has been made aware of the recent arrest of one of our security officers. We want to assure our students, parents, staff, and the entire community that this matter is entirely unrelated to our school, our students, and our operations. The safety and well-being of our school community remain our highest priority.
Upon learning of the arrest, we took immediate action, and the individual has been relieved of their duties as a security officer here at Homer-Center. We are fully cooperating with the Pennsylvania State Police as they continue their investigation.
We understand that situations like this can raise concerns, and we want to reassure everyone that we remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students and staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact superintendent, Mr. Ralph Cecere, using the information provided above. Thank you for your continued trust in the Homer-Center School District.
