NJ Coach Sexually Assaulted Teen Student, Prosecutors Say

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — A New Jersey horseback riding coach has been arrested for sexually assaulting his 16-year-old student, according to prosecutors.

Troy Roberto, 55, of Hewitt, faces a slew of charges for the sexual assault, as well as drug and ammunition charges.

This month, an investigation was launched after Mendham Township police were informed that Roberto had exhibited "inappropriate behavior" with his underage student, police said.

Investigators learned that throughout December 2025, Roberto had sexually assaulted the 16-year-old victim multiple times, according to prosecutors.

He is also accused of sending and receiving sexually explicit photos between himself and the teen victim, officials added.

When he was arrested on March 10, police found him in possession of six unprescribed Alprazolam pills, and a search of his vehicle yielded 36 rounds of ammunition.

Roberto is charged with three counts of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of child sexual abuse materials, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and certain persons not to possess ammunition.