Ex Boy Scout Leader, Teacher Sexually Abused Child: Delco DA

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A Boy Scout trooper leader and former teacher from Delaware County has been charged with crimes related to sexual abuse of a student, authorities said.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said Keith Steininger, 68, of Upland Borough, for sexual contact with a student, indecent assault of a person less than 13, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, and related offenses.

In July 2022, Steininger retired from Girard College after 41 years, where, in addition to being a teacher, he served as a troop leader of a Boy Scout troop based at the college. The college is a boarding school for children from families headed by a single parent or a guardian.

On Jan. 25, Upland Borough Police received a call regarding the possible sexual assault of a child.

The caller, a foster parent, reported that her foster child had disclosed to her that he had been assaulted for two years between 2018 and 2020 when the victim was between that ages of 11 and 13, the DA's office said.

The child said he was touched on his private parts while staying with his former teacher and Boy Scout leader, identified as Steininger, according to authorities.

Authorities said the victim reported the assaults started when he was a student at Girard College.

The foster parent later told Upland Police that the victim told her that the assaults stopped after the child left Girard College and no longer spent time at the Steininger's home.

On Feb. 27, a forensic interview with the victim was conducted by the Child Advocacy Center of Delaware County. During the interview, the victim was able to provide additional information regarding the assaults.

Additionally, authorities said text messages sent to the victim by Steininger, and in a phone call between Steininger and the victim on April 11, acknowledged the sexual contact with the victim and offered an apology.

"Sadly, we believe that – given the defendant’s long tenure working with children – it is very likely that additional victims will come forward," Stollsteimer said. "We ask that anyone with information contact the Upland Police Department at 610-872-3040, extension 207, or the Detective Sergeant Steven Bannar of the Criminal Investigations Division at 610-891-4118."

Steininger was arraigned and bail was set at 10 percent of $250,000 bail. He was remanded to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 2.