Youth Worker Accused in Sex Case

(Norristown, Pennsylvania) A 37-year-old childcare worker formerly at Saint Gabriel's Hall youth detention center, Saniyyah N. Johnson, has been accused of engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 17-year-old boy.

Johnson faces charges of institutional sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of a minor.

An investigation of Johnson was initiated, according to court documents, on Aug. 4 after a program director at Saint Gabriel’s Hall, a state licensed youth detention center for delinquent boys, reported to Lower Providence police that a student at the facility disclosed that he had sexual relations with Johnson.

The sexual contact occurred multiple times at the institution and on one occasion at Johnson’s residence, according to the arrest affidavit filed by Lower Providence Detective Sgt. Terrence Kennedy.

The boy apparently did not fight Johnson’s sexual advances but because of his age and where the incidents occurred, Johnson committed numerous crimes, authorities alleged.

Johnson was booked into custody and subsequently released on $25,000 bail.