District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Superior Court has affirmed the conviction of the Smethport man for Rape of a Child, Incest of a Minor, and other sex crimes against a young boy. Robert TANNER is currently incarcerated serving a state sentence of at least 20 years for his crimes. After his conviction, the Judge sentenced TANNER to a period of incarceration of at least 20 years to 40 years plus 3 years of consecutive probation.

After TANNER was charged, the District Attorney gave notice of her intention to seek an enhanced sentence that is permitted under the sentencing code for Rape on a victim under 13 and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse on a victim under 16. The enhancement allows the Judge to impose a sentence higher than that provided for in the sentencing guidelines and the Judge imposed the enhanced penalty in this case.

TANNER appealed his case to the Superior Court and, by Opinion filed December 1, 2025, the Court affirmed his conviction. Trooper Eric Thompson, Pennsylvania State Police, investigated the case. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Robert TANNER was convicted at a jury trial held in June, 2024 of Rape of a Child under 13 (2 counts) – Felony 1; Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse of a Child under 13 (2 counts) – Felony 1; Statutory Sexual Assault – 11 or more years older than victim (2 counts)- Felony 1; Incest of a Minor (2 counts)- Felony 2; Endangering Welfare of a Child – course of conduct- Felony 3; Endangering Welfare of a Child (2 counts)-Misdemeanor 1; Corruption of Minors -Felony 3; Indecent Assault – course of conduct/indecent contact by touching intimate parts – Felony 3; Indecent Assault of a Child (2 counts)- Misdemeanor 1; and Indecent Assault of a Child under 16 and offender 4 or more years older (2 counts)- Misdemeanor 2.

If you suspect child abuse, please call Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and 911.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/superior-court-affirms-conviction-smethport-man-rape-child