Former Pensacola High Assistant Principal Sentenced for Child Exploitation

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Sean Clark Roby, a former Assistant Principal of School Operations at Pensacola High School, has been sentenced to 14 years in state prison following his conviction on multiple felony charges of video voyeurism and child pornography possession.

The sentencing concludes a multi-year law enforcement investigation that led to Roby’s termination from the Escambia County Public School District and his subsequent arrest on dozens of felony sex crime charges.

Background and Career History

Before his arrest, Sean Clark Roby, 55, served in administrative leadership within Escambia County Public Schools. His primary role was Assistant Principal of School Operations at Pensacola High School, where he oversaw campus logistics, daily operational workflows, and facility coordination.

Roby lived in Escambia County with his family. His wife served as principal at Hellen Caro Elementary School until an unrelated legal matter in 2025.

Timeline of Investigation and Arrests

Initial Arrest (August 2024)

Roby was initially taken into custody by Pensacola Police officers on Wednesday evening, August 14, 2024, during a traffic stop.

• Initial Charge: Felony video voyeurism by an offender age 19 or older.
• The Allegation: A 23-year-old victim came forward to law enforcement reporting that in 2019, when she was 17 years old and residing in the same household during part of her childhood, Roby had unlawfully recorded her nude in her bedroom. The victim reported observing Roby sliding his smartphone under the bathroom door at least three times while she was showering.

Following his initial arrest, Roby was booked into the Escambia County Jail on a $15,000 bond and was immediately suspended by the Escambia County School District pending the outcome of the investigation. He posted bond two days later.

Forensic Investigation and Additional Charges (September 2024)

While Roby was on pre-trial release, detectives with the Pensacola Police Department executed search warrants on electronic devices seized from his home, including laptops and cellular phones. Forensic analysis revealed extensive hidden files.

On September 13, 2024, during an arraignment hearing, Roby was re-arrested in court as prosecutors filed 29 additional felony counts:

• 20 counts of possession of child pornography
• 4 counts of video voyeurism by an offender age 24 or older on a child under 16 (dating back to incidents in December 2016)
• 5 additional counts of felony video voyeurism (stemming from recordings captured in 2018 and 2020)

Following the second arrest, the Escambia County Public School District formally terminated Roby’s employment, and his bond was raised to over $500,000.

School & Campus Safety Note: Both the Pensacola Police Department and Escambia County Public Schools confirmed that digital forensics and investigative evidence showed no indication that any improper recordings or illicit activities occurred on the Pensacola High School campus or involved active students at the school. All charges stemmed from personal devices and domestic settings.

Conviction and Sentencing

Following formal court proceedings in Escambia County, Roby was convicted on the felony counts of video voyeurism and child pornography possession, receiving a 14-year prison sentence.

The case underscores the vital role of community vigilance and reporting, reminding parents and local residents that suspicious or predatory behavior—regardless of an individual’s professional title or standing—must be promptly reported to law enforcement.

Case Summary at a Glance