By Jessica Kenley

Cameron County, Emporium — In a development described by court staff as highly unusual, bail was denied following a preliminary hearing in the case of Michael Roberto, who is accused of firing an air rifle into the home of Ashley Mason—where three of her four children were present at the time.

According to those present in the courtroom, a bailiff remarked that such a denial was something they had “never seen before,” underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.

Outside the courtroom, Mason spoke with Monarch Media about the decision and what it means for her family.

“I’m happy that he just can’t get out and be released, so my kids are safe,” Mason said.

Mason and her husband are raising four daughters, including a 10-year-old with nonverbal autism. She explained that the incident has been especially distressing given her daughter’s sensitivity to loud noises.

“Loud noises are really a big deal around our house,” she said, describing the fear her family has lived with since the shooting.

The case, Mason alleges, is not an isolated incident. She and her husband claim that troubling behavior from Roberto has persisted for years, with neighbors reportedly sharing similar concerns.

“Everybody in the neighborhood… said he’s been doing this for years, and he always gets away with it,” Mason said.

Monarch Media has independently spoken with neighbors who echoed those concerns, describing a pattern of behavior that they say has escalated over time.

During the hearing, testimony from Roberto’s mother suggested that he believed the Mason family to be “witches and warlocks,” a claim that raised questions about his mental state. Mason, however, pushed back on attempts to attribute the incident solely to mental illness.

“That’s a touchy subject with me,” she said. “I have a child with special needs that would not shoot somebody’s house… I think he knows what he was doing.”

Mason said the fear has been especially acute at night, when her husband works third shift and she is home alone with their children.

“We are there every night by ourselves… completely terrified at home,” she said.

For now, the denial of bail offers some relief. Still, uncertainty remains as the case moves forward. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether a plea deal will be offered, and a trial date has not been set.

“I’ve never been in trouble. I don’t know how the system works,” Mason said.

As the legal process continues, the Mason family says their focus remains on safety—and on ensuring their concerns are finally taken seriously.

“This is more than harassment,” Mason said. “It’s dangerous.”

Monarch Media will continue to follow developments in this case.