The Suffolk County Police department was alerted about an alleged sexual relationship between a teacher and later under an investigation, the victim confirmed that the rape happened off the school grounds but there was inappropriate physical contact while at the school.” Though, one alum of the school has hinted that there is not only one predator that the police need to catch.
advertisement
According to Suffolk County Police, Timothy Harrison, 46, was arrested for having sex with a teenage student.
As per the police, the Long Island teacher and girls’ lacrosse coach had sex with an underage student while working as a special education teacher and lacrosse coach in the Babylon School District in 2013.
CBS New York
“Today’s announcement of the arrest of a Babylon school teacher for rape is disturbing,” Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison (no relation) said during a press conference.
“The rape occurred off school grounds, however, the victim indicated there was inappropriate physical contact while at the school,” he added.
CBS New York
advertisement
The department got a tip about a sexual relationship from the Babylon School District in 2021 and launched an official investigation.
Timothy Harrison was arrested during a traffic stop on the Robert Moses Causeway and booked on two counts of rape in the third degree and one count of a criminal sex act.
CBS New York
Reportedly, the alleged rapist was first held in Suffolk County’s First Precinct on Thursday night and was set to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Friday.
School Superintendent Linda Rozzi called the allegations “disturbing.”
“These allegations are extremely disturbing, and our thoughts are with the victim,” she said Thursday.
CBS New York
advertisement
“The district and board of education have zero tolerance towards such heinous acts and take all claims of this nature very seriously. We will continue to make the safety and well-being of our students and staff our top priority.”
CBS New York
advertisement
Commissioner Harrison lauded the victim for her bravery and courage.
“Her courage will give other victims of similar abuse the courage to come forward,” he said.
CBS New York
advertisement
However, one alumni of the school has hinted towards more predators which the police officials need to investigate.
“At one point, they said, ‘This is the only criminal that we’ve stumbled across,'” Barbara Maier told Patch.com about the police briefing.
“Which isn’t true, because every single one of us was a victim of a crime.”
CBS New York