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Long Island teacher charged with raping 15-year-old student
A Long Island teacher has been arraigned and charged with raping a 15-year-old student in 2013.
LONG ISLAND - Police in Suffolk County have arrested a teacher on charges of having a sexual relationship with a minor.
Timothy Harrison left the courthouse on Friday afternoon without comment.
The 46-year-old was arrested on rape charges dating back to 2013. Prosecutors say on at least two occasions he allegedly texted with an unnamed 15-year-old student, picked her up, brought her to his house, gave her alcohol, and then had sex with her - this while working as a teacher and coach in the Babylon School District.
Darcy Bennet says she’s reliving her own horrors hearing about other victims. The Babylon alum says she was sexually assaulted by one of Harrison’s colleagues.
"We don’t personally know her but we do support her," Bennet said. "It’s mind-blowing. It’s really disgusting."
While Bennet’s alleged abuser hasn’t been charged - Harrison’s arrest marks the first step in what she says is much-needed change.
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Last year New York Attorney General Letitia James launched a civil investigation after mounting allegations of sexual abuse, misconduct, and manipulation involving multiple teachers in the school district.
"I’m hoping that moving forward we’ll get some more arrests out of this, make sure people get justice out of this and everyone is heard," Bennet said.
Harrison’s attorney says his client is a married man with two children and has the support of family, friends, and colleagues.
"His life’s history is the opposite of this accusation," Keating said. "He’s 46, been in the district forever. He’s highly regarded."
The Babylon School District called the latest allegations extremely disturbing and noted Harrison has been suspended without pay since they first learned about alleged inappropriate behavior.
A stay-away order of protection has also been issued to protect the victim. Harrison posted bail and is due back in court in April.