Babylon Teacher Indicted On Rape Charges, Pleads Not Guilty: DA

BABYLON, NY — A Babylon teacher who was arrested and charged earlier this month with raping a 15-year old was arraigned on Wednesday in at Suffolk County Criminal Court in Riverhead, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Timothy Harrison, 46, of Oak Beach, a special education teacher and coach, was charged with two counts of third-degree rape, two counts of third-degree criminal sexual act, and endangering the welfare of a child, Tierney said.

He appeared in court before Honorable Karen M. Wilutis and pleaded not guilty. Harrison previously posted bail of $25,000, which was transferred, officials said.

Harrison raped the then-15-year-old student on two separate occasions between September and November of 2013 at his residence in Oak Beach, prosecutors said. He also provided alcohol to the girl prior to the rape, officials said.

The woman reported the sexual abuse to Suffolk County Police Special Victim Section detectives in November, Tierney said..

Following an investigation, Harrison was later arrested and charged on March 3, police said.

He is due back in court on April 26.

If convicted, Harrison faces a maximum sentence of four years’ imprisonment on each felony
count, Tierney said.

The indictment comes months after Attorney General Letitia James announced an investigation into the Babylon School District. James' announcement followed numerous accusations from alumni, who claimed they experienced sexual and emotional abuse from teachers.

Harrison was one of several teachers who were reassigned to his home, after a heated Board of Education meeting in November.

Kevin Keating, who represents Harrison, has not yet responded for comment.

Any additional victims or witnesses are asked to call the Special Victims Section at 631-852-8791
or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.