School Security Under Review After Man Charged In Sex Assault Entered Abington High Twice

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Security protocols are under review following two breaches at the high school by a man charged with the sexual assault of a student.

In an email to the Abington School District community this week, Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Fecher addressed a police investigation that resulted in a 25-year-old man charged on Friday with raping a student at Abington Senior High School at her home.

The superintendent said that police found that the victim, on two different dates in March, had opened a back door in the high school to let the man in during the school day.

Raheem Grange Allen faces multiple rape- and sexual assault-related charges, according to court records. He is being held on $250,000 bail.

Video footage shows he was wearing a hoodie and was able to briefly blend in as a student while moving in the hallways.

Fecher further addressed the security breaches at the start of the Abington Township School Board meeting on Tuesday night.

"There are numerous unresolved questions about this man’s presence in the high school, as well as, where and when he initially encountered the victim," the superintendent said.

He said the school district has launched a third-party internal investigation and are working with the Abington Township Police Department to gain additional information.

Fecher said that the school district is reviewing all security protocols and procedures and will work with the Montgomery County Department of School Safety to determine whether additional security measures should be put in place.

"We share in the concern and shock that this information causes, and we are committed to addressing it effectively," he said. "Safety and security must be a priority, and we will seek external support to ensure we are following best practices. All exterior doors are locked throughout the school day, but building occupants always have the ability to open them from the inside for evacuation purposes, as required by law."

Fecher said school officials are limited on how much information can be shared due to the ongoing investigation and legal matter involving a minor.

Anyone with additional questions can reach out to Fecher by email at superintendent@abington.k12.pa.us.