Ex Charter School Dean​ Guilty Of Child Sex Assault In Delco: DA

MEDIA, PA – The former dean of a Philadelphia charter school has been convicted of charges related to child sex abuse, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland announced that Omar Harrison, 43, of Elkins Park, was convicted of sexual abuse charges including statutory sexual assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of an individual less than 16-years of age.

Harrison, a former Dean at Mastery Charter Harrity Middle School in Philadelphia, was found guilty by a jury of statutory sexual assault, two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of a child less than 16 years of age, both felonies of the first degree, institutional sexual assault, a felony of the third degree, indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age, a second-degree misdemeanor, and corruption of a minor, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Harrison was charged after driving the 14-year-old female victim to the Econo Lodge in Essington Township where the sexual assault occurred on June 12, 2017.

During the ride to motel, Harrison told the victim "don't be nervous, don't be scared, if you want to do this, you can't tell everybody, you're going to get me trouble.”

After the sexual assault occurred at the hotel, he drove her home and dropped her off on the corner.

Assistant District Attorney Danielle S. Gallaher prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.

The investigation was led by Sergeant James Simpkins of the Tinicum Township Police Department with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department and the Special Victims Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department. Lauren Ciatteo of the Delaware County Women Against Rape provided advocacy and support in this case.

"Omar Harrison used his position of authority to manipulate, coerce and sexually exploit the victim in this case for his own sexual gratification," Copeland said. "He will now be held accountable for his actions and is facing lifetime Megan’s Law Registration. The victim demonstrated incredible courage by providing detailed and accurate testimony during the trial, ensuring he will not harm anyone else. I would like to commend Assistant District Attorney Danielle Gallaher for bringing this case to justice, Sergeant James Simpkins for his thorough investigation, with initial assistance from Philadelphia’s Special Victims Unit and Lauren Ciatteo of the Delaware County Women Against Rape who provided advocacy and support for the victim in this case."

Image via Delaware County District Attorney's Office