Police: Babylon teacher, coach arrested for sexual relationship with former student

During an investigation, a female victim came forward and reported Timothy Harrison engaged in a sexual relationship with her between September and November of 2013.

News 12 Staff

Mar 3, 2022, 8:58 PM

Updated 948 days ago

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A Babylon teacher and coach was arrested for a sexual relationship with a former student, police say.
In November 2021, the Babylon Union Free School District contacted Suffolk police regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.
During an investigation, a female victim came forward and reported Timothy Harrison engaged in a sexual relationship with her between September and November of 2013.
The victim was 15 at the time. Harrison was 38.
The victim indicated there was inappropriate physical contact while at the school, the police commissioner says.
Harrison does not have any prior arrests. He is being charged with two counts of rape in the third degree and criminal sex act in the third degree.
He is set to be arraigned Friday.
The arrest happened on the Robert Moses Parkway in West Islip on Thursday.
"Today's announcement of the arrest of a Babylon school teacher for rape is disturbing," Suffolk Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison says.
He says the rape occurred off school grounds, but the victim said there was inappropriate physical contact while at the school.
Earlier this school year, one victim came forward alleging sexual harassment she endured when she was a student at Babylon High School.
Dozens of alumni came out to speak about the issue at a board meeting in November 2021.
Following the claims being made public, there was a student walkout and five employees were assigned to home duty.
One of the accusers, former student Brittany Rohl, says her abuser was one of Harrison's colleagues.
"I met him when I switched away from Tim Harrison's lacrosse program and into the track program," Rohl says. "And he told me I was special, all the things that we now know are grooming."
She says there is a culture of abuse in the school district that is "beyond comprehension."
Rohl says her relationship with her alleged abuser went on throughout her college years, and started to become sexual days after her 18th birthday, which is why she can't bring charges now.
She says students should report any behavior that makes them not feel comfortable.
"These kids have been going to school through COVID, and now this, it's really, really disruptive, and I just want them to have the support they need," Rohl says.
Anyone who feels they have been a victim is asked to call Suffolk detective at 631-852-6184.
Babylon Schools Superintendent Linda Rozzi released a statement saying, "The Babylon School District has been made aware that a high school teacher was arrested earlier today for an alleged criminal act involving sexual misconduct with a minor in 2013. Upon first learning of this inappropriate behavior in Nov. 2021, the district acted immediately be removing the individual from his classroom, reassigning him to his residence, removing all privileges and immediately notifying law enforcement authorities. The district also commenced its own internal investigation with regard to the allegations against this individual.
These allegations are extremely disturbing, and our thoughts are with the victim. 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.
As this is a personal matter, the district has no further comment on this matter and refers any specific inquiries regarding the arrest of this individual to law enforcement."