Ex-school boss guilty in sex assault on 14-year-old girl
MEDIA COURTHOUSE >> The former dean of Mastery Charter Harrity Middle School in Philadelphia was convicted Monday on all charges stemming from the sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student last year in Essington.
Omar Harrison, 43, of the 400 block of Valley Road in Elkins Park, was found guilty of statutory sexual assault, institutional sexual assault, indecent assault against a child less than 16 years old, corruption of minors and two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of an individual less than 16 years of age. The jury deliberated for about an hour before returning a verdict.
The victim testified last week that Harrison became like a father figure during her eighth-grade year prior to their sexual encounter at the Econolodge on Governor Printz Boulevard June 22, 2017. She said he often spoke to her mother about things she needed to work on at school and provided her with emotional support.
The two also communicated regularly outside of school, including texts over social media, she said. On June 22, she said Harrison told her he was taking her to a “special place” and drove her to the motel, where he told her to “freshen up” in the bathroom and remain undressed.
The girl told Assistant District Attorney Danielle Gallaher that he laid her naked on the bed and put his penis into her vagina. The intercourse was painful, she said, but she endured it because she wanted to make him happy. Afterwards, she said the two engaged in oral sex and then he drove her home.
On the drive, the teen said Harrison told her that he hoped she could keep a secret, then dropped her off near her mother’s house. The mother became aware of the inappropriate relationship in October 2017 when she discovered the girl’s Instagram account on her tablet.
Harrison, represented by defense counsel Laurence Narcisi, did not testify.
“Omar Harrison used his position of authority to manipulate, coerce and sexually exploit the victim in this case for his own sexual gratification,” said District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland in a release. “He will now be held accountable for his actions and is facing lifetime Megan’s Law Registration.”
Copeland added that the victim demonstrated incredible courage by providing detailed and accurate testimony during the trial, and commended Gallaher for her work on the case.
Copeland also thanked Tinicum Police Sergeant James Simpkins for a thorough investigation with assistance from Philadelphia’s Special Victims Unit, as well as Lauren Ciatteo from Delaware County Women Against Rape for providing advocacy and support for the victim.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 4 before Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony D. Scanlon.