Trial Date Set For Former LI Teacher Charged With Raping Student

BABYLON, NY — The case of Timothy Harrison, a former Babylon School District teacher arrested and charged with raping a high school student in 2013, is set to go to trial later this year.

Kevin Keating, Harrison's attorney, confirmed with Patch that the trial is scheduled for Sept. 27.

During an investigation by special victims section detectives, a woman came forward in November 2022 and said she had a sexual relationship with a teacher, Harrison, during the fall of 2013 when she was 15, police said. He was 38 at the time.

Babylon school administrators contacted police in October 2021 regarding allegations of misconduct involving district staff.

Harrison was arrested March 3, 2022, during a traffic stop and was charged with two counts of third-degree rape and a count of third-degree criminal sexual act, officials said.

In a statement to Patch, former Superintendent Linda Rozzi wrote:
"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 alleged inappropriate behavior in November 2021, the district acted immediately by 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."

Rozzi went onto write:

"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."

The trial comes almost two years after dozens of alumni publicly came forward, accusing multiple district teachers of sexual and emotional abuse and accusing the district of turning a blind eye to it.

Attorney General Letitia James also launched an investigation into the district.

BHS Alumni & Allies For Change (BAAC), an abuse advocacy group created by alumni, told Patch that they applaud the woman who spoke up, in a statement to Patch:

"Harrison's rape trial is perhaps one of the only actions of consequence to come as a result of the brave survivors who came forward nearly two years ago. We commend the brave woman that chose to pursue this action, and wish her strength and fortitude once the trial is underway."

BAAC continued to write:

"We also thank our fellow alumnae who is bravely planning to testify to her own experience with Harrison. BAAC hopes that this news will serve as a reminder to Babylon Village residents about the reality of the predation occurring in the halls of BHS; and may a modicum of justice for the decades of abuse be finally served when the verdict is handed down."

Keating declined to provide a further comment.

Patch also reached out to the Babylon School District for comment.

This is a developing story. Be sure to follow Patch for more updates.