Harlem After-School Worker Indicted On Child Sex Abuse Charges: DA

HARLEM, NY — An employee at a Harlem after-school program was indicted Tuesday on multiple charges of child sexual abuse, prosecutors announced.

The victim, an 8-year-old girl, was sexually abused over the course of several months by a part-time public school employee who worked at an after-school program attended by the child, officials said.

The accusations led to indictment against Miles McNeal, 25, of Yonkers, on charges of sexual conduct against a child, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child — all felonies, prosecutors said.

"As alleged, Miles McNeal abused his power as an afterschool program teacher to sexually abuse an 8-year-old student. These alleged acts are despicable, and no student or parent should ever have to fear that they may face this abusive behavior at a school,' said District Attorney Bragg.

Bagg added that prosecutors believe there could be other survivors, and that anyone who believes their children could have been abused by McNeal should contact his office.

"Our team has extensive experience and trauma-informed training to handle these investigations with the care and sensitivity they deserve," Bragg said.

Prosecutors say that between September 2022 and August 2023, McNeal molested and abused his 8-year-old victim while he worked as her after school and camp teacher.

McNeal routinely removed the young girl from other students and would bring her to an empty classroom, prosecutors claim.

The abuse began with photographs and eventually led to sexual abuse, officials said.

He also stands accused of showing those images to other students, according to ABC 7.

Parents at the Harlem school, P.S. 185, said they were outraged that they were not promptly informed of the incident, leading to the school's principal and parent coordinators removal from the school, reports ABC.

McNeal was arrested on Feb. 1 and has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors said that any parent who believes their child had contact with McNeal should call 212-335-4300 and connect with specially trained professionals who can speak to children and their families in a child-friendly setting.