Former Philadelphia charter school official charged with statutory rape

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A former Philadelphia charter school official is in custody on statutory rape charges.

Omar Harrison, 42, of Cheltenham, Pa. was arrested on Wednesday. He was a dean of students at Mastery Charter's Harrity Elementary School in the 5600 block of Christian Street in West Philadelphia.

Police say the victim was a 14-year-old 8th grade student.

The victim allegedly told investigators the incident happened at the end of the past school year after Harrison gave her a ride to a hotel in Tinicum Township near Philadelphia International Airport.

Officials from Master Charter Schools say the incident came to light on Friday after the victim's mother came to the school to confront Harrison. The school was placed on lockdown for student safety, officials said, and no one was hurt.

Harrison has been fired from his position.

"Inappropriate contact with students - of any kind - is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated at Mastery," officials said in a statement.

Harrison is being held on 10% of 100,000 bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3268 or the Special Investigation Unit 215-685-3263.

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