Feb. 10, 2016 Staff Report
An after school instructor at a Jackson Heights mosque has been charged with sexual abuse of a young student, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.
Mohammed Rana, an after-school religious instructor at Masjid Abu Huraira, a mosque at 78th Street and 31st Avenue, faces two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of child after allegedly groping a 9-year-old female student.
If convicted, Rana faces up to seven years in prison.
The charges state that sometime between November and January, Rana reached under the girl’s clothing and squeezed her chest while stating, “you are a good girl.” He also allegedly touched the victim on her chest over her clothing on Feb. 3.
The case came to light after a sexual prevention workshop, utilizing puppets, that was conducted at the victim’s school. The victim told the workshop instructor about the alleged incidents at the mosque.
“According to the charges, the defendant is accused of using his position as a religious instructor at a mosque to prey on a young student. These are serious allegations,” Brown said. “This case should serve as a clear and unmistakable warning that law enforcement is prepared to apprehend and prosecute sexual predators who betray and defile youngsters.”
Featured Events
One Comment
This guy should not be released on bail .
And a picture of him should also be printed with the story. Maybe the authorities should talk to the other boys and girls who attend that mosque.