WMC-TV: News, Weather, Traffic, Radar, and Sports for Memphis, TN; WMCTV.com | School security officer faces sex charge

School security officer faces sex charge

By Nick Kenney - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - Memphis police have charged a Memphis City Schools security officer with raping a Northside High School student.

Mario Harris, 29, is accused of having a six-month-long sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student, including two sexual encounters on campus.

Police charged Harris on Saturday with statutory rape by an authority figure.  According to state law, the charge applies to any sexual contact with a victim that is at least 13 years old, but younger than 18.  The defendant is at least four years older, and uses a professional position of trust to accomplish a sexual act with the alleged victim.

The Associated Press reported that the 17-year-old's mother became suspicious of her daughter's relationship with Harris and notified police.

A Memphis City Schools spokesperson said, "This type of behavior will absolutely not be tolerated by any of our employees."

Harris has been relieved of all duties, and the MCS spokesperson said the district is cooperating with investigators.

The arrest warrant said Harris denied the accusations against him.

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