NEW YORK – A Department of Education paraprofessional working at Public School 97 Forest Park in Queens has been arrested on multiple criminal charges. Jamall Russell, 29, was taken into custody on Monday night after voluntarily surrendering at the 105th Precinct stationhouse.
Russell, who learned of a complaint against him and that police wanted to speak with him, is accused of having engaged in a sexual relationship with an underage girl from another school.
The girl was 14 years old when the relationship began and is now 15, according to the police report.
Charges against Russell include rape, criminal sex act, sexual abuse, and acting in a manner injurious to a child.
The authorities continue to investigate the case, and additional information may become available as the situation unfolds. The arrest has raised significant concerns within the community, particularly among parents and school officials.