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A gym teacher at Paul Robeson Business and Technical High School in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn has been charged with repeatedly and regularly sexually assaulting a juvenile female student over a three-year period beginning when the victim was 14 years old, according to the Queens district attorney's office.
The crimes allegedly took place at the defendant's residence in Queens or the home of a family member, also in Queens.
"As a teacher entrusted with the custody, care and education of young students, the defendant is accused of crossing the line separating teachers and students by engaging in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable female minor", Queens district attorney Richard Brown said.
Brown identified the defendant as Lawrence Major, 45, of 170-20 130 Avenue, Jamaica, Queens. Major has been charged with rape in the second degree, rape in the third degree and endangering the welfare of a child. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison and would also have to register as a sex offender.
Brown said that, according to the criminal charges, on a nearly monthly basis between Dec. 31, 2001 and this April 30, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted the victim at either his or his sister's residence. The victim was a student at the same high school at which the defendant taught.
The incident came to light when the victim confided in a friend who notified authorities.
According to Brown, Major was arrested Wednesday and arraigned Thursday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Steven W. Paynter, who set bail in the amount of $25,000 and a return date of Oct. 12. 9-29-05
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