An after-school instructor at a Queens mosque is facing charges of sexual abuse after he allegedly touched a student in an inappropriate manner in the last few months.
Mohammed Rana, 46, of East Elmhurst was awaiting arraignment on Wednesday in Queens Criminal Court for two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
RELATED:Brooklyn youth center aide charged with sexual assault According to prosecutors, Rana is an instructor of an after-school religious program at the Masjid Abu Huraira Mosque at 78-04 31st Ave. Some time between Nov. 30, 2015 and Jan. 28, 22016 and the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Rana allegedly reach under a 9-year-old female student’s clothing and grabbed and squeezed her chest with his hand. While doing this, Rana allegedly said, “you are a good girl,” authorities said. On Feb. 3 Rana again allegedly touched the victim on her chest over her clothing with his hand.
The incident cane to light after a sexual abuse prevention workshop — which used puppets — took place at the young girl’s school, according to authorities. The victim then told a workshop instructor what had happened. “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,” said Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown. “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.” RELATED:Brooklyn day care worker arrested for molesting 10-year-old boy If convicted, Rana faces up to seven years in prison.
Last August, another Queens man was charged with sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl in the basement of a mosque in Ozone Park.