Steven Harrison, of Roosevelt, driver for developmentally disabled, allegedly raped rider, police say

A van driver for a Brookville organization that assists people with developmental disabilities was arrested and charged on Tuesday with allegedly raping a woman he drove on his route, the Nassau County Police Department said.

Steven Harrison, 62, of Roosevelt, allegedly had "multiple sexual encounters" with the woman from March 2022 through Sept. 12, Nassau police said in a news release. Police said Harrison worked as a van driver for  AHRC, a Nassau chapter in Brookville of The Arc New York, which advocates "for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities" and supports them through residential, employment and other services, according to its website.

While driving the woman on his route, Harrison would stop at the Home Depot parking lot in Jericho "and have inappropriate sexual contact with the female victim who was 24 years-old at the time," the Nassau police news release said.

Court records said the woman was "repeatedly saying no," to Harrison. Prosecutors said the abuse spanned three years and the alleged victim was autistic, court records state.

Last Thursday, the woman reported the "encounters" to a relative, who contacted law enforcement, Nassau police said. Police interviewed the woman and had a "recorded admission" from Harrison following his arrest, according to court records. 

Police arrested Harrison at the AHRC Nassau facility in Brookville and charged him with third-degree rape, first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent physically disabled person and second-degree sexual abuse, according to the release.

Harrison pleaded not guilty on Wednesday morning during his arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead, according to court records. A judge set his bail at $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond. His attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County did not comment after court.

Prosecutors said there was video evidence available from the Home Depot parking lot and other alleged victims are coming forward. Family members of the woman attended the arraignment, but did not comment.

Attorneys in court said Harrison had worked for AHRC Nassau for 24 years and was a lifelong Long Island resident. His sister and son appeared in court, but did not speak to reporters

Harrison was suspended with pay following the charges, Nassau AHRC officials said on Wednesday.

Mary McNamara, director of communications for the AHRC Nassau chapter, also said the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs Is conducting an investigation into Harrison’s alleged conduct. The center will "issue findings" to the AHRC and recommend "what to do with this employee."

"Protecting the safety and rights of people with developmental disabilities is at the core of our mission," AHRC Nassau said in a statement. "These allegations are deeply disturbing. We take all allegations of abuse seriously and are fully cooperating with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to support the investigative process and ensure appropriate action is taken."

The Nassau County District Attorney's Office said it had received additional complaints that were being investigated.

Detectives ask anyone who believes they were victims to call Nassau County Special Victims Squad at 516-573-4022 or dial 911. Calls will remain anonymous.

Newsday's John Asbury and NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger contributed to this story.