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CBS2 Exclusive: Queens Superintendent 'Completely And Absolutely' Denies Groping Charges

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A sex abuse scandal has rocked an elementary school in Queens.

A superintendent has been accused of groping a co-worker for years.

Lenon Murray, 56, was a well respected employee for the New York City Department of Education for nearly 30 years.

Now, the former Queens District 29, superintendent is unemployed and facing sex abuse charges.

Murray spoke exclusively to CBS2's Hazel Sanchez outside of his Brooklyn home, where he was asked if he was denying the charges.

"Completely and absolutely," he said.

Investigators said Murray groped a female employee at P.S. 35 in Hollis on at least two occasions. Once in April and a second time in May. According to the criminal complaint, the victim repeatedly told Murray not to touch her, and to stop.

Police said the 34-year-old accuser claims Murray had forcibly touched her on multiple occasions since they first began working together at P.S. 35 in 2013.

She finally reported the alleged abuse last week.

"Absolutely denying it. As I said before let the judicial system take care of things," Murray said.

Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina said Murray will never work for the DOE again.

"Within tow hours of his arrest he was notified that he no longer had a job and he was removed from payroll," she said.

Claudette Callahan lives in the apartment above Murray's in a two family home. She said she would never suspect him of any inappropriate activity.

"He's well dressed and everything," she said.

"It disgusts me that someone we entrusted with protecting our children could engage in any type of sexual abuse," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Murray was arraigned in court and released on his own recognizance. He said he's confident he will be vindicated and will work in education again.

 

 

 

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