Ex-staffer accused
of relationship with student

By Diane Prokop
Time Staff Writer

A former St. Hubert High School staffer surrendered to police Monday on charges relating to an alleged sexual relationship with a student at the all-girls school.
Scott Healey, 27, was charged with corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children during his tenure as director of institutional advancement at the school, from October 2005 through August 2007. Healey had served in the same capacity at Northeast Catholic High School since September 2007.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia insists that Healey was not transferred to the all-boys school but that he applied for a job there.
According to Capt. John Darby of the police department’s special victims unit, the female student reported the inappropriate contact at the age of 17 but that it goes back some period of time.
While Darby declined to release Healey’s address, he did say that the educator does not live in the immediate neighborhood of the student or near either school.
Although not a teacher at St. Hubert, Healey conducted after-school programs, where the student first became acquainted with him, according to Darby.
"Over a period of time, that relationship became physical," the captain said.
Darby explained that even though it was a consensual relationship, by law the student was not able to consent.
If the complainant is under the age of 16 and the other person is four or more years older, there could be statutory rape charges.
However, in consultation with the district attorney’s office, investigators charged Healey with endangering the welfare of a child and corrupting the morals of a minor.
The special victims unit began conducting an investigation after the girl and her family reported the alleged indecent contact last month. The unit was in contact early on with the staff at St. Hubert and Northeast Catholic high schools.
"The principals and archdiocese were very cooperative. He was suspended immediately," Darby said.
On Monday, the archdiocese fired Healey, who had been on administrative leave since early February when allegations first came to light, according to archdiocesan spokeswoman Donna Farrell.
"Before we (put him on leave), we reported the allegation to police. Our primary concern is for the victim," Farrell said.
The archdiocese sent a letter to parents of students at both schools on Monday, informing them of the allegations and encouraging young people to find a trusted adult to talk to in regard to any allegations of sexual abuse.
"We also offered contact information for our Victim Assistance Program and Safe Environment Program as well as an outside network of victim assistance if they needed assistance in supporting their child through this," Farrell said.
Healey was released on 10 percent of $50,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is set for March 12.
Healey denies involvement in any wrongdoing, according to his high-profile defense attorney, Fortunato Perri.
Perri’s client list includes hip-hop artist Beanie Siegel, whom he successfully defended on attempted-murder charges.
Despite Healey’s dismissal by the archdiocese, Perri said that his client "is and has been a valuable employee to the archdiocese." ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com