Tulsa youth program director charged with sexual abuse of girl, 16
BY KENDRICK MARSHALL World Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
12/04/12 at 6:08 AM
A sex abuse charge was filed Monday against a Tulsa youth program director after he was accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.
Tshaka Ali Rivers, 31, was arrested Nov. 24 on a first-degree rape complaint, jail records show.
He is charged with sexual abuse of a minor, according to Tulsa County District Court filing.
Prosecutors allege Rivers forced himself on a 16-year-old girl in a home in the 5300 block of North Johnston Avenue.
The girl told police that Rivers entered her bedroom about 4 a.m. Nov. 24, touched her inappropriately and raped her, according to an arrest report.
Rivers is also alleged to have told the girl, "we are going to keep this between us," the report said.
The victim immediately informed a relative following the encounter and police were contacted.
Rivers is believed to be a family acquaintance, police said.
Rivers has been employed as managing director of programs at New Hope, 10901 S. Yale Ave., a nonprofit organization that provides after-school and summer camp programs for children of incarcerated parents.
His name is still listed as a staff member on New Hope's website.
New Hope Executive Director Stacie Wilson said the organization was "surprised and saddened" by the claim against Rivers.
"While the allegations do not appear to involve Mr. Rivers' work with New Hope, we will cooperate with the authorities, if requested, to the fullest of our abilities," Wilson said in a statement. "The safety, health and well-being of the children we serve is paramount."
On Oct. 31, Rivers' son, Elijah Rivers, 7, a student at Tulsa Lighthouse Charter School, 105 E. 63rd St. North, was killed when he was struck by a car near Virgin Street and Harvard Avenue while walking to school.
Rivers remains in the Tulsa Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.
Original Print Headline: Man charged in sexual abuse involving girl, 16
Kendrick Marshall 918-581-8386
kendrick.marshall@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Tshaka Ali Rivers: His son died in a traffic accident just weeks before his arrest.
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