Christopher Columbus Charter School Teacher Accused of Sexual Harassment

A math teacher at Christopher Columbus Charter School was arrested last week and charged with sexually assaulting an underage former student and demanding nude photos of her.

Michael O’Brien, 48, of Philadelphia, was “immediately fired” by the South Philadelphia charter school after it learned of the allegations from Philadelphia police, Christopher Columbus CEO Nathan Blodgett said in a letter to the community Tuesday. He said he was “saddened, shocked and deeply concerned” by the allegations.

According to the indictment, O’Brien was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual assault and corruption of a minor for engaging in “sexual communications” with the girl, “including soliciting the minor to share nude photos and sending her nude photos of himself.”

O’Brien “engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor on separate dates in 2024” and instructed the girl to “delete all messages on her phone related to his contact with her,” according to the complaint. The girl’s age was not specified; in a letter to the community, Blodgett identified the victim as a former student.

O’Brien — who was released Friday after posting the required 10 percent of $100,000 bail — could not be reached for comment Tuesday. He has worked in education for 26 years, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

According to the school, he taught eighth-grade math at Christopher Columbus School, where he worked as of 2021.

Blodgett wrote in his letter that all faculty members “must undergo rigorous pre-employment protocols,” including criminal background checks. He said the statute will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and will provide counseling services to students, families and staff upon request.

Blodgett also said that “our thoughts and prayers go out to the young woman who has been identified as a victim in this case.”

Inquirer staff writer Chris Palmer contributed to this article.