Former Raleigh private school counselor, substitute charged with assaulting student
A former substitute teacher and counselor at a Raleigh private school was arrested Wednesday on multiple charges of sexually assaulting a student.
Mason Collins Cooley, 21, of Raleigh is charged with indecent liberties with a student and three counts of indecent liberties with a child, court records show.
Cooley is accused of assaulting a minor student Jan. 2 while working at St. Timothy’s School, a private Episcopal school in North Raleigh, according to his arrest warrant.
Court documents don’t specify how Cooley had access to the student or how old the student was, though the arrest warrant states the child was under 16.
In a statement provided to The News & Observer on Wednesday, head school administrator Tim Tinnesz said Cooley was an after-school counselor and substitute teacher at the school.
“When we learned of these allegations, we immediately notified law enforcement and terminated Mr. Cooley’s employment,” Tinnesz wrote. “We are working in close partnership with the family of the student who has come forward, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement during its ongoing investigation.”
“Ours is a close-knit, nurturing community, so this is a heartbreaking moment,” Tinnesz continued. “Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students remains our highest priority.”
Cooley remained in the Wake County jail Wednesday under $500,000 secured bail. He is not allowed to contact the alleged victim or anyone under 18, according to court documents.
This story was originally published February 19, 2025 at 1:52 PM.
CORRECTION: Editor’s note: Cooley’s arrest warrant incorrectly described his position at St. Timothy’s School. The article has been updated to reflect that he was an after-school counselor and substitute teacher.
