TheBostonChannel.com | March 9, 2010

BOSTON -- A TSA employee at Logan International Airport is facing statutory rape charges Tuesday.

Sean Shanahan was arrested by police in Winthrop. Officials say he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl at his home during school vacation week.

Shanahan allegedly sent her sexually explicit text messages. TSA officials said Shanahan is no longer working at the airport.

"We can assure travelers every TSA employee is subject to a significant background check, including criminal history, before they are offered a job. Unfortunately, these checks do not predict future behavior," TSA officials said in a statement.

Shanahan was held on $50,000 bail following his arraignment and ordered to have no contact with the victim or any minors.

He is scheduled to return to court on April 5.