Loudoun School Sexual Assaults: Grand Jury Releases Report

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A grand jury has released a report on Loudoun County Public School's handling of a pair of high-profile sexual assaults.

The report claimed that Loudoun school administrators were looking out for their own best interests. However, the grand jury noted there was not a coordinated cover-up after the sexual assaults.

The grand jury found the school board was not at fault. The school board was kept in the dark about the first assault and learned about it from public reporting.

The grand jury had been ordered by Attorney General Jason Miyares earlier this year.

“This special grand jury was the epitome of professionalism. In the face of intense public speculation, the members were incredibly engaged, worked tirelessly, and spent countless days away from their families and jobs to conduct a thorough investigation into Loudoun County Public Schools,” Miyares said in a news release. “I encourage everyone to read their report, and look forward to the positive change in LCPS resulting from their work.”

In 2021, a then 15-year-old boy was found guilty of a pair of sexual assaults at two different Loudoun County high schools. After the first assault at Stone Bridge High School in May 2021, officials transferred the boy to Broad Run High School.

In October 2021, the boy sexually assaulted a victim at Broad Run High School, according to court records.

The grand jury believed the second sexual assault could have been prevented.

"They failed at every juncture," the report says. "A remarkable lack of curiosity and adherence to operating in silos by LCPS administrators is ultimately to blame for the October 6 incident."

In September 2021, two students had expressed concern that the boy responsible for the sexual assaults was making them feel uncomfortable. The students reported their concerns to their art teacher, who reported to the principal.

The report notes the boy had grabbed the shoulder of a girl and repeatedly tapped her head with a pencil. He also tried to grab the girl's laptop and asked if she had ever posted nude photos online. On the same day, he asked another boy if his grandmother had posted nude photos online.

The boy received "nothing more than a verbal admonishment for these actions," according to the grand jury report.

The full report is available online.

Read more:

• Teen Sentenced For 2 Sexual Assaults At Loudoun County High Schools: Report
• Loudoun Teen Pleads No Contest To 2nd Sexual Assault
• Loudoun Teen Found Guilty Of Assaulting Girl In Bathroom
• Sentence Changed For Teen Convicted In Loudoun Sexual Assaults

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.