12 Student Sexual Assault Victims Prompt FCPS Investigation

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The arrest of an 18-year-old Fairfax County Public Schools student on nine counts of sexual assault involving fellow students at Fairfax High School over a period of months has prompted the school district to launch an investigation, according to authorities.

"Last Wednesday, I requested that we retain an independent outside law firm to conduct a comprehensive review of this matter," Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid said, in a letter sent Monday night to Fairfax High School families. "The goal is clear: to establish a clear understanding of what occurred, when it occurred, and confirm that all policies, procedures, and regulations were properly followed. The firm of McGuireWoods will conduct this thorough, objective, and independent review."

Twelve people reported they had been assaulted by the same student, who would approach them from behind and slip his hands between their legs, according to WJLA7. The situation had occurred over several months.

WJLA quoted a March 12 email Fairfax High School Principal Georgina Aye sent to families, that said, “We are writing to share the news of the recent arrest of a student who was charged with inappropriately touching other students at school. These incidents involved the student touching students’ buttocks while they were transitioning in the hallways.”

City of Fairfax Police were made aware of an incident involving a student who had assaulted multiple girls, according to a department spokesman.

After investigating the case, police obtained warrants for the arrest of Israel Flores Ortiz on nine counts of assault and battery, the spokesman told Patch. Flores Ortiz surrendered himself into police custody on March 7.

RELATED: Sexual Assault Charges Against Fairfax HS Student Draw School Board Response

Flores Ortiz was arraigned in Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on March 9 and had a bond hearing on March 11, according to court records. He remains in custody. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on April 9.

The case has caught the eye of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which claims that Flores Ortiz is in the country illegally. Patch has requested documentation of the suspect's immigration status from DHS.

Reid said that the school district would work with police as the investigation continued, but that it would not share additional details in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and respect of all student privacy laws.

"All FCPS staff are mandatory reporters and are required to complete annual training on recognizing and reporting concerns related to student safety," she said. "We expect all established procedures to be followed."

The decision to investigate the allegations came days after the City of Fairfax School Board issued its own letter to students and their families.

"We support the students who have been directly affected and encourage members of the Fairfax High School community to support one another during this difficult time. Inappropriate conduct has no place in our schools, and we understand the concern and distress this incident has caused for students and families," the letter said.

This is the full text of Reid's letter to Fairfax High School families.

Dear Fairfax High School Community,

I know that recent reports involving serious allegations of physical assault affecting multiple students at Fairfax High School have caused significant concern for our students, parents, staff, and our Fairfax community. We share that concern. I want to be clear that such behavior is unacceptable in Fairfax County Public Schools.

While law enforcement has confirmed that a student has been arrested and charged in connection with these allegations, we understand the desire for more information.

I want to share that last Wednesday I requested that we retain an independent outside law firm to conduct a comprehensive review of this matter. The goal is clear: to establish a clear understanding of what occurred, when it occurred, and confirm that all policies, procedures, and regulations were properly followed. The firm of McGuireWoods will conduct this thorough, objective, and independent review.

We are continuing to work closely with our law enforcement partners as their investigation moves forward. To maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we cannot share additional details at this point. We want to be open about what we can disclose and the actions underway while respecting student privacy laws.

Let me be clear about expectations. All FCPS staff are mandatory reporters and are required to complete annual training on recognizing and reporting concerns related to student safety. We expect all established procedures to be followed.

If you or your student have concerns or information to share, we encourage you to report it. The FCPS Office of Safety and Security provides an anonymous tip line accessible online, by text, or by phone. You may also contact the Fairfax City Police Department at 703-385-7924.

Our focus on the safety and well-being of every student and staff member remains firm. Nothing is more important.

Thank you for your partnership and your continued commitment to this community.

Take good care,

Dr. Michelle C. Reid Superintendent