More Charges Filed In Student Sexual Assault Case At Fairfax HS

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Additional victims have come forward in the case of an 18-year-old student accused of sexually assaulting classmates at Fairfax High School, according to authorities.

On Wednesday, City of Fairfax Police filed four additional charges of assault and battery against Israel Flores Ortiz, who has been held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center since he surrendered to police on March 7. He now faces a total of 13 counts of assault and battery.

Fairfax City police began investigating Flores Ortiz after they were alerted on March 5 about a series of sexual assaults involving juvenile students at Fairfax High School that occurred over a period of months.

RELATED: 12 Student Sexual Assault Victims Prompt FCPS Investigation

On Monday night, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid sent a letter to Fairfax High School families, informing them that the school district had hired a law firm to review the circumstances around the allegations.

"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," Reid said. "The firm of McGuireWoods will conduct this thorough, objective, and independent review."

Originally, 12 people reported they had been assaulted by Flores Ortiz, who would approach them from behind and slip his hands between their legs, according to WJLA7.

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.”

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.

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

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 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.