Sexual Assault Charges Against Fairfax HS Student Draw School Board Response

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — The City of Fairfax School Board issued a statement Monday addressing the arrest of an 18-year-old student accused of sexually assaulting 12 fellow students at Fairfax High School over a period of months, according to authorities.

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 for 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'd assaulted multiple female juvenile victims, 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.

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.

On Monday, the city school board released the following statement regarding Flores Ortiz's arrest.

"The City of Fairfax School Board takes the recent situation at Fairfax High School very seriously. Our thoughts are with the students affected, their families, and the entire school community.

"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.

"If students or families have additional information related to this matter, we encourage them to contact the City of Fairfax Police Department.

"We also want to express our support for Principal Dr. Georgina Aye, a student-centered leader who has devoted her career to serving and supporting students. We have confidence in her leadership.

"The City of Fairfax School Board is here for our community. We remain committed to supporting Fairfax High School students and to ensuring that every student learns in a safe and supportive environment."

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact City of Fairfax Police at 703-385-7924.