Former Falls Church Teacher Sentenced For Sexual Battery

FALLS CHURCH, VA—A former Falls Church middle school teacher has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated sexual battery charges involving two female students. He previously taught math at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School.

Jose Estrada, 36, of Clifton pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual battery in May. He will also have 12 years of supervised probation and will be have to register as a sex offender. The probation includes no unsupervised contact with minors, a ban on teaching children, no contact with the victims and their families and more.

Estrada was arrested and charged with the aggravated sexual assault of two female students on February 17. Falls Church City Public Schools had learned of the allegations on Jan. 17 and placed him on paid leave. The school board voted to not renew his contract days after the arrest.

The second victim came out after the investigation started. The identities of the two young female victims are being withheld to protect them.

Estrada was hired by FCCPS on July 1, 2015 and taught 6th grade mathematics. The Falls Church school system said in a February statement it followed proper hiring procedures of fingerprinting and background checks with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, and Child Protective Services, as well as panel interviews, and reference checks. The school system received no information indicating problems with students or staff.

“Our community will feel the effects of this case for a long time,” said Police Chief Mary Gavin in a statement. "It’s our obligation as community members to stand up for children. We stand with these victims who spoke out, and the adults who encouraged them to report the incidents.”

Estrada taught at Manassas Park Middle School before joining FCCPS. Manassas Park Police announced in February they are investigating with Child Protection Services a separate case allegedly involving Estrada. Manassas Park Police are looking at allegations between September 2014 and April 2015. The investigation is ongoing.

Image via Falls Church Police