Sexual Assault Reported In Gar-Field High School Bathroom: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — One student sexually assaulted another at a Gar-Field High School bathroom in October, the Prince William County Police Department said. Authorities filed criminal charges against a suspect on Monday.

The police department noted that the victim was a girl who was younger than 18 years old.

On Monday, authorities charged 18-year-old Lamine Mellouk with one count of misdemeanor sexual battery. He was released on a court summons. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 8.

If convicted, Mellouk could face up to one year in jail, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The assault occurred on Oct. 18, according to the police report. The victim was in a school bathroom with Mellouk when he sexually assaulted her, the police department said.

The police department said the victim told a family member who contacted police.

In a letter to families, Gar-Field High School principal Matthew Mathison said the incident was reported to police when school administrators became aware.

"As always, I encourage you to talk with your students, and should they ever feel unsafe at school or witness any concerning event, they should report it to you or a trusted adult as soon as possible," Mathison wrote in the letter. "Please contact the office at any time if you have questions or concerns. Thank you for your ongoing support of Gar-Field High School. "

The Prince William County school system has a policy that dictates administrator responses to sexual assaults. The school system's responses include supportive measures designed to help students continue their education.

Principals can decide to remove a student from their school if there is "an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student."

The school system has not specified whether Mellouk has been removed from Gar-Field High School classes.