Fairfax County Public Schools is planning its own investigation separate from the police into allegations that a Fairfax High School student groped multiple female students, Superintendent Michelle Reid announced.
In a letter sent on Monday (March 23) to families, Reid said that FCPS had retained the services of “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,” Reid said. “The firm of McGuireWoods will conduct this thorough, objective, and independent review.”
The City of Fairfax Police Department responded to Fairfax High School around 1:25 p.m. on March 5 after the school alerted it to a report of “multiple assaults,” according to a press release.
“An investigation revealed an adult male student assaulted numerous female juvenile victims,” the police department said on Wednesday (March 25).
Israel Christopher Flores Ortiz was arrested by Fairfax City police on March 7 and charged with nine misdemeanor counts of assault and battery, according to online court records. The 18-year-old is currently a junior at the school.
“Officer stated defendant turned himself in to the police station,” one court document said. “Officer has knowledge of the case and stated defendant slapped the buttocks of other students in school.”
Following Flores Ortiz’s arrest, more victims have come forward, leading police to charge him with another four counts of assault and battery on Wednesday, Fairfax City police said.
The case has drawn the attention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which says Flores Ortiz, who immigrated to the U.S. in 2024, is undocumented.
He told a Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judge that he was “still in the immigration process,” a court document said.
“This 19-year-old criminal illegal alien should NOT have been attending a Virginia high school and allowed to prey on innocent teenage girls … We are calling on Fairfax County sanctuary politicians to NOT release this predator from jail back into our communities to assault more teenage women,” DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement.
Court records show Flores Ortiz will turn 19 in three months.
As each of the charges against Flores Ortiz are Class 1 misdemeanors, he could face up to nine years in prison — one year for each charge — under state law.
Adjudicatory hearings are scheduled to be held in the county’s juvenile court on April 9.
“We are continuing to work closely with our law enforcement partners as their investigation moves forward,” Reid said. “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.”
Reid also acknowledged that FCPS staff are mandatory reporters who are required to complete annual trainings with regard to student safety.
“Our focus on the safety and well-being of every student and staff member remains firm,” Reid said. “Nothing is more important.”
Reid’s full letter is below.
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
