(Updated at 1:30 p.m.) One student allegedly sexually assaulted another in a bathroom at Frost Middle School last week, Fairfax County Public Schools says.

In a letter sent to families and staff, Superintendent Michelle Reid and Frost principal Anthony Harris said that they had been made aware of the incident yesterday (Thursday) and “contacted authorities immediately.”

“The safety of our students is our number one responsibility and we will always take immediate action as soon as we are made aware of any allegations of a crime or safety issue,” Reid and Harris said in the letter, which was first reported by the Fairfax County Times.

The Fairfax County Police Department’s Major Crimes Bureau detectives are now conducting an investigation, including interviews and a review of school surveillance footage.

“Yesterday, our detectives received a report of a sexual assault that occurred Thursday, Jan. 12, at Frost Middle School,” the department told FFXnow. “Preliminarily, a student reported she was sexually assaulted by another student in a bathroom.”

The detectives are “working closely” with FCPS on the investigation, a spokesperson said.

In response to the incident, FCPS has enhanced its “adult support,” including security, in the Fairfax school. Students will also be using “a buddy system” when they go to the bathroom or otherwise leave a classroom.

Reid and Harris said the alleged suspect hasn’t been identified. An FCPS spokesperson said the school system is unable to share any more details, directing further inquiries to the FCPD.

The Major Crimes Bureau can be contacted at 703-246-7800, and the department accepts anonymous tips through Crime Solvers by phone (1-866-411-TIPS) and online.

“Victim specialists from our Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim receive appropriate resources and assistance,” the FCPD said.

The full letter to the Frost community has been reprinted below. Read More

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