Fairfax County, Virginia — Authorities in Fairfax County have charged an adult student at Fairfax High School following allegations that several female students were inappropriately touched in the school’s hallways, prompting anger among parents who say the conduct was serious and occurred repeatedly over several months.

The student, identified as Israel Flores Ortiz, is an 11th-grade student who is approaching his 19th birthday, making him legally an adult despite still being enrolled in high school.

According to court records, Ortiz has been charged with nine counts of assault and battery, which are classified as misdemeanors under Virginia law.

The charges stem from allegations that he groped multiple female students while they were walking through the school’s hallways between classes.

Several parents of the alleged victims say they believe the charges should be more severe, arguing that the conduct described by the students constitutes sexual assault rather than misdemeanor assault and battery.

According to individuals familiar with the reports, approximately a dozen girls have come forward alleging that Ortiz approached them from behind in crowded hallways and placed his hands between their legs.

One person familiar with the allegations said the incidents involved the suspect placing his hands in the victims’ genital area and in some cases moving his hands toward their buttocks.

“This was allegedly carried out by a single individual who did not know the girls,” the source said. “He would quietly walk up behind them and place his hand between their legs. The reports describe direct groping of a private area.”

Parents say the alleged behavior had reportedly been occurring for several months before the suspect was arrested.

Court records list one of the alleged offense dates as February 25, 2026, and indicate that Ortiz was arrested on March 7, 2026.

During a court appearance on Friday, Ortiz requested to be released from jail on bail. Although the bail request was supported by the office of Steve Descano, a judge denied the request, stating that the proposed bail conditions did not adequately protect the public.

Parents of several alleged victims say they are frustrated with how the situation was communicated by school officials and believe the seriousness of the allegations was not fully conveyed to the school community.

“They attempted to sweep it under the rug,” one mother said, referring to the school’s handling of the situation.

Another parent said multiple families demanded that administrators notify the broader school community before a message was sent to parents.

More than two weeks after the incidents were initially reported, Principal Georgina Aye sent an email to parents on March 12, 2026, informing them that a student had been arrested in connection with allegations of inappropriate touching.

In the message, the principal wrote in part that the incidents involved a student “touching students’ buttocks while they were transitioning in the hallways.”

Some parents criticized the wording, arguing that it did not accurately reflect the nature of the allegations reported by the girls.

Parents also said some of the alleged victims have faced harassment and bullying from peers, including individuals they previously considered friends. They believe the limited description in the school’s message has contributed to rumors suggesting the girls exaggerated what occurred.

In response, Fairfax County Public Schools said it cannot discuss specific cases due to federal and state privacy laws but emphasized that student safety remains its top priority.

“While Fairfax County Public Schools is unable to comment on specifics due to federal and state privacy laws, we prioritize student and staff safety and fully investigate any time someone shares that an incident has occurred at school or that they do not feel safe at school,” the district said in a statement. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners who continue to respond swiftly and thoroughly when there are safety concerns in our schools. The safety of all FCPS students and staff remains a top priority.”

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Ortiz is a citizen of El Salvador who crossed the U.S. southern border in 2024 and was released under federal immigration policies in place at that time.

After Ortiz’s arrest, ICE officials issued an immigration detainer requesting that the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office notify federal authorities before releasing him so immigration agents could take him into custody for potential deportation proceedings.

However, ICE officials told reporters that Fairfax County authorities are not honoring the detainer request, meaning the suspect may not be transferred into federal immigration custody if he is released from local jail.

An ICE spokesperson criticized the decision and urged local authorities to cooperate with federal immigration officials to ensure the individual is taken into custody if appropriate under immigration law.

Because the charges filed against Ortiz are misdemeanor assault and battery, legal experts note that even if he is convicted, the potential jail time could be limited under Virginia law.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing the allegations and interviewing witnesses.

Parents of the alleged victims say they hope the case will lead to stronger protections for students and accountability for those accused of misconduct in schools.