Woodbridge 12-year-old charged with sexual battery for allegedly inappropriately touching girls

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - A 12-year-old in Prince William County is facing sexual battery charges after he allegedly inappropriately touched several girls at Rippon Middle School in Woodbridge, Va.

Investigators were made aware of the incidents - which allegedly began in September - on Tuesday. The nearly two-month delay occurred because the victims didn't come forward until this week.

A Prince William County Public Schools spokesperson says parents were notified Wednesday morning via email. The letter detailed allegations against the boy, who reportedly inappropriately touched sixth-grade girls.

The school district says they worked with the police department on the investigation, and the male student has been charged.

We are told the middle school's administration called the victims' parents earlier this week.

"I really wasn't aware of anything that was going on and my daughter hasn't said anything to me, so I'm pretty sure that if this didn't have anything to do with her, but I feel bad for the parents who did have daughters being inappropriately touched and I'm glad that they did arrest whoever was doing this to these girls," said Eva Morales, whose child attends the school.

Police tell FOX 5 technically the 12-year-old boy is not under arrest, but is undergoing the juvenile intake process. He is at home during this process and the sexual battery charge he is facing is a misdemeanor.

Police say the student inappropriately touched several female students over their clothing.

In Virginia, it's a crime to touch anyone in a private area without their consent.

One of the female students who was reportedly inappropriately touched came forward and told the school resource officer. We're told the officer asked around and discovered more victims.

The 12-year-old boy is expected to face some disciplinary action from the school district, separate from any legal consequences.