Teen in US illegally sentenced to nearly a year in jail for groping girls at Fairfax High School

Teen sentenced for groping girls at Fairfax High

A Fairfax County teen convicted of groping nine classmates at school has been sentenced to jail time, with possible deportation after serving his sentence.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - An 18-year-old Fairfax High School student found guilty of groping several female classmates in school hallways earlier this year has been sentenced to nearly a year in jail.

What we know:

Israel Flores Ortiz was charged as an adult but tried in juvenile court because most of the victims were minors. A judge on Tuesday sentenced him to 360 days of active incarceration. With time served and the calculations for a misdemeanor, he has 135 days left in prison, according to FOX News.

Authorities said Flores Ortiz is originally from El Salvador and is in the country illegally.

Sentencing set for teen in US illegally convicted of groping girls at Fairfax High School

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He was originally accused of assaulting 13 female classmates and was found guilty in nine cases. He was acquitted in three, and one charge was dismissed.

What they're saying:

FCPS released a statement following the sentencing: 

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is grateful to law enforcement and to the team at Fairfax High School for their dedication in bringing this investigation to a conclusion and to their commitment to keeping our students and staff safe. In addition to the law enforcement investigation, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid has retained an independent outside law firm to conduct a comprehensive review of this matter. The goal is clear: to establish a definitive understanding of what occurred, when it occurred, and confirm that all policies, procedures, and regulations were properly followed. The outside firm is currently conducting this thorough, objective, and independent review. The safety of our students and staff remains a top priority.

Sentencing set for teen in US illegally convicted of groping girls at Fairfax High School

An attorney representing one of the victims said the case has raised concerns as a federal immigration crackdown continues and among parents regarding safety in crowded school hallways. 

He said the focus at sentencing is accountability, protection and preventing similar incidents in the future.

What's next:

Flores Ortiz is expected to face up to nine years in custody, though the attorney noted that misdemeanor sentencing guidelines could reduce that to about four and a half years. He will have 10 days to appeal the verdict.

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