UPDATE: Teacher Charged with Sexual Battery of 2 Students in Falls Church: Police

FALLS CHURCH, VA -- The Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) has sent out an announcement Friday afternoon to update the community about an arrest of a local teacher accused of inappropriate conduct and was arrested for aggravated sexual battery of two students.

Here is the update from FCCPS:

As it has been a week since we first reached out to you regarding the arrest of Jose Estrada, we want to provide you an update based on the questions we've received from our community and the media.On January 17th, in accordance with state law, Falls Church City Public Schools contacted Falls Church City Police and Protective Services immediately after receiving an allegation of inappropriate conduct by a teacher to a student.

The teacher was immediately removed from the classroom and placed on paid leave as the law also requires. This action enabled FCCPS to ensure the safety of its students while also reserving judgment on the employee.

While still on paid leave, on February 17, Mr. Jose Estrada was arrested for aggravated sexual battery of two students. As a result of FCCPS’ previous actions, at the time of the arrest, the employee was not at the school nor in contact with students.

FCCPS is committed to supporting the students and families involved - as well as all of its students and staff members. At the same time, we want to ensure the privacy of any students involved. Student Services staff were available at Mary Ellen Henderson throughout the day for students and staff on the day of the arrest and the following school day. They remain ready to assist our students and teachers at all schools who reach out if they need extra support in terms of this or any matter.

Dr. Schiller personally addressed MEH faculty and communicated with all staff about the need to remain vigilant for students, or colleagues who may need some additional support.

As the police and CPS investigation continues, we must be alert to the possibility of additional potential victims. It is extremely important that individuals feel comfortable and supported in coming forward if they have additional information or concerns. Our teachers and staff, the mentors and role models for our students, have a tremendous impact on student safety and security.

Regarding Mr. Estrada - as this matter is an ongoing criminal and CPS investigation - FCCPS cannot comment further on the specifics of the case. Nor will we comment on personnel matters beyond the following basic factual information: Falls Church City Public Schools has been fully cooperating with the Police and CPS during their month long investigation prior to the arrest, and will continue to do so as their investigations continue.

Following his arrest, in accordance with state law, Mr. Estrada’s pay was placed in an escrow account pending the outcome of his case. He will only be paid through June 30, 2017, as the Falls Church School Board voted on February 21st not to renew his contract. As the investigation is ongoing, further action is possible. Mr. Estrada was hired by FCCPS on July 1, 2015 and taught 6th grade mathematics. He did not participate in extracurricular activities as a coach or club sponsor. FCCPS followed its procedures for hiring. These include fingerprinting and background checks with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, and Child Protective Services, panel interviews, and reference checks.

FCCPS personally spoke to Mr. Estrada's immediate past supervisor prior to offering Mr. Estrada employment. That supervisor was asked specifically about Mr. Estrada's interactions with students and staff members. FCCPS received no information indicating that there had been problems or issues in either regard. FCCPS also inquired as to whether Mr. Estrada was someone who would be rehired, and was told yes.If anyone has additional information relevant to this investigation, they are urged to contact the Falls Church City Police at 703-248-5327 (TTY 711).

PHOTO of Estrada courtesy of police