Student At Friends School Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Other Students

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Authorities are investigating a former student at Friends School of Baltimore who is accused of sexually assaulting at least three fellow students.

WJZ learned a 15-year-old is no longer enrolled in the school after being identified as a suspect.

Ava-Joye Burnett has more on how parents are responding.

Three students came forward to say a classmate had sexually assaulted them. Two of those cases allegedly happened on school grounds.

It's a prestigious private school in Baltimore's Roland Park, but on Tuesday the focus shifted as police confirmed an unfolding investigation at the school after three students came forward and said they'd been sexually assaulted by another student.

Police say the suspect is 15-years-old. Two of the assaults reportedly happened on campus and a third off of school property.

Police say all three victims are also 15-years old. None of the parties involved have been identified.

The state's attorney's office also confirmed with WJZ that they are handling this case. The 15-year-old suspect is now in juvenile custody.

The school was founded in 1784, with an annual tuition as high as $28,000, and prides itself on community and transparency.

School officials say the suspect is no longer enrolled, and many in the community are standing by the school.

"Of course, no parent wants to think that their children are faced with really complex and scary situations like this, but I am very pleased and it's confirmed my commitment to the school," one parent says.

The suspect has not been identified because that person is a minor. The school also revealed they've reached out to a private investigator.

In the letter sent home to parents, the school explained the alleged incidents may have happened sometime between November and January.

Friends School of Baltimore released the following statement:

"At Friends School of Baltimore the safety and security of the children entrusted to our care is our highest priority. We are deeply saddened and disturbed that one of our students is alleged to have victimized three other students. When the school learned of these allegations, we immediately informed law enforcement authorities and have provided our full cooperation in their investigation. The student accused of these offenses is no longer enrolled at the school. We cannot comment on and we have reached no conclusions regarding these allegations. The administration, faculty and trustees of Friends School are committed to nurturing empathy and fostering in our students a strong sense of responsibility for the needs of others. We will continue to strive to support all the members of our community as we deal with these difficult matters."

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