Sex Assaults Involving 3rd Graders Investigated

Authorities are looking into allegations that a third-grade boy at a Southern California elementary school sexually assaulted another boy several times.

Riverside Unified School District spokeswoman Jacquie Paul said that one of the boys allegedly coerced the other to perform sexual acts five to seven times.

Paul said the incidents began when the boys were in second grade at Adams Elementary School in Riverside, and continued into third grade.

She said she could not provide further details because of the age of the boys.

The allegations emerged Monday when two students in an afterschool program with the boys told a staffer, Paul said. She said the student has been suspended.

Lt. Val Graham said a Riverside police investigation has been launched.

At least some of the incidents allegedly took place in a school bathroom, Paul said.

Others allegedly happened inside the classrooms in front of other students, during times when videos were shown.

The teachers may have been in the classes during the assaults, but didn't see the incidents, Paul said. That's why they never reported them.

The teachers were described as "extremely distraught."

They are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Other students who witnessed the abuse came forward on Monday to tell school officials about what has been happening.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us