Hampton, Va. – A Hampton City School employee has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault that occurred last week at Forrest Elementary School.
Hampton Police have arrested Jerome Jenkins, 56, for the alleged assault.
Police say the investigation revealed that a female under the age of 13 was sexually assaulted by the suspect at 7:15 a.m.
Authorities were notified at 11:57 a.m. and Jenkins was placed under arrest at 4:17 p.m.
According to a criminal complaint, the girl told investigators that Jenkins fondled her breast under her shirt.
The complaint goes on to say that the suspect admits to touching the victim but states it was accidental.
Jenkins has been charged with one count of aggravated sexual battery and is in custody at the Hampton City Jail. He declined a request for an interview.
NewsChannel 3 spoke with his adult children over the phone. They say their father is innocent and they hope that the police will investigate both sides of the story. They say the kids in the community love Mr. Jenkins, and that he has been in the school system for 14 years without incident.
Tracie Albea, Principal of Forrest Elementary School, called parents Monday to notify them of the situation.
A letter was also supposed to be sent home with students Monday.
