PHOENIX — A janitor who worked at Thunderbird High School in Phoenix was arrested after allegedly sexually abusing a female student at the school, according to legal documents.
Oscar Sandoval, 48, was arrested on Sept. 5 after the 16-year-old accuser told police he sexually abused and assaulted her on school grounds.
According to a probable cause statement, on Sept. 3, the now 17-year-old told police she had a "friendly relationship" with Sandoval, who was a janitor at the school.
She reportedly told police that during a high school football game in 2023, Sandoval helped her find a place to park and while the victim was outside of her vehicle, Sandoval kissed her.
In the second count of sexual abuse, Sandoval told the teen he wanted to show her an art tile in a room. According to the statement, Sandoval then groped and made sexual statements towards her.
The assault reportedly happened while the girl was in a fitness room on the school's campus. During that incident, Sandoval allegedly disrobed her and engaged in unwanted sexual intercourse with her.
On Sept. 5, the girl had a conversation with Sandoval on Instagram where he allegedly admitted to the sexual conduct on school grounds, court documents said. He acknowledged he knew that she was a minor at the time, officials said.
Sandoval was arrested, read his Miranda rights and told police he knew the investigation was about the girl and admitted to kissing her once before ending the interview, documents said.
Sandoval is facing one count of sexual conduct with a minor, one count of sexual abuse and one count of assault with intent to injure a minor.
A spokesperson with the Glendale Union High School district said Sandoval was terminated:
I can confirm that a support staff employee from Thunderbird was arrested by the Phoenix Police Department on Thursday, September 5, 2024. In accordance with policy, Glendale Union High School District cannot provide details regarding personnel matters; however, I can confirm that the employee was terminated. I am unable to provide any additional comments on this matter.
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