An 18-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador has been sentenced to 360 days in jail after being convicted of groping multiple female classmates at a Fairfax County, Virginia, high school earlier this year, according to court proceedings, as reported by Fox News.

Israel Flores Ortiz was sentenced Tuesday following convictions tied to incidents that took place in the hallways of Fairfax High School. With credit for time already served and the structure of a misdemeanor sentence, he has 135 days remaining in custody.

The sentence was handed down by Judge Melinda Vanlowe, who described the case as a "very difficult case." She said the conduct was "targeted" and part of a "pattern" of "deplorable" behavior.

Flores Ortiz, who reportedly arrived in the United States in 2024, was charged as an adult but tried in juvenile court because most of the victims were minors. He was convicted in nine cases, acquitted in three, and had one charge dismissed. Authorities said he had originally been accused of assaulting 13 female students.

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During the hearing, Flores Ortiz wore a green prison jumpsuit and listened through an interpreter. He delivered a statement in Spanish, apologizing to the victims and their families. "I hurt them," he said, also apologizing to his parents.

Defense attorney Jamie Hospes argued for a significantly lighter sentence of nine days, characterizing the offenses as "butt-grabbing." Hospes told the court:

"Sometimes we arrest people for that, sometimes we elect them to be president of the United States."

The defense also argued that Flores Ortiz’s age should be considered, stating that his "brain is physically not as developed" as that of a 25-year-old and that his actions were not motivated by sexual gratification. Instead, the defense described the behavior as immature, saying it was done "for fun" and "it was like a joke or prank."

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"Only a teenager would think like that," counsel said.

After the hearing, an attorney representing one of the victims stated, "This should not be politicized."

Prosecutor Jenna Sands read a statement from one of the victims, who said the case was not about immigration but about "a guy who made me feel unsafe."

The victim added:

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"I want to go back to being a normal kid."

Judge Vanlowe referenced evidence presented during the case, including an incident on March 4 in which a student confronted Flores Ortiz and made it clear that his actions had caused harm. Despite that, the judge noted that another assault occurred two days later.

The judge said the incidents had "adjusted how they move through life" for the victims, describing the lasting impact on the students involved.

Following his release, Flores Ortiz will be placed on two years of probation. The court also ordered a psychosexual evaluation and required him to complete any recommended treatment.

Addressing Flores Ortiz directly at the conclusion of the hearing, the judge said, "I absolutely believe in redemption," and added, "This does not define you." She told him:

"You can go on to do great things."

Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said after the hearing that he was "happy with the outcome" and stated that prosecutors "stand ready" if the defendant files an appeal. He also described Fairfax County as "The safest large jurisdiction in the country."

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The case stems from a series of incidents in crowded school hallways, which prosecutors said involved Flores Ortiz targeting female students. The allegations prompted increased scrutiny over supervision and safety within Fairfax County schools.

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