A boy sexually assaulted another boy at a Riverside elementary school on multiple occasions until several students came forward and reported what was allegedly going on, a Riverside Unified School District official said.
RUSD spokeswoman Jacquie Paul said that an Adams Elementary School boy was assaulted five to seven times "that we know about at this point in the investigation."
Hundreds of parents gathered at a school meeting Thursday night to voice their concern, many wondering how this incident could happen for so long without teachers knowing.
"I am not satisfied at all," parent Lindsay Zinn said.
Each teacher has 34 students per class. The school's principal suggested at Thursday's meeting that more parents volunteer so there are more eyes on the students.
"That’s a cheap shot taking it off of him and the district," Zinn said.
The incidents, which school district officials would not describe, apparently occurred in two classrooms and a bathroom while the boys were in 2nd and 3rd grade.
Students reported the incidents to school officials on Monday during an after-school program, Paul said.
Two teachers were on paid administrative leave, "as is protocol for such investigations."
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Exactly when the assaults began and why the teachers did not spot the activity remained unclear.
Paul said as soon as staff was made aware, school officials contacted the Riverside Police Department.
Police contacted Riverside County Child Protective Services to investigate.
It appears the incidents involved two students only who are ages 8 and 9.
The alleged assailant has been suspended, school district officials said, and it's possible he may be expelled.
Neither he nor the victim was identified because of their ages.
Paul said letters were sent to parents notifying them of the assaults, and counseling services are being offered to students and staff disturbed by the revelations.
"I am going to keep educating (my kids) probably once a week, once a month, just keep letting them know what they can and cannot do," one parent at Thursday's meeting said.
