Student Accused Of Sexual Assault

— A Rogers teen was arrested Wednesday in connection with sexual assault of an employee at his school.

Fernando Rodriguez, 18, of 814 N. 14th St. in Rogers was arrested Wednesday in connection with felony second-degree sexual assault.

Rodriguez, at the time junior at Heritage High School, was sent to the school office Nov. 30 because of strange behavior, said Keith Foster, public information officer for Rogers police.

School officials observed Rodriguez earlier that day talking to nonexistent people, according to a probable cause affidavit.

As the employee attempted to talk to Rodriguez, he touched her arms and ran his foot along her leg. She moved away. Later, as she was setting up a computer program for him, he grabbed her buttock. Rodriguez was sent home. After a police investigation, he was arrested Wednesday.

Ashley Kelley Siwiec, communications director for Rogers School District said Wednesday that Rodriguez is no longer a student in the district.

“We have a very strict student discipline policy and any inappropriate conduct is taken very seriously,” Siwiec said. “We can’t comment on a particular student’s discipline, but the consequences for inappropriate contact can range from suspension to expulsion. When an unfortunate incident occurs, the school administrators act quickly to make sure students and staff can feel comfortable at school.”

Rodriguez was being held Wednesday in Benton County Jail with no bond set.

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