Warren County boy accused of sexually assaulting girl at school

Warrenton, N.C. — Deputies held a Warren County Middle School student at a juvenile detention center Wednesday as they investigated claims that he had sexually assaulted a girl in the school's bathroom Tuesday.

Patrick Draffin, the school system's Community Schools director, said the boy has been suspended from school, at 118 Campus Drive in Warrenton, pending the investigation.

Neither Draffin nor Warren County Sheriff Johnny Williams would provide the students' ages. Williams would also not specify where the boy was being held.

Draffin released a letter the school sent home to parents Tuesday to let them know about the investigation. In it, Principal Angela Richardson tries to reassure parents and tells them they can call her.

"We, at Warren County Middle School, have notified the proper law authorities, and we are cooperating with the proper officials to make sure that the matter is resolved and resolved well," she wrote. "Please, know that we are making all efforts to assure student safety. The staff and administrators will continue to closely monitor students daily."

Under state law, the police or district attorney can file a complaint with District Court saying they believe someone under 18 is "a delinquent or undisciplined juvenile," and a juvenile court counselor issues a petition moving the youth into the court system.