Phoenix school janitor arrested for sexual abuse of minors

PHOENIX — A janitor at Thunderbird High School in Phoenix was arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a female student at the school, court documents show.

Oscar Sandoval, 48, was arrested on September 5 after the 16-year-old victim told police he physically abused her on school grounds.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the victim, now 17, told police on Sept. 3 that she had a “friendly relationship” with Sandoval, who was a janitor at the school. She told police that Sandoval helped her find a parking spot during a high school football game in 2023, and when the victim was outside her vehicle, Sandoval kissed her.

In another case, Sandoval told the victim he wanted to show her an art tile in a room, and when she went inside, he began “rubbing himself against her,” the probable cause statement says. He continued to touch her inappropriately and told her he wanted to “be inside her,” the documents say.

Then, while the victim was in a gym on school grounds, Sandoval removed her clothes and performed sexual acts, the victim told police.

On Sept. 5, the victim had a conversation with Sandoval on Instagram in which he allegedly admitted to the sexual conduct on school property, court documents say. He admitted he knew she was a minor at the time, officials said.

Sandoval was arrested, read his Miranda rights and told police he knew the investigation involved the victim. He admitted to kissing her once before ending the questioning, documents say.

Sandoval is charged with one count of sexual intercourse with a minor, one count of sexual abuse and one count of assault with intent to injure a minor.

A spokesman for the Glendale Union High School District said Sandoval was fired:

I can confirm that a Thunderbird support staff member was arrested by Phoenix Police on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Per policy, the Glendale Union High School District cannot release details regarding personnel matters. However, I can confirm that the employee has been terminated. I cannot comment further on this matter.

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