Inappropriate Photos Of Students Leads To School Employee's Arrest

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 56-year-old Stafford man working as a paraprofessional at Conway Elementary School in Fredericksburg was arrested Thursday for taking inappropriate video and photos of students, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

On Tuesday, a Conway Elementary student reported that Eric Van Orden was acting inappropriately toward a female student, according to the incident report. A school resource officer and detectives with the sheriff office’s Special Victims Unit determined Van Orden took inappropriate video and photos of unsuspecting juvenile students.

He was arrested and charged with 19 felony counts of unlawful creation of the image of another and one misdemeanor count of unlawful creation of the image of another, according to the sheriff's office.

He was then held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Van Orden was arraigned in Stafford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Friday morning and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 21, according to court records.

Stafford County Public Schools released this statement about the incident:

"We are deeply concerned by this incident, and our thoughts are with the families and students impacted by this situation. The safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority, and we will work with law enforcement to ensure measures are taken to support these families.

"Stafford Schools conducts background checks on all employees. At the time he was hired, Mr. Van Orden did not have any indicators that would prevent his hiring.

"This is an active investigation and any further questions should be referred to the Sheriff's Office. We will cooperate fully with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. "

The 19 unlawful creation of image of another charges are Class 6 felonies. If found guilty, Van Orden faces potential penalties of one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail for each count, along with a fine of up to $2,500, according to the code of Virginia.

“Detective B.E. Abramaitys has been assigned the case and is working to identify and notify the victims in the case,” according to a sheriff’s office news release. “We understand parents and members of the community will have many questions, and our office will work to get those answers. We are working closely with the Stafford County Public Schools to ensure the students affected receive the appropriate services.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Abramaitys at 540-658-4400.