Montgomery County high school employee accused of sexually assaulting 3 family members

WASHINGTON - A Gaithersburg High School staff member has been arrested, accused of sexually assaulting three of his family members, two of whom are juveniles, according to police.

Officials say Ancelmo Osmin Diaz, who had been working as a building services employee at Gaithersburg High School, was arrested Tuesday on charges of assault and sexual offenses for repeated inappropriate touching of his family members.

Police say they received information from one juvenile victim that Diaz had been inappropriately touching her for about three years. They also spoke to another juvenile family member who said he had been inappropriately touched her for five years. There was also an adult victim who said that Diaz had inappropriately touched her when she was 18.

Police say they believe that the assaults all occurred at Diaz's home in Gaithersburg.

Diaz made statements partially admitting to the inappropriate touching of the victims, they say.

Police say they obtained an arrest warrant for Diaz on Thursday, charging him with six counts of sexual abuse of a minor, seven counts of fourth-degree sex offense, and one count of second-degree assault.

They say he turned himself into police on Tuesday.

School officials say that Diaz, who has worked exclusively at Gaithersburg High School since 1995, has been placed on administrative leave.

In a letter to parents, Gaithersburg High School Principal Christine Handy said "the alleged behavior described in these charges is upsetting and unacceptable. This type of behavior does not reflect the values of our school and community and will not be tolerated."

Montgomery County police say they're asking for parents of Gaithersburg High School students to talk to their children about possible interactions with Diaz. They also ask parents who believe their child was victimized by Diaz or is a victim themselves, to contact police at (240) 773-5400.