Norfolk Public Schools paraprofessional arrested on child sexual assault charges
Employee placed on administrative leave following arrest after renewed investigation, police say
By Eric McKay
NORFOLK, Neb. — A paraprofessional at Norfolk Public Schools is on administrative leave after being arrested on child sexual assault charges.
Norfolk Police said 32-year-old Jose Ramirez was arrested Wednesday following a three-and-a-half-year investigation into allegations first made in 2022 by a 13-year-old.
According to police, the Madison County Attorney’s Office initially determined there was not enough evidence to file charges. However, the allegations resurfaced last month. Authorities said Ramirez was arrested this week after an interview with investigators.
In a statement, Norfolk Public Schools said that because there was no initial arrest, Ramirez passed a background check and was hired in August.
District officials said the child involved in the case is not a student within the Norfolk Public Schools system.
Ramirez is charged with third-degree sexual assault. Court records do not list a date for his initial court appearance.