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A Cooper Middle School special education teacher has been charged with two counts of simple assault following allegations involving a student, according to Fairfax County police.

Police identified the teacher as Eliseo Perez, 35, of King George. Investigators allege that Perez had unlawful and inappropriate contact with a Cooper student on two occasions in May 2026. Police confirmed to FFXnow that the same student was involved in both alleged incidents.

Cooper administrators learned of concerns about a teacher’s behavior on June 4. The Fairfax County Police Department’s Child Abuse Squad subsequently investigated the allegations.

Perez was placed on administrative leave after school officials learned of the concerns. Following his arrest, he was suspended without pay.

The two source reports disagree about when Perez surrendered to authorities. WTOP reported that he turned himself in on July 23, while FFXnow reported that he surrendered on July 22. Both reported that he was charged with two counts of simple assault.

Perez was held on a $4,000 bond. FFXnow reported that he remained in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Fairfax County Public Schools said Perez had worked as a teacher for the division since 2025. Cooper Principal Maureen McLoughlin told families that Perez worked for FCPS and the McLean middle school only during the 2025-26 school year. He was no longer included in the school’s staff directory when FFXnow reported the arrest.

“FCPS takes all safety concerns seriously and responds promptly when concerns are raised by our students, staff, or families,” the school division said.

McLoughlin also addressed the allegations in a message to Cooper families, saying educators are entrusted with the well-being of children in their care and that the school community is deeply affected when someone appears to violate that trust.

Cooper Middle School is located at 977 Balls Hill Road in McLean.

Police assigned victim specialists to help the student and connect the student with resources. Detectives also asked anyone with information about the case or other possible incidents involving Perez to contact authorities.

The supplied reports provide few details about the alleged contact. They do not include a response from Perez or an attorney, and they do not report a plea or final disposition of the charges.