WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – A man accused of inappropriately touching three girls and a woman at the Water Country USA water park was arrested Thursday, according to the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office.
Ziaulhaq Faqiri, a 29-year-old from Newport News, is charged with three counts of sexual battery and one count of felony aggravated sexual battery, the sheriff’s office says.
The sheriff’s office says on Monday, June 10 around 3:45 p.m., they got a complaint that a man had inappropriately touched three girls and a woman in the wave pool area of Water Country.
After investigating and working with Water Country security, the sheriff’s office says they identified Faqiri as the suspect.
"A person is charged with aggravated sexual battery is charged because they have committed unwanted touching of another person intimate parts by force or intimidation or if a person is underage," legal expert Dr. Eric Claville said.
Dr. Sarah Williams, therapist, seeks to educate parents how to approach the situation and talk to their children.
"The parent should console or offer empathy. Demonstrate they are proud that the child felt comfortable sharing that information. Gather as many details as possible without making the child uncomfortable. Contact law enforcement immediately to make sure the person doesn’t reoffend," Dr. Sarah Williams said.
Water Country USA sent News 3 a statement about the incident:
"The safety and wellbeing of our guests is always our top priority. This was an isolated incident, and we took immediate action as soon as the behavior was reported by guests."
Faqiri is being held at Newport News City Jail.
