3 Boys Charged With Rape In High School Football Hazing

ROCKVILLE, MD — Three Damascus High school students have been charged with multiple counts of rape and attempted rape, Montgomery County Police said Friday. Detectives charged the teens with two counts of second-degree rape and two counts of attempted second-degree rape. Police say the victims are four Damascus High School students.

These charges come a day after reports of assault allegations involving the junior varsity football team. On Thursday, police said they were investigating the allegations, which included sexual offenses.

Investigators on Friday determined that these were sexual assaults. According to police, the sexual assaults took place on Wednesday, Oct. 31 in the high school's male locker room after school.

Officials said three suspects were taken into custody and charged Thursday night. All charges are being processed through the state's juvenile justice system.

In a letter sent to parents and guardians on Thursday, Damascus High School principal Casey Crouse acknowledged the allegations, saying they were "upsetting and unacceptable," WJLA reports.

"The alleged behavior is upsetting and unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Damascus HS. In response to these allegations, we have forfeited today's junior varsity football game. Any student who is found to have hazed another student will be disciplined in accordance with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct and may also face legal consequences," the TV station said, quoting what it said was the principal's letter to parents.

In the letter, Crouse said the allegations did not involve the varsity football team.

WJLA reports the hazing involved a wooden broomstick in a locker room.

More updates may follow.

Image via Shutterstock

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