A total of ten Middletown Area High School students have been charged with multiple crimes in connection to hazing allegations by members of the school’s football team on Sept. 20
Middletown Area High School’s football season was canceled back in August after cell phone videos surfaced that appeared to show horrific hazing incidents at the school.
The Superintendent of MAHS said the footage was “disturbing and upsetting.”
More information via TMZ:
“Other officials said one of the videos showed two players restraining a group of students while poking two boys with a muscle therapy gun and other athletic equipment in the turf room.
Lower Swatara Township Police and the Criminal Investigation Division of the District Attorney’s Office in Dauphin County opened an investigation … and on Wednesday, Dauphin County District Attorney Francis T. Chardo announced they’re charging 10 students in the case.
“Two students, both seventeen years of age, have been charged with multiple counts of criminal attempt to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, unlawful restraint, simple assault, and hazing,” Chardo said in a statement.
The other students were charged with various offenses from unlawful restraint, simple assault, hazing, and violating hazing statute.”
The investigation revealed that six student-athletes were victims in the case.
“As many as six other students may have been assaulted but they have been reluctant to cooperate with the police,” Chardo said.
All of the cases will be handled through the juvenile system.
Chelton Hunter, superintendent of Middletown Area School District, issued a statement in regard to the hazing incident:
“As the District Attorney announces the filing of formal charges against the students involved in the football hazing incident, the Middletown Area School District and School Board want to again express our disappointment and concern for the actions of these students.
“The District, from the start, has cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout their investigation and will continue to do so. As was previously announced at the School Board meeting on September 6th, the District has already contracted with outside experts who specialize in working with schools to address hazing and to help rebuild and foster positive, supportive sports programs, and learning environments for students.”
“We are looking forward as we engage in the implementation of our districtwide plan that our administrative team and staff developed to address any concerns about culture. Ultimately, moving forward, we must work collaboratively as a community of parents, coaches, and educators to best serve and support our students. We are committed to doing our very best for the children of the Middletown Area School District.”
