High School Basketball Sexual Assault Case Widens in Tenn.
A new complaint alleges there were four victims in the sexual assault incident rather than one.
New charges have been brought against officials at a Tennessee high school where a sexual assault had previously been reported during a hazing ritual.
The charges were brought against three employees of Ooltewah High School and indicate that there were more victims in the incident than authorities initially thought.
The Jan. 14 criminal complaint accuses Ooltewah basketball coach Andre Montgomery, assistant coach Karl Williams and athletic director Allard Nayadley of failing to report the alleged abuse of four basketball players to the proper authorities, according to CBS News.
The alleged assaults, which were originally thought to include just one victim, occurred during a basketball tournament in Gatlinburg, where the team stayed in a cabin between Dec. 19 and Dec. 23.
Gatlinburg police charged three students with the rape of a teammate in response to the hospitalization of one victim and some now expect more charges.
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An affidavit claims that four freshman basketball players were the victims of “assaultive behavior including but not limited to being struck with pool cues.” The affidavit also claims the freshmen were sexual assaulted.
Under state law, school officials are required to report any suspected child sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities, including the Department of Children’s Services.
Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Robert Philyaw ordered the three school officials to court for a hearing Jan. 21.
City officials have convened in recent days to discuss anti-bullying policies and receive input from concerned parents. The school district also recently established an anonymous system for victims or witnesses of harassment to report abuse.
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