Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
High School Soccer Players Accused of Sodomizing Younger Teammates in Hazing Incidents [UPDATED]
(
Stock photo by David Lee
/
Shutterstock
)
Older members of the boys' soccer team at La Puente High School are under investigation following allegations levied by four younger teammates they were subject to sexual assault as part of hazing.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the victims were ages 14 and 15 at the time of the incidents, which allegedly took place between March and August 2012. Adds the LASD: "The hazing incidents have gone on for several years and may have risen to the level of a crime."
The alleged abuse victims were freshmen who were named to the varsity team.
This morning, an attorney for the four boys is expected to announce a lawsuit against the school and the school district, according to City News Service. Though he may claim the sexual abuse was done at the urging of the coach, so far the LASD say "there is no information to indicate that any member of faculty or coaching staff were directly involved."
CBS2 reports they were told by a source "that foreign objects were used to sodomize some of the new Warrior players, who are 14 and 15-years-old," adding: "One player was reportedly hospitalized."
UPDATE 9:40 AM: According to a live broadcast report, three minor male students and one 18-year-old student from La Puente High have been arrested for criminal acts associated with the investigation. Officials confirm there are four male minor victims. Additional, one adult male school staff member has been placed on administrative leave.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
