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High School Soccer Players Accused of Sodomizing Younger Teammates in Hazing Incidents [UPDATED]

Closeup of a black and white soccer ball on a green field, positioned at the corner of a box painted onto the grass.
(
Stock photo by David Lee
/
Shutterstock
)

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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.

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