Maryland

Report: Damascus High School Officials Delayed Alerting Police About Rapes

Members of the junior varsity football team allegedly used a broom in what has been described as a hazing ritual

What to Know

  • Four 15-year-old boys were charged after an alleged rape in the boys locker room of Damascus High School in Damascus, Maryland
  • Students told News4 the suspects and victims were all members of the junior varsity football team
  • The Washington Post reports that the school waited hours to report the alleged attack to police and didn't immediately notify parents

Officials at a Maryland high school waited hours to tell police that a football player had been credibly accused of raping a teammate with a broomstick, despite an agreement with police requiring the immediate reporting of sexual assaults.

The Washington Post reports that Damascus High School officials instead launched their own investigation, questioned students and uncovered a total of four suspects and four victims. The report says the victims weren't given medical care then, and their parents weren't immediately notified. Police later sent the victims to be medically evaluated.

Four teens are being prosecuted as juveniles on charges of rape and attempted rape. According to statements to police and text messages, as many as 10 other junior-varsity players watched and laughed at the "brooming" attacks last October.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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