Five Damascus High School JV Football Players Face Rape Charges after Alleged Hazing Incident

Arrests stem from reports of hazing by players

BY GLYNIS KAZANJIAN | Published: 2018-11-02 16:16

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Updated at 3:48 p.m. Saturday: Five Damascus High School students are facing rape charges after an alleged hazing incident that occurred in the boys locker room after school was dismissed Oct. 31, according to authorities.

Three students were arrested Thursday evening and each was charged with one count of second-degree rape and one count of attempted second-degree rape, according to Montgomery County police. On Friday, two additional students were charged by police. One student was charged with three counts of second-degree rape and another student was charged with one count of attempted second-degree rape, police said Friday.

All of the Damascus students charged are members of the junior varsity football team, according to a letter released Saturday from Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Jack Smith. ... Police have identified four male students at the school as the alleged victims. They are also believed to be members of the JV football team. Following police protocol, their identities will not be released.
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“Not only can these rumors be hurtful, but they can also be a distraction to the investigation,” Smith wrote. “If you believe you have information regarding the alleged incident, please contact the Special Victims Division of the Montgomery County Police at 240-773-5400.”
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