Lethbridge high school football players charged in alleged sex assault of teammate
Police say incident occurred in locker room at local high school last week
WARNING: This article contains details of abuse and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
Four Lethbridge, Alta., high school football players have been charged with sexual assault, accused of confining and attacking a teammate in the school's locker room.
Police say a teenage male was forcibly confined and sexually assaulted in the locker room after regular school hours on Oct 3. Investigators say it was not a random incident.
"The victim, who was very courageous, came forward and reported to police," said Staff Sgt. Pete Christos at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. "We took the investigation on from there."
The following day, Oct. 4, the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) executed a search warrant at the school, leading to the seizure of a weapon, police said in a statement.
4 teens face 3 charges each
The four teens each face three charges — sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon and forcible confinement.
At the press conference, Lethbridge police were asked if the incident "was a form of hazing."
"Absolutely not," said Christos. "This was a sexual assault."
Police arrested three males at the school on Tuesday, while a fourth later turned himself in at the police station, according to the LPS statement released Wednesday.
The four accused teens have been released from custody, police say. They are prohibited from contacting the complainant or attending their high school.
'Not an easy situation either way'
All four will appear in youth court in Lethbridge on Oct. 25.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits the release of the name of anyone charged with a crime who is under the age of 18.
The school remains open and police say there's no evidence to suggest any ongoing risk to other students.
Football activities at the high school remain suspended, school officials said Wednesday.
Christos expressed sympathy for the families of both the alleged victim and the teens accused of sexual assault.
"With the parents, on either side, it does impact their home; their kids are now involved, they're looking to make sure they're looked after so it's not an easy situation either way."
Lethbridge, a city of roughly 100,000 people, is located about 215 kilometres southeast of Calgary.
Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services through this Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.