9 Arrested in Alleged Texas High School ‘Hazing’ Sexual Assaults

Police in La Vernia, Texas, have arrested nine people on charges they were part of a lurid hazing scandal that involved members of the town high school’s football, basketball, and baseball teams. The students are reported to be facing sexual-assault charges that involve baseball bats, bottles, and pipes to commit the alleged crimes, some of which date back to 2014. “It’s a black eye for the city,” said La Vernia Police Chief Bruce Ritchey. “What I’m concerned with right now is providing the help and healing for those victimized.” “Several” more victims contacted police after the first arrests were reported last week, Ritchey said. “Hazing is not uncommon,” Ritchey added, “but hazing to this extent is uncommon.” Seven students were arrested last week and are juveniles. Two adults were arrested Monday in the case. Several more graduates of the school are named in the case as persons of interest but have not been arrested. Police have said they expect more charges to be filed, and authorities are still interviewing alleged victims.