In Clyde, N.Y. (WHAM), officials addressed the public for the first time following the arrest of four teenagers in connection with an alleged assault at Clyde-Savannah High School.
Charged with aggravated sexual abuse, hazing, and forcible touching for the incident that took place on Oct. 31, three of the defendants are ages 17, 16, and 15.
“I understand the community is going through a difficult time,” remarked Wayne County Assistant District Attorney Christine Callanan. “There are a lot of unanswered questions from concerned parents.”
MORE: ‘What’s being done is not enough’: Clyde-Savannah parent calling for more action over incident involving school’s football team
The victim was subjected to the abuse in a locker room, according to the police.
Additionally, a 16-year-old boy faces unlawful surveillance charges after the victim’s parents discovered a recording of the incident circulating on social media.
“The impact goes beyond just the football team; it affects the entire school and community,” Callanan emphasized. “Law enforcement is diligently pursuing leads, and we are treating this as an active and ongoing investigation.”
Now, it is up to the court system to determine whether the defendants will be tried as adults or youthful offenders.
“If they are adjudicated as youthful offenders, it will affect the potential sentence range compared to if they are not granted such an adjudication,” Callanan explained. “This is just the beginning of a long legal process.”
MORE: Clyde-Savannah postpones school board meeting amid police investigation into football team | Clyde-Savannah football parent speaks out over alleged assault involving players
Callanan noted that there is a “substantial range” in the potential sentences based on the adjudication, and the changes in the Raise the Age legislation have added complexity to the case.
She also stated that she could not confirm whether the suspects were varsity football players or if an adult was present in the locker room during the alleged assault. The school district previously announced the end of the football team’s undefeated season due to an incident involving several football players.
The defendants are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday and Thursday.
