Fairfax County police investigating hazing allegations at West Potomac High School
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Fairfax County police are investigating allegations of hazing and sexual abuse involving players on the West Potomac High School baseball team.
Police Chief Edwin Roessler told FOX 5 that the current investigation stems from a previous criminal investigation at the school, but he would not go into further detail because it involved juveniles. Roessler said the current investigation only involves players on the baseball team.
"During the course of an investigation at West Potomac High School, we discovered these allegations through interview procedures with other students," Chief Roessler said. "So right now, we are continuing with our investigation to determine what [and] if any charges we could bring under the code of Virginia, and we are working closely with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office as we continue with the investigation."
On March 10 when the allegations first came to light, West Potomac principal Tangy Millard sent an email to parents describing them as "allegations of harassment and other inappropriate behavior."
FOX 5 has learned in emails acquired in a Freedom of Information Act request, school staff were calling what happened "possible hazing incidents." We have also learned through an email from an assistant superintendent that three players are facing discipline as a result of this through the school system's hearings office. Those three students have been suspended from the team.
Some of the emails are also providing insight into what this possible hazing may have been. A teacher at West Potomac emailed the principal alerting her to one of the allegations, which claimed that a player "is known to have shut another player, a small guy apparently, in a locker and to have urinated on him."
One coach has already resigned from the baseball team, but it is unclear why.
Sources say at least one alleged hazing incident goes back as far as the 2016 season.
"It's ongoing right now and I can tell you we have a lot more work to do to determine whether or not these allegations are true," Chief Roessler said. "If they are true, how long ago did they happen? Is there a statute of limitation issue? And our goal is to bring justice to the victims if there are indeed victims."
Fairfax County Public Schools said in a statement:
"Following the school's investigation, disciplinary actions were taken and the matter is resolved. As stated previously, student discipline records are confidential. If any new information should emerge, FCPS will investigate as appropriate."