Three members of the Bronx High School of Science's boys track team have been arrested in connection with the violent sexual abuse of a younger peer. Two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old are charged with hazing, assault, forcible touching, and harassment stemming from incidents that allegedly started in December and continued through February 20. According to a criminal complaint obtained by CBS, one of the defendants demanded that the victim touch him in a sexual manner, and threatened to rape him if he refused to comply. After the victim refused, he was held down and sexually assaulted. In another instance, one of the defendants allegedly told the victim, "You need a good fingering, you freshman," before assaulting him.
ABC is reporting that the three boys who are charged with the crimes are 16-year-old Thomas Brady, 16-year-old Boubacar Diallo, and 17-year-old Pier Berkmans. The boys were arrested last week, and will be tried as adults. Bronx High School of Science principal Valerie Reidy has suspended all track events in light of the allegations, and promised that the case was being "fully investigated."
All three of the defendants plead not guilty at their arraignment on February 28, and they are expected to appear in court again on Friday.
