4 Lethbridge high school football players charged in alleged sexual assault of teammate

Four high school football players are facing multiple charges in connection with an alleged sexual assault at a Lethbridge high school last week.

Police said a 16-year-old boy, a fellow player on the football team, was forcibly confined and sexually assaulted in a locker room at Chinook High School on Oct. 3.

The Lethbridge Police Service emphasized this was not a hazing incident.

“Absolutely not, this was a sexual assault,” Staff Sgt. Pete Christos told reporters Wednesday.

Police said an incident like this happening in a school is “very rare.”

The victim and subjects are all members of the football team. The Lethbridge Police Service said it executed a search warrant at the school on Oct. 4 and seized a weapon.

Police charged the four boys, two aged 17 and two aged 16, with sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon and unlawful confinement.

The accused have been released, but have conditions of no contact with the victim and are prohibited from visiting Chinook High School or its grounds.

They are all scheduled to appear in Youth Court on Oct. 25. The names of the accused cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Three of the accused were arrested without incident on Oct. 10, while the fourth turned himself in to police.

Police said this was not a random incident and there is no evidence suggesting an ongoing risk to other students. The school remains open.

Lethbridge police sent out another update on Wednesday afternoon clarifying that there is no evidence to suggest any other members of the football team were involved in the assault.

FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES REMAIN SUSPENDED

In a statement Wednesday, the Lethbridge School Division said all football-related activities at the school continue to be suspended.

“A decision on the remainder of the 2023 season will be made soon,” the school division said in the statement.

To protect the privacy of the individuals involved, the division will not be sharing further details about the incident.

“Our focus continues to be on supporting students and the school community,” the school division said.

“Chinook is committed to being a safe place for students and staff members. The division, along with Chinook, recognizes the gravity of the situation and impact it has had on many in our community.”

Support is being provided to students through the school’s wellness team and supervision has been increased. The division said it is working with the Lethbridge Police Service and Chinook Sexual Assault Centre.

For additional support, anyone can reach out to the Chinook High School Wellness Team at 403-320-7565, on the Chinook High School website or through the school’s administration.

Other community organizations that can offer support include:

• The Chinook Sexual Assault Centre - 403-694-1094
• Lethbridge Family Services - 403-327-5724
• AHS Mental Health - 1-877-303-2642 or the AHS website
• Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868 (text 686868)