Toronto police have charged six students in connection with an alleged gang sexual assault at St. Michael's College School that was captured on camera and shared on social media.
Deputy Chief James Ramer said five students turned themselves in on Monday, while another was arrested on his way to school. All six boys are facing multiple criminal charges and will be considered young offenders.
Each student has been charged with:
- Assault.
- Gang sexual assault.
- And assault with a weapon.
The charges stem from a sexual assault investigation at the private, all-boys Catholic school that was launched last week. Insp. Dominic Sinopoli, who heads Toronto police's sex crimes unit, told reporters police are now looking into two allegations of sexual assault and two allegations of assault.
Sinopoli said the incidents started as hazing.
Sinopoli said police have reason to believe there are more victims and more videos out there, and said he's "very concerned" that graphic video of the alleged sexual assault is still out there on social media.
The Canadian Press spoke with police sources who confirmed that the charges filed Monday involved a group of students on the football team allegedly pinning down another student in a locker room and sexually assaulting him with a broom handle.
Police at the news conference also said the midtown Toronto school is currently dealing with a bomb threat.
The school, which has expelled eight students in connection with the allegations, said it supports the police force's move to file criminal charges.
We fully support the decision of the Toronto Police Service decision to arrest six of our expelled students. We believe charges are absolutely appropriate in these circumstances. We will continue to work in full cooperation with the police as they continue their investigation.
—@SMCS1852
