Seminole County prosecutors review hazing accusations against baseball team

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Prosecutors in Seminole County are reviewing accusations of hazing involving members of a high school baseball team.

One of the victims told investigators that teammates inappropriately touched him and two others during a tournament in Altamonte Springs.

Detectives recently sent the case to the state attorney’s office.

Prosecutors will decide whether eight people should face charges.

Documents show that the parents of a player from the Cooper City baseball team reported the incident to deputies in Broward County in June.

The report said the boys were staying at the Embassy Suites in Altamonte Springs in March for a baseball tournament when five teammates came into the victim’s room, held him down and pulled down his pants.

The boy was able to get away, but claimed that two other players were in similar situations and at least one was touched inappropriately.

“We wait for the state attorney's office to review. If they feel there's enough charges, they will formally make the decision to file charges against the suspects,” said Evelyn Estevez of the Altamonte Springs Police Department.

Deputies forwarded the report to police in Altamonte Springs, who sent investigators to South Florida.

The case has now been turned over to prosecutors in Seminole County.

The report said someone reported the incident to the coach, who said: “It’s just baseball. Keep it to yourself.”

Deputies said the boy who reported the incident began receiving threatening text messages and did not return to school.

Reports said adults and minors were involved in the incident.

Police said a decision on whether to file charges could take months

Broward County Public Schools released a statement that read, "At all times, the safety and security of our students are the District’s highest priorities. This situation is being taken very seriously. School leadership and the District’s Special Investigative Unit continue to cooperate with the Altamonte Springs Police Department regarding its investigation."

Cox Media Group