Teen Says Teammates Sexually Assaulted Him in High School Locker Room

Twelve students at St. Francis de Sales High School were suspended, officials said

An 18-year-old Chicago student reported to police Tuesday that five of his baseball teammates sexually assaulted him in their Catholic high school locker room last month, authorities said.

Officials at St. Francis de Sales High School, at 10155 S Ewing Ave. in Chicago's East Side neighborhood, said a dozen students were suspended after the March 23 incident.

Five of those students were suspended for five days for allegedly taking part in the assault, while other students were accused of not reporting what happened.

"Something did happen, and it wasn't just horseplay. Something did happen, and it is serious what happened," said parent Lasaundra Perkins.

Perkins' son and six other students were suspended for two days for not reporting the alleged incident.

One student claimed he was afraid to report it. The student, who requested to remain anonymous, said he thought the whole incident was a prank.

"I heard screaming and yelling and laughing. It sounded like everyone was joking around," the student told NBC Chicago.

School spokeswoman Susan Burritt issued a written statement, saying: "Ongoing discussions around bullying and the importance of showing care and concern towards everyone will continue to happen at the school in order to create an environment where students feel safe and succeed."

Chicago police said no one was in custody in connection with the alleged attack.

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