Lethbridge Police headquarters is shown on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Three members of a high school football team in the city, accused of sexually assaulting a teammate, are scheduled to go to trial in October, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Rossiter)

By Canadian Press

Trial set for Lethbridge high school football players charged with sexual assault

Mar 28, 2024 | 6:09 AM

Warning: This story may contain information that may be disturbing to some.

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Three members of a Lethbridge high school football team accused of sexually assaulting a teammate are scheduled to go to trial in the fall.

The accused boys, who are 16 and 17, are charged with sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon and forcible confinement.

Police have said a 16-year-old boy was assaulted in a locker room of Chinook High School after regular hours last October. They said the offence did not involve hazing.

Officers seized a weapon from the school but police did not give further details.

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READ MORE: Lethbridge Police investigating alleged sexual assault at Chinook High School

Because of their ages, the accused cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The trial is scheduled for October 28, 2024.

A fourth accused has been referred to a diversion program.

After the teens were arrested, they were released from custody on conditions, which included not having contact with the complainant or attending the school.

A judge amended the conditions to allow two of the accused to attend their high school graduation in June.

READ MORE: Third teen pleads not guilty in Lethbridge high school football sex assault case

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2024.