Suspects in Lethbridge high school sex assault released from custody with conditions

This stems from an incident on October 3, 2023, as police say a 16-year-old boy was allegedly forcibly confined and sexually assaulted in a locker room at the school after regular school hours.

According to the LPS, the incident involved members of the school’s football program and everyone involved were known to each other.

They say this was not a random incident and that there is no evidence to suggest any ongoing risk to other students.

Police obtained and executed a search warrant at the school on October 4 and seized a weapon, although the type of weapon was not disclosed.

On October 10, officers attended the school once again and apprehended three suspects without incident. The fourth suspect turned himself in at the police station.

All four suspects are charged with sexual assault with a weapon, assault with a weapon, and unlawful confinement. As they are all under the age of 18, their names cannot be released due to provisions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The four suspects are next scheduled to appear in court on October 25, 2023.

SCHOOL DIVISION RESPONSE

On October 11, the Lethbridge School Division issued the following statement.

“Lethbridge School Division is aware of the charges laid today involving four Chinook High School students, in connection with an incident involving a group of players in the football program.

To protect the privacy of those involved, and due to the fact charges have been laid, no further details can be shared regarding the incident. Our focus continues to be on supporting students and the school community. 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.

As a school, Chinook is attending to the situation with care for the safety and well-being of all of those involved, and the greater school community. This includes providing support through Chinook’s wellness team, increased supervision throughout the school, working with the Lethbridge Police Service and consultations with the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre.

As we work through this situation and gain more information, all football-related activities continue to be suspended. A decision on the remainder of the 2023 season will be made soon.

Should anyone need to reach out for additional support, please reach out to the Chinook High School Wellness Team – 403-320-7565 or www.chs.lethsd.ab.ca/parents/career-services-page, or the school administration. There are also many community organizations that can assist, including the following:

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

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”

Additionally, police issued a further statement regarding the alleged incident:

“In light of the criminal charges laid against four members of the Chinook High School football team in connection with the sexual assault of a teammate, police are aware of rumours and speculation circulating with respect to other members of the team.

Police can confirm that at this time there is no evidence to suggest any other members of the school football team were involved in the commission of the offence.“

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by David Opinko

Suspects in Lethbridge high school sex assault released from custody with conditions

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