Two more arrests have been made in the disturbing bullying case that has rocked Newport, Rhode Island.
Following assault charges for two 16-year-old members of the Rogers High School football team, 17-year-old and 14-year-old classmates have now been charged with assaulting the same juvenile victim.
The investigation remains ongoing according to Newport Police, who made the latest arrests in the case on Monday.
The victim in this case has been described by police as having ‘severe impairments.’
Names of the accused of have not been publicized by police because they are juveniles.
The reported incident was said to be caught on film, according to a letter to families from Newport Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain. That viral video ‘shows other players not intervening, or bringing this matter to the attention of an adult,’ Jermain explained.
An online GoFundMe drive was launched to help with the alleged victim’s legal bills
‘This is a serious matter and there is no grey area when it comes to behavior like this,’ Jermain continued. ‘Those involved will face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with our district policies.
‘Our athletes need to understand as leaders, as athletes, and as representatives of our community, that this behavior will never be tolerated at Newport Public Schools.’
Disturbing video published on Instagram by Newport Buzz shows a seated student being whipped with a strap or belt by a football player. Another portion of the video shows someone on their knees apologizing to to his antagonist.
‘I’m so sorry,’ the kneeling student said before being whipped across the face with what appeared to be a rubber stretching band.
The attack is said to have taken place on Thursday in the exclusive Rhode Island enclave. One of the suspects was set to be arraigned Friday.
The newly remodeled school was established in 1873 and has an enrollment of only about 650
Rogers High School sits in the exclusive Rhode Island enclave of Newport
‘The Newport Police Department emphasized that bullying will not be tolerated or condoned in our community,’ Newport police said, adding: ‘such acts will be investigated to the fullest extent.’
An online GoFundMe drive was launched to help with the alleged victim’s legal bills.
‘That was my little brother who is special needs in the video,’ read the post. ‘We need a lawyer and etc so whatever you can donate please do. Thank you.’
Rogers High School was coming off a 28-6 win over Providence’s Juanita Sanchez Complex.
For the season, Rogers was just 2-8 and ranked 34th in the nation’s smallest state, according to MaxPres.com.
The football program at the school dates back to 1890, although it has produced only one NFL player: Former Chicago Bears offensive and defensive lineman, John Mellekas.
