A Grundy County school official who has asked to remain anonymous said a recent attempted rape allegedly carried out by five football players against a fellow teammate is just the latest in a long line of assaults tied to hazing in the school district.
The source provided NewsChannel5 with a detailed timeline of incidents that have occurred since 2015, and insists officials within the district have known about the hazing, but chosen to sweep it under the rug.
In the timeline, he alleges students were beaten with belts and bats, had their heads dunked in toilets filled with feces, and were forced to drink urine in May 2015.
The timeline alleges a female student was sexually assaulted inside the high school field house in October 2016. Our source said members of the football team, including one student who now faces charges in the most recent incident, carried out and recorded video of the assault.
The source alleges officials within the school district have chosen to cover up multiple crimes and intimidated or ousted those who spoke out.
On Monday, Sheriff Clint Shrum said his office is investigating whether adults were aware of or involved in the most recent attack on a freshman football player.
"The victim was placed prostrate of the floor, hand behind his back, his shorts were pulled down," Shrum said, detailing the attack in a Wednesday press conference. "Two students used a metal dust mop handle to assault the victim."
Five football players face attempted aggravated rape charges. Sheriff Shrum said the attack took place inside the school's field house and video was recorded by a teammate. The TBI is analyzing that video.
On Monday, a judge ordered the teens to remain on house arrest with an ankle bracelet monitor. The judge also recused himself from the case, citing a conflict of interest.
The Grundy County school board will meet Monday night to discuss the future of the football program. In the meantime, head coach Casey Tate has been suspended.
