Cleveland Police and the Texas Rangers continued their investigation Friday of the sexual assault of a pre-teen girl by what is now reported up to 14 males. Several of these are Cleveland High students.
Cleveland Police were notified on Friday, December 3, by the Cleveland Independent School District Police that a report was made in the Cleveland High Principals office by a student. of the alleged sexual assault.
The CISD police escorted the student along with a parent to the Cleveland Police Department for interview. During the interview it was discovered the alleged assault occurred over the Thanksgiving holidays, off school property.
Due to the nature of the investigation and the age of the victim and some of the persons being questioned, releasing details would be jeopardizing at this point in the investigation.
Cleveland Police and the Texas Rangers spent most of Thursday at two locations on the north side of Cleveland collecting forensic evidence in an attempt to piece the case together.
One location was an abandon mobile home where they spent better than six hours.
Janette Woods lives in the neighborhood where the alleged incident happened and said she knows the families of some the boys who have been accused.
"Whether it’s true or not, families are just torn up," Woods said. "It’s tragic anytime young men get into a situation or get into something that’s going to ruin their lives. And this is going to effect their lives."
Cleveland Police are not releasing any further information at this time as to not hinder the investigation of the case.
"The district and the CISD Police Department are fully cooperating with investigating officers. The district wants the public to rest assured that the administrators and staff will continue to take action to provide a safe learning environment for all of our students," the Cleveland Independent School District said in a statement.
Chief Bradshaw said never in his twenty-five year career has he seen so many suspects. He also stated statements were made that some of the assault was videoed on cell phones.
The age of consent is seventeen and anyone involved in this case could get up to life in prison for this first degree felony.
