Investigation Ongoing After Central Bucks West Football Season Canceled Amid Hazing Allegations
By Steve Patterson
DOYLESTOWN, Pa., (CBS) -- "We just want to make sure we're thorough and we do it properly," Central Bucks Regional Police Lt. Patrick Penecale said.
Monday CBS3 learning just how far investigators are in figuring out who did what in a hazing scandal with national headlines.
"That's our goal, to determine if there is in fact a problem. If there is and it's of a criminal nature then we'll deal with it criminally," Lt. Penecale said.
Lt. Patrick Penecale with the Central Bucks Regional Police telling CBS 3 the department is working with the DA's office on initial fact gathering and they have yet to interview players on the CB West football team.
"It's going to take some time to get all of our information together," Lt. Penecale said.
CB West football at the center of hazing allegations.
In a letter sent home to parents, Superintendent Dave Wetzel says among other actions being investigated one student may have been forced to grab another's private parts while fully clothed.
Thursday Wetzel canceled the rest of the season including Friday's rivalry game against CB East.
Football is huge in central Bucks County so when one of the biggest games all year suddenly doesn't happen due to scandal, the fallout with people talking around town maybe bigger than if the two rivals played a great game.
"The parents were disappointed - the kids - everyone was disappointed. It is a shame what happened."
Maria Correra and Lisa Brown are CB East Parents.
"My son was really disappointed because they feel like they were penalized for something they didn't do."
Late Monday afternoon CBS 3 receiving another statement.
School Board President Paul Faulkner agreeing with the Superintendent - saying quote:
"...All involved at the district appreciate the gravity of the situation and firmly believe that the action taken - regarding the team and the coaching staff - were more than justified based on the violations of the code of conduct and discipline..."
The board is scheduled to discuss the issue at a meeting Tuesday night.
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