Ex-prep school students say sex abuse spanned decades, seek investigation

BOSTON -- Former students of a prestigious Rhode Island boarding school are calling for an independent investigation into sexual abuse that they say spanned three decades and involved at least seven former staff members.

St. George's School in Middletown announced last month after an internal investigation that it found 26 students were sexually abused by six school employees in the 1970s and 1980s. The school acknowledged it didn't report abusers to authorities.

During a news conference Tuesday in Boston, attorneys said 40 men and women claim they were abused at the school during that time span, reports CBS affiliate WPRI.

Three former students called for an independent investigation and called on the school to set up a victims' assistance fund for mental health counseling.

At least one alleged victim is calling for the current head of the school, Eric Peterson, to step down, reports the station.

Peterson didn't immediately return a call seeking comment from the Associated Press.

The school reportedly has said they are "truly, deeply sorry" and have announced plans for a support group and therapy funds for the victims .

Rhode Island State Police began investigating in November.

About 400 students attend the private high school, with annual tuition of $56,000.