CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A months-long investigation into hazing and misconduct within the Cheltenham High School football program has culminated in criminal charges against four coaches and six players, authorities announced.

The charges stem from two separate locker room assaults against a 15-year-old teammate that took place in August and September of 2025. The developments mark a severe legal reckoning for the Montgomery County high school program, which had its previous season cut short when allegations of abuse first surfaced.

Pattern of Assaults and Recorded Misconduct

According to investigators, the victim was subjected to assaults inside the high school's football locker room on at least two occasions. An earlier independent investigation commissioned by the Cheltenham School District revealed the extent of the September 3 incident, noting that approximately 19 student-athletes witnessed the attack without intervening.

Several players actively participated in the abuse, while others recorded the assault on their cell phones. The independent probe characterized the football team's culture as "toxic and negative."

"About 19 students witnessed the Sept. 3 assault and made no attempts to stop it, while several others participated in it and others filmed it," Cheltenham School District Superintendent Brian Scriven previously disclosed to parents.

While the school district's external investigator concluded there was insufficient evidence to substantiate a broader, multi-year "pattern of hazing," the severity of the locker room assaults prompted a joint criminal investigation by the Cheltenham Township Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Coaches Faulted for Lack of Supervision

The four coaches face charges linked to their failure to protect student-athletes and intervene in the abuse. Findings from the district's review indicated that coaches routinely left locker rooms unattended for extended periods, failing to prioritize student safety or enforce anti-bullying and anti-hazing standards.

Investigators also noted that several adults interviewed during the early stages of the inquiry provided answers that "lacked credibility."

Future of Cheltenham Football Remains Uncertain

The fallout from the investigation has cast serious doubt on whether Cheltenham High School will field a varsity football team for the upcoming fall season. Following the initial reports of hazing last autumn, the district canceled the final two games of the season and suspended team activities.

Superintendent Scriven has stated that any resumption of the football program is contingent on a complete overhaul. The district's reform plan includes:

  • A New Coaching Staff: Dismissing the previous staff and hiring new coaches committed to player safety.
  • Enhanced Supervision: Mandating direct adult oversight in locker rooms and during all team activities.
  • Stricter Reporting Protocols: Improving how bullying, hazing, and assault allegations are tracked and escalated.
  • Roster Rebuilding: Reconstituting the team around players who were not involved in the locker room assaults.

District officials reiterated that rebuilding trust and ensuring student safety remain the top priorities before student-athletes are allowed back on the field.

For background context on the district's initial investigation and community fallout, watch Questions swirl after investigation revealed high school football teammate assaulted. This report covers the external investigation findings that preceded the criminal charges, detailing the failures in locker room supervision at Cheltenham High School.