An 18-year-old has become the third person charged in connection with an alleged hazing attack inside I.C. Norcom High School's band equipment room, where court documents say a student was pushed into a dark room, struck with an orange paddle and a cardboard structure, and held down as he tried to get away. Corey Thomas was arrested and charged with hazing, assault and battery, and abduction of a minor, joining two 17-year-olds already taken into custody in the case.
According to court documents detailed by WTKR, the alleged incident happened Oct. 5 in the school's band equipment room. Three students are accused of forcibly pushing the victim into the room, turning off the lights and assaulting him. The complaint alleges the victim was hit with an orange paddle and a cardboard structure with enough force to knock him down, and that students held him in place when he tried to escape.
Court papers say Thomas joined the other students in repeatedly hitting the victim on his legs, back and buttocks. The alleged attack stopped only when the school's dean of students entered the room, per the same account. Court documents also allege the victim was threatened by the involved students with disqualification from playing in the band if he did not attend an unsanctioned practice.
Two Teens Taken Into Custody Days Later
Portsmouth Public Schools said the incident occurred after school following the cancellation of a scheduled band practice, according to WTKR. Two 17-year-olds were taken into custody in connection with the incident, the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office said. The sheriff's office said it could not provide additional details regarding their identities, specific charges, or circumstances surrounding the investigation because they are juveniles and the probe remains ongoing.
The gaps in what officials have released leave several questions unanswered, including exactly what charges the two teenagers face. Reporting from WAVY.com notes that whether a fourth student faces charges remains unclear as well.
District Points to New Pickup Rules
Portsmouth Public Schools said new student pickup protocols were immediately put in place for families on days when band practice is canceled, the district told WTKR. The school also held a mandatory meeting with band parents to go over behavioral expectations and the new procedures. Despite the arrests, the district said the band program continued its normal operating schedule.
The case falls under Virginia's anti-hazing statute, which states that it is unlawful to haze so as to cause bodily injury to any student at a school or institution of higher education, according to the Code of Virginia, § 18.2-56. I.C. Norcom High School is located in Portsmouth, Virginia, and the investigation into the band room incident remains active.
