Police in El Cerrito, California, are investigating serious allegations of hazing and sexual battery involving members of the El Cerrito High School football team. The investigation, which includes disturbing video evidence and extensive interviews, could lead to the arrest of up to 22 current and former students.
The El Cerrito Police Department is working with the West Contra Costa Unified School District on the probe, which has uncovered alleged misconduct spanning from September 2024 to 2026. The alleged offenses include battery, sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, dissuading a victim, conspiracy, and stalking.
In response to the allegations, school officials have suspended the football program. "No child should ever experience what our students have described," said West Contra Costa Unified School District Superintendent Cheryl Cotton. "While we have worked to focus on accountability for the actions of individual players up until this point, new information has led to new decisions. We must now make the very tough call to immediately suspend the El Cerrito High football program in order to prevent any further harm and restore a safe learning environment for our students."
The team's head coach has also been placed on leave as part of the investigation.
Police stated that they will not release further details to protect the privacy of juvenile victims and to maintain the integrity of the investigation. The El Cerrito High football team had recently achieved success, winning a CIF state championship in December and being on a winning streak prior to the suspension.