No new details released about bullying case

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - Carmel Clay School administrators along with the City’s Police Chief held a news conference Wednesday morning to discuss the investigation into a bullying incident that took place last month. However, no new details were released.

Carmel Clay Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Swensson stated privacy laws require the school district to protect the students while an investigation is ongoing. He did state that the school district could talk about the process the school has taken following allegations of the bullying incident.

The incident reportedly happened on a bus ride home from an away game on January 22nd. Three seniors on the Carmel High School basketball team are accused of calling the freshman manager of the team and another manager to the back of a school bus and physically assaulting them. Three coaches were on the bus during the incident.

Carmel High School Principal John Williams said he was made aware of the incident on February 16. Principal Williams said that same day the Carmel Police Department was made aware of the situation.

“We have had full cooperation from the beginning from Carmel Schools,” said Carmel Police Chief Michael Fogarty.

The principal initially told 24-Hour News 8 the students involved had been disciplined, but the incident did not reach the level of criminal activity.

Since then, the Carmel Police Department is considering charges against the three seniors which include battery, criminal confinement and criminal deviate conduct.

Students at Carmel High School told 24-Hour News 8 the 3 senior basketball players were suspended for five days.

On Tuesday, 24-Hour News 8 uncovered that the recording of what happened on the school bus may not exist.

During Wednesday’s news conference, 24-Hour News 8 I-Team 8 reporter Karen Hensel asked, “What about the hard drive from the bus? We were told yesterday it no longer exists. February 10th is the earliest?”

Dr. Swensson responded, “I don’t know anything about specific dates. I have not seen any video what so ever. We have not looked at anything, we gave it to the police department."

Hensel asked Chief Fogarty, “Can you confirm what the director of transportation told me yesterday that February 10 was the earliest video?”

“Karen no I can’t. If there was video it would have been handed over to us and we would treat that as part of the evidentiary factor of the case," said Fogarty.

Principal Williams also told reporters at the news conference the investigation of the school bus incident has led to other allegations of bullying.

“In working together, we have been able to investigate more thoroughly incidents beyond the original information reported. This sharing of information has allowed us to deliver what we consider appropriate discipline to those involved and provide support to the students and families that have been affected,” said Williams.

Following the news conference, Principal Williams used the schools public address system to share a message after the lunch hour with the student body

“While at school, you should feel safe and be safe. When that does not happen, we the adults have a huge responsibility to find out what happened… As we attempt to investigate these situations we also want to make sure that we protect the privacy of all students and that we are thorough and deliberate in these investigations... any harassment , intimidation, bullying to any degree is not acceptable. It’s not a part of our school, tradition. It is not anything any of us should accept,” said Williams.

After school students reacted to the message and the investigation itself.

“We think we already knew everything about it so it was kind of pointless,” said Courtney Young a senior at Carmel High School.

“I respected it, I think the kids deserve their privacy and it’s their matter to deal with. I think they deserve their privacy,” said sophomore Michelle Vlasic.

Principal Williams also sent a telephone message to parents. And, the school also plans to meet with the basketball team and their parents Wednesday night.

Once the police investigation is complete, they will turn it over to the prosecutor’s office.