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Two coaches and one player from the Haverhill High School football team were charged in connection with a hazing incident on Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Essex County District Attorney's Office reports.
An investigation conducted by the Haverhill Police Department and the DA's Office found that the trio was allegedly part of an incident that targeted three different individuals between Aug.18 and Oct. 12.
The coaches allegedly learned about the hazing incidents and not only failed to report it, but also tried to hide it by either discouraging an individual who wanted to report it or by destroying evidence.
The individuals charged were:
Head football coach Timothy O’Connor, 48, was charged with intimidation of a witness, failure to report hazing, and failure to file a 51A. Filing a 51A involves contacting the Department of Children and Families if there is suspicion that a child is being abused, neglected, or both. O’Connor's bail has been set at $750.
Assistant Coach Michael Attah, 27, faces charges of intimidation of a witness and failure to file a 51A.
Football player Jesse Rodriguez, 18, was charged with three counts each of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, assault and battery, and hazing.
The hazing incident evidently extends beyond the three people charged, as Haverhill police are also seeking charges against five juveniles in connection to the hazing investigation.
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