DELAND, Fla. — Parents of Lake Howell High School football players met at the school Monday after a 14-year-old boy accused upperclassmen of holding him against his will and raping him during a recent football camp.
For two hours, Channel 9 waited outside the school hoping to speak to the parents, but none would comment, before, during or after the meeting.
Some made gestures at WFTV reporter Ken Tyndall to express their displeasure with his presence.
DeLand police confirmed that they are investigating reports of a sexual battery at Stetson University.
The incident happened while students from Lake Howell High School were at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes football camp on July 27, police said.
The 14-year-old victim told his mother what happened. She then told someone else, who reported the incident to the abuse hotline, investigators said.
Police said the mother refused to cooperate with the investigation, so officers couldn’t talk to the alleged victim, police said.
"There are times that people decide not to go forward with either law enforcement or the criminal justice side, and that's just because there's a lot of unknown factors to it and trauma can look a lot different for different people," victim's advocate Natasha Llorens said.
Former Lake Howell football player Javon Bridgewater told Channel 9 that he was shocked at the allegations against students he likely played with last year.
"I can't say they didn't do what he claims they did to him, but I know the boys still on that team from last year, and I know they're not capable of anything like that," Bridgewater said.
The camp director said players worked on their skills at Sperling Sports Complex, attended church services and would eat and sleep at Stetson University.
If the victim continues to be uncooperative with police, it could tie the district's hands when it comes to possible discipline, officials said.
"This matter is under investigation and Fellowship of Christian Athletes is gathering facts. All affected by this situation remain in our heartfelt prayers. FCA continues to maintain high standards of morality and personal conduct for all of our student athletes, and volunteers. Due to the investigation and proceedings taking place, we are not able to make further comments."