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Mohawk cancels Friday football, other school activities as authorities investigate hazing incident

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The alleged hazing incident involving minors at Mohawk High School in New Castle has led to the cancellation of Friday night's football game and all school activities through at least Aug. 28.

In a statement from Mohawk Superintendent Michael Leitera Tuesday, stated: "The Junior Varsity and Varsity Football Program will remain inactive until at least Sunday, August 28, 2022. This includes all activities and games, both Junior Varsity and Varsity.  The investigation into alleged misconduct involving the High School Football Team is ongoing.  The District is still working with law enforcement, and the District Administration continues its own investigation.  Because this matter involves minor students and matters protected by student confidentiality, the District will not be providing additional details while the investigation is pending.  Conducting a thorough investigation and prioritizing student safety remains the District’s highest priorities."

Leitera said the district will issue a statement when the investigation has been completed and asked for patience while authorities were investigating the matter.

Lawrence County parents raised concerns over an alleged hazing incident involving minors at Mohawk High School in New Castle.

"We deserve to know the truth on what has happened," one mother, who asked to stay anonymous, said. 

The Mohawk Area School District said in a statement Monday, Aug. 22:

"The district has been made aware of allegations involving the high school football team and claims of potentially unlawful activity.  In accordance with legal requirements, the appropriate law enforcement authorities were contacted, and the district’s administration is conducting an investigation.  Parents of football team members have been notified of the issue, and all appropriate steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the District’s students and to investigate the matter thoroughly.  Because this matter involves minor students and matters protected by student confidentiality, the District will not be providing additional details while the investigation is pending."

District Attorney Joshua Lamencusa said their office is leading the investigation and couldn't provide any details but added "a lot of inaccurate information going around in the community is not true" based on the evidence they have thus far.

Parents said they want more transparency.

"We usually get emails about things like this when there's something going on at the school, and we've got nothing," the mother said. 

The football team's scrimmage and the team photo shoot were canceled this week amid the allegations.

Mohawk students go back are back in school beginning Wednesday.

On Monday, 21 News called the high school football coach, Tim McCutcheon, who would not comment on the issue.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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