Mohawk school district returns to class amid hazing allegations against a high school football team

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Pa. — The first day of school for Mohawk students in Lawrence County was a difficult one. The JV and Varsity football team seasons are on hold. Games and events are canceled, and rumors are swirling.

“It’s shocking you know, to hear that things like that are going on because it’s a really good school district and it’s a really great school,” parent Marianne McClair says.

While the Lawrence County District Attorney and school district are tight-lipped about their investigation into hazing, parents say the allegations are heinous and involve multiple underage victims and more than one perpetrator.

“This could be very, very troubling considering there are many minors involved,” legal analyst Phil DiLucente said.

DiLucente says the involvement of DA Joshua Lamancusa speaks for itself.

“For Mr. Lamancusa to actually get involved in an investigation into hazing just suggests the allegations are extremely serious,” DiLucente says.

While many parents question the term hazing, DiLucente says it could rise to the level of a felony.

“It’s hard to say without more facts, but let’s say for instance, a sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault were to be eventually found, without question, an aggravated hazing would be found,” DiLucente adds. “If charges are brought and there are convictions, a judge will have to decide if they’re prosecuted as an adult.”

While all football team activities are canceled until at least Sunday, legal experts say the investigation could last months.

“Mr. Lamancusa is taking this extremely seriously, he’s going to take his time to make sure all the facts and allegations are either proven or disproven.”

The WPIAL says they do not tolerate hazing and trust teams and coaches do the right thing. WPIAL adds that the school district hands down the consequences.

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