14 Teenage Boys Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Female Students at Los Angeles High School

Nine students were arrested at a Los Angeles high school yesterday for their alleged involvement in a string of sex crimes against at least two female students. In addition, authorities say another five more students are involved.

The Los Angeles Times reports that eight of teens were arrested on the campus of Venice High School yesterday morning, while the other was arrested at an off-site location. The LAPD is still searching for the five remaining suspects, and all of the boys involved are said to be between the ages of 14 and 17. A parent reported the alleged sexual assaults on Tuesday, triggering the investigation: 

As detectives investigated, they discovered at least one photograph showing sex acts, according to law enforcement sources. A photo that appears to show two teenagers engaged in a sex act has been circulated on social media. Allegations involved both consensual sexual acts between minors and coerced acts, which complicates the case, police said.

Furthermore, the Times adds that the alleged assaults date back more than a year: 

The alleged crimes include sexual assault and lewd acts with a minor. Although the incidents date back to 2013, Smith said, most occurred in the last two months — and as recently as this month. Sources said that several boys were present during at least some of the incidents.

The boys also reportedly pressured the girls into sex acts and threatened to sully their reputations. According to the Times, police said the investigation is still in its early stages, but the swift arrests were to insure that no additional crimes were committed. 

[via Los Angeles Times]