Cheltenham, Pennsylvania — A shocking hazing investigation at a Pennsylvania high school has resulted in criminal charges against 10 members of a football program, including four coaches, after prosecutors alleged a 15-year-old player was violently assaulted by teammates in the locker room during two separate incidents. The allegations ultimately led to the cancellation of the team’s football season and a grand jury investigation.
Prosecutors Detail Two Alleged Locker Room Assaults
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the alleged hazing incidents took place at Cheltenham High School during the 2025 football season.
The first incident reportedly occurred on Aug. 15, 2025, and was allegedly recorded by two juvenile players before being shared with teammates and other students during the school semester.
Prosecutors say the video showed several players holding their sophomore teammate on the floor while another player used a broomstick to prod the victim’s buttocks inside the locker room after practice.
A second alleged assault occurred on Sept. 3, 2025, when witnesses reportedly saw several teammates punching, kicking, and stomping the victim while he was on the ground.
Victim Says He Curled Into a Ball to Protect Himself
Investigators said the victim told authorities he was wearing full football equipment during the second assault and curled into a ball in an effort to protect himself.
According to prosecutors, the teen reported being punched, kicked, and stomped in the head and groin with football cleats.
He also alleged that teammates again attempted to poke him with a broomstick, which he said made contact with his buttocks over his shorts but did not penetrate him.
A few days later, after learning about the incident from another family member, the victim’s mother took him to an urgent care clinic, where doctors reportedly diagnosed him with a contusion to his penis.
Coaches Accused of Failing to Report the Alleged Hazing
Although prosecutors acknowledged none of the coaches were inside the locker room during the alleged assaults, investigators say several coaches became aware of the second incident shortly afterward.
Volunteer coach Ralph Burnley, 60, was reportedly driving the player home when the teen said he had been “jumped” and suffered an injury to his genital area.
According to investigators, Burnley contacted head coach Terence Tolbert, 55, which led to discussions among members of the coaching staff.
Prosecutors allege that during a phone conversation with the victim, Tolbert and assistant head coach Darian “DJ” McFadden, 42, asked the teen not to tell his mother, assuring him they would handle the situation internally.
Authorities further allege the coaching staff, including assistant coach Benjamin Johnson III, 45, chose not to notify the victim’s family or school administrators because they feared disciplinary action could jeopardize the football season.
All four coaches have been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child.
Players Face Multiple Criminal Charges
Among the players charged is Isaiah Simpson, 18, who faces allegations including conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.
Another player, Josiah Peeler, 18, has been charged with false swearing.
Four additional players, who were juveniles at the time of the alleged incidents, also face various charges. Their identities have not been released because of their ages.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele emphasized that the conduct described by investigators went far beyond locker room horseplay.
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He stated that “These assaults on a football player were not the typical goofing around by teammates. These were crimes.”
Football Season Ended as Investigation Expanded
School administrators were eventually alerted through an anonymous reporting app, prompting them to contact law enforcement.
Following the investigation, Cheltenham High School suspended the football team’s season on Oct. 17, 2025, before later canceling the season entirely.
A grand jury reviewed witness testimony, including the recovered locker room video, before recommending criminal charges against players and coaches.
Authorities said arrangements are now being made for those charged to turn themselves in to police as the case moves forward.
What do you think schools and athletic programs should do to prevent hazing from escalating into criminal behavior? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
