By Morgan Montalvo
WOAI News
La Vernia ISD Superintendent Jose Moreno appealed to parents and concerned citizens for patience and support Monday evening as authorities move forward with their investigation into alleged sexual assault and hazing by student athletes.
Nearly 200 people packed the La Vernia High School cafeteria to hear Moreno's prepared statement concerning the alleged abuse by three adult and seven juvenile members of the school's football team.
Moreno said the district is balancing between expectations by some in the community for quick resolution of the claims, which is says were first reported just weeks ago, and the need for victim privacy and due process for the accused students.
"We took immediate action once we found out," Moreno told a news conference organized during a break between agenda items. He said earlier claims by students that hazing by members of the football team were ongoing and common knowledge are unfounded.
Moreno said administrators and teachers are working to establish a climate of "normalcy" as the probe widens. Counseling and related services are available in the event there are additional victims because "we want those kids to be able to come forward," Moreno said.
The local district attorney has invited the Texas Rangers to handle the criminal investigation, and the state to prosecute any cases that result from the inquiries.
La Vernia's police chief has said there is evidence of similar hazing incidents dating to 2014.