Police: 4th grade trio sexually assaulted classmate

Staff Report

Posted: November 29, 2011

Three fourth graders have been charged with sexually assaulting an 8-year-old classmate in the restroom of a West Philadelphia School.

Capt. John Darby, commander of the Special Victims Unit, said the two 10-year-old boys and one 11-year-old were arrested Monday after a three-week investigation.

They have been charged as juveniles with attempted rape, deviant sexual intercourse, unlawful restraint and related offenses, Darby said.

The 8-year-old boy, an advanced student, was sexually assaulted in October in a restroom at Bryant School, 6001 Cedar Ave., officials said.

The boy's mother notified his teacher on Nov. 5 and the School District and police launched investigations.

The school concluded there had been an incident of bullying and suspended the three boys for five days while police investigated to determine if a sexual assault occurred.

The school in meantime started requiring students going to a restroom to travel in pairs.

A school counselor also met with every class to discuss inappropriate behavior and the importance of reporting incidents to school staff immediately.

The victim has transferred to another school at his mother's request.