Elite NY school track members charged with sexual hazing

The prestigious Bronx High School of Science has become the center of a sexual hazing investigation, with three track team members charged with the violent abuse of a younger student.

CBS New York affiliate WCBS reports three boys, two 16 and one 17, were charged with forcible touching, assault, hazing in the second degree and harassment. The victims said all three boys were members of the track team.

According to the complaint, one of the assailants approached the victim in late December and early January. "You need a good fingering, you freshman," he allegedly said before assaulting him.

Later in January, one of the teens allegedly demanded that the victim touch him sexually and threatened to rape him if he did not. When the victim refused, he was pinned down and sexually assaulted, police said.

The older boys are also accused of striking the victim's genitals with a water bottle. Last week, the complaint says, the younger student was held down while others assaulted him. When the boy told the attackers they were hurting him, one allegedly responded, "Don't resist, we won't hurt you."

Bronx High School of Science Principal Valerie J. Reidy issued a letter to parents saying the attacks were being "fully investigated." All track team events are suspended until the investigation is completed.

WCBS reports the defendants pleaded not guilty at the Feb. 28 arraignment and were all released on their own recognizance. They are due back in court on Friday.