Elite NYC high school's track team members accused of violent sexual hazing

(CBS) NEW YORK - Three track team members have been charged with the violent sexual abuse of a younger student at the Bronx High School of Science, CBS New York reports.

According to the station, the boys are charged as adults with forcible touching, assault, hazing in the second degree and harassment in connection with the attacks at the Bronx school.

The suspects are identified as Pier Berkmans, 17; Thomas Brady, 16; and Boubacar Diallo, 16. The victim said all three boys were fellow members of the track team.

In response to the alleged hazing incidents, Bronx High School of Science Principal Valerie J. Reidy issued a letter to parents ensuring that the attacks were being "fully investigated." All track team events have been suspended until the investigation is completed, Reidy wrote in the letter.

A student at the school who declined to be identified told CBS New York he knows hazing goes on as part of track team activities.

"Maybe not a ritual, but it's just a norm. It's something that they do, and it's always been like that," he said.

According to the Bronx District Attorney's Office, the defendants plead not guilty at their arraignment on Feb. 28 and were all released to their parents on personal recognizance bonds. They are due back in court on Friday.

They will have to meet with the superintendent of schools on Thursday to find out if or when they can return to school, the station reports.