LA VERNIA, Texas – Three more La Vernia High School students were arrested this week in connection with a hazing case that has ripped through the small town 30 minutes southeast of San Antonio.
The arrests were made at the school and bring the total number of arrests in the case to 13.
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The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual assaults dating back to 2014.
A lawsuit was filed Tuesday claiming that the La Vernia school district, administrators and staff did not protect the victims at the center of the alleged incidents.
Here's what we know about the lawsuit:
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The plaintiffs are the parents of student athlete who was a 15-year-old freshman in 2015. He was a junior varsity football player who was moved up to varsity.
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The defendants are the La Vernia Independent School District; Superintendent Jose Moreno; high school principal Kristen Martin; former athletic director and head coach Brandon Layne; athletic director Richard Hinojosa; athletic director Chris Taber; head coach Scott Grub and coach Keith Barnes.
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The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial.
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The plaintiffs want damages awarded for medical expenses, pain, anguish, loss of wages and punitive damages.
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Hazing and other incidents occurred in academic years 2015-2017, the lawsuit claims.
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La Vernia ISD and the other defendants lacked policies, practices and procedures to protect the student athlete, according to the lawsuit.
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Hazing has been part of the football team's culture for at least 10 years, the lawsuit claims.
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The student athlete said he was sexually attacked five times.
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The defendants didn't report the incidents within 48 hours, which is required under Texas law.
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The hazing wasn't reported in an effort to protect the football program.
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The defendants deprived the student athlete of rights and privileges.
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La Vernia ISD and administrators took no corrective action.
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The plaintiffs want La Vernia ISD to implement training programs for employees and students to prevent hazing and bullying.
Learn more about the case:
Three students arrested in La Vernia High School hazing scandal
Texas Rangers take over La Vernia HS sex assault scandal case
Community holding prayer service after more La Vernia HS students arrested
La Vernia ISD superintendent to publicly address hazing scandal
Community ‘disappointed' after several La Vernia HS students arrested for sexual assault
Several La Vernia High School students arrested on sex assault charges
Authorities release name of student arrested in sex assault hazing incident at La Vernia HS
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