The Montgomery County grand jury charged four former Cheltenham High School football coaches and six players after allegations that a 15-year-old sophomore was assaulted in the locker room following two preseason practices in 2025. Prosecutors say video shows teammates restraining the victim and a broomstick used to prod him on Aug. 15, and that a Sept. 3 incident included kicking and stomping that caused genital injury. Investigators say coaches discussed keeping the matter quiet; the district suspended the program and the grand jury recommended making hazing reportable by mandated reporters.
Four Former Coaches, Six Players Charged After Alleged Hazing at Cheltenham High School
Multiple football coaches, players charged over alleged hazing at high school
Four former Cheltenham High School football coaches and six players have been criminally charged after a Montgomery County grand jury found probable cause that a 15-year-old sophomore was assaulted in the team locker room following two preseason practices in 2025.
What Prosecutors Allege
According to the grand jury indictment and statements by Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, the first incident occurred on Aug. 15, 2025. Prosecutors say video from that day shows several teammates restraining the juvenile victim while another student used a broomstick to prod the victim's buttocks. The filing says at least one player can be heard chanting, "Broomstick him."
WPVI - PHOTO: Cheltenham High School is seen in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.
The indictment alleges a second attack on Sept. 3, 2025, in which multiple players kicked or stomped the sophomore. Prosecutors say the victim reported being "punched, kicked and stomped in the head and groin with cleats." There is no video of the Sept. 3 incident; prosecutors say it followed an episode in which the victim allegedly took equipment from another player's locker and coaches ordered extra running as discipline.
Coaches' Conduct and Group Texts
No coach was in the locker room during either alleged assault, prosecutors said. The grand jury report alleges that after the Sept. 3 practice the victim told volunteer coach Ralph Burnley about the assault while being driven home. Burnley is accused of then texting a group that included head coach Terence Tolbert, associate head coach Darian "DJ" McFadden and assistant coach Benjamin Johnson III.
WPVI - PHOTO: Cheltenham High School is seen in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.
"This has to be handled and kept quiet. It's just like hazing ... I'm telling you if this gets out they could put the whole team in jeopardy," the grand jury report quotes Burnley as saying. McFadden allegedly replied, "if this gets out we are f-----! They will cancel the whole season."
Prosecutors say the coaches did not notify the student's mother or school administrators immediately. The victim's mother learned of the alleged assault several days later and the student was examined at urgent care on Sept. 8, 2025, where a genital injury was documented. An anonymous tip via the Safe2Say app on Sept. 18, 2025 prompted school administrators to contact police.
Charges and Legal Process
After testimony from more than 25 witnesses, the grand jury returned charges against four coaches, four juvenile players and two 18-year-old players. The coaches — Ralph Burnley, Terence Tolbert, Darian "DJ" McFadden and Benjamin Johnson III — each face counts including endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child.
WPVI - PHOTO: Cheltenham High School is seen in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.
Two juvenile players accused of being active participants face charges including aggravated assault, hazing and unlawful restraint. Two other juvenile players are charged with conspiracy to commit hazing, perjury and tampering with evidence; prosecutors are not naming the juveniles. Of the 18-year-old players, Isaiah Simpson was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, while Josiah Peeler faces a charge of false swearing.
District Attorney Steele said the investigation was hampered by reluctance among potential witnesses and that moving the inquiry to a grand jury was necessary to compel testimony. He emphasized the conduct described in the indictment "were crimes," not mere horseplay.
School Response and Next Steps
Cheltenham School District Superintendent Brian Scriven said the district's "thoughts remain with the victim and their family" and that the district has cooperated with law enforcement. District officials suspended the 2025–2026 football program and canceled the upcoming 2026–2027 season because of the hazing allegations.
Superintendent Scriven said the district will review and strengthen safety protocols before the new school year. The grand jury's report also recommends legislative changes to require mandated reporters — such as teachers, coaches and school administrators — to report hazing; the district has said it will support efforts to pursue those reforms.
Presumption of Innocence
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. It was not immediately clear whether those charged had retained attorneys.
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