District attorney to investigate more Ooltewah High assault allegations

The Hamilton County District Attorney's Office along with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has opened an investigation into allegations that older members of the Ooltewah High School basketball team were assaulting players before the assault on Dec. 22 in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

"At present no one has contacted Hamilton County law enforcement to formally report any criminal behavior having taken place in Hamilton County by anyone associated with the OHS boy's basketball team," wrote Melydia Clewell, spokeswoman for the District Attorney's office.

"However, recent media reports cite family members of OHS freshman basketball players who accuse upper class teammates of an ongoing pattern of assaults allegedly committed under the guise of hazing," the statement continues.

The statement says District Attorney General Neal Pinkston asked the Sheriff's Office to work with his investigators to determine if any media reports are substantiated and determine the proper jurisdiction for prosecution.

The Times Free Press previously reported that two mothers of players who were on the trip to Gatlingburg, Tenn., said their sons were punched, kicked and hit with pool cues during the trip in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

This is a developing story. Stay with the Times Free Press for updates.