Ten Charged in Pennsylvania High School Football Hazing Case Involving Violent Assault

Ten individuals connected to Cheltenham High School’s football program face criminal charges following allegations that a 15-year-old player was subjected to violent physical assaults on two separate occasions in 2025, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. The charges include conspiracy and endangering the welfare of a child, with involvement from both student athletes and coaching staff members.

The first alleged attack occurred on August 15, 2025, and was captured on video by two juvenile players who later distributed the recording among teammates and students. During this incident, prosecutors said players used a broomstick to assault the victim while other teammates physically restrained him. No coaches were present during this initial assault.

A second violent incident transpired on September 3, 2025, in which Isaiah Simpson, 18, allegedly kicked and stomped the victim while other players punched and kicked him in the head and groin area with cleats. The same juvenile involved in the first assault again used a broomstick against the victim, court filings indicate. The victim reported curling into a protective ball while wearing football equipment to shield himself from the attack.

Four coaches learned of the second assault but allegedly concealed the incident from school administrators and the victim’s family. Volunteer coach Ralph Burnley, 60, gave the injured player a ride home and informed head coach Terence Tolbert, 55, of the attack. Assistant coaches Darian McFadden, 42, and Benjamin Johnson III, 45, participated in discussions to handle the matter internally, fearing consequences to the football program.

The victim’s mother discovered the assault through a relative who had heard accounts from other parents. Hospital examination revealed a contusion to the victim’s genitals. School administrators learned of the incidents through an anonymous reporting application, contacted law enforcement, and subsequently canceled the football season.

Simpson faces charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. Josiah Peeler, 18, was charged with false swearing. Four additional football players, whose identities remain sealed due to juvenile status, also face charges. The four coaches were charged with conspiracy and endangering the welfare of a child.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele characterized the assaults as serious crimes rather than typical team horseplay. “These were crimes,” Steele stated, noting that a grand jury reviewed testimony from numerous witnesses, recovered video evidence, and other materials before recommending charges against all defendants.