Parents Meet With School Officials on Hazing Incident in Wilson

Hundreds of students and parents gathered for a public meeting to discuss an alleged hazing incident that resulted in the arrest of two baseball coaches and three students from the Wilson Central Schools.

Dozens waited for the doors to open outside the school before the meeting began Thursday night.

Our cameras were not allowed inside, but reporters were. Police and the school district did not have any new information to report, but people attending the meeting had plenty to say.

About fifty people spoke out. Many spoke on behalf of the coaches. Others talked about the need for changes to school policies.

But the general consensus was the investigation needs to continue and wrap up quickly so things in the small town of Wilson can get back to normal. Many residents spoke out, frustrated with the constant media coverage, which some feel was portraying Wilson in a bad light.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Wendt told residents the district has established an Extra-Curricular Bus Transportation Plan where more adults are placed on buses. He says the district is also looking at a Harassment and Intimidation Task Force.

Earlier this week, State Police arrested two baseball coaches from the Wilson Central School district and charged them with endangering the welfare of a child in connection to the alleged hazing incident involving the Varsity and JV teams.

J.V. coach William Atlas, 35, and varsity coach Thomas Baia, 40, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Both coaches were released and issued appearance tickets. They will go before a judge May 8. Both men are suspended from teaching pending the outcome of the investigation.

This all stems from an April 17th bus trip from Niagara Falls where the junior varsity and varsity teams were playing a game.

State Police say more than one j.v. player has reported being kicked, slapped, punched and even sexually abused in the back of the bus, even though two coaches and at least one other adult were on board.

On Monday afternoon, State Police and Wilson School District Officials gathered at the Lockport Municipal Building to address charges stemming from the alleged hazing incident involving members of the varsity baseball team.

According to State Police, three Wilson High School baseball students have been charged with third degree aggravated sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

On Monday, Wendt characterized the students who came forward as "brave." Dr. Wendt said under no circumstances does the district tolerate this behavior. The Superintendent added that when the investigation is complete, those responsible will be dealt with accordingly. He said the three students arrested were not in school Monday, but he would not say whether they had been suspended.

Major Christopher Cummings with the New York State Police says there are incidents that he often can't release a lot of the details about, and this is one of them. The Major said he can't speak to specifics because the investigation is ongoing.

According to State Police, the incident was reported to them last Wednesday evening. The three students arrested were charged with endangering the welfare of a child, punishable by up to a year in prison, and aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree, which carries a maximum seven-year sentence. Police say more than one victim came forward, and Major Cummings said he applauds them for having the courage and strength to do so. Police conducted numerous interviews and made their arrests on April 25th.

Major Cummings says he has an obligation to protect both the victims and the suspects. It is possible they could still get youthful offender status, meaning the record would be sealed and the names kept private. The D.A. continues to review the case.

Major Cummings said this investigation is an opportunity to raise awareness of hazing activities and make sure kids are not subject to them.

"This is an opportunity now to put an end to this type of activity if it has been going on for some time," said Major Cummings.

It's possible there are other victims out there. Police want to know for how many years this has been happening, and how many people have been affected.

The Superintendent says counseling will be provided to all the students, including the suspects and victims. He said emotions are high and it has had an impact on the school community.

If you have any information related to this case, contact state police at 434-5588.