Last updated: July 30, 2026
When a child is hurt at school, parents trust that the adults in charge will step in, speak up, and put that child’s safety first. The Cheltenham locker room assault has raised painful questions about what happens when they don’t. Nearly a year after a 15-year-old was attacked by teammates in the Cheltenham High School football locker room, Montgomery County prosecutors have now filed criminal charges against four coaches and six players — including allegations that the coaches learned what happened and encouraged the teen to stay quiet.
If you’re a parent reading this because something happened to your own child, we understand how overwhelming that is. Below is a plain-language look at what has been reported, where the case stands, and what legal options families in Pennsylvania may have.
On July 29, 2026, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office announced charges against four Cheltenham High School football coaches and six players in connection with two assaults on a teammate in the school’s locker room.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the four coaches — former head coach Terence Tolbert (55), associate head coach Darian McFadden (42), assistant coach Benjamin Johnson III (45), and volunteer coach Ralph Burney (60) — were each charged with endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy. Prosecutors say the coaches were not present for the assaults but became criminally liable because they learned about them and encouraged the victim not to tell his parents.
Two players, Isaiah Simpson and Josiah Peeler, both 18, were charged as adults. According to prosecutors, Simpson faces charges including conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, simple assault, and reckless endangerment for allegedly taking part in the assaults, while Peeler was charged with false swearing for allegedly being untruthful to police. Four other players who were minors at the time were charged as juveniles, and prosecutors declined to release further details about them.
It’s important to note that being charged is not the same as being convicted. Everyone charged is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
According to the family’s attorneys and the Montgomery County District Attorney, a 15-year-old sophomore was assaulted by teammates on two occasions — once in mid-August 2025 and again on September 3, 2025. Prosecutors say that during the attacks, players restrained the teen and used a broomstick to poke at him, and that the assaults were witnessed by nearly 20 students. The family’s lawyers have said teammates tried to sexually assault the teen with a broomstick during both incidents.
At least one of the assaults was recorded on video and circulated among students before being deleted, according to reporting and the family’s attorneys. Investigators initially believed the video showed the September 3 assault, but this spring determined it was recorded in August — which, according to the family’s lawyers, revealed for the first time that the teen had been attacked more than once.
The teen’s mother has said she learned something was wrong only days later, when her son told her he had been “jumped” and was in pain, and that she took him to urgent care and contacted the school. She later learned about the broomstick allegation after an anonymous report was made to Pennsylvania’s Safe2Say hotline.
A central question in this case is how two assaults could happen in a school locker room — one of them in front of nearly 20 students — without an adult stepping in to stop it or report it promptly.
An outside investigation commissioned by the district faulted inadequate supervision in the locker room, “a failure to prioritize student safety” by coaches and volunteers, and what it described as “a toxic and negative culture” within the football program. Prosecutors allege that, rather than reporting the September assault to the teen’s mother or school administrators, coaches discussed handling the matter within the team — and that three coaches called the teen the night of the second assault and told him not to tell his parents.
The Cheltenham School District has taken several steps as the situation has unfolded. It canceled the remainder of the 2025 football season in October 2025, citing hazing allegations, and in May 2026 announced that the upcoming 2026-2027 season would also be canceled.
In April 2026, the district approved separation agreements with two coaches, including former head coach Terence Tolbert. District officials have said that none of the coaches from last season remains affiliated with the district. Superintendent Brian Scriven has also said a Title IX investigation — required when sexual assault or harassment is alleged — is ongoing, though he noted the district received limited cooperation from students.
As of late July 2026, the case is at the criminal charging stage. The accused coaches and players have been charged but not convicted, and those cases will move through the Montgomery County court system. The district’s Title IX investigation remains open.
On the civil side, the family has retained attorneys, and according to reporting, the family is considering legal action. No civil lawsuit settlement has been announced. Criminal charges and civil claims are separate: a criminal case is brought by prosecutors to hold individuals accountable under the law, while a civil claim is how an injured person and their family may seek accountability and compensation for the harm they suffered.
If your child was injured because of another person’s or an institution’s negligence, you may have legal options, and you don’t have to sort them out alone.
Schools and their staff have a duty to provide reasonable supervision and to keep students reasonably safe. When a child is harmed, and there are questions about whether supervision failed, whether warning signs were ignored, or whether required reports were never made, families may be able to pursue a civil claim for negligent supervision or premises liability (a legal way of saying a property owner or operator may be responsible when unsafe conditions or a lack of reasonable safety measures lead to harm). Depending on the facts, other parties may share responsibility as well.
In Pennsylvania, there are important deadlines — called statutes of limitations — that limit how long you have to file a claim, and special rules can apply to minors and to claims involving public entities. Because those rules are complex and the clock can be running, families who have questions often benefit from speaking with an attorney early, even if they are only trying to understand their options.
Every case is different, and no outcome can be promised. But learning where you stand costs nothing.
Local authorities are continuing to look into what happened alongside the school district’s review. The Cheltenham Township Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office have both confirmed active investigations tied to the Cheltenham locker room assault.
These reviews are separate from the school’s process and could lead to further consequences. Officials have said criminal charges related to the assault in the football locker room have not been ruled out.
The district has also noted that student-specific disciplinary matters are still underway, including Title IX reviews. Depending on how those proceedings play out, some students could face discipline or lose eligibility to participate in school athletics going forward.
News of the investigation has hit a nerve in Cheltenham. Parents and community members are questioning whether students were properly protected and how the school handled an assault in football locker room once it came to light. Many are also asking why it took so long for the situation to surface.
For a lot of families, this case has underscored the need for real oversight in school sports. The fact that several students were there and that players recorded the locker room assault has raised uncomfortable questions about accountability, peer pressure, and what students do when they witness something serious happening right in front of them.
A student was assaulted in the football locker room at Cheltenham High, and nearly 20 others were there when it happened. Some players recorded the locker room assault, which has left families and the community asking serious questions.
People want to know:
The Cheltenham locker room assault shows why schools need clear rules, proper supervision, and a culture that keeps students safe. When those things are missing, serious problems can happen, and it makes clear why schools have to take action.
Four Cheltenham High School football coaches and six players have been charged. According to the Montgomery County District Attorney, the coaches — Terence Tolbert, Darian McFadden, Benjamin Johnson III, and Ralph Burney — face charges of endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy. Two 18-year-old players were charged as adults, and four players who were minors at the time were charged as juveniles. Everyone charged is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Prosecutors say the coaches became criminally liable because they learned about the assaults and encouraged the teen not to tell his parents, rather than reporting the incident. According to the District Attorney, the coaches allegedly discussed handling the matter within the team instead of notifying the victim’s mother or school administrators. These are allegations, and the coaches have not been convicted.
In many cases, yes — a criminal case and a civil claim are separate. A family may be able to pursue a civil claim if a child was harmed because of negligence, such as inadequate supervision or a failure to report. As of this writing, no civil lawsuit settlement in the Cheltenham case has been announced. Whether a specific family has a claim depends on the facts, so it’s best to speak with an attorney.
Pennsylvania sets deadlines called statutes of limitations, and they can be shorter than people expect — with special rules that can apply to minors and to claims involving public entities like school districts. Because the timeline can vary and the deadline can pass, it’s wise to ask an attorney about your specific situation as early as possible.
No. Consultations at EOL.law are free, and we work on a contingency basis — meaning there are no upfront fees and no fee unless we recover for you. You can reach us anytime to ask questions and understand your options.
As the criminal cases move forward and the district’s Title IX review continues, more details may come to light about the Cheltenham locker room assault and its impact on the students and families involved. Our hearts are with the young person at the center of this and with every family watching it unfold.
Find out if you have a case — no cost, no obligation. Tell us what happened and we’ll help you understand your options.
His career began in public service as a Surveillance Officer in Maricopa County, where he gained firsthand experience in high-stakes decision-making and developed a deep sense of discipline and accountability. He later served as Chief Operating Officer of a fast-growing law firm, driving efficiency, revenue growth, and team development. Today, Ryan focuses on helping law firms reach their full potential by aligning people, processes, and long-term vision. A strategic thinker and empowering leader, Ryan is passionate about developing others and guiding organizations through meaningful, lasting growth.
Effective Date: July 10, 2024
General Information
Welcome to the website of Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC (“EO”). By accessing or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our website.
Use
EO hereby grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable, limited right and license to access and use the Site solely for your personal use in accordance with these Terms of Use. You shall not, in any way, otherwise copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, modify, create derivative works from, sell, or exploit the Site.
EO may at any time, for any reason, and without notice or liability: (a) modify, suspend, or terminate operation of or access to the Site and related services, or (b) change, revise, or modify the Site and affiliated services.
Messaging and Automated Calls
When you opt-in, you will receive text messages (SMS/MMS) on your mobile number. These messages may contain information about your case, and the message frequency may vary from user to user. Please note that message and data rates may apply. If you wish to opt out of this service, you can do so anytime by simply texting “STOP” to the phone number. Once you text “STOP” to us, we will send you an SMS to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. If you encounter any issues, you can reply with the keyword “HELP” to get assistance. Please be aware that carriers are not responsible for any delayed or undelivered messages.
By providing your phone number and submitting a form on our website, you consent to receive communications, including automated calls, texts, and pre-recorded messages, from EO and its affiliates. These communications may include updates about your case, promotional offers, and other information. You understand that these calls may be generated using automated technology, and that standard message and data rates may apply.
Your consent to receive automated calls is not a condition of any purchase or service. By checking the consent box on our contact form or by calling our firm, you agree to these Terms and Conditions and provide your written consent to receive these communications. You may opt out of these communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message or by contacting us at [insert contact information].
State-Specific Compliance
EO complies with all federal and state laws regarding automated calls and telemarketing practices. Certain states have additional restrictions on the use of automated dialing systems and pre-recorded messages. The following states have more restrictive regulations:
If you are a resident of one of these states, EO will obtain your prior express written consent before making any automated calls or sending pre-recorded messages to you.
By submitting a form inquiry or calling our firm, you agree to us contacting you, and your checking the box when submitting your form inquiry serves as written consent.
Information and Legal Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. Testimonials and case results contained in this website are for demonstrative purposes only, and do not constitute a guarantee of any particular outcome in a specific case.
By requesting a free consultation with Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC, you agree to the following:
The law differs in every jurisdiction, and you should not rely on any opinion except that of an attorney you have retained, who has a professional duty to advise you after being fully informed of all the pertinent facts, and who is licensed in the applicable state, and is familiar with the applicable law. Internet subscribers, mobile application users, and online readers should seek professional counsel about their legal rights and remedies. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information found on the Site. Any actions or decisions about your legal rights should be based on the particular facts and circumstances of your situation, and appropriate legal advice from an attorney retained directly by you. EO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ACTIONS TAKEN OR NOT TAKEN BASED UPON ANY INFORMATION OR OTHER CONTENTS OF THIS SITE. Viewing the Site, or communicating with EO by Internet e-mail or through the Site does not constitute or create an attorney-client relationship with anyone. The content and features on the Site do not create, and are not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship, and shall not be construed as legal advice. The content and features of the Site, including means to submit a question or information, do not constitute an offer to represent you or otherwise give rise to an attorney/client relationship.
THE SITE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”. EO MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE SITE AND ONLINE SERVICES AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, EO DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE ONLINE SERVICES OR PRODUCTS WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS, OR WILL BE ERROR-FREE, UNINTERRUPTED, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS, OR THAT ANY DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED.
Accounts
To use some features of the Site, you may be required to create an account. In connection therewith, you agree to provide and maintain true, accurate, current, and complete information about yourself. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the information you hold for your account login, including your password, and for all Submissions made from your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your login. EO may suspend access to your account if it suspects illegal or improper use, or for other reasons, such as for account management purposes, at its sole discretion.
Confidentiality is Not Guaranteed
Information sent to Ethen Ostroff Law, PLLC. via Internet e-mail or through the Site is not secure and is done on a non-confidential basis. EO may make reasonable efforts to keep communications private, but because of the nature of Internet communications and the absence of an attorney/client relationship, we cannot promise or guarantee confidentiality.
DISCLAIMER – This Site Does Not Provide Medical Diagnosis or Advice
The content provided on the Site, such as documents, text, graphics, images, videos, news alerts, pharmaceutical drug recalls, prescription medication history, or information on litigation concerning the foregoing topics, or other materials, is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition or for any questions you may have regarding a health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice, alter a prescription plan in any way, or delay or refrain from seeking medical advice because of something you have read or seen on the Site. Links to other sites are provided for information only. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not constitute endorsement by EO.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Site may present information about pharmaceutical drug recalls, which is for information purposes only. Such information is not necessarily the most current information on the subject and may or may not be updated based on the last information concerning such recalls. Do not make any decisions regarding medication or medical providers based on information from the Site, including but not limited to information we provide about drug recalls.
EO Is Not Responsible for Content; Limitation on Liability
EO may periodically change, remove, or add the material on the Site without notice. This material may contain technical or typographical errors. EO DOES NOT GUARANTEE ITS ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS OR SUITABILITY. EO assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the contents of the Site. Your use of the Site is at your own risk. Under no circumstances shall EO or any other party involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the Site be liable to you or any other person for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind arising from your access to, or use of, the Site. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW IN NO EVENT SHALL EO BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RELATING TO THIS MATERIAL, FOR ANY USE OF THIS WEBSITE, OR FOR ANY OTHER LINKED WEBSITE.
Third-party Web Sites
The Site contains links to third-party websites for the convenience of our users. EO does not endorse any of these third-party sites and does not imply any association between EO and those sites. EO does not control these third-party websites and cannot represent that their policies and practices will be consistent with these Terms of Use. If you use links to access and use such websites, you do so at your own risk. EO is not responsible for the contents or availability of any linked sites. These links are provided only as a convenience to the recipient. These Terms only apply to the Site and do not apply to any linked sites. We encourage you to read and understand the terms of use of any linked sites that you visit. Links do not imply that we sponsor, endorse, are affiliated with or associated with, or are legally authorized to use any trademark, trade name, service mark, design, logo, symbol, or other copyrighted materials displayed on or accessible through any linked site.
EO Clients
Only individuals who have entered into a mutually signed retainer agreement with EO are EO clients (“EO Clients”).
Legal and Ethical Requirements
EO has tried to comply with all legal and ethical requirements in compiling the Site. We welcome comments about our compliance with the applicable rules and will update the Site as warranted, upon learning of any new or different requirements.
Ethen Ostroff Law reserves the right to refer or sell leads that come through any of Ethen Ostroff Law’s marketing.
Ethen Ostroff Law also may sell leads on certain campaigns generated in association with third party marketing companies.
Governing Laws in Case of Dispute; Jurisdiction
These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, USA, without regard to any choice of law principles. Any and all disputes arising hereunder shall be governed as set forth in the Arbitration section below.
Submissions
You are solely responsible for any information, content, or material you transmit to or through the Site (“Submissions”). You understand that Submissions are considered non-confidential and non-proprietary. Furthermore, you grant EO an unrestricted, irrevocable, perpetual, transferable, sublicensable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, copy, reproduce, display, publish, publicly perform, transmit, and distribute any Submission, without compensation or accounting to you or anyone else. You represent and warrant that: (a) you have the right to submit the Submission to EO and grant the licenses as described above; (b) EO will not need to obtain licenses from any third party or pay royalties to any third party for its use of the Submission; (c) the Submission does not infringe any third party’s rights, including intellectual property rights and privacy rights; and (d) the Submission complies with these Terms of Use and all applicable laws and regulations.
EO takes no responsibility and assumes no liability for any Submission.
Arbitration
Any and all claims by you arising out of or related to the Site or your use thereof may be resolved only through a binding arbitration proceeding to be conducted under the auspices of the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Both your agreement to arbitrate all controversies, disputes and claims, and the results and awards rendered through the arbitration, will be final and binding on you and may be specifically enforced by legal proceedings. Arbitration will be the sole means of resolving such controversies, disputes and claims, and you waive your rights to resolve such controversies, disputes and claims by court proceedings or any other means. You agree that judgment may be entered on the award in any court of competent jurisdiction and, therefore, any award rendered shall be binding. The arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person’s claims, and may not otherwise preside over any form of a representative or class proceeding. You understand that by agreeing to arbitration as a mechanism to resolve all controversies, disputes and claims between us, you are waiving certain rights, including the right to bring an action in court, the right to a jury trial, the right to broad discovery, and the right to an appeal. You understand that in the context of arbitration, a case is decided by an arbitrator (one or more), not by a judge or a jury.
International Use
The Site is controlled, operated, and administered by EO from offices within the United States of America and is only intended for use therein. We make no representation regarding use of the Site outside of the United States.
Other Terms
If, for any reason, our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, or any portion thereof to be unenforceable, such provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to give the intended effect thereof, and the remainder of these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy shall continue in full force and effect. EO’s failure to act with respect to a breach by you or others does not waive our right to act with respect to that breach or subsequent or similar breaches. No consent or waiver by EO hereof will be deemed effective unless in writing. These Terms of Use, together with our Privacy Policy, as each is currently posted, constitute the entire agreement between EO and you with respect to your use of the Site and supersede all previous written or oral agreements relating to the subject matter hereof, that this agreement shall not supersede, restrict, or replace any agreements governing the attorney-client relationship between EO and EO Clients.
EO may, in its sole discretion and without prior notice, block and/or terminate your access to the Site and if we determine that you have violated these Terms of Use or other terms or agreements or that may be associated therewith or if you use the Site in a way that we deem, in our sole discretion, to be an unacceptable use.
