Somerville Soccer Camp Assault Preceded By Alleged Sexual Misconduct, Report Says

SOMERVILLE, MA – A 2013 indecent assault at a city-run soccer camp was allegedly preceded by several incidents of sexual misconduct that went undetected by officials, according to a Boston Globe report. The Globe cited testimony from three former captains and five other players who said the assault – which involved the use of a broomstick – was not the first incident of misconduct that weekend.

The two juveniles who pleaded guilty to the assault also gave sworn statements that they had been the victims of hazing at the sports camp the summer before, the Globe reported. At the time, the City of Somerville issued a statement saying the crime appeared to be a "single, isolated incident."

City officials have maintained that they acted appropriately in responding to the incident.

The testimony stems from the federal civil rights case of Galileo Mondol, a soccer player at the 2013 sports camp who is suing the city for more than $1 million. Mondol was originally accused in the broomstick attack and alleges his life was forever changed when he was charged as an adult, according to the Globe. One of the victims has also filed suit against the city, Mayor Joseph Curtatone and school officials.

In a statement, City of Somerville spokesperson Denise Taylor said, "Due to the pending litigation, and the fact that testimony remains under seal to protect minors, we are unable to comment on the specifics at this time. We look forward however to the full and proper review of all of the testimony by the court."

>>>Read the full report from the Boston Globe