‘Appropriate charges will be filed’ in Henry investigation

SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — A news release from the Codington County Sheriff’s office says officers responded to reports of an assault on a school bus near Henry.

“No names are being released at this time as the investigation is still active and ongoing.Appropriate charges will be filed pending the outcome of the investigation,” the release from Sheriff Brad Howell says.

At least three 7th-grade boys have told KELOLAND News that they were beaten on a bus traveling to and from their football practice.

Henry students speak out on hazing and bullying

In a release, Henry’s superintendent says the district investigated the bullying and hazing reports and found multiple students violated district policy and appropriate disciplinary action has been taken.

KELOLAND News also spoke to several victim’s parents, who called the incidents abuse.

Mothers of Henry students: ‘This is abuse’

“They want to call it bullying, is that what we call it? When a parent hits a child repetitively until that child can’t walk or talk, do we call it bullying. That’s abuse. This is abuse,” mother Rachel Livingston said.

According to the Florence School District, the investigation involves only the Henry School and the football coach involved has been removed from the coaching staff. Florence and Henry are a Class 9AA co-op football team.