DAMASCUS, Md. — Three of the four victims from the October 2018 locker room sexual assaults at Damascus High School have filed a civil lawsuit against Montgomery County Public Schools, two former Damascus administrators, and two former members of the high school's football coaching staff.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the teenage boys, comes months after the conclusion of the attackers' criminal cases. The lawsuit alleges that the school board and employees at Damascus High knew about the longstanding tradition of sexual assault in the football program.
Prominent civil rights attorney Billy Murphy, Jr. filed the lawsuits filed on behalf of the minor students.
"This is one of the most extraordinary incidents to ever happen at a public school," Murphy said. "Not only in this state. but nationally. What happened was exceptionally dangerous, exceptionally traumatic, and it will affect the lives of these students for the rest of their lives."
The lawsuit names the board of education, former Principal Casey Crouse, former coaches Vincent Colbert and Eric Wallich, and former Athletic Director Joe Doody.
RELATED: Damascus High School head football coach steps down after 12 years, following team rape scandal
The news of the civil lawsuit being filed comes weeks after the head coach of the varsity football team Eric Wallich stepped down. The long-time program leader submitted his resignation on Jan. 17, citing family reasons in a lengthy personal social media post.
The surprise announcement came 15 months after the sexual assault scandal that rocked the football program that Wallich oversaw.
In October 2018, three junior varsity football players were sexually assaulted by at least five other teammates in the team locker room, leading to multiple players being charged with first-degree rape and making national headlines.
The rapes, which were described by school officials as an "initiation hazing of players," were committed by four players using a broomstick, according to police.
Wallich, however, isn't the only one who has stepped down from the program.
A number of faculty members at Damascus High have resigned since the scandal, including Principal Casey Crouse and Assistant Principal Maniya Jules. Those directly involved with the football program, like athletic director Joe Doody and the JV football head coach Vinny Colbert, have also stepped down from their positions.
Wallich, who lead the Damascus Hornets to four state championships, said that stepping down would allow him more time for his family, including time with his twin girls who will start high school next year.
"My family has supported me all this time and it’s time for me to do the same," Wallich said. "I need to be more of a dad and less of a coach and this is the main reason for my decision."
Despite stepping down from the football program, Wallich said he will continue to be employed at the school as a physical education instructor. It is not yet clear who will replace Wallich.