Students suspected in gang rape banned from graduation

CALHOUN, Ga. — Three senior students at Calhoun High School won't be able to collect their diplomas at Friday's graduation ceremony.
 
The students were told not to attend graduation after investigators named them as suspects in an alleged gang rape at a post-prom party earlier this month.
 
"Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Board and administration are concerned the presence of the identified suspects at Friday's commencement ceremonies would likely cause a substantial disruption and could create an unsafe environment. For these reasons the suspects will not be attending graduation," said a Calhoun Schools statement.
 
According to a Gilmer Sheriff's Office incident report obtained by Channel 2 Action News, the alleged rape took place at an Ellijay cabin that students had rented for a post -prom party on May 10.
 
The following day, the alleged victim contacted an investigator and said that she was in a hospital and that earlier that morning she had been raped by "multiple guys."
 
The statement said the student passed out in an upstairs bathroom was unable to remember who had committed the crime.
 
Authorities say the party was attended by 20-25 Calhoun High School Students and other young adults.
 
Students leaving Calhoun High School Wednesday afternoon said the incident is disturbing.
 
"I believe there was someone there that could have stopped it, could have called police or called someone to stop it, " said senior student Ebony Johnson.
 
Another student said many rumors were circulating among students about what may have happened.
 
"There's a lot of different stories about it. Some are saying she is lying. Some are saying she deserved it because she was drinking." said sophomore Journey Edwards.
 
Gilmer county authorities have not publicly released the name of the suspects. A representative told Channel 2 Action News the investigation is ongoing.

WSBTV