The Delaware County Sheriff's Office has opened a criminal investigation into hazing allegations involving the Olentangy Orange High School girls soccer team, the office announced Thursday, Oct. 1.

The sheriff's office said its incident report identifies 12 victims ages 14 to 16 and six suspects ages 17 to 18. The incident report lists the school's address, according to the Delaware Gazette, which first reported the announcement.

The move marks a reversal. A school resource officer had earlier determined the incident constituted a criminal offense under Ohio Revised Code 2903.31, the state's hazing statute. But at that time, no family member or victim had come forward to file charges, the sheriff's office said in its statement.

That changed after the office received multiple community tips and additional parents came forward with new information, prompting the formal criminal investigation.

Detectives will review available video footage and interview those involved, independent of the school district's process, the sheriff's office said. The office added it will work with the Delaware County Prosecutor's Office to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

ABC 6/FOX 28 reported Tuesday, Sept. 29 that videos showed older players restraining younger teammates with zip ties and saran wrap during what parents described as a supposed team bonding event. One parent told ABC 6/FOX 28 on Tuesday, Sept. 29, "We had several girls, who were freshmen, who were taken from their homes under the guise of a team bonding event."

Parents also told ABC 6/FOX 28 that the seniors involved sat out one game as a consequence from the district. Four parents said the athletic director held a meeting and told attendees to delete any photos or videos of the incident.

An earlier investigator's report cited in the Tuesday, Sept. 29 ABC 6/FOX 28 story listed 14 juvenile victims, two more than the 12 in the Oct. 1 incident report. The source of the discrepancy is unclear.

Under Ohio's Collin's Law, which took effect Oct. 7, 2021, hazing is a second-degree misdemeanor. The law also makes it a misdemeanor for school administrators, employees or volunteers to recklessly permit hazing.

Olentangy Local Schools said in a statement to ABC 6/FOX 28 on Tuesday, Sept. 29 that an investigation took place in coordination with the sheriff's office, that consequences were assigned and coaching staff was addressed. The district has not issued a public response to the Oct. 1 criminal investigation announcement.

Anyone with information can contact the Delaware County Sheriff Tip Line at (740) 833-2830.