Youth football leaders face charges over hazing

Boy tried to flee from abuse at overnight camp

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A roadside tussle between three young boys last month sparked a larger abuse investigation that resulted in criminal charges filed this week against three leaders of the Homestead-based Steel Valley Midget Football Association.

Authorities said one of the boys involved in the fight was attempting to run away from an overnight football camp that was being held at Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County from July 7-12. The other two boys told police they had been instructed by a coach to “bring him back,” which they were attempting to do when the officer saw them pulling his shirt and pushing him.

Aaron Knight, Michael Todd and Loren Ford, the organizers of the football association’s Camp Ruffhouse, were charged Wednesday in Somerset County with two counts each of endangering the welfare of children, a felony. State police said Mr. Knight is the association’s president, Mr. Todd was the camp director and Mr. Ford was executive director.

Authorities said the football camp leaders looked the other way as some of the boys in their care hazed each other, fought and watched pornography during the five-day camp.

Boys at the camp were divided into two groups, the Mighty Mites, who range from 11 to 12 years old, and the Midgets, who are 13 and 14.

The Steel Valley Football Association is not affiliated with Steel Valley SchoolDistrict, school officials said.

Shortly before 8 p.m. on July 11, Officer Shane Stinedurf with