Six Chandler football players have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, kidnapping and aggravated assault in connection with the hazing of current and former teammates, Chandler police announced Wednesday.

Police say the crimes occurred on the Hamilton High School campus over a span of 17 months and involved “multiple male juvenile victims.” The nature of the incidents wasn’t disclosed.

Chandler police Sgt. Daniel Mejia said only one of the suspects is an adult, and police have declined to name him.

Five suspects are Hamilton High School students, and one goes to Chief Hill Learning Academy. Both schools are in the Chandler Unified School District.

The district issued this statement Wednesday afternoon:

“The District has been cooperating with Chandler Police relative to hazing allegations involving students.  Today, police arrested six students in association with the investigation. Chandler Police are in control of this matter, and the District cannot discuss details but has been instructed to defer all questions to the Chandler Police.”

Reached for comment on Wednesday, Chandler Hamilton coach Steve Belles, said, “It is an ongoing investigation.” He would not comment further.

Chandler Hamilton has won seven state titles since 1985. Belles coached the team to 5A-I titles in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and to the Division I title in 2012.

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