Civil Rights & Constitutional Law
Former Mahoning County prosecutor reports misconduct; endures retaliation, including defamation
March 21, 2018
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Youngstown, Ohio – Today, a family filed a federal civil-rights lawsuit against Ursuline High School, its principal, assistant principal, and several football coaches on behalf of a student who was allegedly hazed, physically and sexually assaulted, and subjected to the creation and dissemination of child pornography during a football camp trip in June 2025. The complaint also names many football players and their parents as defendants.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges that the school, its officials, and coaches failed to protect students from a long-standing culture of hazing within the football program. Defendants include Ursuline High School, Principal Matthew Sammartino, Assistant Principal Margaret Damore, head football Coach Daniel Reardon, and Assistant Coaches Timothy McGlynn and Christian Syrianoudis. Also named is the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, which oversees the school, along with 11 football players and their parents.
The complaint details a nine-day football-camp trip through Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama in June 2025, where, according to the court filing, multiple criminal acts occurred, including hazing, physical and sexual abuse, kidnapping, and the production and dissemination of child pornography. The lawsuit alleges that coaches Reardon, McGlynn, and Syrianoudis were aware of the misconduct before, during, and after the trip—but failed to take appropriate action to address it.
According to the complaint, a group of Ursuline football players violently assaulted the plaintiff family’s minor son (identified under the pseudonym “Son King”) during the trip. The players allegedly held Son down, stripped him, and humiliated him. One player is alleged to have sexually assaulted the boy, while other players recorded the misconduct and posted it to the team’s group Snapchat. The videos were later transmitted to other Ursuline students and the community at-large.
Central to the complaint is an alleged incident where a player, identified as Player-4, allegedly sexually assaulted Son King on the first night of the trip. According to the lawsuit, Player-4 and Player-5 came to Son's room for his "initiation." Son, feeling terrified, hid in a closet, but Player-5 found him, grabbed him by the throat, and pulled him out. The complaint alleges that Player-4 then grabbed Son and threw him onto the bed face up.
While Son was on his back, Player-4, with an erect penis visible through his clothes, lifted Son’s legs and allegedly ground into and "humped" Son's buttocks over his shorts. The lawsuit states that Son could feel Player-4's penis. Player-1 allegedly videorecorded the attack and posted it to the team's group Snapchat.
Also according to the complaint, on day four of the trip, several players cornered Son in a hotel room. They allegedly forced their way into a bathroom where Son was hiding, injuring his foot in the process. Player-8, Player-9, Player-10, and Player-11 then allegedly pulled Son out of the bathroom and tried to forcibly strip off his pants and underwear. Before the players could unclothe Son, someone yelled, “The coaches are in the hallway,” prompting them to flee.
Player-12 then allegedly lured Son to his room, where the players laid in wait for Son to arrive. When Son entered the room, Player-12, the complaint alleges, prevented him from leaving saying, “It’s too late, You’re not leaving.” Player-8, Player-9, Player-10, Player-11, and Player-13 then allegedly forcibly hauled Son into the bedroom and slammed him onto the bed. While restraining Son’s arm and legs and covering his mouth to prevent him from yelling, the complaint alleges, the players forcibly tried to rip off Son’s pants and underwear. While trying to defend himself, Son fell to the floor.
The lawsuit states that while Son was on the ground, the players succeeded in removing his pants and underwear, revealing his nude buttocks and genitals. Player-9 is accused of smacking Son's bare buttocks twice. Son tried to stand up after the attack, but, the suit alleges, Player-8 threw him back on the ground and Player-11 smacked Son in the face.
The complaint alleges that Player-4 videorecorded both of the attacks and posted the videos to the team's group Snapchat, and other players saved and transferred the videos, disseminating them throughout the community.
The complaint describes other hazing and attempted hazing incidents throughout the trip. Players referred to their planned physical and sexual assaults as “taking butts,” the complaint alleges. Players would take other boys' underwear as trophies after attacks.
The players openly discussed the past and planned hazing and assaults in front of the coaches, who, the complaint alleges, failed to prevent the attacks.
The complaint also addresses the alleged response of Ursuline officials to the hazing. When Son's mother, referred to by the pseudonym Mother King, first reported the attacks to Assistant Coach Timothy McGlynn on June 16, 2025, McGlynn allegedly expressed no surprise or sympathy. Instead, he reportedly downplayed the incident, saying, “It's just boys being boys.”[1]
When Mother King later met with Principal Matthew Sammartino and Assistant Principal Margaret Damore, she showed them the videos and photos from the team's Snapchat group. The lawsuit alleges that Sammartino showed a lack of interest, while Damore acknowledged, "this is bad," and recorded the evidence on her own phone. The lawsuit claims that despite having the evidence, the school failed to perform an investigation or take meaningful disciplinary action against the players or coaches.
The complaint alleges that this attitude exemplifies Ursuline’s culture of excusing criminal misconduct in the name of football. The complaint further alleges that the hazing and physical abuse against players has persisted over several years.
The complaint alleges that after the hazing incidents, Son's sister, identified as Daughter King, then a senior, was compelled to transfer schools after facing intimidation. Player-9, one of the accused players, allegedly began showing up at her workplace and other places she frequented, in an apparent attempt to intimidate her from supporting her brother or speaking about the incident. The complaint states that Player-9 and his friends once stared at Daughter in an "intimidating fashion" at a restaurant. This alleged conduct compounded the family’s fear and trauma.
Ursuline High School and its administration failed to address the Plaintiff’s report to the school and, then, the suit alleges, took steps to cover up the wrongdoing. Sammartino and Damore allegedly deleted posts from the Ursuline High School Facebook account and other football social-media accounts were also deleted.
The complaint alleges that Sammartino and Damore warned and instructed the players not to say anything to anyone about what occurred. They issued this instruction while simultaneously informing the players that the matter was under investigation.
Sammartino then authored and disseminated two false and fraudulent statements to Ursuline parents and the media, the complaint alleges. Among the false statements were Sammartino’s claims that the attack was an “isolated incident” and only involving a “limited number” of football players. But, as the complaint also alleges, the hazing and attacks occurred daily during the nine-day trip and involved at least 25 players, including 12 assailant-players and multiple witnesses and victims.
Neither Ursuline High School nor the Diocese took any steps to discipline the players and coaches.
The complaint alleges that two of the coaches at Ursuline High School, Daniel Reardon and Timothy McGlynn, have a history of misconduct of which the school was aware before hiring them.
Reardon, the head football coach, had previously resigned from Ursuline in 2011 under a "cloud of negativity," the suit alleges.
The complaint states this was due to his recruitment of players who reflected poorly on the school and his tendency to "turn a blind eye" to their misconduct.
Despite this—and a Diocesan official recommending against re-hiring Reardon due to an alleged history of dishonesty and the negativity that followed him—Ursuline President Father Richard Murphy urged the Bishop to hire Reardon, which the Bishop approved in 2019.
Timothy McGlynn, an assistant coach, is alleged to have resigned from his position as head football coach at Champion High School in October 2020 amid allegations of physical abuse and threats against players.
The complaint states that a letter from the Champion superintendent put McGlynn on administrative leave and said he should have no contact with the team. The lawsuit claims that, despite these public allegations, Ursuline hired McGlynn as an assistant football coach. The complaint alleges that Ursuline should have conducted a background check on McGlynn; if they did one, they were negligent and reckless for hiring him anyway.
The complaint brings claims under federal Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination and sexual harassment in education, along with state-law claims. It alleges that Ursuline officials:
The school is also accused of negligent and reckless hiring, training, supervision, and retention of coaches, at least two of whom, the suit alleges, had dubious backgrounds and track records.
Plaintiffs’ lead counsel Subodh Chandra said, “This case is about accountability. No family should have to endure the trauma this family suffered at the hands of other students and then at the hands of school officials who, the suit alleges, made excuses, ignored, and even tried to cover up what happened.”
Chandra added, "We would welcome hearing from people with information about the lawsuit's allegations—and also from other victims." People may contact the firm through this link.
Chandra Law managing partner Subodh Chandra serves as lead counsel, with Alexandra Lavelle and Ethan Dawson of the firm; and is being co-counseled with a Youngstown attorney.
The case is captioned Mother King, et al. v. Ursuline High School, et al., U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. It is assigned to U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson. The federal civil-rights complaint can be found here.
[1] The complaint cites comedian Hari Kondabolu’s “Boys will be boys” commentary to refute the absurdity of that claim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgAKR-zna-8.
At Chandra Law, your case is our cause®.
The Chandra Law Firm LLC is solely responsible for the content of this website.
©2025 The Chandra Law Firm LLC.
“ Rumors had begun to surface that I was facing a possible criminal indictment. With my family at risk and my career and reputation on the line, I went to Attorney Chandra. After explaining my situation in detail, he set right to work—literally. With his extensive knowledge of...” Expand Rumors had begun to surface that I was facing a possible criminal indictment. With my family at risk and my career and reputation on the line, I went to Attorney Chandra. After explaining my situation in detail, he set right to work—literally. With his extensive knowledge of the players in both Ohio's state and federal criminal-justice system, he began contacting those prosecutors who were responsible for the investigation. Without hesitation or fear, and while displaying the utmost professionalism, he soon discovered that these rumors were nothing more than that—just rumors. He continued to make contacts on my behalf, keeping me informed every step of the way. He was dedicated not only to protecting my interests and well-being, but also to keeping me calm. When the results of this investigation were finally announced and I was not a part of it at all, the sense of relief was overwhelming. But I was confident all along that his skills as a litigator and his traits as family man would have seen me safely through, no matter what the outcome would have been. Attorney Chandra cares for his clients, fights for them and goes out of his way to ensure the best possible outcome. ” Hide
— T.J. (law enforcement)
“ Many times people have horrible things to say when it comes to attorneys. I must say whatever thought, stereotype, or prejudice you may have for lawyers throw them out of the window. When it comes to being an upstanding and righteous lawyer Subodh Chandra fits the mold.” Expand Many times people have horrible things to say when it comes to attorneys. I must say whatever thought, stereotype, or prejudice you may have for lawyers throw them out of the window. When it comes to being an upstanding and righteous lawyer Subodh Chandra fits the mold. Subodh was not just an attorney for me. He was my counselor, my advocate, my supporter, and my friend. I truly appreciate his guidance and his respect for the law. I hired Subodh to represent me in a long, drawn out, and painful discrimination case against my employer. With his intelligence and knowledge of the law the case was settled and the result was very pleasing. I was able to keep my employment along with some compensation for back pay and emotional damages. If anyone ever asked me for an attorney recommendation, I would without hesitation recommend the Chandra Law Firm.” Hide
— Giavonna
“ Mr. Chandra came aboard on my case very close to trial. It was a somewhat complex matter that had been in the courts for nearly 4 years. Mr. Chandra and his staff quickly got up to speed. Everyone at his firm was very professional, attentive, and accessible...” Expand Mr. Chandra came aboard on my case very close to trial. It was a somewhat complex matter that had been in the courts for nearly 4 years. Mr. Chandra and his staff quickly got up to speed. Everyone at his firm was very professional, attentive, and accessible for any questions. I was kept up to date on each development in the case and everyone was very understanding to my concerns and the personal toll the lengthy legal battle had on me. Mr. Chandra is knowledgeable, ethical and an extremely hard worker. He and his firm developed an excellent strategy and fought vigorously resulting in a favorable outcome beyond my original expectations.” Hide
— A wrongful-termination client
“ The Chandra Law Firm is an exceptional firm to work with! I could not have asked for a more knowledgable team of attorneys! I would highly recommend them! They took the time to not treat me just as another client but to know myself and my family!...” Expand The Chandra Law Firm is an exceptional firm to work with! I could not have asked for a more knowledgable team of attorneys! I would highly recommend them! They took the time to not treat me just as another client but to know myself and my family! I can't speak highly enough about Subodh and the team he has assembled! ” Hide
— Nicole K
“ Subodh took the time to listen to my story. As much as I showed excessive emotion, he stayed calm and cool while compassionate to the situation. He explained how the law applied to the situation and offered his evaluation in a balanced way while holding my interests...” Expand Subodh took the time to listen to my story. As much as I showed excessive emotion, he stayed calm and cool while compassionate to the situation. He explained how the law applied to the situation and offered his evaluation in a balanced way while holding my interests at the highest priority. Lawyers get a reputation for being underhandedly calculated and inattentive, but Subodh can never be those things. He speaks with passion and with dedication to the client. His established experience allowed him to be strategic with the twists and turns of my case. He helped me receive a fair and beneficial result. He was generous with his time and offered assistance in other aspects of my case and final settlement through his extended professional network. Subodh, provided me with the best and most professional service I could ask for and I'm glad to have him as a close contact. I recommend Subodh to many of my personal networks for his fervent dedication to the Client and the Law. ” Hide
— A Client
“ The Chandra Law Firm guided me through the most difficult time in my life with a sexual-harassment and retaliation case in the public sector. Subodh is charismatic, empathetic, and brilliant. He is sensitive and an expert in civil rights. His composure during this experience was essential and...” Expand The Chandra Law Firm guided me through the most difficult time in my life with a sexual-harassment and retaliation case in the public sector. Subodh is charismatic, empathetic, and brilliant. He is sensitive and an expert in civil rights. His composure during this experience was essential and second to none in my year-long case. I would highly recommend him and his law firm for anything employment-related. He will guide you the best way to resolve a matter in accordance with the Law.” Hide
— Rebecca C.
“ Very friendly and honest. Thanks for the representing [us] with this injustice system for the Rice family.”
— Samaria Rice, mother of the late Tamir Rice, who was killed by Cleveland police in 2014
“ Subodh and the members of his firm did what all great lawyers should do. They helped me seek and receive justice, and just as importantly never lost sight that aiding a client is more than providing legal advice and counsel. My family and I owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. ”
— Raymond
“ Being fraudulently and maliciously accused of white-collar crimes by deranged, vindictive individuals who, by false pretenses, intimidated and manipulated a police detective into believing and investigating unsubstantiated allegations is more devastating and unimaginable than I can ever verbally express. During the criminal investigation, I retained The Chandra...” Expand Being fraudulently and maliciously accused of white-collar crimes by deranged, vindictive individuals who, by false pretenses, intimidated and manipulated a police detective into believing and investigating unsubstantiated allegations is more devastating and unimaginable than I can ever verbally express. During the criminal investigation, I retained The Chandra Law Firm LLC because of Subodh Chandra, Esq.'s mastery of the law and proven record of success, and subsequently no charges were filed. In addition to Mr. Chandra being a brilliant attorney, I was impressed by his compassion, creative strategies, dedication, and relentless pursuit of justice. I am grateful for his representation and highly recommend The Chandra Law Firm LLC.” Hide
— YY
“ I looked long and hard for a good lawyer for my case, having had two previous lawyers who had clearly been living on old reputations as they were lackluster in their representation of my case. I interviewed a number of attorneys and chose the Chandra Law Firm...” Expand I looked long and hard for a good lawyer for my case, having had two previous lawyers who had clearly been living on old reputations as they were lackluster in their representation of my case. I interviewed a number of attorneys and chose the Chandra Law Firm in part because of the time Subodh and his partner... spent to understand my case and in interviewing me before they chose to take the case, asking me thoughtful, insightful questions. Once onboard, we hit some difficult points in the matter and at all times, they maintained excellent communication with me, talking through the options we had. I value their communication skills and responsiveness as much as I came to value their intelligence, compassion, and passion for my case. I could not have been more pleased with their representation of me, especially when compared to the representation I had received from the other Cleveland attorney I had had who is clearly part of the Cleveland establishment but who actually did so little to advance my case. When I read the complaint that Subodh... wrote for the case, which brought the parties to mediation (a feat that neither of the other attorneys had succeeded in doing), it was clear that, finally, I had great attorneys who knew how to represent my case. The complaint was outstanding in terms of its clarity of a difficult case that spanned several years. Mine was a case where good lawyers made all of the difference and The Chandra Law Firm made that difference, delivering a successful outcome where other lawyers had not by intelligent, ethical, and plain hard work on my behalf. You will be in very good hands if they represent you.” Hide
— Jeanne
“ Words cannot express the respect, honesty, and professionalism Mr. Chandra showed me and my family during a difficult time in my law-enforcement career. I called on Subodh when the mayor had retaliated against me for refusing to terminate two officers at my department. As Chief of Police...” Expand Words cannot express the respect, honesty, and professionalism Mr. Chandra showed me and my family during a difficult time in my law-enforcement career. I called on Subodh when the mayor had retaliated against me for refusing to terminate two officers at my department. As Chief of Police I couldn't do it. I told the mayor why I could not do that and the mayor's response was "if you don't fire those officers, I will fire you." After that conversation, one of the many things the mayor did was to change the locks to my office on three separate occasions along with prohibiting me from using a police vehicle. I explained this to Subodh who listened to me and then immediately wanted to talk with me and my wife together. He explained to both of us what can happen and what we needed to be prepared for if this case goes forward. After assuring him we were ready to see this to the end, he guaranteed my wife and me that he would do everything in his power to make sure the jury would have all the facts necessary to make the best decision possible. Subodh kept in constant contact with us throughout all proceeding. We never felt left out, confused, or abandoned. During the trial, Subodh was able to convay to the jury why I became a police officer, how difficult the job is, and how I couldn't let the mayor and village smear the name my father gave me. I could go on and on but I'll end by saying if I would ever need Subodh's services in the future, I will not hesitate to call him. I've already recommended several of my friends in the law-enforcement profession to Subodh and they told me, they saw him when they attended my trial to give me their support. The said they liked the way Subodh approached my case and he will be the first person they will call when they need legal counsel and service. That says a lot in my line of work. Oh yeah, Subodh won our case! ” Hide
— LaMont Lockhart
“ Subodh and his team did such an awesome job with everything! They were always there for me and fought for my justice and what i believed in. They not only were my lawyers but a friend to help me cope with everything. I could not have asked for a better group of people! They are truly great people to work with!”
— Tawnie
“ Excellent and caring service. I was more than pleased that my case was humanized so that it was addressed properly.”
— Nicole R.
“ This law firm communicates extremely well. This law firm is professional. I would recommend this law firm to my family and friends. I appreciate your service. Thank you.”
— Shunnah Tyler
“ I could not be more thankful to Subodh... and [his] team. You guys did an outstanding job of keeping me informed and making sure that I understood the entire process. Throughout my entire Law Enforcement career I have dealt with some good attorneys, but they cannot matchup...” Expand I could not be more thankful to Subodh... and [his] team. You guys did an outstanding job of keeping me informed and making sure that I understood the entire process. Throughout my entire Law Enforcement career I have dealt with some good attorneys, but they cannot matchup to the superb quality and knowledge that you guys have! Thank you so much again for everything you did for me!” Hide
— Nick (law enforcement)
