DEDHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- Dedham police are filing charges against four students after an alleged incident of hazing at Dedham High School.

Police say the students didn't just violate school policy against bullying and hazing, they committed a crime.

“No one wants to see any kid in trouble. But they want to turn around and have the appropriate action taken,” said Chris Londergan, a parent.

The charges stem from an incident reported on Friday, but police aren't saying what the students are charged with.

7News has learned the hazing involved members of the football team; that one older player may have sexually assaulted a younger player in the locker room.

It's not certain how the other three -- also facing criminal charges -- are involved in the incident.

One parent from the football team told 7News the charges are "…being blown out of proportion…” and the players "are being made examples of," because of the school's new zero tolerance policy against bullying and hazing.

But other parents in the community don't agree.

“I’m glad the policy’s there because if it happened to my child I would want something done,” Londergan said.

“There is certain responsibility that, as you grow up, you need to have. So whatever they get, they deserve,” one man said.

For families in Dedham, the charges are serious, and it's not something they ever thought would happen in their town.

If convicted of violated the state’s anti-hazing law, the students could face up to $3,000 in a fine and a year in jail. It’s also a crime for not reporting hazing incidents.