ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A federal agency's review of the suspected locker room beating of a Florida student says the victim's statements are inconsistent and his injury claims dubious.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights investigated the beating of Dr. Phillips High School freshman Darrion Denson, who said upperclassmen at the Orlando area school beat him Sept. 7 and allegedly left him unconscious in a trash can.
Only one student was punished by the school, receiving a 10 day suspension, while three of six students who faced misdemeanor charges have since been acquitted, the Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday.
The Office of Civil Rights became involved when Denson's father alleged the accused students escaped heavier punishments because Denson is black.
Their report found no evidence of that, then went on to comment at length about inconsistencies in Darrion Denson's claims.
Federal investigators said witnesses, including 15 students and several coaches, disputed his claims of being beaten.
A classmate told investigators Denson said after the incident he was "faking" the injuries and his family planned to sue, the report said.
Denson attorney Frank Kruppenbacher objected to the release of the report, saying investigators "went well beyond their authority and opined on issues that were not raised to them" in the civil rights violation complaint.
