The University of Massachusetts Police Department has filed criminal charges against 12 additional students in connection with the Dec. 15 Southwest riot, according to a press release.

The charges were filed in East Hampshire District Court this morning and more charges against students could be coming, according to a UMass News and Information press release. The names of the students have not yet been released.

The incident occurred following the UMass football team’s 28-17 loss to Appalachian State on Dec. 15. After the conclusion of the game, about 1,800 students gathered in the Southwest plaza. Several police officers were injured during the riot and about $100,000 in damage resulted.

The new charges come following an investigation by the UMPD that began immediately following the December incident. Up to this point in the investigation, “55 cases have been completed. Five students have been expelled, 28 suspended and 22 received deferred suspensions. Eight students have been removed from university housing as part of their discipline,” states the press release.

The police used a variety of resources to identify new suspects. According to the press release, the UMass police, “built cases by reviewing residence hall entryway video, video and photos from student cell phones, video from cameras mounted on the exteriors of buildings, cell phone records, residence hall swipe-card records, state Registry of Motor Vehicles documents and written statements from witnesses.”

In January, Deputy Chief Patrick Archbald said his investigation unit also used images students submitted from Facebook.com and MySpace.com. He said many students came forward with information regarding this case.

“The vast majority of UMass Amherst students do not participate in this type of activity,” said spokesman Edward J. Blaguszewski. “And we want to thank the many students who came forward to help our police identify those who were involved.”

Eric Athas can be reached at [email protected].