DURHAM, N.C. – A grand jury issued sealed indictments yesterday against two members of the Duke University lacrosse team in connection with allegations that a stripper was raped last month at a team party, a defense attorney said.

“Today, two young men have been charged with crimes they did not commit,” attorney Robert Ekstrand said in a statement. “This is a tragedy. For the two young men, an ordeal lies ahead. … They are both innocent.”

Mr. Ekstrand, who represents dozens of players, did not say which players were indicted or what charges they faced.

The grand jury adjourned around 2 p.m. yesterday, handing up indictments a short time later to Superior Court Judge Ronald Stephens. A filing at the courthouse said the judge had sealed at least one indictment, citing a state law that allows an indictment to be “kept secret until the defendant is arrested or appears before the court.”

A 27-year-old black woman told police she was attacked March 13 by three white men in a bathroom at a party held by the lacrosse team.

The racially charged allegations have led to near daily protest rallies. The school canceled the highly ranked team’s season and accepted the resignation of coach Mike Pressler after the release of a vulgar and graphic e-mail that was sent by a team member shortly after the alleged assault.

Mr. Nifong has said 75% to 80% of rape prosecutions lack DNA evidence. According to court records, a medical examination of the woman found injuries consistent with rape.