Subscribe to Breaking News
Loading ...NM teens deny hazing charges
11.11.2008 1:30pm EST
(Las Vegas, New Mexico) Six former high school athletes have denied charges they sexually assaulted younger teammates during a hazing incident at a preseason football camp.
State District Judge Eugenio Mathis on Monday placed the boys on house arrest, allowing them to leave under supervision only for school, work or to go to a community recreation center for two hours a day.The former Robertson High School football team members, all 16 or 17, appeared in court Monday and denied the Children’s Court charges of criminal sexual penetration, kidnapping, conspiracy and other crimes.
A state police report included allegations of sodomy with a broomstick.
District Attorney Henry Valdez has filed a notice that he would seek adult punishment against the teens if they are convicted.
Juvenile sentencing could keep them in state custody until they were 21. Adult penalties could subject them to dozens of years in prison.
Head football coach Ray Woods and six assistants resigned in September amid allegations that coaches failed to adequately supervise the players or follow up on initial hazing allegations.
There they go again. Sodomy doesn’t happen with a broomstick.
This reminds me of a similar incident in Buckley, a small town south of Seattle where four wrestlers were charged with the same actions against younger teammates many years ago. They were jokingly referred to as the “Buckley Welcoming Committee.” Of course they are going to deny any involvement, as a guilty plea would destroy any chance of them getting football scholarships to be able to get into college.