Wis. high school wrestlers plead not guilty, accused of sexually harassing teammate

(CBS/WSAW/AP) WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. - Four high school wrestlers in Wisconsin, charged with disorderly conduct for alleged sexual harassment of a younger teammate, entered not guilty pleas Monday.

In March, a freshman member of the wrestling team told police the four juniors sexually harassed him, reports CBS affiliate WSAW.

According to the victim, Devin Peterson, Kasey Einerson, Rylan Lubeck, all 17, and 18-year-old Zak Benitz danced naked in front of him and touched him with their genitals.

The plaintiff told police he had to climb into a locker to try and avoid the contact. He claimed he was harassed about five to ten times during the 2010-2011 wrestling season, the station reports.

Ryan Christianson, Lincoln High School's principal, says the school was made aware of the complaint and immediately alerted police, along with beginning their own investigation. He hasn't said whether the school is disciplining the four wrestlers.

The wrestling team's head coach is Scott Benitz, father of Zak, one of the accused wrestlers. He has refused to comment on the story.

Some have questioned why the teens are being charged with disorderly conduct and not sexual assault.

Assistant District Attorney Craig Lambert says he won't explain the prosecution's decisions until after the court proceedings.

All four wrestlers are being charged as adults and could face a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.