Last Of Seven Sayreville High School Student Accused Of Hazing Surrenders To Police
SAYREVILLE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The last of seven high school students facing sex crime charges amid a hazing investigation that canceled a New Jersey prep football team's season has surrendered to authorities.
Middlesex County prosecutors say the youth surrendered early Saturday, but declined to release further information due to the defendant's age.
The six other students, ranging in age from 15 to 17, were arrested Friday night in connection with the assaults at regional football power Sayreville War Memorial High School.
Prosecutors say the teens charged will appear before a family court judge, but no hearing has been scheduled, CBS 2's Matt Kozar reported.
A New Jersey assemblyman born and raised in Sayreville is speaking out following the charges filed against the football players.
As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, Assemblyman John Wisniewski called the charges no less disturbing than the allegations.
"Go far beyond just near bullying and rise to a level that in some respects is unprecedented for a high school football program."
Assemblyman John Wisniewski Speaks Out Following Charges In Sayreville HS Hazing Case
Prosecutors on Friday said between Sept. 19 and Sept. 29, one or more of the upperclassmen suspects held the victims against their will, while another suspect improperly touched them. One victim was also kicked in the head, prosecutors alleged.
Three of the players are facing charges on the most serious allegation of sexual assault. But the list also includes aggravated criminal sexual contact, conspiracy to commit aggravated criminal sexual contact, criminal restraint, and hazing.
The alleged behavior prompted the schools' superintendent to cancel the rest of the season's games.
Wisniewski said there are still plenty of unanswered question, including "What was the role of the grown ups who were charged with supervising this program?"
Wisniewski added that the Sayreville he knows of close-knit families will have to come together, move forward and make sure it never happens again.
Other Sayreville residents who spoke with 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten were split on their reaction to the allegations.
Sayreville Residents React To Hazing, Sex Assault Charges Against Football Players
Maurine Jenkins said she's so upset she's planned a vigil for the victims.
"Simply in support of the victims. I felt like they were taken to the backseat. They don't have the voice, they're not out there so someone has to give them the voice," she said.
But Paul, who is a graduate from the high school who played for the team, was dubious about the claims.
"I don't really believe it too much," he said. "I really believe that they made it a little bit bigger than it really is."
"I don't know what these kids were thinking. I mean, it sounds bad, hopefully it's not that bad, but it just doesn't look good at all," Sayreville resident Keith Stahl told CBS 2's Steve Langford.
"I mean we've all done pranks in school but nothing to this level," Sayreville resident Darlene Coughlin said.
Sayreville graduates Matt Campton and Ryan Herrighty played baseball at the high school.
"I never noticed anything in the locker room. It was all cool. I never noticed anything, everyone got treated the same," Campton said.
But the pair can't speak for other sports, as the allegations divide a town that puts football on a pedestal.
Sayreville schools Supt. Richard Labbe released a statement following the arrests, saying the school system has launched a "holistic harassment, intimidation and bullying" investigation of all athletic and extracurricular programs.
"It's a shame because they're kids. You know, boys will be boys," John Davids, of Woodbridge Township, said.
As CBS 2's Langford reported, local politicians and clergy have formed a coalition to help in the town's healing process. The group will hold a gather near the school Sunday at 6 p.m.
CBS 2 reached out to the Bombers' head football coach, but he would not comment for this story.
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