Somehow WMAQ-TV broke this story about Prairie Ridge High School wrestlers.
Finally got my hands on Friday’s press release about the investigation of the Prairie Ridge High School wrestlers from the Crystal Lake Police Department.
For the record, it appears below:
On Thursday, February 28, 2010 the Crystal Lake Police Department was notified by Prairie Ridge High School Staff of a possible hazing incident involving a number of students who are members of the school’s wrestling team.
Since first becoming aware of this incident, investigators conducted interviews of the entire wrestling team as well as the school’s coaching staff.
Upon completion of this investigation, the case was presented for Review by the McHenry County State’s Attorney Office.
This review resulted in finding that these reported incidents did not meet the required elements to substantiate felony charges.
Further review by the City’s Attorney led to the filing of misdemeanor charges based on the statements made by the victims as well as witness accounts.
On March 5th, 2010, each of five students were arrested and charged with simple battery. All five of the cases will be referred to juvenile court.
A person commits battery if he intentionally or knowingly without legal justification and by any means,
(1) causes bodily harm to an individual or
(2) makes any physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with an individual.
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More information can be found in these stories:
District 155 Issues Letter about Prairie Ridge Wrestling Hazing
Additional Statement from High School District 155 on Wrestling Hazing and Intimidation
Prairie Ridge Wrestling Hazing May Have Included Sexual Molestation
Northwest Herald’s No Comment Policy Not Uniformly Enforced
Locker Room Rules for High School Coaches, Recent Changes in Huntley
Misdemeanor Battery Charges Filed Against Five Prairie Ridge Wrestlers