Crystal Lake cops investigating reports of hazing
Crystal Lake police are investigating reports that members of Crystal Lake's Prairie Ridge High School wrestling team restrained teammates while groping them through their clothing and slapping them in the stomachs as part of a hazing ritual.
Police launched the inquiry after school officials received an anonymous letter Jan. 28 claiming a student was held down by other wrestlers and slapped several times in the abdomen, causing minor injury, police said Thursday. After an internal school investigation revealed possible criminal activity, school officials notified police.
Investigators since have spoken with more than 60 student wrestlers and are in the process of conducting formal interviews with the team's coaching staff, police said.
The investigation so far has revealed that a number of wrestlers may have participated in hazing activities that include restraining teammates while they are being slapped and groping other wrestlers through their clothing.
No charges had been filed as of Thursday.
"We're still investigating," Crystal Lake Police Chief David Linder said. "We're still in the process of interviewing people."
Linder said he hopes to wrap up the interviews this week and present the case to the McHenry County State's Attorney's office to determine if charges should be filed.
Crystal Lake High School District 155 Superintendent Jill Hawk issued a letter to parents Thursday informing them of the investigation and assuring them that appropriate discipline would be taken if the allegations are true.
"Please be assured that our administration and the Crystal Lake Police Department are fully investigating every aspect of our students' well-being and safety," Hawk wrote. "Again, be assured that our actions and decisions will be based on facts resulting from this investigation.
"While the disposition of any pending disciplinary matter must and shall remain confidential, please understand the administration's position regarding hazing and intimidation," the letter continues. "We will not tolerate behaviors that clearly violate our policy guidelines."
The investigation is looking at all levels of the wrestling program - varsity, junior varsity and freshman - and involves players as well as coaches, a district spokesman said.
"We've been investigating every level of the program, whether it be the student athletes or what our coaching staff may have been aware of," District 155 spokesman Jeff Puma said.
Trey Breeden and Joe Terhaar oversee the Prairie Ridge wrestling program, Puma said. No action has been taken against any members of the coaching staff.
"All indications are they knew nothing of this until we received the anonymous tip," Puma said, adding: "We found that our coaches did address hazing at the beginning of the year."
The district has not yet taken disciplinary action against any students, according to the district. While expulsion would require public board action, Puma said the district will not publicly disclose any lesser punishment officials decide upon.
Wrestling team activities are proceeding as normal while the investigation continues, Puma said.