Police, state's attorney meet on Prairie Ridge hazing allegations

Crystal Lake police met with McHenry County prosecutors Wednesday to discuss findings of a criminal investigation into hazing allegations involving wrestlers at Prairie Ridge High School.

Police Chief David Linder said the inquiry into the hazing reports is mostly complete, unless prosecutors want additional investigation, and his department is now consulting with the state's attorney's office to decide whether any students should be charged and, if so, what charges they should face.

Philip Hiscock, criminal division chief for the state's attorney, said the prosecutor's office would give police input on possible charges.

"We're going to evaluate the information they've given us and take it from there," he said. "I don't want to put a timeline or deadline on (when charges may come). It's likely our office will meet with police again to discuss the investigation."

Police launched the investigation after school officials received an anonymous letter Jan. 28 claiming a student wrestler was held down by teammates and repeatedly slapped in the stomach.

The ensuing investigation included interviews with more than 60 students as well as the school's wrestling coaches, police said. It revealed, according to police, allegations that several wrestlers participated in hazing activities that included restraining teammates while they were slapped and touched groped through their clothing.

Crystal Lake High School District 155 officials, who are conducting their own investigation, say there is no indication the team's coaches knew of the purported hazing.

Formal district policy bans hazing and says any student found to have participated in it could face suspension or expulsion. Although expulsion would require formal action by the district's school board, the district has said it will not publicly disclose any disciplinary action it takes.

The wrestling team has continued to practice and compete in meets during the investigation.