News

Actions

Hamilton High School teen charged as adult in football team hazing case

Posted at 11:47 AM, Apr 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-04 14:53:19-04

More details are emerging in the Hamilton High School football team hazing case where a 17-year-old suspect is being charged as an adult.

Court documents state Nathaniel Thomas is facing three counts of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of molestation and one count of sexual assault.

According to court paperwork, there were four victims all under 15 years of age at the time of the incidents.

A third party reportedly alerted police to the crimes.Thomas is accused of participating in sexual acts involving other students. 

At his initial court appearance Thomas, through his attorney, vehemently denied the allegations against him. Thomas is one of three students facing criminal charges in the hazing incidents at Hamilton High School.

RELATED: Hamilton High School football coach 'reassigned' during hazing investigation

County prosecutors have charged two others in juvenile court with kidnapping, aggravated assault, and assault. A 15-year-old's possible involvement in the hazing is being investigated as well. 

The suspects were Hamilton High School football players, and the hazing allegedly occurred between September 2015 and January 2017 in the team's locker room, police said.

Because of the sex offense, the judge ordered Thomas be held without bond.

Police continue to investigate and are trying to determine if there are more victims.

Chandler Unified School District officials say they are cooperating with police.