The investigation into the hazing incident back on October 31 at Hutchinson High School is complete according to a joint statement released Monday by Hutchinson Police Chief Dick Heitschmidt and USD 308 School Superintendent, Dr. Shelly Kiblinger.
In the release Monday, Heitschmidt says 33-interviews were conducted of 31 individuals, including 24 currently at the school, including 10-freshman, 2-sophomores, 4-juniors and 8-seniors.
He says there were four victims with three arrested. They include 18-year-old Jaiden Casanova, who is charged with aggravated battery and hazing. He was read the formal complaint and Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen set a waiver-status hearing for December 3. 18-year-old Kendric Hudson appeared nearly two weeks ago where he was told that he’s being charged with three counts of aggravated battery and hazing. And a 16-year-old, Cody Curl was taken to a juvenile facility for aggravated battery and possession of tobacco.
The three are accused of using hot coat hangers to brand the 4-students who had just been promoted to the varsity football team.
Heitschmidt says that there is absolutely no evidence or information that any of the coaching staff knew, allowed, condoned or turned a blind eye to this type of activity. The head coach had warned that he would not tolerate it and that freshman on the team should be treated as any other member of the varsity and messing with them wouldn’t be tolerated.
Dr. Kiblinger said she appreciated the independent and professional investigation. She says bullying and hazing in any form are not tolerated. She says “the district has taken immediate steps to increase locker room supervision to minimize the opportunity for bullying and hazing to occur.”
She adds that further discussions are underway to determine additional measures that can be taken to discourage hazing in any form.
The Hutchinson School Board will be hearing a report on the district’s current bullying prevention programs at one the January meetings.