Hazing on Trial in New Mexico: One guilty plea from Robertson High School

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_santa_fe_robertson_hearing_nears_end_200901221222

Judge: Robertson
students to face trial

Last Edited: Thursday, 22 Jan 2009, 2:52 PM MST
Created On: Thursday, 22 Jan 2009, 12:24 PM MST

* Reporter: Dave Bohman
* Web Producer: Todd Dukart

SANTA FE (KRQE) – A state district judge has ruled that five former Robertson High School football players will face trial on felony charges of gross sexual penetration.

Judge Jim Hall made the ruling Thursday afternoon after a three-day hearing to determine whether the five would face trial.

Witnesses had testified the five boys had sodomized or attempted to sodomize younger players with broomsticks during an August training camp held by the Las Vegas, N.M., school.

Another former player earlier this week admitted guilt in the case.

Prosecutors called their final witness on Thursday morning. Sgt. Steve Montano with the New Mexico State Police testified that he interviewed many of the players after the camp. He testified that one of the defendants had admitted to taking part in two of the attacks.

The hearing went into recess after Montano’s testimony wrapped up around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, and defense attorneys were given a chance to tell the judge why their clients should not face trial.

One attorney told News 13 that while he’s hopeful for his client, he does not expect the charges to be dropped because little needs to be proven for the case to be sent to trial.