Students face hazing allegations

LAS VEGAS, N.M. (KRQE) - On Monday, the six football players from Robertson High School charged with serious crimes made court appearances.

The six are accused of sexually assaulting freshman teammates during a hazing incident in August.

The prosecuting attorney confirmed on Monday that he currently intends to try all of the suspects as adults.

All six face charges individually, and lawyers for all six said that they denied the charges—the juvenile term for pleading not guilty.

All of the defendants were placed on a form of house arrest. They're free only to leave home for education, work and exercise. Otherwise they are required to stay home under adult supervision.

Despite the charges, the lawyer for one defendant said that he's confident the adult sanctions against the six will be dropped.

"He wanted to keep his options open, and he only had until today or tomorrow to keep them open. But he has said publicly that he's not pushing those adult sanctions and he's trying to explain to the families that's probably not where this is headed," Defense attorney Steve Ahrens said.

Parents of the alleged victims are upset that the release terms aren't tougher.

Four of the six teens will be able to work out at the community recreational center for two hours a day.

Some of the alleged victims also go to the center.

The next step in the case it up to the State Supreme Court; it will choose a presiding judge who will select a preliminary hearing date.