Former Vermont HS athletes deny hazing-related charges

Former Milton, Vermont athletes deny hazing-related charges, alledgely involving the use of broom sticks and pool cue to assault their victims.

Former members of a Vermont high school football team are charged with assault after allegedly sexually assaulting younger teens with broom sticks or pool cues as part of an initiation, reports the Burlington Free Press.

Five former students at Milton High School -- Brandon Beliveau, 20; Ryan Carlson, 20; Colby Darling, 18; William Jenkins, 18; and Brian Lasell, 19 -- had their attorneys enter not guilty pleas on their behalf in Vermont Superior Court.

All five face misdemeanor charges of simple assault following an investigation into allegations of hazing during the 2011 and 2012 football seasons.

According to the report, one assault with a pool cue happened at a teen’s home during a football team dinner in the fall of 2012. Police said in that case, the victim’s shorts were torn in the attack.

Hazing is not a crime under Vermont law and the statute of limitations for assault is three years.

- Scooby Axson