Chandler Police Submit New Charges In Hamilton Hazing Scandal

Published: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 - 9:05am
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The investigation into a hazing incident involving student athletes at Hamilton High School has expanded, and Chandler police have submitted felony charges against the school’s principal and former football coach.

News of the hazing scandal first surfaced this spring, when police arrested a handful of Hamilton High School football players on suspicion of crimes like sexual assault and kidnapping.

Now Chandler police say they’ve submitted charges of child abuse and failure to report a crime against both principal Ken James and former head football coach Steve Belles.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will have the final say on whether to formally charge James or Belles.

Chandler police say the investigation into the hazing incident remains open.