Farmington Girl, 17, Gets Probation, Community Service After Hazing Incident
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 17-year-old Farmington girl pleaded guilty Monday to taking part in a high school hazing incident where she drove a car with two junior students locked in the trunk.
The Dakota County Attorney's Office said the teenager, who has not been named, pleaded guilty Monday to gross misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation in connection with the September 2014 incident. A misdemeanor assault charge against her was dismissed.
A judge sentenced the teenager to six months of probation and 25 hours of community service. She must also write letters of apology to four of the hazing victims, and attend safe driving and empathy classes.
The hazing occurred on the night of Sept. 27., and it involved students from Farmington High School. It started when a group of juniors tried to "kidnap" the 17-year-old as part of the homecoming week war between juniors and seniors.
But when the juniors got the 17-year-old's house, they were surrounded by seniors. Some ran off, but others had their hands zip-tied by the older students. Two of them were placed in the truck of a car, which was driven by the 17-year-old.
The teenager told police after the incident that she drove the car with the juniors in the trunk. She said she drove about 30 mph over speed bumps, hurting the younger students.
The attorney's office said that 15 other young people involved in the hazing have accepted to participate in a diversion program instead of being prosecuted for disorderly conduct. The program requires the young people to attend a class, pay restitution (if applicable) and do community service.
