Accused Wheaton College Hazing Players Can Leave State: Judge

WHEATON, IL — All five suspects in a brutal hazing at Wheaton College have been given permission to leave the state by a DuPage County judge. The accused players —all of whom live outside of Illinois— all posted $5,000 in bail and were released immediately after turning themselves in last month.

The players were handed down multiple charges, including mob action and unlawful restraint after they allegedly beat, kidnapped, and sexually threatened a freshman in a 2016 incident. The accused players are Noah R. Spielman, 21, of Columbus, Ohio, Kyler S. Kregel, 21, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Samuel Tebos, 22, of Allendale, Michigan, Benjamin W. Pettyway, 21, of Mount Georgia, and James W. Cooksey, 22, of Jacksonville, Florida.

Shortly after the charges were handed down, Spielman's lawyer held a press conference saying his client was surprised the incident had resurfaced after the Christian school had already taken disciplinary action by making each player write an 8-page essay reflecting on their alleged actions.

Judge Brian Telander, who approved the players' requests to travel out of state, also issued a gag order preventing Wheaton Police from sharing details about the case with media and school officials, according to Daily Herald.

The accused football players are currently suspended from the Wheaton College football team as they await trial.

Related: Wheaton College Hazing: All Suspects Surrendered, Released On Bond

>>Images via DuPage County Sheriff's Office