Wheaton College Hazing: All Suspects Surrendered, Released On Bond

WHEATON, IL — UPDATE: All five suspects in a brutal hazing at Wheaton College have been arrested and released on bond. They allegedly beat, sexually assaulted and dragged a half-naked freshman onto a baseball field, tearing both of his shoulders.

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.

All have been charged with felony counts of aggravated battery, unlawful restraint and mob action. Their court dates are set for October 23 at 9 a.m. at 505 North County Farm Road in Wheaton.

Spielman's lawyer says that Wheaton College already "punished" the players and that the parties were taken aback when the incident resurfaced after 18 months without criminal action being taken.

Read more below:

Original story: During a press conference, a lawyer representing one of the football players charged in a violent hazing at Wheaton College seemed baffled that his client was facing criminal charges after he'd already been "punished" by the school. When the March 2016 hazing was first reported to officials at the Christian College, the suspects were reportedly told to write an "eight-page essay" and perform community service, according to Chicago Tribune.

One of the accused players, 21-year-old Noah Spielman, was back in class Wednesday after turning himself in and posting a $5,000 bond the day prior, attorney Mark Sutter said at the press conference.

Sutter said Spielman, son of former Detroit Lions player Chris Spielman, was "frustrated" and "disappointed" with the charges.

Wheaton College reportedly "found the situation entirely...inappropriate" and "punished" Spielman and the other accused football players immediately after the alleged hazing, Sutter said. The Tribune reports that a source told them the punishment "required [Spielman and the other accused players] to do 50 hours of community service and submit an eight-page essay reflecting on their behavior."

Sutter would not confirm the type of punishment Spielman and the other players received at school.

Sutter went on to say "[the accused football players] were punished; they were handled internally." He expressed concern that "now these charges have somehow resurrected" 18 months after the alleged incident took place.

Spielman's legal team wants to know why it took so long for criminal charges to be brought against his client. Sutter said he doesn't understand the reason for the delay.

Attesting to Spielman's character, Sutter called him "the most wonderful, godfearing young man that you'll ever want to meet...[He] doesn't have a mean bone in his body."

>>Image of Noah Spielman via City of Wheaton