Judge Removes Gag Order On Wheaton College Hazing Case

WHEATON, IL — The gag order on a Wheaton College hazing case has been lifted at the request of attorneys for the accused football players, who sought to publicly deny claims that the players made sexual threats against the victim. Judge Brian Telander lifted the gag order Tuesday for three of the accused players, but the attorneys have yet to make public comment.

The lifted gag order applies to Kyler Kregel, Noah Spielman, and Sameul TeBos, who were arraigned along with Benjamin Pettway on Oct. 23. Pettway and Cooksey, who is set to be arraigned on Nov. 13, will likely take part in the motion to lift the gag order too, Daily Herald reports.

According to Daily Herald, Paul DeLuca and Paul Moreschi, who represent the accused players, said they are waiting to issue a public statement on the sexual assault allegations because they "need to review everything" first.

All five players are charged with mob action, unlawful restraint, and aggravated battery in connection with the hazing. During the hazing incident, the football players allegedly beat a freshman and then kidnapped him and left him on a nearby baseball field with two torn shoulders.

The next court date for all five players is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2018.

>>Images via Wheaton Police Department