4 Teens Charged In 'Broomstick' Hazing Assault At NJ School: Cops

Four students have been charged in a broomstick hazing incident involving a New Jersey high school's athletics program, according to prosecutors. Both law enforcement and the school are involved in the probe.

The teens allegedly stripped a Arthur P. Shalick High School student in a shower, restrained the student and then threatened to assault the victim with a broomstick, according to Salem County Prosecutor John T. Lenahan.

The four juveniles face the following charges: aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, criminal restraint, conspiracy to commit criminal restraint, hazing, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, conspiracy to possess a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and conspiracy to unlawfully possess a weapon.

Lenahan said in a statement that, at the outset. it is important "to safeguard the rights of the victim and the juveniles involved in this hazing incident concerning the Schalick High School Wrestling Team" in Pittsgrove.

"The Salem County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police are working closely, and I want to stress that this is the initial stage of the investigation and it is ongoing," he said.

Lenahan, who declined to reveal names, also said he is excercising "an abundance of caution to protect the rights of the victim, the rights of the juveniles involved and the sanctity of this investigation."

"We must remember, as in all cases where charges are filed, these juveniles are considered innocent unless and until adjudicated delinquent in a court of law," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police at 856-451 0101.

In a statement, officials from Schalick High School in Pittsgrove said they became "aware of certain events which apparently transpired in connection with the high school’s wrestling program."

The district did not disclose what those events were, even as rumors have been floating around social media.

"These events are the subject of an ongoing investigation by both the district and law enforcement officials," according to the statement.

The district says corrective actions have been taken, and they involve both students and staff.

"The district has dealt with all of the current issues promptly and appropriately and that attendance at the high school and participation in sports and extracurricular activities present no special risk to any student," according to a statement released by Superintendent Scott Hoopes.

Google photo of Arthur P. Shalick High School