LISBON, Maine — Nobody will face criminal charges related to reports of hazing incidents among students at Lisbon High School.
The investigation started on Oct. 2, when the school resource officer was part of a meeting regarding a complaint involving a juvenile pushing another juvenile, according to a press release from District Attorney Neil E. McLean Jr. sent Tuesday.
During that meeting, information came out regarding a gathering involving several juveniles on Aug. 24, according to the press release.
The Lisbon Police Department started an investigation. The department interviewed many witnesses over multiple weeks, according to McLean's press release. The department then submitted a report to the District Attorney's Office for review.
"The Lisbon Police Department and the District Attorney's Office then collaborated regarding relevant follow-up investigation, to include setting up multiple additional interviews with involved juveniles and their families," the press release said.
Many of the juveniles who spoke with investigators described what happened on Aug. 24 as "horseplay" and "goofing around," according to the DA's office. The juveniles also reportedly stated that they voluntarily participated in what took place. Investigators added that the information juveniles provided was "generally consistent" among witnesses.
"There is no Maine statute that addresses hazing. Therefore, the State reviews the involved conduct to determine whether any existing criminal statute has been violated," McLean stated.
After investigators finished their interviews and reviewed their evidence, it was decided that what was collected "does not support the pursuit of criminal charges in this matter at this time," McLean said.
Because the students involved in the investigation are juveniles, the DA's office said it could not release more details about what happened or who was involved.
According to allegations reported by the law firm, first-year and freshman players were frequently subjected to assault, such as being hit with belts, thrown into trash cans, and locked inside a cage. The same report said the incidents became normalized in what the law firm called "a culture of hazing."
Superintendent Richard Green decided to suspend the team's season early. That decision automatically activated a two-year ban of the team with the Maine Principal's Association.
One parent who spoke with NEWS CENTER Maine anonymously in October said her son was interviewed by law firm investigators. She claimed her son's answers were taken out of context.
Another parent who was also anonymously interviewed by NEWS CENTER Maine said the situation was concerning, but he believed without football, the kids would only get into more trouble.
