New charges: Police investigate separate BHS hazing case

December 21, 2010

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BLACKFOOT — Five additional students have received a Juvenile Violation Report of misdemeanor offenses after police uncovered a separate hazing-related incident at Blackfoot High School.
Blackfoot Police Chief David Moore said the second incident was uncovered as police were interviewing and investigating individuals regarding criminal activity and hazing among student athletes at Blackfoot High School.
Bingham County Prosecuting Attorney emphasized that the JVR is not a charging document. However, he said, it is often mistaken as one because it is similar in appearance.
Earlier this month police charged Nathan Walker, Anthony Clarke, Logan Chidester and Tyson Katseanes, all 19, with various misdemeanors and felony counts of forcible sexual penetration using a foreign object. They are scheduled to appear in 7th District Court on Dec. 23.
Police say those incidents took place between Dec. 2, 2009, and Feb. 28 at the school’s locker room and on a bus, and involved multiple victims. A juvenile also faces charges related to the incidents.
Moore said they are still conducting interviews as part of their investigation, and that additional charges are pending. The investigation is ongoing.
“We’re following up on every lead,” Moore said.
Last week Moore said “a significant amount” of victims had been identified through their investigation. The police are investigating possible hazing incidents that occurred during the 2009-2010 school year at Blackfoot High School.
Blackfoot School District Superintendent Scott Crane said he has had meetings with coaches at the high school as well as Mountain View Middle School, stressing student safety. He said coaches have been instructed to maintain a high level of vigilance when working with the students and to keep lights on inside buses and to make extra checks in locker rooms.