Sex Crime Charges Dropped In Wall Football Hazing Scandal: Report

WALL, NJ — Six members of the Wall High School football team charged in hazing incidents last fall in the high school's locker room have been sentenced to probation and community service, according to a report.

In addition, the most serious criminal charges against the players — criminal sexual contact and false imprisonment — have been dropped as part of a plea agreement, News 12 New Jersey reported. The students involved will be able to participate in fall sports again if they follow the terms of their sentences, the report said.

A spokesman for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment on the sentencing.

The players were initially charged with hazing, attempted criminal sexual contact, criminal sexual contact, false imprisonment, and harassment in January following an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office into the hazing.

Read more: Hazing Charges Filed In Wall Football Locker Room Incidents

The hazing incidents took place in September and October and were first reported in November. Seven students were suspended as a result of the investigation, as were several coaches and the athletic director.

Six of the seven accused students have since been able to return to school after being suspended. In late December, the Wall Board of Education made a decision to allow the students to return in January.

Read more: 6 Wall HS Students Allowed To Return After Suspension: Report

Anthony Grandinetti, the high school's head football coach, was not rehired after being placed on administrative leave at the end of the last season. He has been replaced by Ed Gurrieri, who was approved as the new coach during a school board meeting in late February.

As a result of the scandal, the Wall Township school district has announced a new plan to pay Wall High School staff members $25 per hour to supervise school locker rooms in the months since.

Related Patch stories:

• NJ Student Hazing Incidents Happened Repeatedly, Attorney Says (Jan. 2022)
• County Prosecutor Investigating Wall High School's Hazing History (Dec. 2021)
• 7 Wall HS Students Were Suspended In November For Hazing'(Dec. 2021)
• Broomstick Involved In Wall High School Hazing: Report (Nov. 2021)
• Hazing Scandal Response: Wall Staff Paid To Monitor Locker Rooms (March 2022)