Few details surface in ongoing Jordan High hazing case

SANDY — Officials on Friday continued to investigate allegations of hazing at Jordan High School, but few details have emerged from Sandy police or the Canyons School District.

"It's still an active case," Sandy Police Sgt. Jon Arnold said. "The detective is trying to find out what all, if anything, happened."

Last week, the school district launched an investigation into allegations of hazing — including potentially serious criminal acts — after being informed of incidents by a parent. The allegations involve the Jordan High School wrestling team. District spokeswoman Jennifer Toomer-Cook confirmed some hazing occurred, but declined to be specific. She said steps have been taken in accordance with the district's no-tolerance hazing policy.

Arnold said the detective assigned to the case is still in the process of interviewing students. There are 80 students on the school's wrestling team. Investigators are speaking with anyone who could potentially be a victim, a perpetrator or anyone who has knowledge of what may or may not have taken place.

"Due to the number of kids involved, it's just been a process," the sergeant said. "My understanding is he's going to talk to everyone on the team."

Arnold said that to the best of his knowledge, the students and their families have been cooperative with investigative efforts. He would not elaborate on the nature of the hazing allegations but said that charges could be filed if criminal acts are deemed to have taken place.

Ben Grindstaff, an attorney familiar with the case, said it was his understanding that several students had been barred from competition with the wrestling team without a proper hearing or opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.

"Many students were thrown off of the wrestling team for mere allegations," he said. "It's damaged scholarship opportunities and could damage their academic lives."

Several parents at a regional wrestling match held Thursday at Jordan High said they had heard about students being cut from the wrestling team due to a hazing incident, but few details were known.

E-mail: benwood@desnews.com