Girl Pleads Guilty in Farmington Hazing

A 17 year old female from Farmington has pled guilty to a gross misdemeanor offense in connection with a hazing incident that occurred in September of 2014. She was the driver of the vehicle in which two juniors were locked in the trunk as part of a hazing ritual among Farmington High School students. She was charged with gross negligence resulting in bodily harm, while a misdemeanor charge of assault in the fifth degree was dropped. Judge Michael Mayer sentenced her to six months of probation and 25 hours of community work service. As part of the conditions of her sentence, she must attend the safe driving course at DCTC, attend a victim empathy class, and write letters of apology to four victims. 15 other youth and young adults involved in the incident have accepted diversion from prosecution by agreeing to participate in the County Attorney’s Office Youth Accountability Program. The program requires them to attend an educational class, pay restitution if owed and complete community work service hours. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom says he’s pleased to have the matter resolved with all youth involved taking responsibility for their actions and hopes the victims and the community can move forward.