WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Charges against NY coaches dropped in hazing case
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Associated Press - July 6, 2009 1:25 PM ET
WILSON, N.Y. (AP) - A prosecutor has dropped charges against two high school baseball coaches who were accused of failing to properly supervise a bus full of players during an alleged hazing incident in western New York.
Jury selection for the trial of William Atlas and Thomas Baia (BEYE'-uh) was scheduled to begin Monday. Instead, the Niagara County district attorney's office moved without explanation for a dismissal. Wilson Town Justice George Berger granted the request.
The coaches were charged with child endangerment following an April 2008 incident on a team bus that authorities say involved forcible, inappropriate touching. Two 17-year-olds had a nonjury trial in front of Berger last week. The judge has yet to announce his verdict.
The coaches have been on paid suspension.
Information from The Buffalo News: http://www.buffalonews.com
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