N.J. football players in hazing case to be tried as juveniles

SAYREVILLE, N.J. -- The seven Sayreville High School football players accused of sexual assault will not be charged as adults, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's office announced on Monday.

The suspects were brought into custody on charges of juvenile delinquency last month, stemming from separate attacks on four other students. In a press release, prosecutor Andrew Carrey said that the defendants will have their cases heard before a judge in family court, reported CBS New York.

According to previous reports, prosecutors have alleged that between Sept. 19 and 29, the suspects held students against their will while they were improperly touched and at least one victim was kicked in the head.

Initially under pressure to charge the teens as adults, Carey told CBS New York that the prosecutors would take everything into account, including the juveniles' history. He ultimately decided against it.

"The conduct in which the juvenile defendants engaged was serious and that is why criminal charges were filed," Carey said in the release. "Asking the court to waive these seven juvenile cases to adult court would not best serve the interests of the victims, the community, or the defendants," he added.

In response to the allegations of hazing and abuse, school officials cancelled the football season. Five coaches were suspended and three paid part-time coaches and five volunteers were also fired, reported CBS New York.