Two South Seniors Arrested For Hazing Incident

Adam Huening
Greensburg Daily News

May 04, 2009 12:47 pm

— What might have began as locker room hijinks for two South Decatur seniors ended with them locked up in Decatur County Jail.
Wyatt R. Friedersdorf, 19, 11804 S. Co. Rd. 800 W., and Joshua S. England, 18, 901 St. Rd. 3, Westport, were arrested Friday morning on charges of battery extending from an alleged hazing incident that took place a few weeks ago at the school. England and Friedersdorf, both seniors at South a few weeks from graduation, allegedly held down a male freshman and committed abusive acts similar to those committed at the Greensburg Junior High by five basketball players.
After a lengthy investigation involving the school’s administration, Decatur County Schools Corporation officials and the Indiana State Police, the two were taken into custody by ISP Det. Pete Tressler in the mid-morning Friday. Both Friedersdorf and England were charged with battery, which can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class D felony, depending on details and ages of those involved, and were being held over the weekend in Decatur County Jail without bond. England also received an additional charge of disorderly conduct. If convicted, both could face between six months and three years depending on the level of charges.
Details on the incident were unknown at press time. Attempts to contact Tressler were unsuccessful and Decatur County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Roach declined to comment on the outcome of the investigation. An executive session of the Decatur County School Board was scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Decatur County Schools Administration Building. The session is to discuss the status of one of the two students.
Both students were removed from their respective sports team - England from track and Friedersdorf baseball - and “suspended indefinitely” when the allegation first came to the attention of school officials. Neither is a student currently at South and both were removed from the graduation list submitted to the Greensburg Daily News.
Both England and Friedersdorf are expected in court today for an initial hearing where bond is expected to be set.
Check tomorrow’s edition of the Daily News as more details surface in this story.

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