Farmington High student pleads guilty in hazing incident

A Farmington High School student accused of locking two students in the trunk of a car during a hazing incident on homecoming weekend pleaded guilty Tuesday to criminal vehicular operation, a gross misdemeanor.

Dakota County District Judge Michael Mayer sentenced the 17-year-old girl to six months of probation and 25 hours of community work service.

Mayor also ordered the girl to attend a safe driving course at Dakota County Technical College, attend a victim empathy class and write letters of apology to four victims. He dismissed a charge of misdemeanor fifth-degree assault.

According to the Dakota County Attorney's Office, the incident happened on Sept. 27 when six Farmington High School juniors drove to the 17-year-old's home to kidnap her as part of a "junior and senior war" that sometimes occurred during homecoming week. High school seniors then surrounded the juniors.

Fifteen other students involved in the incident will avoid prosecution for disorderly conduct by accepting the county's offer to enter a diversionary program.

"We are pleased to have resolved this matter and that all of the youth involved have accepted responsibility for their actions," Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said. "We are hopeful the victims and the community can move forward."