HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) One of the three Hutchinson High School students charged with branding younger football players has made his first court appearance.
The Hutchinson News reports that a Reno County judge appointed the public defender’s office to represent 18-year-old Kendric Hudson during Friday’s hearing. He is charged with felony aggravated battery and misdemeanor hazing.
Hudson is accused of using a heated wire hanger to brand two 15-year-olds and one 14-year-old in the school locker room last week. Aggravated battery carries a maximum sentence of 34 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. Hazing carries a maximum six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.
Hudson is free on bond and didn’t immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press.