Santa Margarita hazing complaint investigated

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Varsity soccer players from Santa Margarita High are under investigation after allegations surfaced of hazing during a team trip to Hawaii, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said.

The boys soccer team traveled to Honolulu in late December to play against Hawaii's top Division 1 high school teams. Sometime after the team returned Jan. 4, a complaint was filed with the Honolulu Police Department concerning hazing.

A school employee deferred all questions regarding the incident to The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.

"The only thing that we can say is that it is not an issue of public safety, and the school is dealing with it by its prescribed policies and procedures," said Steve Bohannon, spokesman for the diocese. When pressed for further details, Bohannon said, "I really can't say anything about it."

Honolulu police contacted the Orange County Sheriff's Department and asked officials to conduct interviews on behalf of investigators there, sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said. The request was concerning an allegation of hazing that occurred in Waikiki, but no further details were disclosed.

Amormino said the incident is being investigated by Hawaii authorities. When reached by phone Friday, an officer with the Honolulu Police Department wasn't able to provide information on the case.

The team's coach couldn't immediately be reached for comment Friday.

The Eagles are ranked No. 3 in the county and in first place in the Trinity League. The Eagles tied Servite, 3-3, on Wednesday night.

- Staff writers Salvador Hernandez and Damian Dottore contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: 949-454-7343 or bstaggs@ocregister.com