PHOENIX — A former Hamilton High School football player who is being charged as an adult in a hazing case appeared in court Tuesday for a status conference.
The judge acknowledged that the defense and prosecution are working for a “non-trial resolution” for Nathaniel Thomas, who is accused of physically and sexually attacking some of his teammates.
The lawyers and judge had an off-the-record conversation in chambers. After that meeting, they came back into court and the judge appointed a new lawyer as an advocate for Thomas’s status as a juvenile. Thomas is being charged as an adult but was underage when the alleged attacks at Hamilton High School took place.
The judge said due to HIPPA concerns that any previous mental health issues could not be talked about in open court and the new advocate could help Thomas with these issues.
January 24 was set a date for a trial management conference with a trial for the criminal case to start soon after that.
