Peoria Police Close Liberty High Wrestling Hazing Investigation With No Charges
Marcus Whitfield
No criminal charges after 10-month probe into sexual hazing allegations
Peoria police have closed their investigation into alleged sexual hazing in the Liberty High School wrestling program. Detectives said they were unable to establish probable cause for criminal charges.
The announcement came Tuesday night and marks the end of a 10-month criminal probe that began last August. Families of former wrestlers said police recently informed them that no charges would be filed.
"The Peoria Police Department has concluded its investigation into allegations of sexual hazing involving members of the Liberty High School wrestling program during the 2024–25 school years."
That statement came in a press release from the Peoria Police Department. The department said detectives conducted numerous interviews, followed tips and leads, and worked with forensic interviewers trained to communicate with minors.
How the investigation began
Former students and their parents went public in August 2025 with allegations of hazing and sexual misconduct among wrestlers at Liberty High School. The families accused the Peoria Unified School District of failing to complete a thorough and transparent investigation in 2024 after initial reports and videos of the alleged abuse surfaced.
The Peoria Police Department had also investigated in 2024. Last August, the department reopened its criminal investigation after someone contacted the Special Victims Unit, according to a police spokesperson.
Coach placed on leave, then reinstated
When the school district reopened its own investigation last August, administrators placed head wrestling coach Eric Brenton on administrative leave. Brenton also teaches history at Liberty High School.
Supporters attended school board meetings and wrote emails urging the district to reinstate him. The board approved his return to teaching and coaching in January 2026.
Liberty's wrestling team placed third in the state tournament in February.
No word from the school district
After concluding its investigation this spring, the Peoria Unified School District did not disclose its findings. The district said no public records existed for the investigation. It is unclear who was interviewed, what evidence was reviewed, whether any allegations were substantiated, or if any school policy was broken.
The district has taken steps to improve oversight. Those measures include additional cameras in Liberty's wrestling room, increased supervision, and greater involvement from the athletic director.
Families pursue legal action
Five former wrestlers have filed notices of claim, which are precursors to lawsuits. Their claims allege that the coach and the district were negligent in their duty to protect students from hazing, according to ABC15.
Prosecutors will not pursue the case
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office reviewed evidence in the case. An MCAO spokesperson said the office had not received a submittal from police in the Liberty hazing matter.
"It is up to the police to determine whether there is probable cause to submit a case for prosecutorial review."
The Peoria Police Department said all leads and investigative avenues had been exhausted. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office does not expect a submittal on the matter.
The Peoria Police Department said it remains committed to conducting thorough, unbiased investigations and supporting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all members of the community, especially minors.