Former Browerville student enters plea

Photo: Vladimir Cetinski, Photos.com

Nov 2, 2012 at 5:30 pm

LONG PRAIRIE, Minn. (KNSI) A former Browerville High School athlete accused of sexually assaulting teammates has entered a plea agreement.

Eighteen-year-old Connor Burns of Clarissa entered his plea Friday. The plea allows Burns to maintain his innocence while acknowledging the evidence is enough to convict him.

Under the agreement, the charges will be dismissed if Burns has no similar offenses in up to five years.

Burns' attorney argued in court papers that Burns' actions were "really a lot of horseplay that turned very awkward."

A classmate, 19-year-old Seth Kellen, also is accused of sexually assaulting teammates. A third student was charged as a juvenile. Those cases are pending.

Attorneys for Burns and Kellen argued the acts weren't sexual but were part of a culture of hazing at the school.