Three Former New Mexico State Basketball Players Face Felony Charges for Alleged Sex Crimes in Hazing Incidents

Former players Deshawndre Washington, Doctor Bradley, and Kim Aiken Jr. face 11-13 counts each, including false imprisonment and criminal sexual penetration, over allegations of forcefully restraining and violating teammates between August to November 2022; arraignment set for November 22.

Three former New Mexico State University basketball players, Deshawndre Washington, Doctor Bradley, and Kim Aiken Jr., have been charged with multiple felony counts including false imprisonment and criminal sexual penetration. The charges stem from allegations of violent hazing incidents involving the forcible restraint and violation of younger players and student staff between August and November 2022.
The university had earlier suspended its men's basketball program and prematurely ended their 2022-23 season due to these allegations, which were reported to the police by a team member in February 2023, leading to the firing of its head coach.
Apart from the criminal charges, two separate civil lawsuits have been filed against the players, former coaches, the athletic director, and the university, alleging similar instances of hazing and sexual assault. An earlier suit was settled by the university for $8 million.
If convicted, Washington and Bradley, who face 13 charges each, could face up to 27 years in prison, while Aiken, charged with 11 offenses, could be sentenced to 24 years imprisonment.
New Mexico's Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, has warned players, coaches and administrators that such violent conduct will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted fully. The attorney general's office is also investigating the university's handling of the hazing incidents that led to the cancellation of their basketball season.